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Travel Etiquette
And now, !
Let's
continue with Lush Life Travel's newsletter.
This week, we'll focus on:
1. Travel Etiquette
2. River Cruise Corner - #WhyRiverCruising
3. Adventure Travel Corner- Mendoza with Backroads
4. Wellness Travel Corner - Villa Azure
5. Testimonial of Week- "I
Found My Travel Consultant"
6. Women's River Cruise - Wellness on Water
7. Virtuoso Life - Some Recent Issues & Newsletters
8.
Preferred Hotel Programs- Can You VIP Me?
9. Special Offers from Lush Life~ Direct affiliate & Virtuoso partner
10. Travel News
Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
1. Travel Etiquette
Travel Etiquette has been getting more attention these days.
Now that may be prompted by the extreme cases of passenger rage
we're seeing in the air, or it may be just a reminder to consider your fellow passengers, but either way, it's still a little bonkers out there at times.
So, asides from the "ick" factor, just be kind to others. Nobody wants to be on a plane with a passenger not behaving themselves - so it's incumbent on all of us to be on our best possible manners when we fly.
Here are their rules of etiquette, which I wholeheartedly endorse:
G's Travel Etiquette Rule 1:
The middle seat retains the rights to both middle arm rests. The window seat is to lean towards the window, the aisle seat towards the aisle. No exceptions. No mercy.
Sheila's note:
This is a hard and fast rule. If you don't have the godawful middle seat, don't try to exert your elbows on the middle arm rests - either one. Middle seat "owns" the arm rests! No exceptions. No mercy. If you try to grab the middle seat arm rests, you're showing your travel inexperience.
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G's Travel Etiquette Rule 2:
Reclining your seat is permitted, except during take off, landing, and meal service. Nobody wants a lap
full of overcooked chicken.
Sheila's note:
I really don't like anyone reclining their seat at any time, and I don't recline my seat unless the person in front of me is in my lap with their recline. So, please - don't recline. Aircraft seats are getting smaller and smaller, and the space for your knees smaller still. If you really need the extra space, pay for the premium economy seats, or get the pods.
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G's Travel Etiquette Rule 3:
Do not reach for overhead luggage as soon as the flight lands. Collect your things, do a little stretch, and proceed once it's your turn.
Sheila's note:
You are not going to get off faster. You're just being inconsiderate of others if you think you getting your luggage is priority one. Stand if you need to. But wait before grabbing stuff from the overhead.
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G's Travel Etiquette Rule
4:
Disembark aircraft in order of rows. Exception - when missed connection announcement is made. And even then, don't be pushy, mustache guy.
Sheila's note
When you're disembarking, follow the zipper approach, with people at the front being the bottom of the zipper. People ahead of you get of first, as each tooth of the zipper has to be fed through for the zipper to work. Follow the zipper! Follow it when you're driving with merging traffic lines. Follow it when you're at a theatre or performance with people leaving. Follow it when you're getting off the aircraft.
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G's Travel Etiquette Rule 5:
We shouldn't have to say
this, but... please, do not cut your toenails at any point during the flight.
Sheila's note:
Dude, if you have to be told this, you probably shouldn't be flying.
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G's Travel Etiquette Rule 6:
Be kind and patient. Especially towards flight attendants, seniors, and people travelling with children.
Sheila's note:
This would also also seem obvious. But if you're not doing it already, start now.
Share with me - what are your travel etiquette tips and suggestions?
If you're on social media (facebook,
instagram, or linked in), I invite you to join me for the next 30-days as I share my expertise as to why you should consider taking a river cruise.
Today marks day 27, and I've been posting something every day.
But don't worry - you can play catch up. I'm also posting something
new every day. hashtag#WhyRiverCruising
Follow me (and feel free to invite me to connect) on:
Want a beautiful bathtub overlooking the river , with a separate and spacious double sinks bathroom, a bar and kitchen nook, large balcony, wonderful size
bedroom and sitting area?
With river cruising, you have to be able to board the ship under your own steam, cross over another ship should you be
double-docked, and do stairs (although only rarely are they as steep as this photo in Arles).
River cruising is not as accessible as ocean cruising.
Cabins are not set up for wheelchairs, with neither the door opening nor the showers wide enough for entry. There are no shower bar rails. And while many river cruise ships do have elevators, the elevators don’t go to all floors.
You also have to be able to evacuate yourself in case of emergency. (River cruise crew are not
allowed to help you.)
Mind you, many river cruise ships do have walking sticks and canes onboard. So, if you have some light mobility issues, we can work together to discuss your needs, and discover whether this sort of trip will work for you.
Some river cruise lines will also offer slow-walkers, regular paced, and active excursions. So, we can work together to find a brand that works best for you.
