Live Your Lush Life - Travel! Hello, ! Welcome to this week's newsletter. ✨ Travelling Solo, Not Alone: Why a Journey Just for You Might Be Exactly What You Need Not everyone understands the power of solo
travel. But I do—because I’ve planned it for clients who needed a reset, a recharge, or simply the chance to breathe on their own terms. Maybe you’re: A busy mom who does everything for everyone and needs a break that’s just for you. Someone whose partner doesn’t love to travel (or can’t get away). At a point where your
friends’ calendars never align with yours. Or maybe… you’re recovering from something harder. A loss, a breakup, a job change, or a moment where the world shifted—and you need time to process and heal. Solo travel isn’t about being alone. It’s about rediscovering you—your pace, your curiosity, your joy. And when you do it with the
right partner backing you up and helping you plan (that’s me), you’re never really solo.
💫 Where to Begin? With the Journey That Speaks to You🛳️ Oceania Cruises – Solo Wellness at SeaWith reduced solo supplements on 121 sailings, and an ongoing Private Sale I can access
for you, Oceania makes it easy to enjoy. See wellness article below. 🛶 AmaWaterways – River Cruising with SoulI have one solo cabin left on my hosted Paris & Normandy cruise, sailing November 8–15, 2025—just in time to stand on the beaches of Normandy on Remembrance Day. 💰 Solo B1 Balcony: $7,690 CAD (before
air/pre-cruise/transfers) AmaWaterways also offers: No or low solo supplements on dozens of 2025 river sailings . See wellness article below. ❄️🌴 Ponant & Paul Gauguin – Adventure Awaits (and so do solo perks!) See adventure article below.Ponant: Over 100 departures with no single supplement, including polar
expeditions, Canadian itineraries, and once-in-a-lifetime small-ship journeys aboard the world’s first luxury icebreaker. Paul Gauguin: Cruise French Polynesia with no solo supplement and a 5% Canadian resident discount. This overwater-bungalow-at-sea brings you close to culture, coral reefs, and calm.
🌍 Travel Can Be a Turning PointYou don’t need to wait for the “right” time or the “right” person. You just need to decide it’s time for you. Whether you want: - Ocean serenity
- River wellness
- Cultural immersion
- Or a soul-healing, horizon-expanding, heart-opening experience...
Solo travelling is growing. See https://www.cntraveler.com/inspiration/solo-travel and https://www.travelcourier.ca/new-report-finds-women-over-50-will-drive-746-billion-in-travel-spending-by-2035 I’ll help you find the right one—and support you every step of the way.
✉️ Ready to Take the First
Step?Let’s chat. I’d love to help you find the journey that feels like exactly what you need right now. Because you’re never really travelling alone—not when you’re travelling with intention. See articles below - and check out the exclusive offers article too - I'll have some more solo traveler ideas and offers there.
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🌍 This Week’s 4 Travel CornersEach week, we bring you insights from four inspiring corners of the travel world—designed to spark ideas, fuel your wanderlust, and keep you in the loop on what’s possible next: Lush Life’s River Cruise Corner – Explore the best of river cruising with itinerary highlights, ship spotlights, and insider tips. Adventure Travel Corner – From safaris to polar expeditions, get inspired by
journeys that push the boundaries of exploration. Wellness Travel Corner – Discover retreats, resorts, and experiences that help you relax, recharge, and reconnect. Come
Travel With Me Corner – Join one of my upcoming hosted group trips and experience the world with fellow curious, like-minded travelers—crafted and guided by me. Where will your next corner of the world be? Let’s find out together.
1. River Cruise Corner - Big Players, Bold Moves—River Cruising Is BoomingThe river cruise market is heating up—and some surprising players are jumping in. 🚢 Celebrity Cruises, best known for sleek ocean ships, is stepping into the river cruise world. They're launching four new river ships starting in 2025–26, tapping into the growing demand for immersive, inland journeys. Read
more » 🌍 Trafalgar, long associated with guided coach tours, is also entering the river space. Their first Danube itinerary is launching in partnership with a river cruise line—likely just the beginning of a broader move. Read more » 🧭 Lindblad Expeditions, a name synonymous with expedition cruising and National Geographic experiences, just signed a
multi-year charter with Transcend Cruises to offer European river voyages starting in 2026. Their initial itineraries will sail the Rhine and are designed to bring the same lens of exploration and enrichment they've mastered in places like Antarctica and the Galápagos—now to Europe's storied rivers. Read more »
🧳 Why This Matters:➡️ The river cruise world is evolving—fast. ➡️ These new entries signal broader appeal and innovation, but they also create more confusion for travelers. ➡️ As your expert advisor, I help you cut through the noise—matching you with the right river, itinerary, and cruise line for your style, budget,
and bucket list. Want help finding your perfect river match? Let’s talk. It’s clear: the demand for intimate, enriching, and immersive journeys is surging—and this will be
expecially great for all travellers - and also savvy solo travellers. And speaking of solo river cruising…
🇫🇷 One Solo Cabin Left: Paris & Normandy, November 8, 2025I have just one solo B1
balcony cabin remaining on my hosted AmaWaterways Paris & Normandy river cruise—and it’s something truly special. 🗓️ Sailing Dates: November 8–15, 2025 💰 Solo Rate: $7,690 CAD (before flights, pre-cruise hotel, transfers, fee) 🚢 What’s Included: Your own balcony stateroom, excursions, wellness classes, wine with meals,
Wi-Fi, and more 🎖️ The Moment: We’ll stand on the beaches of Normandy on Remembrance Day—November 11, 2025, with Canadian peacekeepers in uniform. This is more than a trip. It’s a powerful moment of reflection, connection, and meaningful travel—with wellness touches built in throughout.
