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Hello, ! Welcome to Lush
Life Travel's Sunday newsletter. This week's newsletter will focus on: 1. Galapagos 2. Women's River Cruise - Wellness on Water 3. River Cruise Corner - You + Basel, Bratislava, or Budapest? 4. Adventure Travel Corner- Get Out and Play 5. Wellness Travel Corner -
Aqualina -More Cocktails, Cannonballs, and Calming massages 6. Virtuoso Life - Some Recent Issues & Newsletters 7. Preferred Hotel Programs- Can You VIP Me? 8. Special Offers from Lush Life~ Direct affiliate & Virtuoso partner Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
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1. Galapagos Thank you for being here on my travel
newsletter. Every Sunday morning, you are receiving this travel newsletter packed with Upcoming Travel Events, Travel Tips, Exclusive Offers, and More. Few destinations are more iconic than the Galápagos Islands. It's a place I didn't realize was on my bucket list, until I had the opportunity to go there. And boy - was it
incredible. It was so amazing to walk where Darwin walked. (Of course, I brought my copy of The Origin of the Species for a picture in front of the museum). And seeing the tortoises, iguanas, flamingos, and blue footed boobies was more than I knew to hope for. It was incredible. I work with a host of travel supplier partners to bring guests to the Galapagos, but the best of class is Lindblad Expeditions. Lindblad brought the very first group of citizen explorers more than 50 years ago. With them, you can sail among the varied landscapes of this magical archipelago to encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, playful penguins, and charismatic sea lions, all unfazed by your presence. With multiple ways to explore on land and at sea, including hikes, photo walks, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, every day reveals new discoveries interpreted by a team of expert
local guides. As noted: “Lindblad Expeditions knows the Galápagos Islands well ... In fact, Lindblad literally created the first modern expedition cruise to these islands in the late 1960's.” Cruise Critic Lindblad paid the salaries of the first naturalists in the Galapagos, and really was behind the explosion of sustainable tourism, and conservation. You can see more info about Lindblad's trips to the Galapagos here https://www.expeditions.com/destinations/galapagos And find info about the
Galapagos Islands here - there are 13 major islands and 7 smaller islands that make up the Galápagos Archipelago https://www.galapagos.org/about_galapagos/the-islands/ I have some special offers on LIndblad's Galapagos expedition cruising. Let me know if you'd like to take an expedition cruise with the 'best of class' expedition cruising company, Lindblad Expeditions! 2. Women's River Cruise - Wellness on Water Thanks Candace Sampson and "What She Said" for terrific blog post about my Women's Wellness Cruise. I so appreciated your time, insights, and expertise in helping me spread the word about this river cruise group I've put together for October 2024. Watch my podcast interview with Candace at the link above. (And thanks, too, Candace for noting: "On a personal note, and as a serendipitous coincidence, my parents embarked on a river cruise with Sheila a few years back, an experience the still regard as the pinnacle of travel excellence.") . See And, see some videos with Shepherd's Fashions recently Here's the ad that appeared in PostMedia newspapers across the country). I also appeared on Daytime Ottawa TV. Here's my interview talking with Derek Fage about this terrific cruise. Just remember, there are three steps to Embrace “Your Grace”: STEP 1.) STEP ON UP - savour, sip,
self-care STEP 2.) STEP ONBOARD your moving boutique hotel room STEP 3.) STEP ONSHORE to cities and towns along the Danube River Let me know if you'd like to secure your spot. (And yes, there are some husbands coming. At least 3 are booked thus far!) This will be a 7-night Danube River cruise, that sets sail from Budapest on Oct. 4, 2024, and heads to Nuremberg, before finishing its voyage with 2 nights in Prague on Oct. 13, 2024. See all the details about when and where, and pricing, along with details on the Travel With, and Travel Alone (with options for solo cabins & solo share
program): https://tinyulr.com/LushWellCruise
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May I also suggest you treat yourself to a makeup consultation with Leslie-Anne Barrett at Bruno Racine Salon. 
