1. Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot

It's New Year's Eve!  

Wherever this last day of the year finds you, I hope you're surrounded by friends and laughter, and you can mark the transition from 2023 to 2024 in good humour and health.

Did you think about today's date being 123123?

It's pretty rare in the numbers world. (And yes, my history as an actuary will always mean I'm a numbers nerd at heart.)  Have a look at this story. https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/123123-the-meaning-behind-the-super-rare-new-years-eve-date

Besides numerology, no doubt we will all remember those we lost and are no longer there to mark the year's transition. 

Obviously, our personal family losses are dearest to our heart. May we remember their legacy, and toast them. (I've heard my Jewish friends say, "may their memory be a blessing." Isn't that a beautiful wish?)

And here are some celebrities we lost.

We'll hopefully reconnect with those we've separated from.

We'll take a moment to be thankful for the year that passed - and maybe be inspired by the story of Marvel-movie star Jeremy Renner, who almost died last new year's day - see https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/other/jeremy-renner-almost-died-last-new-year-s-day-since-then-he-s-been-leaning-into-life

We'll hopefully focus on ways to improve ourselves, and our own little corner of the world, in a time where everything seems so chaotic - find some way to share cheer and goodwill in your corner of the world.

And by doing so, "we'll take a cup of kindness yet for auld lang syne."  

Enjoy Mariah's version of the song above, and Rod Stewart's version below too.

2. River Cruise Corner - Wellness on Water

I visited my friends at Shepherd's Fashions on Friday - did you catch me on the fashion show? I was a model. So much fun.

And Rachelle from Shepherd's is joining me on the Wellness on Water River Cruise.  Here's a new reel with Rachelle - https://www.facebook.com/reel/1084967389531039

And you can see Rachelle and I above.  Plus you can catch my modeling time :-) around the 4:00 minute mark of the video below.

Pricing goes up Jan.3.24!

Let me know if you'd like to learn more!  I have two reduced solo supplements left! 

Three steps to Embrace “Your Grace”:

STEP 1.) STEP ON UP - savour, sip, self-care

STEP 2.) STEP ONBOARD your moving boutique hotel room

STEP 3.) STEP ONSHORE to cities and towns along the Danube River

Let me know if you'd like to secure your spot. 

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

3. Adventure Travel Corner -  Avoid the Crowds in 2024

A recent travel article on CNN reminds us all how crazy the travel world is right now in terms of making up for lost time (post-pandemic), and also how crazy some of the most popular tourist spots are right now.

And while everyone wants an adventure, my recent trip to New York City and standing in the wall-to-wall people to get a picture of the tree at Rockefeller Center after seeing the Christmas spectacular starring the Rockettes was more than enough of a crowd adventure for me. (I'm watching the news about the crowds that will be at Times Square tonight, and thankful that's not me! However, I do know people who love that sort of adventure! More power to them, of course!)

Here's the article from CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/2023-worst-destinations-overtourism-avoid-crowds/index.html

Following several years of pandemic-induced downturn, the travel sector is not only back, it’s positively booming. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the industry is expected to bring in some $9.5 trillion in 2023 — which accounts for 95% of its pre-pandemic levels.

Nowhere is this surge more evident than at popular tourist hot spots around the world, many of which have experienced record visitor numbers over the past year.

Such surges may be sweet for local economies and hospitality businesses’ bottom line, but they also come with notable downsides: increased noise, pollution, traffic and strain on public resources; a lower quality of life for locals; and a diminished visitor experience, just to name a few.

Not surprisingly, many tourist magnets across the globe, including several European hubs, have created initiatives and restrictions aimed to combat overtourism issues. Among them: new or increased tourist taxes, campaigns aimed at discouraging problematic visitors and attendance caps at popular attractions.

On the bright side, more travelers seem to be aware of the risks of overtourism — and how they can help alleviate the problem. In a 2022 survey by travel booking site Booking.com, 64% of respondents said they would be prepared to stay away from busy tourist sites to avoid adding to congestion. And 31% said they’d even be willing to choose an alternative to their preferred destination to help avoid overcrowding.

On that front, here’s a look at some of the most prominent destinations around the world whose overtourism issues made headlines in 2023 — along with what’s being done to address the issue and how travelers themselves can mitigate (or avoid altogether) the crowds in 2024.

4. Wellness Travel Corner - A southern Australian sojourn

Maybe your southern Australian adventure awaits you in the new year! 

I work with feet-on-the-ground experts in Australia like Southern World, and Swain Destinations. And we can put together a holiday for you full of wine, wildlife, and wow - and wellness, which is all about your . They can stroll through the vibrant cities of Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, enjoy the region's renowned vineyards, and view famous wildlife on Kangaroo Island.

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 if you're wondering, here are some blog posts 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

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.) 

7.  Special Offers from Lush Life, Vision/ Direct, Virtuoso