💫 Come Travel With MeThis sailing is part of AmaWaterways’ Wellness Program, offering: Daily fitness classes with an onboard Wellness Host Guided hikes and bike rides through French countryside and historic towns Healthy cuisine alongside indulgent regional
fare and wine A small, warm group of travellers—no big crowds, no overwhelm
If you’ve been thinking of a solo trip that feeds your soul, this is it. There’s just one cabin left—and I’d love to welcome you aboard personally. 👉 Reply to this email to reserve the B1 solo cabin or to learn more. Let’s walk the Seine together—and stand in Normandy in remembrance.
2. Adventure Travel Corner- 🌍 Adventure Awaits: From the Poles to the Pacific—Explore with Ponant & Paul Gauguin
For those who crave the extraordinary—not just travel, but transformational adventure—two standout cruise lines are redefining what luxury exploration looks like. Whether it’s polar bear
sightings on a luxury icebreaker or diving into the turquoise waters of French Polynesia with a local Tahitian host, these voyages are anything but ordinary.
❄️ Ponant: Luxury Expeditions With a French SoulIf you're dreaming of off-the-beaten-path exploration with five-star flair, Ponant delivers. 🧭 Why Ponant? - A European-based expedition leader with over 460 itineraries on all seven continents
- 13 small ships ranging from just 12 to 254 guests—including Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first and only luxury icebreaker capable of reaching the Geographic North Pole
- Signature
French-inspired gastronomy, fine wines, and an open bar
- Enrichment through Smithsonian Journeys, Quintessential Collection sailings, and expert-led excursions
🌱 Committed to Sustainability: Ponant is actively engaged in supporting science and environmental protection through Ponant Foundation 🧳 Canadian Travellers, Take Note: Explore Canada-focused itineraries (yes, closer-to-home adventure!) NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT on 100+ select departures → Explore Ponant Solo Offers »
🌺 Paul Gauguin Cruises: Tahiti’s Floating Overwater BungalowPaul Gauguin Cruises brings French Polynesia to life with the M/S Paul Gauguin, a boutique ship designed specifically for these islands—and only 330 guests onboard. 🌴 Why Paul Gauguin? - 70% of staterooms and suites have private balconies—your own window to paradise
- All-inclusive: gourmet dining, open bar, excursions, water sports, Wi-Fi, gratuities, entertainment
- Cultural connection: Your onboard hosts, the Gauguins & Gauguines, share music, dance, and local legends
- Undergoing a
multi-million-dollar renovation in 2025 to elevate your experience even further
🍁 Exclusive for Canadians: 5% Canadian Resident Discount → Details Here » No Single Supplement for solo travellers on select sailings → View Offers »
✨ Adventure is Better When It Feels Like a
PrivilegeBoth Ponant and Paul Gauguin offer that rare combination: untouched destinations + all-inclusive ease + purposeful travel. Whether you’re sailing into the Arctic Circle or watching the sun set over Bora Bora, you’re not just seeing the world—you’re feeling it. And with solo traveler savings and Canadian-exclusive offers now available, there’s never been a better time to say yes.
🧳 Ready to Go Solo—or Just Go Bold?I’d love to help you choose the perfect small-ship expedition, whether it's: - The Arctic with
Ponant
- Tahiti with Paul Gauguin
- Or something completely different (like a wellness river cruise or a safari extension!)
