Wild Rides - for You & for Me
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Hello, ! Welcome to Lush Life Travel's Sunday morning newsletter. This week's newsletter will focus on: 1. Wild Rides for You & for Me 2. Rebranding Vision Travel to Direct Travel 3. River Cruise Corner- AMA Presentation 4. Adventure Corner- RMS Titanic Expedition 5. Wellness Corner - Discover Your Thailand 6. Virtuoso
Life - Some Recent Issues & Newsletters 7. Preferred Hotel Programs 8. Special Offers from Lush Life, Vision/ Direct, Virtuoso Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
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1. Wild Rides for You & for Me This week, I'll talk about WILD RIDES - for You & for
ME! It's been a wild week! And that's not even mentioning losing Harry Belafonte and Gordon Lightfoot! (I have some video clips of them below.) ========== FOR ME: It’s been a wild ride to be in, and stay in,
travel these past 1146 days. Trips were cancelled and rebooked 3 times. My robust book of business on March 13, 2020 meant multiple clients had 4 trips each that I had to keep moving. For 3
years, 1 month, and 20 days; I’ve acted as my clients’ advocate, and fiduciary; and worked to protect their travel investments. Like many of my independent travel advisor (ITA)
colleagues, I did not collect a salary. I lost my revenue stream. I received scarce government support. I absorbed the blows of border closings, lockdowns, and changing government rules. I dealt with frustrated clients. I worked the phone lines, and pushed and cajoled understaffed, cash poor, and often overwhelmed supplier partners. Like me, scores of ITAs worked tirelessly (and even dead-tired) to help clients. We kept the lights on. So, I’m overjoyed that travel is now soaring. Like me, ITAs are stepping in front of the fire hose of queries. We’re still dealing with long supplier phone queues, and website migrations - but now speaking to inexperienced reservations staff, finding our old contacts have retired or changed companies, and we’re still staying current. We’re training and attending trade shows. learning about product
changes and innovations, and attending trade shows. And we’re helping clients transform their pent-up bucket list travel dreams from “TO DO” into “TA DA.” All while we’re working through endless airline schedule changes, and flight consolidations. Plus soaring costs. With little availability. We’re dealing with
labour strikes in Europe, disruptions in Peru, a horrific war in Ukraine, and a truck convoy in Ottawa. Also there’s weather. Derecho storms, historic flooding, low water & droughts, dust storms, snowmaggedons, sargassum, wildfires, and more. (Locusts, anyone?) But
we’re still standing! So, planning a trip? Do yourself a favour - work with a travel advisor. Better yet, hire an ITA (like me). Pay their fees. Find an ITA who has the strength of a
large host agency behind them (giving you access to exclusive promos,etc.); but also an ITA who owns their own business - that ITA will have a mama bear’s ferocity to protect her cubs (which, as her client, you will be). Seek out an ITA who has survived these last 1146 days. Believe me, they know what to do when things go wrong. And because they’ve built, and maintained, relationships with suppliers, they can help you. ========== And that's was an overview of my wild ride. Of course, we all lost some mega stars this week with Harry Belafonte and Gordon Lightfoot passing. Some tributes to them below with some youtube clips. And now - FOR YOU: Now let's talk about wild rides for you. I have a unique experience in the adventure corner below - you can do an expedition to see the Titanic. How's that for a wild ride? See details below. But it's also a terrific year to take other expedition cruises. I've long been a fan of expedition cruise travel - and readers of this newsletter (and my clients) know my love of Lindblad Expeditions' trips to Antarctica and Alaska and Galapagos and more. Quark Expeditions also does a terrific job with polar travel to the Antarctic and Arctic. As well as
Silversea. Silversea acquired the Crystal Endeavour ship, as part of Crystal's break up/ bankruptcy during the pandemic. (Although A&K has bought their two ships the Serenity and the Symphony, and will be bringing those ships back to market this year under the Crystal brand. And Crystal is now back in Virtuoso as a result of that financial acquisition, rehabilitation, and
marketing efforts.) But with Silversea's purchase of the former Crystal Endeavour (Crystal's entry into the expedition world), Silversea has a transition year as it brings the Endeavour into their fold. You can EMBRACE NEW LIMITS. TRAVEL TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH ABOARD SILVER ENDEAVOUR Sailing to both poles, their newest ship redefines the meaning of ultra-luxury expedition cruising. Her PC6 ice-class rating is one of the highest in the industry,
while her state-of-the-art equipment and exploration technology offer one of the most advanced expedition experiences ever. Silver
Endeavour introduces a new era in ultra-luxury expedition cruising, and brings the remote and remarkable to you in hallmark Silversea comfort. Join us for endless
possibilities both onboard and on land aboard Silver
Endeavour, the most luxurious expedition ship at sea
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So - if you want to try an expedition cruise to the Arctic this summer, I have some tremendous offers on the Endeavour from Reykavik to Greenland, or Pond Inlet.
