And I'm still working through all the wonderful connections and business ideas I'd gathered.
I was interviewd by PaxNews, a Canadian travel trade magazine.
Here's the article:
“What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas," said Sheila Gallant-Halloran, owner of Lush Life Travel, speaking on the invaluable relationships and business plans that form at #VirtuosoTravelWeek in #LasVegas. PAX attended this year's 5,000-plus-person event, where a more inclusive, Canada-focused #Virtuoso made waves in the #luxurytravel space. Virtuoso Travel
“What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas”
For Sheila Gallant-Halloran, owner of Lush Life Travel (an affiliate of Vision/Direct Travel), it was her eleventh time attending Virtuoso Travel Week in person and 13th conference in total (she attended two virtually during the pandemic).
“The whole week is wonderful, but my favourite part is Saturday’s ‘Globetrotting,’ which involves visiting supplier partners in elaborately-designed booths, organized by pavilion for adventure, cruise, wellness, family and celebration, and ultraluxe travel,” Gallant-Halloran said.
And the Toronto-based travel pro got her steps in – between Monday and Thursday last week, Gallant-Halloran attended 26 six-minute “speed dating” meetings each day, 10 ten-minute matched appointments, as well as additional meetings with suppliers in booths at the “Cruise Café” and “Preferred Partner Lounge.”
That doesn’t even include each day’s luncheons, dinners, cocktails and afterparties.
She said the event both acknowledges sales accomplishments (last year,
Gallant-Halloran was honoured for being a top Wellness advisor) and helps advisors make important connections.
This year, Gallant-Halloran met with top executives from
AmaWaterways and Uniworld, the latter of whom she is working with to build a women’s-themed cruise that will also cater to solo female travellers.
“Virtuoso Travel Week is where serious work intersects with fun while building
relationships,” Gallant-Halloran told PAX. “What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas.”
Meanwhile, Virtuoso’s growing team in Canada, with its monthly sales updates and business development channels, is a “huge bonus to us,” Gallant-Halloran said.
2. River Cruise
Corner - Uniworld Top River Cruise
I'm thrilled that Uniworld has won top river cruise this year at Virtuoso Travel Week - sharing the gold, as it were, as AMA Waterways won top
river cruise 9 years in a row.
As noted above about the PaxNews article, I'm working with
Uniworld to build a women’s-themed
cruise that will also cater to solo female travellers. See the picture posted in the PaxNews article above - From left: Michelle Palma, EVP, sales, North America, Uniworld; Sheila Gallant-Halloran, owner, Lush Life Travel; Ellen Bettridge, president & CEO, Uniworld.
Does a women-themed cruise that caters to solo travellers interest you?
Let me know - I'll be letting my "first dibs" list have access to all the details as soon as we launch.
Give yourself an adventure - and plan a holiday break with one of the best ocean going cruises out there this
fall.
I have a Very Special Cruise Only Offer for Canada New England Oct 20/23 and East Coast/Bermuda Oct 31/23 on Seven Seas Mariner
This represents an extraordinary opportunity for clients especially new to Regent Seven Seas at unprecedented pricing.
CRUISE ONLY
NO AIR AVAILABLE THROUGH REGENT
NO ONE NIGHT PRE HOTEL INCLUDED FOR CONCIERGE AND ABOVE
Unbelievable per diems!
Obviously
at this relatively late date, excursion availability and first choice for specialty dining times may be a challenge however things often come available once on board so it’s worth waitlisting you where we can. (Also showing up for a tour and getting on if people no show is a good strategy as well.)
I think this pricing offer is worth the risk 😊
New bookings only – Back to back available for 26 night cruise. (May have to change suites however.)
Experience The Ranch’s
transformational weekly wellness program in a historic property, nestled in one of Italy’s richest naturalistic areas, just 50 minutes from Rome. The Ranch Italy at Palazzo Fiuggi combines our award-winning, results-oriented fitness program with the services and expertise of the esteemed team at this renowned medical wellness retreat. The result is an immersive and transformative program that gives guests a more complete picture of their overall health and longevity, departing with a
greater sense of self, feeling rested and rejuvenated while losing weight and gaining muscle.
“The Ranch Italy was a truly transformational experience. I watched my fellow guests literally get stronger and healthier right before my eyes. I, personally, have more energy, more muscle, and less fat! Yeah to that! The property is amazing, the staff was knowledgeable and
kind and the nature hikes they have selected are beautiful. I look forward to sharing this experience with my family and friends and will see you next year.” – W.G.
Limited to 25 guests each week, this 7-night, 8-day experience features a daily
schedule that mirrors The Ranch Malibu’s signature no-options program. Each day includes a four-hour morning mountain hike, nap time, afternoon strength and core training classes, yoga and daily massage.
As in Malibu, hikes are meant to be done for time rather than
distance, with a varied trail each day. Guests scale elevations over 2,000 meters as they trek the Apennine Mountains that surround the Lazio region in which Fiuggi is located. The scenery varies from forested canopies, open meadows, valleys, and streams to hilltop hamlets, medieval villages, and ancient monasteries. Afternoon classes are held in a private section of the Palazzo for Ranch guests, who also have access to the Palazzo’s state-of-the-art 4,300 square-foot fitness center, complete
with Technogym, Pilates, Yoga, and Reaxing Training equipment.
“If you are looking for the ideal combination of The Ranch experience mixed with the beauty of Italy, this program is perfection! The program and meals are what you expect from The Ranch setting in Italy and the hikes and the spa are beyond. Bravi Team!!!!” – B.B.
A Dispatch from the Editors: Vegas, Baby https://e.virtuosoemail.com/a-dispatch-from-the-editors-vegas-baby-1691164301787?ecid=ACsprvv3T75R6uq5JmEaMjYD-vlbJaHrckl9yUXZMy39PLLarXMkRy-_DSmZdYBxZPGNC-wsYmnj
A
Dispatch from the Editors: The Arts Issuehttps://e.virtuosoemail.com/a-dispatch-from-the-editors-the-arts-issue-5?ecid=ACsprvvUW_9OabEpgmd6L791-jD2fvNxUQ4fIjDw-fNbW61oqBWuniH-8I4Ls53BIw4jU1M4fW22
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 Belmond Bellini hotel partner around the world - see Belmond Bellini Club Program
For specific articles about why you should book with an advisor, rather than book by
yourself, see here:
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.
7. Some Special Travel Offers
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
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.
