5. Testimonial of Week- Excellent service to her clients!
6. Women's River Cruise - Wellness on Water
7. Virtuoso Life - Some Recent Issues & Newsletters
8. Preferred Hotel Programs- Can You VIP Me? & Hotel of Week
9. Special Offers from Lush Life~ Direct affiliate
& Virtuoso partner
Let me know if you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation!
1. Empty Nesters
After 25 years of wrangling kiddies under our roof, Bill and I are officially empty nesters—and let me tell you, it’s a strange, strange world. The house is eerily quiet, and our fridge has never been so full. Our youngest, Ceili, is now living her best life as a frosh at
TMU University, and while I’m bursting with pride, I won’t lie—I miss my wee one.
But, onward and upward! This new chapter—let’s call it Chapter 3—is all about embracing the empty nest (and maybe, finally, tackling that long-overdue Netflix queue). I suppose it’s time for Bill and me to rediscover what life looks like when it’s just the two of
us. We’ve got adventures ahead, from more travel to possibly starting new hobbies that don’t involve carpools or laundry.
I couldn’t be prouder of Ceili—and Ciara before her—for striking out on their own. Watching them grow into independent young women is one of life’s greatest joys, even if it means the house feels a little emptier. And while
I’ll be sending care packages and text reminders (that’ll likely be ignored), I know she’s off to great things.
So here’s to Chapter 3—where the fridge stays full, the laundry pile is smaller, and Bill and I get to chart our next adventures. Whether it's globetrotting or finding new ways to enjoy the quiet, this empty nest might not be so bad
after all!
Let me know if you've gone through it, and have come out the other side!
Here's
a five minute feature that highlights AMA Waterways' Wildlife River Cruising.
Friday's Five Minute Feature highlights an EXCLUSIVE product with AmaWaterways and that's our Wildlife River Cruising experience on the Chobe river in South Central Africa. Combine this with our extensions to either South Africa including Rovos Rail or
Kruger Park or around Eastern Africa
To reserve your spot on this cruise please get in touch with me for available dates and the best promotions.
And, I can extend to you an offer for new bookings only if made this week with me. I can extend a 5% off the voyage fare(for the cruise, before port fees) to either one couple, or one solo passenger. (Kindly note, you have to call me to get this private sale. You cannot book on my AMA website or through AMA directly.)
My normal
cruise booking and management fees would still apply.
Get in touch with me to get on this cruise and get all of the best prices and promotions.
3. Adventure Travel Corner - Join Me - Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent
I'm thrilled that my husband Bill and I are taking a Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent!
We will be travelling with the best-of-the-best expedition cruise company, Lindblad Expeditions. I'm so excited!
I was chatting with Sven Lindblad and Lesa Bain of Lindblad at Virtuoso Travel Week in Vegas in August, and my husband and I am so excited.
Why don't you join us?
Come discover the Antarctic Peninsula, where endless white mountains roll to the horizon and massive glaciers churn icebergs into the sea. Travel with Lindblad's diverse team of experts aboard their state-of-the-art expedition ships. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; glide around enormous icebergs in Zodiacs; and hike, kayak,
and even possibly cross-country ski in complete tranquility.
You can choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert.
I am so excited to be stepping on the 7th continent.
I'll be exploring the world’s last great wilderness in the company of a team of top naturalists celebrating Lindblad’s 50-plus years of expedition heritage
Maybe I'll hike on magnificent mountains; see huge glaciers; and watch for gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins. Or kayak in protected waters, paddling as penguins swim nearby.
The
early November departures offer the possibility to cross-country ski or snowshoe across the frozen sea ice, conditions permitting
With National Geographic Global Explorers, their exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this exhilarating part of the world—from its massive glaciers to humpback whales
I'm travelling on the November 12, 2024 date. - AND - it's currently on a 25% off promo!!
From now until September 19th, 2024,
and save 25% on the cabin fare when booking any Category 1, Category 2, or Category 3 cabins, including solo cabins, and Category SU on National Geographic Islander II and National Geographic Delfin II, and Category 4 cabins on National Geographic Delfina, when you pay in full at time of booking on select departures in 2024 and 2025. To qualify for the discount, non-refundable payment in full is due at the time of booking and standard cancellation terms will not apply. Valid
for new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking, cannot be combined with other offers, and is not applicable on airfare or extensions.
The first new polar build in Lindblad’s 50-year history, National Geographic Endurance is named to honor explorer Ernest Shackleton and his legendary Transantarctic Expedition.
A fully-stabilized vessel of the highest ice class (PC5 Category A), she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. National Geographic Endurance’s most striking exterior feature is her
distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions; and since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride, as well.
An equally impressive feature may well
be her capacity: she carries just 138 guests, a commitment to expedition excellence over scale. Scandinavian-inflected, luxuriously appointed, her inviting interiors would be a destination in themselves. Because she is a Lindblad expedition ship, however, her attention is focused on the world outside—with acres of window glass to keep you connected to the stunning views beyond the pane, and a fleet of expedition tools to get you out exploring.
Want to join me?!
Don't wait! The 25% off promo is only until September 19th!
Eating healthy aboard Windstar ships is an experience that balances taste and well-being.
As the Official Cruise Line of the National Health Association, they proudly serve a rotating selection of inspiring salt, oil, and sugar-free plant-based dishes. For
over seven decades, the National Health Association (NHA) has advocated a whole-foods, plant-based diet emphasizing the importance of minimally processed meals that are prepared without added salt, oil, and sugar.
On WIndstar, you can start your day with fruit smoothies or oatmeal and date pancakes, then move to veggie enchiladas, roasted pumpkin risotto gremolata and eggplant cannelloni with pine nut romesco sauce for lunch and dinner. Save room for incredible desserts like chia truffles
with date coconut sauce and mango lime tart too. These are guilt-free culinary indulgences that you’ll want another bite of.
At Windstar, they prioritize honoring your health and dietary preferences to ensure you enjoy a delectable culinary experience on your vacation. Their menus boast an array of flavorful alternatives, including nutritious plant-based and gluten-free options thoughtfully crafted to reduce
salts, oils, and sugars without compromising on taste. Their innovative program rotates daily and offers plenty of options throughout the day, so it’s not just an afterthought or a substitution, but a focus for our culinary team.
Wherever you sail, whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or have other specific dietary needs, you can explore distant small ports and little-known destinations without compromising your food choices onboard.
They recently announced a plant-based cruise that quickly sold out, so #AskSheila if you want to learn about the next one they plan to offer!
Also - Sheila has an exclusive and private sale she can extend her clients - 10% off for Windstar for the month of September!
See ad appearing in PostMedia newspapers across Canada.
See video presentation.
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
8. Preferred Hotel Programs - VIP Me? & Hotel of Week
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.)
HOTEL OF THE WEEK! FAIRMONT KEA
LANI
Last week's newsletter was about visiting Hawaii. As you know, I stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani. It is the only suite hotel on Maui. The rooms are incredibly spacious, and my family loved our stay.
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. 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.
