4. Adventure Travel Corner- Antarctica & the Arctic: Pole to Pole
5. Wellness Travel Corner - New Year, New You
6. Virtuoso Life - Some Recent Issues & Newsletters
7. Preferred Hotel Programs- Can You VIP Me?
8. Special Offers from Lush Life, a Direct affiliate & Virtuoso partner
Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
1. Wave Season is Here
Recovery from the past brutal 3 years in the travel industry remains strong. Actually, "off the
charts" is closer to it.
Travel supplier partners are swamped. Pilots, flight attendants, ground crews are swamped. And travel advisors are completely swamped.
Travel advisors like me are
hiring assistants and staff to manage the demand, and while everyone wants to 'make hay while the sun shines', even with the extra assistance, and improving systems and processes, we're still having to focus in on the sort of business we love and can offer the most value to our cherished clients. It's why I've been moving more and more to focus on small ship cruises (ocean, river, and expedition cruises), as well as customized trips and private travel to Australia and Africa.
(Of course, I may still be able to help my beloved clients with other trips - let's chat about your needs and interests. But if I am not in a position to help with a particular trip, I'll refer you to a colleague better able to assist.)
The main thing is that everyone wants to travel. I'm sure you're no different. If you haven't travelled in the last 6 months or so, you're probably itching to go somewhere. The best way to beat the January blues is to plan a trip.
And January is "wave"
season in the travel industry. It's the busiest booking month in the entire year. Clients are both booking and traveling.
Wave season, when cruise lines run their best deals, is upon us again. The period typically stretches from January through March, but some brands have already released their offers, giving travelers a chance to
get a jump on their cruise plans." and... " cruise lines aim to use wave season to “fill up the upcoming year” with bookings, particularly coming off of the holidays."
The new year (and sometimes starting over the Christmas holidays) is when cruise lines definitely want to get bookings in place for the coming year. You'll definitely see offers
you won't see in other times of the year. Generally speaking, the new offers are for new bookings only. And they are often wonderfully rich offers for cruisers, with tremendous value.
And that's where I come in. I track the offers, and certainly keep abreast of all the best offers - particularly for small ship ocean, river, and expedition
cruises.
So, if a cruise holiday is in your plans, scroll down to see some offers I have in the preferred partner section, and email me to schedule a consultation.
Wonderful news. We've had several friends from Shepherd's Fashions book to join me on
my Wellness on Water river cruise in October. And I was able to get an amendment to my group contract, and extend the special pricing that was set to expire this week. Now I have this extension:
Pricing goes up Jan.31.24! Let me know if you'd like to learn more! I have two reduced solo supplements left!
I also appeared onDaytime Ottawa. Watch the segment here.
Three steps to Embrace “Your Grace”:
STEP 1.) STEP ON UP - savour, sip, self-care
STEP 2.) STEP ONBOARDyour moving boutique hotel room
STEP 3.) STEP
ONSHOREto 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
When it comes to showing you the best of Europe by land, sea or river, trust Tauck to make it easy from the moment you book. Take advantage of our exclusive Take Off With Tauck air package with upfront, round trip air rates for the peace of mind you deserve and make your dream trip to Europe come true in 2024!
Take Off With Tauck is valid on all European land journeys, river and small ship cruises departing March 1 – August 31, 2024. Limited time only, book January 2 – February 29, 2024.
Upfront Value
PRICE CERTAINTY, ONE FLAT PRICE (CDN pricing available)
Economy air - $990
per person USD
Premium Economy air - $1,790 per person USD
Business air - $3,890 per person USD
Flying Made Easy
NO HIDDEN COSTS, NO SURPRISES
Fully inclusive
Taxes and fuel surcharges included
Tauck handles air schedule changes
Peace of Mind
Travel with Confidence
Refundable until ticketed
Assistance with all flight arrangements
Full air payment not required until final payment of tour
Terms & Conditions: Rates are based on air rates at the time of printing; subject to change. Tauck’s air package is
available to all guests departing from select US and Canadian gateways to Europe; available for new bookings only (subject to availability). Air must be booked with Tauck in conjunction with your tour or cruise, and a deposit is required at time of booking. Air is refundable until ticketed (certain restrictions apply, not combinable with other offers). Premium Economy cabin offered on trans-Atlantic flights, select carriers only.
4. Adventure Travel Corner -Antarctica & the Arctic: Pole to Pole
Adventures are different at our planet’s poles. From awe-inspiring icebergs as large as cathedrals to waddling penguins and roving polar bears, Antarctica and the Arctic promise sublime explorations in places
few ever visit. Travel in style and luxury on some of the industry’s most advanced expedition ships that take your trip from exhilarating to exceptional. Connect with me as your Virtuoso travel advisor to start planning.
This luxurious 6-day Arctic Range Rover adventure by Balder Expert - Finland promises an unforgettable experience with thrilling activities and top-notch accommodations. Enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of Finnish Lapland's Arctic region, creating
memories that will last a lifetime.
Push the boundaries of navigation and go north on PONANT’s Le Commandant Charcot – the world's first electric hybrid polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas. Search for the geographic North Pole, following in the footsteps of legendary explorers.
Whether you’re in pursuit of penguin sightings or immersive encounters, Aurora Expeditions will get you there with up to 20% savings when you book by Feb 29, 2024. Purpose-built, small ships offer immersive activities in uncharted territories that few have
the privilege to explore.
