Where Rugged Meets Refined, Lush Life Travel Ideas
Published: Sun, 02/11/24
Live Your Lush Life
Travel Newsletter
Sunday, February 11,
2024
Where Rugged Meets Refined - the Rocky Mountaineer
Hello, !
Welcome to Lush
Life Travel's Sunday newsletter.
This week's newsletter will focus on:
1.Where Rugged Meets Refined - the Rocky Mountaineer
2A. Women's River Cruise - Wellness on
Water
2B. AMA Waterway's - Private River Cruise Sale
3. River (& Ocean) Cruise Corner - Viking's Itineraries to China
4. Adventure
Travel Corner- South Africa
5. Wellness Travel Corner - Body and Soul
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!
1. Where Rugged Meets Refined - the Rocky Mountaineer
Now that it feels like spring is coming (please, please), folks are starting to think of taking a Rocky Mountaineer trip.
I highly recommend you take a Rocky Mountaineer trip - and - the Gold Leaf car is the way to go! I've done it twice, and can't wait to go again!
Why don't you discover a place where rugged meets refined?
With Rocky Mountaineer, the journeys are just as spectacular as the
destinations. As you ride through rugged landscapes, high mountain passes, and iconic icefields, you’ll be treated to regionally-inspired meals, engaging onboard hosts, and panoramic views. Plus, luxury accommodations each night in the destinations you'll be visiting with complimentary luggage delivery and plenty of time to explore on your own.
And as my client, and therefore a Virtuoso guest (my luxury travel network), you can enjoy $750 off per couple on US routes or $1,000 off per couple on Canadian routes when you book by February 15, 2024.
So, if you're inclined to book something this week, let me know! What a great Valentines gift you can
give your sweetie - or - yourself!
Plus, receive additional savings of up to $75 per person, your Virtuoso exclusive benefit.Now that the first month of the year is behind us, how are you doing with those resolutions to take better care of yourself?
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.
(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 THEY STILL REGARD AS THE PINNACLE OF TRAVEL EXCELLENCE.")
And - if you want to watch some of my appearance with Shepherd's Fashions recently, have a look at some of the fun I had last week visiting Shepherds fashions to participate in their travel tips workshop. See the full video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38FAmvIhuX4
Here's the ad in last Saturday's Ottawa Citizen (which also appears digitally in PostMedia newspapers across the country).
And here's an appearance of mine on "Daytime Ottawa" TV to talk 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 ONBOARDyour moving boutique hotel room
STEP 3.) STEP ONSHOREto 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
I also appeared onDaytime Ottawa. Watch the segment here.
As an elite
member of the AMA Waterways preferred partner team, I can extend to my clients a very special offer. From Europe to Asia, I am able to offer my clients a private sale with AMA Waterways.
Ama Waterways offers carefully curated river cruise itineraries, ensuring a variety of unforgettable and enriching experiences that connect you to the history,
culture, gastronomy, and people in every destination they visit.
Exclusive Private Sale with Ama Waterways - Explore the heart of the world with Ama Waterways and take advantage of our exclusive private sale savings! Book by Feb 29, 2024 This private sale is for
NEW BOOKINGS ONLY.
I'm going to put a few details in a separate email this week (as it's a private sale, I'm not able to share on social media - so this coming email won't appear in my social media channels this week - you'll get it only because you subscribe to my newsletter.)
Let me know if you'd like more details!
3. River (& Ocean) Cruise Corner - Viking's Exclusive Itineraries to China
But now, they're amping up their ocean cruises to Asia too.
And
Viking is going into China in a big way, with a move in January to announce that Bookings Now Open for Three Exclusive Itineraries Exploring China in 2024
On January 12, 2024, Viking announced three new, first-of-their-kind itineraries that will provide guests with exclusive access to China in 2024. Viking has already sold over $6 million in voyages as
clients are clamouring for this exotic location.
