I invite you to download this Virtuoso publication

This issue - 2020 - Bright Ideas for a New Decade of Travel

Welcome to 2020! Reflecting back on the turn of the millennium, I marvel at how much has changed in the world, and in my own life. In 2000, I was pregnant with my fist child, who’s now a freshman in college – and an avid traveler with a passport full of stamps. She’s never known an airport where families could greet their loved ones at the gate, luggage without wheels, cameras with film, or trip planning without the Internet. As a global citizen, however, she does know the power of travel to unite. And as a digital native, she knows the volume of information out there is at once empowering and overwhelming. That’s the beauty of working with a Virtuoso travel advisor, who has the knowhow and network of connections to help create personalized itineraries that might elude a DIYer. Interestingly, the digital age, which some predicted would mean the end of the transactional travel agent, actually created demand for a more sophisticated travel advisor, who can curate through the clutter. In honor of 2020, this issue takes a walk down memory lane, with an eye toward what’s ahead (page 101). You’ll also discover up-and-coming destinations Virtuoso travel advisors (LIKE SHEILA) are recommending now (page 88), a report on the latest sustainable-travel news (page 77), and associate art director Korena Bolding Sinnett’s gorgeous photo dispatch on Ireland’s maker movement (page 112). I hope you’ll find plenty of inspiration to fill your travel calendar for the year ahead – and beyond. While only hindsight is 20/20, one thing is clear: There’s never been a better time to see the world. 

Some interesting articles for you to peruse.  

RT from Twitter: Thread of Places You Can Donate To Help Australia's Bushfires 

Lost Passport While Traveling? It Doesn’t Have to Completely Ruin a Vacation

The world's most punctual airports and airlines for 2020 revealed

Why ‘flight shame’ is making people swap planes for trains

What we resolve not to do on a plane in 2020

The following travel chats are on the schedule. Save the date - or - better yet, sign up to join us.

1. Just You - Tours for Solo Travelers 

Thursday, Jan.09th

Just You - Solo Tours for Solo Travelers - Join Sheila and special guest, Nicole Harvey of Just You. Join us to learn more about solo tours for solo travelers- and - find out about a special group departure we're putting together for Ottawa travelers to Croatia and Portugal. Join us for one-hour presentation.

Get Tickets 

2. Real Life Experiences with Intrepid 

Monday, Feb.03rd

Join Sheila and special guest, Kazundra Brown, Business Development Manager of Intrepid Travel for a special presentation about Intrepid Travel's Real Life Experiences.
Intrepid knows what travellers really want: a balance of inclusions and free time, a mix of classic highlights and local secrets you won’t find on Google. And of course, an authentic real life experience.Their leaders are born and raised in-country, and they know their destination better than anyone. So you’ll do more than just see a place, you’ll live it. Small groups, big adventures and responsible travel – that’s our thing. With 1,000 trips in a variety of styles across 100 countries, we’re sure you’ll find something you like. Intrepid is still adding to their list of itineraries across Europe, Asia, Africa, North & South America, the Middle East, Australia and both the Arctic & Antarctica.

Get Tickets

3. Tauck Tours -

Thurs, Feb. 06th -  presenting as special guest. More info to follow.  Join Sheila for an exciting introduction into the wonderful world of Tauck Tours. Sheila is a certified Tauck specialist, and a graduate of the Tauck Academy who has travelled with Tauck by herself and with her family. Sheila will be joined by national sales rep for Tauck Tours, Charmaine MacDonald; who will share The Tauck Difference Delivering outstanding personal service, uncompromising standards for quality, and a steadfast commitment to making the most of your vacation time… a brand promise we made back in 1925, and haven’t deviated from since.  

Get Tickets 

Contact me for more info.

sheila@lushlife.ca

613-837-0699

I work on many cruises each week. I thought it'd be interesting to share with you where some of my clients are going - maybe it might inspire you to plan a trip. Lemme know if you'd like to chat.

Of course, there's usually some special perk (or several - between Vision/ Direct and Virtuoso) that you only get if you book through me, your Virtuoso travel advisor. But here are a few of examples of what I'm booking this week:

1.) Lindblad Expeditions - a couple's getaway to Antarctica

2.) Cunard - several couples getting away for a world cruise segment

3.) Silversea Expeditions - a couple's getaway to Galapagos

4.) Holland America - a solo lady's sailing to the Baltics

5.) Emerald Waterways - a couple's getaway to the Danube

Let me know if either of these interest you, and you'd like to go!

⬇️⬇️⬇️
sheila@lushlife.ca
613-837-0699

I work on many land tours each week too. I thought it'd be interesting to share with you where some of my clients are going - maybe it might inspire you to plan a trip. Lemme know if you wanna go.

Here are a few  examples:

1.) Rocky Mountaineer - a couple's anniversary getaway to take the Golf Leaf train

2.) Kenya - a family's safari trip 

3.) Bhutan - a couple's walking holiday 

4.) New Orleans - a family's NOLA getaway

Let me know if either of these interest you, and you'd like to go!

⬇️⬇️⬇️
sheila@lushlife.ca
613-837-0699