It's May 24th weekend in Canada - our Victoria Day long weekend (and while the date moves for the holiday, the name is always May 2-4 - the traditional kick off to summer in Canada, cleaning up gardens, planting flowers, golfing, and camping.)

I believe my US clients and friends celebrated Memorial Day last weekend.

Regardless of what you're doing this weekend, if you're taking a break from gardening and family time, let me suggest a movie on Netflix I just watched. THE VOLCANO: Rescue from Whakaari . It's astonishingly beautiful and horrific all at once. 

The official trailer, above, notes that it is:

A minute-by-minute account of tourists caught in a tragic volcanic eruption while sightseeing on an island off New Zealand in 2019, THE VOLCANO: Rescue from Whakaari celebrates the survivors, as well as the everyday people who courageously came to their rescue.

Now, if you're like me, you don't remember a lot from the news about this volcano eruption. There was a lot going on in international news in December 2019 (like, the beginning of the pandemic). I remember hearing about it briefly, but it did not capture my attention the way it ordinarily would have - particularly since I work in travel. But watching this documentary really told the story.

Now, you might think it odd that my weekly travel newsletter is suggesting you watch a movie about tourists severely injured during a volcano eruption. But - there's a key point here. I'm from Newfoundland, as you might remember, and am quite proud of my home province rising to the challenge of the stranded planes going to Gander. And like all of you who might've seen the "Come from Away" musical set in Newfoundland, amid the horrors and terrible loss of life that accompanied everything that was 9/11, the telling of the story of a community rallying around stranded passengers and feeding, clothing, and housing them for 5 days was uplifting.

So too, I think you'll find this movie. Yes, it is focused on the horror of a volcano erupting, and the severe injuries that the tourists and guides faced. But, like "Come From Away," the documentary tells the story of local New Zealanders or Kiwis coming to the aid of stranded and injured tourists - even when their government rescue squads told them to stand down because of danger. Yet, they just moved to "plan B," and put their own lives at risk to help those in need.

The movie is at times hard to watch because, as a documentary, Rory Kennedy does a wonderful job of capturing what happened, and telling the stories of those involved (although obviously in a careful and not gratuitous way). It focuses on resilience and recovery, and finding hope and a way forward through tragedy.

Just like "Come from Away" got folks to visit my beautiful home province of Newfoundland, and embrace the heart of its people, I think watching "The Volcano, Rescue from Whakarri" will encourage folks to visit the beautiful New Zealand, and embrace the heart of its people.

And New Zealand is astonishingly beautiful. 

Watch for these "if you seek" inspiration videos from Tourism New Zealand.  If you seek:

Nature

Are you ready to travel? Dates are August 12-22, 2023 on a 10 night cruise from Basle to Amsterdam, discovering four countries along the Rhine and Moselle.  

Some experiences you'll have:

• Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, + elaborate cuckoo clocks. 
• Visit Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany. Walk through UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district.
• Visit Heidelberg, a medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Tour Schwetzingen Baroque Palace, or maybe hike the Philosopher’s Path.
• Explore Rüdesheim. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Maybe indulge your taste buds with Riesling wines in the vineyards, or join a guided bike ride along the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg.
• Set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and castles.
• Sail to Bernkastel in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine producing region 
• Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover why it's called “Rome of the North” . 
• Discover Cochem castle, and walk narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses.
• Join a guided tour through the Old Town of Cologne and explore the UNESCO designated Cathedral.
• View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, or taste local flavor on a guided walk past the city’s iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats.

Pricing starts at $3,649.00/p USD based on double-occupancy for a French balcony cabin for this 10 night cruise with a top river cruise company. (Canadian pricing available. Solo specials with limited availability as well.)

Exclusive offer. Limited availability. Can disappear at any time.

Includes all meals, a specialty dining experience, beer & wine, choice of shore excursions in each port (active or easy paced), wellness classes, and wifi.

Excludes air, pre/post stay, transfers, gratuities, insurance. 