Viking's new voyages range from 10 to 20 days and explore iconic cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Each itinerary also includes a domestic sailing of China’s coast that highlights rarely-seen
destinations and ports to which only Viking has access—something that has never before been offered for international visitors. The new voyages will operate from September to November on the Viking Yi Dun—formerly the Viking Sun—a sister ship featuring the same award-winning design and service as all other
ocean ships in Viking’s fleet. The Chinese-flagged Viking Yi Dun will be the first ship dedicated specifically to the foreign market to operate domestic sailings in China. Each voyage will offer The Viking Way® of exploration, with immersive experiences to introduce guests to the people, history and culture of China, including insightful lectures, Chinese-inspired cuisine and destination experts.
“We are proud that Viking will be the first to operate domestic sailings in China for international travelers. Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in experiences that broaden their mind—and China, with one of the richest cultures in the world, has been inspiring travelers for centuries,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “For more than 15 years, our Yangtze River voyages were among our highest-rated
itineraries. We brought guests to China’s Yangtze River, to Beijing, to the Great Wall, to the Terra Cotta Warriors and to many other iconic places in this captivating nation. We introduced the real China to our guests, and visiting local school children was always a particular highlight. Now, we are delighted to offer such encounters once again with new voyages to a destination that never ceases to capture the imagination.”
New China Voyages
Wonders of China— 20 days; Beijing roundtrip— This
comprehensive 20-day cruisetour itinerary delivers China’s main highlights. Guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Additionally, guests experience the scenic coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Shenzhen, a UNESCO city of design.
Classic China & the Coast— 15 days; Beijing, Xian – Hong Kong (Shenzhen) — This voyage combines the experiences of Viking’s 10-day China
Discovery voyage with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. While sailing China’s coastline, guests can experience a phenomenal diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines.
China Discovery — 10 days; Shanghai – Hong Kong (Shenzhen) — This 10-day itinerary allows guests to experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan and the
cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen.
To learn more about the itineraries and why China is such a captivating destination, Viking has also published two new videos: Executive Vice President Karine Hagen invites travelers to learn more about these exclusive-to-Viking China voyages here, and Viking Vice President of Product Development Joost Ouendag provides an in-depth overview of the new voyages and the unique opportunity to be
immersed in the history, culture and natural wonders of the Middle Kingdom here.
The Viking Yi Dun
Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests’ discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship in Viking’s award-winning ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s
ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options.
Besides consulting with new clients, planning new trips for existing clients, and furthering and managing existing bucket list trips, we always have meetings and more meetings.
It’s so important to stay on top of news, emerging developments, trends, etc. I'll take this past Wednesday as an example. I had 5 meetings and trainings.
One of which is with the South African Tourism
board.
Here’s just a sampling of what I keep up-to-date with for suppliers and partners, country tourism boards, and more !
Have a watch of the South African Tourism Board video above
with native South African, Trevor Noah.
And glance at some of the updates I received on my regular updates from South African Tourism.
Let me know if you’d like to schedule a
consultation about a trip to South Africa!
As always, I leverage my relationships with my feet-on-the-ground experts to plan your bucket list trip!
There’s nothing quite like travel to recharge your batteries, improve your health, and renew your commitment to living your best, most meaningful life.
Whether you’re looking for a full-on wellness retreat in a tropical rain forest (I know just the place) or ways to incorporate some health and fitness initiatives into your travels, as your Virtuoso travel advisor, I can point you in the right direction.
And, as always, you'll get enhanced amenities – from generous resort credits to complimentary spa treatments.
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/
See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS
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.)
8. Special Offers from Lush Life, a Direct affiliate & Virtuoso partner
I run my boutique travel agency, Lush Life Travel, as an affiliate of Direct Travel (formerly called Vision Travel). As Direct is one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners, I get
access to some terrific offers for my clients.
Here are some offers from a few of our favourite travel supplier partners. Let me know if you'd like to book one of these holidays
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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