🌍 Adventure Travel at Its Finest: The Galápagos

Few destinations capture the essence of exploration like the Galápagos Islands. A volcanic archipelago where Charles Darwin once walked, this is a place where nature still rules—and where every day is a discovery.

Why the Galápagos?

Wildlife up close: Marvel at blue-footed boobies performing their comical courtship dance, spot rare red-footed boobies nesting in mangroves, and see giant tortoises lumbering across the highlands.

Pristine landscapes: Walk on hardened lava fields, climb volcanic craters, and kayak past cliffs alive with seabirds.

Adventure that takes your breath away: Snorkel with playful sea lions, glide beside sea turtles, or encounter penguins thriving in equatorial waters—it’s a surreal mix of moments you’ll never forget.

Beyond the Islands
Your journey often includes more than the archipelago itself. Many expeditions stop in Quito, Ecuador, where you can stand at the sundial marking the equator—literally straddling two hemispheres. In the Galápagos, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station offers insight into the conservation work protecting giant tortoises and other endemic species. Guided hikes across the islands deepen your connection to this living laboratory of evolution.

✨ Lindblad Expeditions – Galápagos with Canadian Savings
When it comes to expedition cruising, Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, sets the standard. Onboard experts—naturalists, scientists, and photographers—turn every outing into an immersive lesson in discovery. Their small ships mean flexible daily choices: hike, kayak, snorkel, or relax while nature unfolds around you.

And right now, Canadian residents can take advantage of a rare opportunity: 35% off select Galápagos departures and routes.

Expires August 31st!  See https://www.expeditions.com/landing/canada-35-ta

This is more than a vacation—it’s an expedition that changes how you see the world. Walk where Darwin walked, explore one of Earth’s last wild sanctuaries, and truly “Let the Wild In.”

📅 Contact me to learn more about Lindblad’s Galápagos voyages and the exclusive Canadian resident savings.

@Lush Life Travel | Virtuoso Cruise Icon
www.lushlife.ca | Virtuoso Profile 

📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey:

🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey:

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Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca

🌍 This Week’s 4 Travel Corners

Each 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:

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 - The Mekong Awaits: Five Luxury River Cruises That Reveal Vietnam & Cambodia

 Golden temples, floating markets, timeless villages—the Mekong River is Southeast Asia’s soul. A luxury river cruise here blends cultural immersion with effortless comfort, letting you experience Vietnam and Cambodia in a way few travelers ever do.

In my full feature, discover why the Mekong is the river you should sail—and explore the best itineraries with AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Aqua Expeditions, Viking, and Avalon Waterways.

2. Adventure Travel - Snorkelling in Moorea… Without an Underwater Camera? 🌊🐠

Who says you need underwater footage to capture the magic of Moorea? From sunshine and laughter to the moment just before you dive in, this South Pacific gem delivers beauty at every angle. 💙 📍 Moorea, French Polynesia 👩‍👧 Family snorkelling adventure 🎵 Tropical vibes, endless turquoise

3. Wellness Meets Scandinavia: Discover Cruises That Restore Mind, Body & Spirit

Imagine golden midsummer nights, crisp Nordic air, and the healing power of fjords, saunas, and friluftsliv (open-air living). In my latest feature, I reveal how Scandinavia is the ultimate wellness destination—and the extraordinary cruises that take you there.

From Seabourn’s Private Sale and Regent Seven Seas’ all-inclusive luxury to Azamara’s boutique intimacy, Ponant’s cultural journeys, Windstar’s yacht-style adventures, and Viking’s destination-focused voyages—these sailings are designed to nourish, inspire, and transform.

4. Come Travel with Me Corner  

🌟 Travel With Sheila:  AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND - November- December 2025

Sail with me on a luxury voyage through two of the world’s most breathtaking destinations—Australia and New Zealand.

Sail With Me on Silver Nova: Virtuoso Cruise Icon Celebration

This November, I’m deeply honored to be recognized once again as a Virtuoso Cruise Icon for 2025—a distinction reserved for the top 1% of cruise travel advisors worldwide. To mark this occasion, Silversea and Virtuoso are hosting a special Cruise Icon Celebration aboard the spectacular Silver Nova, and my husband and I will be sailing from November 30 to December 12, 2025.

The best part? You’re invited to join us.

Together, we’ll depart from Melbourne and cross the Tasman Sea to explore New Zealand’s legendary landscapes and vibrant cities. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in Silversea’s all-inclusive ultra-luxury experience:
✨ Spacious suites with sweeping ocean views
✨ Exceptional dining and wine experiences
✨ Personalized, intuitive service
✨ A warm, elegant onboard atmosphere

This isn’t just a cruise—it’s a chance to celebrate alongside some of the most accomplished Virtuoso advisors in the world, while exploring one of the planet’s most breathtaking regions.