Let’s match your next adventure to your travel style. Come explore the extraordinary—one unforgettable journey at a time. Warmly, Sheila Lush Life Travel | Virtuoso Cruise Icon 📞 [Phone Number] | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca | 🌐 www.lushlife.ca
3. Wellness Travel Corner-✨ Solo Travel Meets Wellness: The Luxury of Choosing YourselfWhether you’re craving stillness, new connections, or simply time to breathe deeply and live well—solo travel can be one
of the most rewarding gifts you give yourself. And now, two of my favourite cruise lines—Oceania Cruises and AmaWaterways—are making solo journeys even more accessible with reduced supplements, wellness programs, and exclusive savings through private sales I can offer you.
🌊
Oceania Cruises – 121 Solo-Friendly SailingsRight now, Oceania Cruises is offering reduced single supplements on over 121 sailings—so you can enjoy your own stateroom without paying nearly double. And when you book through me, you may be eligible for additional savings
through Oceania’s Private Sale (on til June 30th)—stackable offers that can make a luxurious solo journey more attainable than ever. Explore Solo Offers » 💆♀️ What else makes Oceania ideal for solo wellness travel? Daily yoga and fitness classes with ocean views Award-winning plant-based menus and wellness-inspired cuisine Immersive culinary excursions and hands-on cooking
classes Smaller ships with a refined, relaxed, and welcoming vibe It’s a wellness retreat at sea—on your terms.
🚲 AmaWaterways – Solo River Journeys with Wellness at the CoreAmaWaterways has long welcomed solo travellers with no or low single supplements, and I’m excited to share that I also have access to a private sale that may offer additional savings on select 2025 river cruises. 🏃♀️ Every AmaWaterways ship includes a dedicated Wellness Host
offering: Daily fitness classes (yoga, stretching, resistance training) Guided biking and hiking excursions Onboard spa services, walking tracks, and sun-deck pools Healthy menu choices alongside exceptional local cuisine and wine 🌍 Want inspiration? Melodies of the Danube: A journey from Budapest to Vilshofen, filled with active excursions, castle visits, and Danube valley biking trails. Paris &
Normandy: Walk Monet’s gardens, cycle through riverside towns, and take part in morning stretch classes while docked beneath the Eiffel Tower. Discover Solo Travel with AmaWaterways »
💫 Why Solo + Wellness Travel WorksBecause it’s about you. No compromises. No waiting for someone else’s calendar. Just intentional, curated travel that gives you space to reconnect—with the world, and with yourself. Whether
you want: Cultural immersion with a wellness twist Your own balcony and room to breathe Or expert guidance on the best solo sailing for your goals... Let’s make it happen.
4. Come Travel with Me Corner -✨Along the Nile 🌟 Travel With Sheila: Secrets of Egypt & the Nile 📅 Nile Cruise Dates: November 21–28,
2026 🚢 Aboard the elegant AmaDahlia 📍 7-night Nile cruise (Luxor to Luxor) + 4 nights in Cairo Nile Ritz-Carlton 🛬
Complimentary Airfare - This sailing includes roundtrip economy airfare, but you can also choose to upgrade to business class. (Promo can disappear at any time.) 📆 Itinerary & Details - View the full day-by-day itinerary here: 🔗 Secrets of Egypt & the Nile – 2026 Itinerary 🚨 Availability Alert - I’m currently holding two Category CA cabins (French balcony) for a couple of days. If you miss this opportunity, the only chance to join later would be if someone else cancels. 💸 Sample Pricing (Per Person, Double Occupancy): Category CA: C$12,134 plus Intra-Egypt Air: C$699 . (Solo
traveler options available) 📩 Let’s Make It Happen - This journey is one for the history books—and I’d love for you to be part of it. Ready to reserve? Let’s chat today to hold your cabin.
✨ Four Directions of Travel InspirationEach edition of our newsletter brings you four curated travel insights to spark your wanderlust and keep you in the know. Here’s what to expect: In the Spotlight - From client journeys to industry features, see how Lush Life Travel is creating memorable adventures—and making headlines along the way. Virtuoso Travel Inspiration –
Handpicked features from Virtuoso Life, Virtuoso Traveler, or Virtuoso Insight—ideas that transport you. Elevate Your Stay – A weekly look at standout hotels from our preferred partner network, plus the VIP perks you receive when booking with Lush Life Travel. Exclusive Offers – Special promotions and insider access available only through Lush Life Travel, a proud affiliate of Direct Travel and top Virtuoso producer. This section is your one-stop compass for ideas, upgrades, and exclusive opportunities—all designed to help you live your lushest travel life.
5. 💬 In the Spotlight - 📣 Sheila in the Spotlight We’re delighted to share that Sheila Gallant‑Halloran of Lush Life Travel was recently featured in Virtuoso’s article on “What to Expect on a Luxury Antarctic Expedition.” In her interview, Sheila captures the profound, emotional essence of polar travel, noting: “Antarctica isn’t just a destination; it’s an emotional encounter with the planet.” (See virtuoso.com)
Drawing on her extensive experience guiding clients through expedition voyages—particularly aboard Silversea—Sheila offers deep insights into luxury adventures at the edge of the world. You can also read more about Sheila’s rich background and her passion for crafting immersive travel moments in her Virtuoso advisor
profile (see virtuoso.com ), which emphasizes her expertise across river, expedition, and small-ship cruising destinations .