I came home with wonderful tips and tricks, a diagram of what to do, and a bag of product. Leslie-Anne gave me great ideas for a 5 minute "zhu xing" and a
terrific prescription for an easy peasy skin-care regime. Whether you want basic make-up advice, skin-care tips, a post-Covid update, or a makeup update to go with a new hair style or coloring, Leslie-Anne will get you sorted. She's an Ottawa treasure, always full of life and energy, and a bottle of sunshine. And stay tuned, we are planning a travel, styling, and makeup little soirée at the salon on March 25th from 5-7 pm. Self-care is not a luxury. It's a necessity.
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3. River Cruise Corner - You + Basel, Bratislava, or Budapest? Prepare to float through time
Fairy-tale cities. Iconic fortresses. And all the bratwurst, goulash, and Rüdesheimer
coffee you can handle. These cruises aren’t just scenic, they’re deeply immersive. And when you join AmaWaterways on Europe’s rivers this year, you’ll enjoy enriching cultural experiences, regionally inspired cuisine, and spacious staterooms with not one, but two private balconies.
But why stop there? When you book by March 31, 2024, you’ll receive a complimentary two- to four-night land package before or after
your cruise on select dates and routes. And as your Virtuoso travel advisor, I have all the details, plus can offer an exclusive $150 shipboard credit on most 2024 sailings. Melodies of The Danube (8 Days) - Budapest, Hungary to
Vilshofen, Germany -Departs June 29, 2024 View Itinerary & Fares › |
Gems of Southeast Europe (8 Days) - Giurgiu, Romania to Budapest,
Hungary -Departs June 30, 2024 View Itinerary & Fares › |
Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (8 Days) -Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, the Netherlands Departs July 22, 2024 View Itinerary & Fares › |
See my AMA co-branded website here https://www.amawaterways.ca/agent/cobranded.aspx?coBrandedId=5480&CACB=1 You + Basel, Bratislava, or Budapest? https://e.virtuosoemail.com/you-basel-bratislava-or-budapest?ecid=ACsprvtwfXfvaewr1ylN19b-yfjq8KytvJ7hwSRhJoovH8RjfkPza8NPBU-5uAqvcEDZhKtJVL4L 4. Adventure Travel Corner - Get Out and Play Channel your inner child on an exhilarating adventure. Observe orangutans in Borneo,
come together with other intrepid travellers at the North Pole, or walk in the shadow of Mount Fuji as you explore Japan’s volcanic Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Travel confidently, wherever your inner compass leads you, knowing me as your Virtuoso travel advisor ensures I am there to offer insider access, exclusive extras, and VIP treatment Into the Wilds of Borneo - Singapore to Makassar
Embark on a 16-night journey with Coral Expeditions through Indonesian wonders, exploring the lush rain forests of Bako National Park with native proboscis monkeys, cruising the Sekonyer River to an orangutan sanctuary, and more while enjoying a AU$1,500 per person travel credit. https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/16736830/into-the-wilds-of-borneo-24dec2024- 09jan2025
A&K - North Pole - Join like-minded adventurers on a journey to the North Pole with Abercrombie & Kent. Along the way, watch for bearded seals, walruses, and a multitude of
seabirds. Enhance your once-in-a-lifetime voyage with up to 75% off single supplements, free category upgrades, and more. https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/16696860/north-pole-expedition-cruise-the-ultimate-frontier-10jul2024-27jul2024 Japan - Experience the best of this East Asia gem during a private, luxurious Artisans of Leisure tour. All expertly designed tours feature
exclusive cultural experiences showcasing this country's history, crafts, architecture, gardens, cuisine, landscapes, as well as top accommodations. https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-tours/tour-operators/11690551/artisans-of-leisure 5. Wellness Travel Corner - Aqualina -More cocktails, cannonballs, and calming massages Say hello to your serene seaside sanctuary There’s a reason Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach has been a Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award winner for the past eight years. Like plush loungers with beach butler service, holistic spa
treatments, adults-only and kid-friendly pools. Enjoy alfresco dining options from light bites at Costa Grill to authentic Italian at II Mulino New York to the newly open Avra Miami, inspired by the seaside tavernas dotted all over Greece’s coast and more than 200 islands. Plus, every room and suite comes with a private balcony, and all suites offer oceanfront views. As your Virtuoso travel advisor, I have all the sun-soaked details. See https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels/6163793/acqualina-resort-residences-on-the-beach and see - more cocktails, cannonballs, and calming massages https://e.virtuosoemail.com/more-cocktails-cannonballs-and-calming-massages?ecid=ACsprvvB3AjL1GuKTpNDjwTAhBtZ7MqgSkQ5QCWA0jKlwY3V4uFm1jfKeIls5GrZqKRsKFegpW_l
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Here are some recent Virtuoso Life issues for you to peruse. Virtuoso Insider's Guide- Europe is Calling
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7. Preferred Hotel Programs - Can You VIP Me?