But do remember - walking in Europe means you're largely walking on
cobblestones. Surfaces are uneven.
Make sure you disclose your needs and issues when you work with me as your advisor, and I’ll matchmake you to the best product for you.
Today is Global Recycling Day - so it seems to be worth talking about sustainability on river cruise ships.
My partners at @amawaterways work hard to reduce carbon emissions .
Sail with a conscience! River cruising offers
a sustainable way to explore the world’s most beautiful destinations while minimizing your carbon footprint.
It’s important to realize that most times, river cruises in Europe will tie up against another ship.
So when you’re in port, you can be on the outside or inside of another ship if you’re double-docked (or “rafted” ) against another ship.
This month, I was actually triple- docked a couple of times.
You have to cross over another ship and either go through their lobby (if the ship lobbies align),
or climb up the stairs and go over the other ship (if the lobbies don’t align) to reach shore.
You are right next to the other ship when you are double-docked - which can mean you lose visibility from your balcony cabin.
The river cruise masters will decide docking, and there are port fees and dock location licenses that are involved. (And sometimes those who own a dock sell their position to another line.)
When you work with me as your travel advisor, I make sure you
understand this. It’s one of the realities of river cruising, and it doesn’t impact your holiday if you know what to expect.
3. Adventure Travel Corner - Mendoza with Backroads
Want to go to Argentina on a multi-activity trip with Backroads?
Taste full-bodied local Malbecs straight out of award-winning bodegas. Bike along vineyards nestled beneath the Andes’ soaring canyons. Follow alpine trails between snowy peaks. Discover the flavors of a vibrant young gastronomy scene. Hike, pedal and sip your way through
Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country.
Included
All lodgings
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners included
Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants on Inn Trips
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multisport
trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Trailercycles, carriers and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Getting away with family certainly helps your wellbeing. And I have a special with my
Direct Travel partnership.
This luxurious oceanfront villa in a private neighborhood of Turks & Caicos features an incredible beach front view and comes equipped with a supersized infinity pool, hot tub, small private beach, elegant furnishings, expansive balcony, and outdoor kitchen to provide you with comfort & convenience.
The villa is professionally managed by Hartling Group, fully cleaned before every stay, and it comes with clean luxury organic linens & bedding, towels, cleaning products, and everything else you’ll need for a comfortable stay. The entire estate is air conditioned throughout for your comfort and is fully stocked with top-of-the-line flat screen
TVs and high-speed wireless internet. 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 baths, Max occupancy 10 peopl
Amenities • On-site property manager/butler • Daily Housekeeping • Secure, gated villa • Pool toys and snorkeling gear • Five spacious bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms • High speed internet and digital TV in every bedroom • iPod connectors in every bedroom •
Outdoor kitchen with stainless steel gas grill and wet bar • Kohler Performance showers and Spa tubs • Spanish Tile roof • Covered parking • Washer & Dryer
Availability Info • December 20-27, 2024 ONLY- Must be 7 nights • $7,500 usd per night • 12% tax not included
5. Testimonial of the Week - "I Found My Travel Consultant"
I Found My Travel Consultant - woohoo!
“Awesome, very helpful, communication was perfect between all parties involved in the planning of this trip - I will definitely be contacting Sheila again to book our next trip - we want to do another river cruise in the future - Thank you Sheila 🤗” Lucy
Thank you, Lucy! It was my honour!
6. Women's River Cruise - Wellness on Water
Imagine a getaway that's all about you! Sheila's Women's Wellness Cruise is not just a trip; it's a radical act of self-care amidst the
beaty of Europe, from Budapest to Prague in October 2024. Dive into a world of luxury, connection, and rejuvenation with award-winning Virtuoso luxury wellness travel advisor, Sheila Gallant-Halloran of Lush Life Travel.
Thanks Candace Sampson and "What She Said" for terrific blog post about my Women's Wellness Cruise. And see https://lushlife.ca/what-she-said/
Check out this ad appearing in PostMedia newspapers across Canada.
And check out this Daytime Ottawa TV appearance. Here's my interview talking with Derek Fage .
Just remember, there are 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. (And yes, there are some husbands coming. At least 3 are booked thus far!)
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 : https://tinyulr.com/LushWellCruise
Self-care is not a luxury. It's a necessity!
7. Virtuoso Life Issues
Here are some recent Virtuoso Life issues for you to peruse.
A Dispatch from the Editors: Spring GetawaysOn the Move
A Dispatch from the Editors: A Happy Return A Happy
Return
A Dispatch from the Editors: Island GoalsIsland Goals
8. Preferred Hotel Programs - Can You VIP Me?
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.)
9. 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
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.
Day 26 #WhyRiverCruising