Why this Matters for YouExpert Guidance: Travel to
Antarctica with confidence—Sheila knows the nuances of expedition logistics, safety, and enrichment. Emotional Connection: It’s more than sightseeing—it’s a transformative journey that stays with you long after you return. Luxury with Intention: From elegant cruises to polar igloos, expect thoughtful details that
elevate your experience.
Interested in planning your own adventure to Antarctica—or another unforgettable destination? Let Sheila’s depth of knowledge and Virtuoso-level connections make your next journey extraordinary. 📧 Reach out anytime to start the conversation! Stay
inspired. Stay adventurous. Where will your Lush Life take you next?
6. Virtuoso Travel Inspiration
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Enjoy this recent edition of Virtuoso Life, Insider's Guide, and Virtuoso Dispatch—packed with award-winning travel inspiration and insights—all complimentary from me to you. Happy exploring! Take in the beauty of the Rocky
Mountains by luxury rail with lavish hotel stays along the way. Feast on the fine cuisine and stunning views of Malta. Or enjoy savings on an extended stay in stunning London. Connect with your Virtuoso travel advisor for more information on exclusive amenities. https://e.virtuosoemail.com/virtuoso-escapes-5-ways-to-get-away
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Unlock Exclusive Perks for Your Luxury Hotel Stay Did you know booking your luxury hotel stay through me unlocks exclusive perks and amenities? Here’s a sneak peek at how I can elevate your next getaway: See exclusive perks As a Virtuoso luxury advisor, I leverage top-tier programs like Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, and many more to ensure
your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. See some additional detail on these preferred hotels. See VIP’ing You at My Preferred Hotel Programs While I
specialize in river and expedition cruises, as well as bespoke trips to Africa and Australia, I’m happy to book luxury hotels for my clients. Hotel-only bookings are subject to my professional fees, outlined here: Fee Schedule. 💻 For Last-Minute Stays If you’re planning a quick trip and don’t need VIP services or concierge add-ons, you can self-book luxury properties through my Virtuoso website: Browse & Book Hotels Online. Self-booking waives my fees, but if
additional support or VIP services are required later, standard fees will apply. 💡 Still Wondering Why Book with an
Advisor? This week's feature: BodyHoliday Set on a secluded cove of white sand beach at the edge of the Caribbean Sea (St Lucia), surrounded by tropical gardens and rainforest, BodyHoliday is the
ultimate getaway for body and mind. Recognised as one of the finest destination resorts and centre of well-being, there couldn’t be a more idyllic corner of the world to escape to. But what makes this vacation truly idyllic is it’s designed by you. Reinvigorate your body, release your mind, and reignite your
spirit at BodyHoliday (St Lucia). This all-inclusive, 155-room resort will personalize your vacation around the tenets of relaxation, restoration, exercise, and diet. You can trust BodyHoliday to design a program around your yoga practice, weight loss goal, or overcoming limitations by, say, rappelling down a river gorge. Set on a secluded, white-sand cove, BodyHoliday offers endless water sports, including sailing lessons. Ayurvedic cuisine comes from the organic garden; a daily spa treatment
is included. See https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/hotels/15268576/bodyholiday
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8. Exclusive Offers 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:
DESTINATION of the week: Malta SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Windstar Solo RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Avalon Waterways Solo EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Lindblad Expeditions Solo TOUR
PARTNER of the Week: Intrepid Travel Solo Sri Lanka HOTEL of the week: BodyHoliday Solo Septembers LUXURY experience of the week: Luxury Gold Inspiring Australia Private Sale with Oceania ends June 30, and Oceania’s prices rise July 1. This offer is not published online—it’s available only through advisors like me. 📬 Message me directly or email sheila@lushlife.ca to explore available itineraries, perks, and pricing. Private Sale with AMA - I have some private 2-for-1 offers with AMA. This offer is not published online—it’s available only through advisors like me. 📬 Message me directly or email sheila@lushlife.ca to explore available itineraries, perks, and pricing. I have some offers and information on all these weekly partners. Click the button to see more.
Unlock Your Lush Life through Travel
At Lush Life Travel, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re unlocking 20 years of travel expertise paired with 20 years in financial services. My focus on detail, risk management, and a network of trusted relationships ensures your journey is seamless, unforgettable, and uniquely yours. Here’s to creating defining moments and living your lush life through travel!
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