Click here to request an appointment to discuss. 

Turning the tide in cruising. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, we put you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. Scottish actor and author Graham McTavish showcases Avalon Waterways’ elevated cruising experience. 

This is cruising Elevated. This is Avalon. 

A once pivotal, cultural crossroad of the emerging empires, Uzbekistan continues to shine bright as the jewel of the Central Asia. With their iconic blend of all-inclusive luxury and enthralling adventure, dive deep into Uzbekistan’s spectacularly global cultural identity. Bustling bazaars, imposing Soviet monoliths and sumptuous Islamic architecture collide on this magical route as we explore a land where East meets West. With this brand-new rail journey, venture beyond the boundaries of traditional tours and step inside the electrifying buzz of Uzbekistan’s most exhilarating cities. Discover Samarkand’s vital role in the development of modern astronomy with a visit to largest observatory in the pre-modern era. Learn the ancient art of paper making with an up-close lesson at the Meros Paper Mill. And create memories that will last a lifetime with an interactive cooking class, so you can treat your friends to the delicious national dish of 'Plov' on your return.

Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Seljuk Sultans…step back in time and trace the footsteps of history’s most infamous dynasties through the Treasures of Uzbekistan. An exquisitely mismatched country, Uzbekistan boasts a fascinatingly contradictory cultural architecture – palatial, Islamic grandeur collides with mud-walled houses and monoliths of Communist rule. Aboard this immersive, 11-day odyssey, escape into a land of contradiction and discover the awe-inspiring culture at its core. Learn the ancient art of silk-making in Margilan, experience the hauntingly beautiful melody of a Kazakh folklore performance in Tashkent, and follow the trail of the fierce Huns, Turks, and Arab warriors as you explore the Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm.

Private train, with pricing starting at $100K USD/p. Let me know if you'd like more info.

Go ahead, be overwhelmed in a good way … by abundant sunshine, a sublime spa treatment, or a truly decadent meal. Your Virtuoso travel advisor can arrange the most exclusive wellness escape imaginable.

Inner bliss inspiration
 

What does wellness mean to you? Maybe it’s a secluded beach where the only chirps you’ll hear are the tropical birds in the jungle (not your phone). Or it could be enjoying a post-massage meal featuring locally-sourced, plant-based cuisine. Celebrate you, from the inside out, at these enriching retreats designed to balance mind, body, and soul. Your Virtuoso travel advisor can take your wellness journey above and beyond the ordinary.

Ready to go? Explore these offers and trip ideas.

    Soneva Jani 
Noonu Atoll, Maldives 
Your indulgent escape in an overwater villa or vast island residence on a turquoise lagoon offers unparalleled marine experiences.  

    Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya 
Riviera Maya, Mexico 
With your 4th night free, it’s easy to disconnect entirely and experience Mayan-influenced, natural spa treatments and experiences.  

    Destination Vancouver 
Vancouver, British Columbia 
Retreat to the Fairmont Pacific Rim's award-winning Willow Stream Spa for a glacial clay mask and sea salt scrub, using your US$100 hotel credit.  

    Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa 
Palm Beach, Florida 
Focus on your well-being with a 3rd night free, plenty of time for a yoga class or massage at Eau Spa, or a day in a private, oceanfront cabana.  

    Miraval Austin Resort & Spa 
Austin, Texas 
Unlock endless opportunities in the Texas Hill Country, where your 5th night is free and your stay includes a US$175 resort credit nightly.  

    Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort 
Phoenix, Arizona 
A free 3rd night, room upgrade (if available), and US$100 resort credit make “me time” the best time in the Arizona sunshine.  

    Palmaia - The House of AiA 
Playa del Carmen, Mexico 
Balance mind and body with chakra-based treatments at the jungle-inspired spa. Then savor a watermelon poke bowl while overlooking the sea.  

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. Such as at a Peninsula hotel around the world - see Jumeirah’s Passport to Luxury

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.