1. DISCOVER THE LAND DOWN UNDER

AUSTRALIA AWAITS YOU

Experience some of the world’s most remarkable landscapes in Australia, from sun-drenched beaches to the untamed beauty of the Outback. 

Encounter rare wildlife in lush rainforests and expansive deserts, immerse yourself in cosmopolitan cities, and learn about Indigenous culture and traditions. Connect with Sheila as your Virtuoso travel advisor to explore eight unique tours and plan the ultimate getaway, featuring one-of-a-kind experiences, exclusive perks, and premium amenities.

As you may know, I'm a certified #AussieSpecialist travel advisor, and have visited the land down under. It's a magical place, and I would be pleased to leverage the relationships I have with destination management companies on the ground in Australia to get the perfect bucket list trip for you sorted.

Choose Your Own Australian Adventure

See https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/destinations/south-pacific/australia 

Just to give you a sample of what's possible, have a look:

NORTHERN TERRITORY TOURS
 
TOP END ROCK ART & WILDERNESS
Embark on a 7-day Abercrombie & Kent journey to discover ancient art, local wildlife, and rugged scenery in Kakadu National Park.
 
AUSTRALIAN RED TO WHITE SANDS 
 Explore Uluru, a 500,000-acre working cattle station, and more on this 13-day adventure crafted by The Tailor - Australia.
 

NEW SOUTH WALES TOURS
 
SYDNEY GETAWAY 
Enjoy 2 nights in Sydney, then retreat for 4 nights to the beaches and bays of the Bouddi Peninsula with Swain Destinations.
 
BLUE MOUNTAINS PRIVATE TOURS WITH WILDLIFE PARK 
Meet kangaroos and koalas on a 10-hour private tour of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains with Project Expedition.
 
QUEENSLAND TOURS
 
FULL-DAY PRIVATE BRISBANE FOR REAL LIFE 
Explore Bluey’s hometown with Southern World Australia on an all-day private tour featuring entry to the immersive Bluey’s World experience.
 

WALK QUEENSLAND’S SCENIC RIM 
Hike through lush national parks, admire towering peaks, and savor wine from local vineyards on a 5-day adventure with Intrepid Travel.
 

VICTORIA TOURS
 
VICTORIAN ADVENTURE 
Discover Melbourne and Victoria on a Southern World Australia custom trip featuring iconic wildlife, Yarra Valley wine tastings, and more.
 
GREAT OCEAN ROAD TO THE GRAMPIANS 
Set off on a spectacular, week-long road trip, tailored to your interests by Abercrombie & Kent, with hotels, car rental, and access to local experts.

Of course, if you want to go see Australia, the first thing to do is schedule a consultation with me. I'll gather some details about your travel history, and the sort of experiences, hotels, and dining you like - and gather info on how you'd like to structure your days, and whether you want to be exploring on your own, or part of a small escorted group, or maybe a cruise. And we can customize the whole thing to suit your needs and interests.

I work with the best Virtuoso destination management companies and tour operators.

What's a destination management company, or dmc, you say?

A Destination Management Company (DMC) is a professional services company that specializes in the planning and implementation of events, tours, and travel experiences in a specific destination. DMCs are experts in the local area and offer a range of services that can include:

• Tour planning: Organizing sightseeing tours, excursions, and unique local experiences.
• Transportation management: Arranging transportation for individuals or groups, such as buses, cars, and local guides.
• Event planning: Handling logistics for conferences, meetings, weddings, corporate events, and other gatherings.
• Accommodation: Recommending and booking hotels, resorts, or other lodging options.
• Local expertise: Offering insights into local culture, attractions, dining, and activities that travelers might not otherwise discover.

DMCs typically work closely with travel advisors like myself, and tour operators to ensure that every aspect of a trip or event is meticulously planned and executed, providing clients with seamless and authentic travel experiences.

In short, they act as the local experts and "problem-solvers" for any travel or event planning within their destination.  So, when you work with me and through me leverage the power of my relationships in the Virtuoso network to access my feet-on-the-ground experts in Australia, you're getting the power of my network to build you a fantastic bucket list trip.