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USA for Africa - Harry Belafonte Tribute the artists of usa for africa perform a spontaneous tribute to harry belafonte in the form of his own song - day-o (banana boat song)
2. Rebranding Vision Travel to Direct Travel
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My boutique agency is called Lush Life Travel. I am an affiliate of Vision Travel. Vision Travel has recently rebranded to Direct Travel.
As a client Lush Life Travel, this change won't really impact you. You will begin to see some logo differences on invoices
you receive from me for travel (as per our regulators), and you'll see Vision Travel now be referred to as Direct Travel Company. Just wanted you to know. And - if you click some of the marketing links I have in the offers section below, you'll notice the migration over to a Direct Travel link as well. Also - the visiontravel email is migrating over to direct travel. You can always email me at sheila@lushlife.ca . If you use the sheila.gh@visiontravel.ca email - that will still work, and I will still get your email - but - it will get redirected to the new sheila.gh@dt.com I'll still here! Email me either way. Or, of course, you can still call me at 613-837-0699.
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3. River Cruise Corner - Sheila's Zoom Presentation AMA
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Last week, I did a special presentation about AMA
Waterways. Here’s a recording of the presentation (the first minute has the bad audio, and then I changed mikes – so stay with it) https://youtu.be/1wp-PU_c5LE Remember, most promos are tied to capacity – so, once AMA has sold, say, 20% of cabins onboard with the promo, they will pull the offer without notice: Please let me know if you’d like to book an AMA cruise.
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4. Adventure Travel Corner - RMS Titanic Expedition
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OceanGate Expeditions' Mission Specialists discovered an extremely productive and dense ecosystem was 2900 meters deep near the wreck of the Titanic during the 2022 Titanic Expedition. “We didn’t know what we would discover. On the sonar, this could have been any number of things including the potential of it being another shipwreck. I’ve been seeking the chance to explore this large object that appeared on sonar so long ago. It was amazing to explore this area and find this fascinating volcanic formation teeming with so much life,” said PH Nargeolet. .. Read article https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/current-news/supplier/oceangate-expeditions-ltd/OceanGate-Expeditions-discovers-deep-sea-coral-gar And - HERE'S WHAT'S REALLY COOL YOU CAN become one of the few to see the
RMS Titanic with your own eyes in a one-of-a-kind submersible. Travelers will set
sail from St. John's Newfoundland, Canada on an 8-day expedition to dive on the World's most well-known shipwreck. A submersible dives to "The Ship of Dreams" which lies 380 miles offshore and 3,800 meters below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean is an incomparable experience. Expeditions provide not only a thrilling, unique, and rare travel experience, but also support the scientific community learn more the wreck and the deep ocean environment that now surrounds it. The mission support fee for the 2023 Titanic Survey Expedition is $250,000 USD What's IncludedPrivate cabin on the expedition vessel. All required training, equpment, and gear while underway. All meals and drinks while onboard. Please note - Due to the use of commercial and research vessels, alcohol is prohibited. One submersible dive to the wreck of the RMS Titanic. Not IncludedAirfare to/from St. John's Newfoundland, Canada. Hotels & meals before and after departure. Travel and personal insurance. There is limited availability for a Virtuoso perk to give a companion a free
expedition. Titanic Expedition Availability 2023
Expedition Mission 1: May 11 – 19 (6 available) Mission 2: May 20 -28 (5 available) Mission 3: May 29 – June 6 (4 available) Mission 4: June 7 – 15 (2 available) Mission 5: June 16 – 24 (2 available) 2024 Expedition Mission 1: May 9 – 17 (6 available) Mission 2: May 18 -26 (5 available) Mission 3: May 27 – June 4 (6 available) Mission 4: June 5 – 13 (6 available) Mission 5: June 14 – 22 (6 available) Let me know if you'd like to go!