Witness towering glaciers, snow-covered landscapes, and immense icebergs on this 13-day Antarctic Explorer journey with Viking. Guests will receive up to a $500 shipboard credit per stateroom on select departures as their Virtuoso
exclusive benefit.
Receive up to a $2,000 flight credit and a reduced deposit when you book select 2024 & 2025 Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises. Choose your adventure in Alaska, Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, and beyond. Book by Mar 31, 2024.
Sail along the dramatic coast of West Greenland with Quark Expeditions, exploring deep fjords and stunning islands. Visit culturally rich towns, coast by massive glaciers, and enjoy the comforts of Ultramarine. Summer means longer days, clear vistas, and active wildlife.
Navigate the world’s most adventurous destinations with Atlas Ocean Voyages. You’ll receive free shore excursions on select expeditions from Mar 15 through May 9, 2024, strengthening your connections to the planet alongside an
expert crew. Plus, your second guest sails free.
To feel your best, find your way back to basics: sound mind, clear heart, healthy body. Whether you’re practicing rhythmic yoga in a
tropical jungle, unwinding during an ancestral stone massage in Sedona, or indulging in a mineral-infused mud wrap at a mountain-view spa, these soul-soothing experiences are one of many ways to personal wellness. As your Virtuoso travel advisor, I can take you the rest of the way. Ready to go? Explore these offers and trip ideas.
Mii amo - Sedona, Arizona, United States Lean
into your well-being in red rock country, finding the time and space to reflect, reconnect, restore, and reengage with the feelings that most fulfill you.
Sensei Lana'i, A Four Seasons Resort -Lanai City, Hawaii, United States Embrace tranquility with 3 nights of private wellness sessions, spa treatments, and more through Dec
10.
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise- Alberta, Canada Say hello to a new thermal wellness facility, an eco-friendly creation poised to redefine spa luxury on a global scale.
Canyon Ranch Resorts - United States Celebrate spa-lidays at resorts in Massachusetts, Arizona, and California. Free transfers are included at Canyon Ranch, Woodside, on select 3-night stays.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach- Florida, United States Slip away to the Tierra Santa Healing House for holistic
experiences, an oceanfront fitness center, luxe spa treatments, and more.
Half Moon, Jamaica- Montego Bay, Jamaica Savor an extensive selection of physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being experiences throughout this iconic 400-acre island sanctuary.
Chenot Palace Weggis -Weggis,
Switzerland Don’t wait for wellness. Book by Dec 31 and benefit from 2023 pricing on your 2024 detox program in the Alps at a jaw-dropping, 54,000-square-foot spa.
Travel advisors, like me, often have access to a range of exclusive perks and amenities when booking luxury hotels. Here are some special perks I may be able to provide when you book your hotel stay through me:
Room Upgrades:I often have relationships with hotel management (particularly luxury hotels), allowing me to secure room upgrades at the time of booking, ensuring a better view, larger room, or added amenities.
Complimentary Breakfast or Credits: I can negotiate special perks like complimentary breakfast, spa credits, dining credits, or other perks that enhance the overall stay.
Early Check-In and Late Check-Out:Through my connections, I may be able to negotiate early check-in or late check-out times, providing more flexibility with your schedule.
Special Amenities:I may be able to arrange for special amenities in the room upon arrival, such as welcome gifts, champagne, or personalized touches to make the stay more memorable.
Priority Access and VIP Treatment:I can secure priority access to facilities like spas, restaurants, or events within the hotel, ensuring a more exclusive and VIP-like experience.
Customized Experiences:I can arrange unique experiences tailored to your interests, such as private tours, exclusive excursions, or special events within the hotel premises.
Concierge Services:I can often offer personalized concierge services, ensuring your preferences are noted and catered to throughout your stay, from restaurant reservations to special requests.
Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies:I may be able to negotiate more flexible booking terms or cancellation policies, providing peace of mind in case plans change unexpectedly.
These perks often go beyond what is available through standard booking channels, adding significant value to the overall luxury hotel experience.
I am a Virtuoso luxury advisor, Four Seasons preferred partner, and member of preferred hotel programs like Belmond Bellini,
Rosewood Elite, Accor Luxury Step and Fairmont Famous Agent, Leading Hotels, etc., etc.
I rarely book hotel only reservations for clients (I specialize in river and expedition cruises, customized trips to Australia and Africa), I have ways to leverage my relationships to benefit my clients. Hotel only bookings are subject to my normal professional fees.
https://lushlife.ca/2022-fee-schedule/
See some additional detail on these preferred HOTEL PROGRAMS
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.)
8. Special Offers from Lush Life, a Direct affiliate & Virtuoso partner
I run my boutique travel agency, Lush Life Travel, as an affiliate of Direct Travel (formerly called Vision
Travel). As Direct is one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners, I get access to some terrific offers for my clients.
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
Set sail into an extraordinary Wave Season with our Travel Spotlight!
Discover a sea of unbeatable cruise offers that promise more than just a journey - they're your ticket to unforgettable experiences and
adventures.
Embark on your dream cruise with our handpicked selection of Wave Season's most exhilarating offers:
Free Air and Savings to Europe with Avalon
Waterways
When you work with Sheila at Lush Life Travel, you get access to our in-depth knowledge, honed over 18 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.