Wander where the wild things are https://e.virtuosoemail.com/wander-where-the-wild-things-are?ecid=ACsprvuly_qP-T5aTHBoYg18E16BXOBPtB3uzMbnC_nUiHb160-dnGbJM1JCeMdJmDT2a8fuCWgm

And let me know if you would like to schedule that bucket list consultation!

2. River Cruise Corner -  River Cruise with Tauck

You may remember that I travelled to Europe to complete a travel advisor certification program with Tauck on a river cruise seminar. It's an honour to be a certified Tauck travel advisor. 

I've travelled with them several times on the rivers in Europe, including taking a Tauck Family Bridges Cruise with my family of four.

And I had the honour of sailing with Arthur Tauck and his wife, to hear all about his vision for his family company.

Tauck's 2025 River Cruise brochure is out. See https://lushlife.ca/river-cruise-with-tauck/

Let me know if you'd like to go on a Tauck river cruise. 

#AskSheila sheila@lushlife.ca 

3.Adventure Travel Corner- Madagascar: Island of Lemurs & Baobabs

Madagascar: Island of Lemurs & Baobabs

Enchanting Madagascar is home to a wide variety of animals found nowhere else on earth. Explore the national parks of this biodiversity hot spot for firsthand encounters with playful lemurs, colorful chameleons and countless species of birdlife. Immerse yourself in panoramic landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid spiny forests, and meet with locals on this welcoming island off Africa’s southeast coast.

This is a new trip for 2025 offered by my partners at Abercrobmie & Kent.

Immerse yourself in Madagascar’s richly biodiverse national parks to encounter animals found nowhere else, including playful lemurs, colorful chameleons and countless species of birdlife. 

View stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid spiny forests, and meet with locals to experience firsthand the unique culture of this enchanting island nation.

See itinerary https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/tours/16813711/madagascar-island-of-lemurs-baobabs 

4. Wellness Travel Corner- BACK TO NATURE IN JAPAN

Japan's wellness traditions for cleansing the mind, body and soul are rooted in nature, with onsens (hot springs) being a quintessential experience. See https://www.remotelands.com/travelogues/ways-of-wellness 

These geothermal baths, rich in minerals like sulfur and magnesium, are believed to detoxify the body, improve circulation, and soothe the mind. Guests can visit onsens in many beautiful locations from Hokkaido to Kyushu, often surrounded by mountains or forests, and embrace Japan’s philosophy of mindful relaxation. 

Amanemu, located in the tranquil Ise-Shima region, offers private onsen baths and personalized wellness programs that combine Japanese traditions with modern luxury. 

Guests can also participate in hiking, cycling, forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) and tea ceremonies, further connecting with Japan’s harmonious approach to wellness.

Suggested itinerary: Spiritual Japan: A Sacred Journey Through The Path of Prayer https://www.remotelands.com/itinerary/spiritual-japan-a-sacred-journey-through-the-path-of-prayer .

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

All category E, D, and C are now sold out. But I still have some category A, B, and suites. If you've been considering joining me, now is the time to book. Would you like to join me?

The pricing changed as at Dec.31.24. So let me know if you'd like to book. 

I’m thrilled to be hosting 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 (kindly note - the pricing promos have changed as at Dec.31.24 - let me know if you'd like to confirm updated 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:  

Where to Sip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

https://www.virtuoso.com/travel/articles/where-to-try-bourbon-kentucky 

Expedition Cruise Savings with Abercrombie & Kent

https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/active/15188/Expedition-Cruise-Savings-with-Abercrombie-Kent

Exclusive Pop-Up Sale with Seabourn

https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/14846/Exclusive-Pop-Up-Sale-with-Seabourn 

Upgrade Your Horizon with Regent Seven Seas

https://my.dt.com/sheilagh/en/cruise/15187/Upgrade-Your-Horizon-with-Regent-Seven-Seas 

Insight Vacations' The Big Tour Sale

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