1. Reflecting, Recharging, and Finding Wisdom for the New Year

I hope your holiday season has been filled with joy—whether it was a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or a Festive Festivus! As 2024 comes to a close and we move into 2025, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of self-care, staying active, and being mindful about how the news we consume impacts our mental health.

For me, this has meant dialing back my 24-hour news habit—a big change if you know how much I love keeping up with global events. While I still stay informed (an essential part of being a travel advisor), I’m learning to set boundaries.

Instead, I’ve been reading more and diving into inspiring podcasts. One of my absolute favorites this year has been Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Wiser Than Me™. It’s a delightful mix of humor, wisdom, and heartfelt conversations with iconic women like Carol Burnett, Julie Andrews, Ina Garten, Isabel Allende, Jane Fonda, Fran Lebowitz, and Jane Goodall. It’s the perfect dose of inspiration to carry into the new year.

Here’s the podcast description:
“Julia Louis-Dreyfus returns for Season 3 of her award-winning podcast, Wiser Than Me™. Each week, she has funny, touching, personal conversations with iconic older women who are brimming with the kind of unapologetic attitude and wisdom that only comes with age. Julia sits at the feet of some extraordinary teachers this season, and of course her 90-year-old mom, Judith. Tune in to laugh, cry, and get wise. All Hail Old Women!”

Give it a listen:

https://lemonadamedia.com/show/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/

And while you're at it, I recommend these two great documentaries - one about Jane Fonda, and another about Martha Stewart.

They are both so thought provoking, and really make you think about the impact one woman can have.

Of course, maybe you're tuning in to the latest Netflix Christmas movie - being  called the replacement/ next version of "Die Hard." This one is called "Carry On."

It certainly gives you an even greater respect for baggage clerks and security guards at airports.

But if just you want to giggle...may I suggest you check out what has to be the oddest sport out there - hobby horse racing. (yes, a hobby horse, like you had when you were a kid.)

And if you like to read, here are some great lists:

https://www.today.com/popculture/books/barack-obama-reading-list-books-2024-rcna166292

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-book-report-ron-charles-on-the-best-books-of-2024/

Here’s to a balanced, inspired, and lush life in 2025!

Let me know if I can help you live your lush life through bucket list trips. Let's dream big!

2. River Cruise Corner -  Rhine and Moselle Splendours

Here's a five minute feature on AmaWaterways Rhine and Moselle Splendours from Luxembourg to Basel with pre and post packages available to be added on in Paris, Champagne country and Switzerland. 
 

Friday's Five Minute Feature highlights their Rhine and Moselle Splendours.

To reserve your spot on this cruise please get in touch with me for available dates and the best promotions.

See details of the itinerary here -https://www.amawaterways.ca/agent/lushlife/destination/europe-river-cruises/2025/rhine-moselle-splendors

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.

#AskSheila sheila@lushlife.ca 

3.Adventure Travel Corner- Epic Northwest Passage: Iceland to Japan

Lindblad Expeditions has come up with an epic Northwest Passage trip from Iceland to Japan.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime, 69-day odyssey that traces the far reaches of the North Atlantic and Pacific, blending Viking history, Arctic exploration and the cultural wonders of Japan. Begin in Iceland and Greenland, navigating Erik the Red’s legendary route through majestic fjords and along ice-sculpted shores, and continue into the fabled Northwest Passage, crossing from Greenland to Alaska. As you explore Alaska’s remote and rugged Aleutian Islands and the Pacific’s "Ring of Fire," encounter rare wildlife and untamed landscapes before reaching Japan. In this storied island nation, where ancient samurai traditions meet modern culture, uncover imperial dynasties, sacred shrines and volcanic vistas. 

Highlights:

Set sail on an extraordinary 69-day journey across the top of the globe and down to East Asia—checking off a host of bucket-list experiences along the way

Venture into the fabled Northwest Passage and learn the dramatic stories of explorers and adventurers who sought this magnificent, icy frontier

Glide between soaring icebergs at the mouth of Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Delve into the history of the samurai and their feudal lords while visiting Japan’s castles, gardens and samurai districts in Matsue and Uwajima

Watch for a profusion of rare wildlife in Alaska’s Pribilof and Aleutian Islands: from whiskered auklets and northern fur seals to orca whales and brown bears

See itinerary https://www.expeditions.com/expeditions/epic-northwest-passage-iceland-to-japan

4. Wellness Travel Corner- 9 ways to travel for a greener tomorrow

See 9 ways to travel for a greener tomorrow https://e.virtuosoemail.com/9-ways-to-travel-for-a-greener-tomorrow?ecid=ACsprvvOAUMXCF94KmgOMNArO_AdIb7jmbSMwHZBjhfDrTuWtQ4iSfhMNEjN_FKQWeoLKOfCF0Y4

6. Travel with Sheila: 2025 Women's River Cruise to Paris & Normandy

The latest edition of Travel with Sheila -Join Me: 2025 Women's River Cruise to Paris & Normandy

I’m thrilled to announce another incredible group journey, this time on a women-focused river cruise to Paris and Normandy in November 2025. While the spotlight will be on women’s themes, spouses and partners are welcome! They can skip the morning talks and still enjoy the shore excursions, dining, and everything else onboard.

Why Join This Cruise?
✨ Paris: Always enchanting and vibrant.
✨ Normandy: Stunning coastlines, artistic beauty, and rich history. Explore Monet’s Gardens, the charming harbor of Honfleur, Joan of Arc’s legacy, and the D-Day beaches, including a special Remembrance Day tour on November 11th (with tailored visits to Canadian or American beaches).
✨ Château de Bizy: Experience the grandeur of "the Versailles of Normandy."

Blend culture, art, architecture, and the good life as we sail the Seine together.

Cruise Details:
🚢 Line: AMA Waterways, aboard the luxurious AMA Dante
📅 When: November 8, 2025, for 7 nights (option to add a 2-night pre-cruise in Paris)
📍 Itinerary: Roundtrip Paris along the Seine

Special Offers:

• Reduced solo supplement cabins—grab them before they’re gone!

🗺️ For full details, including itinerary, deck plans, inclusions, and pricing, visit: 2025 Women’s River Cruise Details.

🎥 Watch a recording of my webinar with AMA Waterways BDM Neil Dudley: Cruise Presentation.

And there's also this presentation with Neil and me:

Kindly see https://lush-life-travel.optin.com/newsletter/awlist4876745/MjU0OTcyOTI=/2025-women-s-river-cruise-paris-normandy-from-sheila-of-lush-life-travel.htm 

for details on: Itinerary, Map, Video, Info about AMA , Deck Plan, Inclusions. Pricing. Sheila Promos. Land Package in Paris. Air Promo. 

Ready to join us? Cabins are filling fast! Let me know if you’d like to secure your spot. 🌟

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 

9.  Special Offers from Lush Life, a Direct affiliate & Virtuoso partner

As the owner of Lush Life Travel, a boutique travel agency affiliated with Direct Travel, I’m delighted to bring you access to exclusive offers through Direct Travel’s status as one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners.

Here are some fantastic opportunities from a few of our favorite travel supplier partners:  

Stateroom Upgrades and More with AmaWaterways https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/15160/Stateroom-Upgrades-and-More-with-AmaWaterways 

Thousands of Reasons to Sail with Silversea https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/15161/Thousands-of-Reasons-to-Sail-with-Silversea 

Let me know if one of these holidays catches your eye—I’d love to help you plan your next unforgettable journey!