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5. Wellness Corner - Discover Your Thailand
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Join Direct Travel and The Tourism Authority of Thailand to learn about:
• The romantic beach resort regions of Phuket, Krabi and Koh
Samui.
• The cultural diversity of the northern regions of Chiang Rai & Chang Mai.
• Culinary experiences throughout the country.
• Direct Travel's exclusive tailor-made luxury journeys, carefully crafted for travelers to truly discover Thailand.
Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Time: 7:00 pm ET (6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT)
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Here are some recent Virtuoso Life issues for you to peruse. A Dispatch from the Editors: Euro Vision
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8. Preferred Hotel Programs
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One of the things we love most about what we do is matching our clients tastes' with the greatest hotels in the world. And with our preferred status with these industry leading hotel brands it means our clients are instant VIP's with upgrades and special perks that you only get working with an elite partner. So, not only do we have the best rates, but more importantly you
get an exceptional experience over and above what you would booking direct or with a credit card. See the special programs I'm affiliated with below, and let me know if you’d like to discuss a specific hotel stay. For specific articles about why you should book with
an advisor, rather than book by yourself, see here: Why Wouldn't You Do It Yourself Booking a Cruise Yourself vs With Advisor Booking Hawaii Yourself vs Through Advisor Booking Rocky Mountaineer Yourself vs With Advisor See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS A&K 100 Club ; Accor Step & Fairmont , Belmond Bellini Club Program ; Couture by Langham; Dorchester Diamond Club; Four Seasons Preferred, Hilton Impresario; Hyatt Privé Program; IHG Hotel Program ; Jumeirah’s Passport to Luxury , Kempinski Club 1897; Luminous Hotel Program , Mandarin Oriental Fan Club; Marriott Stars & Luminous , Pearl Partner Oetker; Peninsula Fan Club , Preferred Hotel Program ; Rocco Forte Knights Program Rosewood Elite ; Small Luxury Hotels And - I wanted to let you know about a new way for you to book hotels online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week... You can now browse and book hotels online https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels at your convenience – and what’s more, you’ll still receive all the usual benefits you get when I book your
travel - including full service, preferred rates, and exclusive amenities. And once you make a booking, the information comes directly to me so I can follow up with you about additional services or whatever else you may need!
It’s perfect for last minute getaways, weekend breaks, or other short trips!
I’m sure once you try it you’ll agree you get the best of both worlds; the ease and convenience
of online booking – plus the value and VIP treatment I know you love. As long as you don't need me to provide any additional services or assistance, you can book hotels yourself with my Virtuoso partners, and I will waive normal booking and management fees. (If you need additional assistance after the booking, normal fees will apply.)
One point, though - if you're looking to stay at week at a Four Seasons partner around the world, say,
having me book your holiday through my Four Seasons preferred partners directly (rather than you self-booking through the Virtuoso.com booking engine link above) will bestow additional benefits that I can leverage as a preferred Four Seasons partner. So, let me know if you want to book a Four Seasons, but I can get some extra benefits and "love" for you. Of course, this Virtuoso.com booking link and the benefits of you booking
yourself, if you choose, doesn’t change any of the services I already offer. I’m still available in person to book hotels and take care of your other travel needs. Just know you now have access to this VIP online hotel booking option now, too.
I'm here when you need me.
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9. Some Special Travel Offers
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I run my boutique travel agency, Lush Life Travel, as an affiliate of Vision / Direct Travel. As Vision/ Direct is one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners, I get access to some terrific offers for my clients. And if you click some of the marketing links I have in this offers section,
you'll notice the migration over to a Direct Travel (rather than Vision Travel) link as well. (See section 2 above for the rebranding note.) 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.
Fiji, fjords, and the Falkland Islands
https://e.virtuosoemail.com/fiji-fjords-and-the-falkland-islands?ecid=ACsprvsBubR7f2W2AOMNPbPEiFx43IeXj3j7K-wFiFm4mVKmu0_1wZM-DrF-J_8m_rXz2qYceS_l Time
is the ultimate luxury Travel in the wake of legends The Oceania Cruises Experience
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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 17 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,
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