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Travel advisors, like me, often have access to a range of exclusive perks and amenities when booking luxury hotels. Here are some special perks I may be able to provide when you book your hotel stay through me: - Room Upgrades: I often have relationships with hotel management (particularly luxury hotels), allowing me to secure room upgrades at the time of booking, ensuring a better view, larger room, or added amenities.
- Complimentary Breakfast or Credits: I can negotiate special perks like complimentary breakfast, spa credits, dining credits, or
other perks that enhance the overall stay.
- Early Check-In and Late Check-Out: Through my connections, I may be able to negotiate early check-in or late check-out times, providing more flexibility with your schedule.
- Special Amenities: I may be able to arrange for special
amenities in the room upon arrival, such as welcome gifts, champagne, or personalized touches to make the stay more memorable.
- Priority Access and VIP Treatment: I can secure priority access to facilities like spas, restaurants, or events within the hotel, ensuring a more exclusive and VIP-like experience.
- Customized
Experiences: I can arrange unique experiences tailored to your interests, such as private tours, exclusive excursions, or special events within the hotel premises.
- Concierge Services: I can often offer personalized concierge services, ensuring your preferences are noted and catered to throughout your stay, from restaurant
reservations to special requests.
- Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies: I may be able to negotiate more flexible booking terms or cancellation policies, providing peace of mind in case plans change unexpectedly.
These perks often go beyond what is
available through standard booking channels, adding significant value to the overall luxury hotel experience. I am a Virtuoso luxury advisor, Four Seasons preferred partner, and member of preferred hotel programs like Belmond Bellini, Rosewood Elite, Accor Luxury Step and Fairmont Famous Agent, Leading
Hotels, etc., etc. I rarely book hotel only reservations for clients (I specialize in river and expedition cruises, customized trips to Australia and Africa), I have ways to leverage my relationships to benefit my clients. Hotel only bookings are subject to my normal professional fees. https://lushlife.ca/2022-fee-schedule/
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See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS And if you're wondering, here are some blog posts about why you should book with an advisor, rather than book by yourself, see here: Note: There is a stop gap measure if you are planning a last minute trip, and you only need a hotel stay. If you do not require my assistance, or VIP'ing, or add ons like transfers, concierge service, etc., you can self-book luxury properties on my Virtuoso
website. You can now browse and book hotels online https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels at your convenience. (If you self-book hotels, I will waive
normal booking and management fees. But if you need additional assistance after the booking, VIP'ing, transfers, concierge assistance, etc., and/or the hotel stay is part of a larger holiday, normal professional fees will apply.)
When You Work with Lush Life
When you work with Sheila at Lush Life Travel, you get access to our in-depth knowledge, honed over 18 years experience in travel (with another 20 years in financial services). Atop our foundation of financial risk management skills; we have layered the bricks to build a wall of travel knowledge and relationships.
We leverage all of our expertise to help you live your lush life through travel. So, schedule a consultation - and - don't forget to
complete this Pre-consultation Survey The call can't be confirmed without it.
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Live a Lush Life - Travel!
Lush regards,
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
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