Voyage Highlights:

Melbourne’s laneways, galleries & buzzing food scene

Scenic cruising through pristine coastal wonders

New Zealand’s charming ports, wine regions & dramatic fjords

Exclusive onboard events for the Virtuoso Cruise Icon Celebration

With Silver Nova’s intimate size, every port feels personal, every experience curated, and every moment tailored to you.

📅 View the full itinerary here: Melbourne to Auckland – Silver Nova Itinerary Melbourne to Auckland – Silver Nova Itinerary

Space is limited for this rare sailing. Let’s reserve your suite now and make this a once-in-a-lifetime South Pacific celebration together.

🌟 Travel With Sheila: Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure — Fall 2026

🍁 Montreal to Montreal | September 25 – October 9, 2026

🛳 14 Nights Aboard Windstar’s Elegant Star Pride

Explore Canada’s Wild Atlantic Coast—A Rare Voyage

This fall, I’m inviting you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Canada’s untamed Atlantic coast—a sailing that Windstar is offering only once.

On the Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure, we’ll journey from cosmopolitan Montreal into towering fjords, colorful fishing villages, and rugged northern coastlines—just as autumn’s golden colors are at their peak.

This itinerary is especially meaningful to me—it brings us right to my home province of Newfoundland, where dramatic cliffs meet the endless ocean and every harbor tells a story.

And here’s the twist: though the cruise never leaves Atlantic Canada, it does whisk us to France. With a stop in St. Pierre & Miquelon, you’ll step into a little slice of French culture—without crossing the ocean. (A rare treat, since maritime laws usually require cruises here to include a U.S. port.)

Aboard the boutique-style Star Pride, you’ll enjoy:
✨ Small-ship intimacy & personalized service
✨ Destination-inspired gourmet dining
✨ Open decks perfect for whale watching
✨ A warm, welcoming atmosphere—more like traveling with friends than cruising

Itinerary Highlights:

Montreal’s vibrant culture & historic Old Port

The dramatic fjords of Saguenay

Newfoundland’s wild coastlines & fishing villages

The French charm of St. Pierre & Miquelon

Golden autumn landscapes at every turn

📅 View full itinerary & group pricing here:
Windstar Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure – Details & Booking

(If that link gives you trouble, simply copy & paste into your browser. My group receives an exclusive 5% discount on this sailing.)

➡ More details from Windstar here: Quebec & Newfoundland Adventure Itinerary

Space is limited, and demand is high for this one-time voyage. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Canada’s Atlantic coast in style, this is the year to make it happen.

Let’s reserve your suite and create unforgettable memories together.

✨ Four Directions of Travel Inspiration

Each 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.   Spotlight: ✨ 2025 Virtuoso Cruise Award Winners – And I’ve Sailed Them All ✨

On Thursday night at the Virtuoso Awards Gala in Las Vegas, these five cruise lines were named the best in the world for 2025: 

🏆 Ponant – Best Expedition 

🏆 Explora Journeys – Best Ocean Luxury 

🏆 Oceania Cruises – Best Contemporary & Premium 

🏆 AmaWaterways – Best River 

🏆 Windstar Cruises – Best Niche 

I’ve sailed on all five—and four of them in just the past year: 

🧊 Ponant – Canadian Boreal Forest & St. Lawrence to St. Pierre (Feb 2025) 

🌊 Explora Journeys – Istanbul to Athens (Sept 2024) 

👩‍👧 Oceania – A special mother–daughter trip 

🚤 AmaWaterways – Danube on AmaMagna (Mar 2024) + Seine on AmaDante (July & this Nov 2025) 

🌺 Windstar – Tahiti on Star Breeze (June 2024) 

As a Virtuoso Cruise Icon—in the top 1% of cruise advisors worldwide—I bring my clients: 

✨ Firsthand experience on award-winning ships 

✨ Insider knowledge & executive connections 

✨ Exclusive perks, private sales & VIP treatment 

📅 Ready to plan your bucket-list cruise? Let’s make it happen. 

Subscribe to my youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@SheilaGallantHalloran

📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey:

🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey:

🔹 Schedule a Consult

Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca

Additional info: exclusive perks 

VIP’ing You at My Preferred Hotel Programs and 

💡 Still Wondering Why Book with an Advisor?

This week, we feature:  Mashpi Lodge

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: The Faroe Islands

SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Seabourn Private Sale – Celebrate Midsummer: Baltic & Land of the Midnight Sun

RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: AmaWaterways – Vietnam & Riches of the Mekong

EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Lindblad Expeditions Galapagos - 35% off for Canadians

TOUR PARTNER of the Week: Micato Safaris - Jewels of South Africa

HOTEL of the week:  The Cormorant at 55 South – Silversea’s New Gateway to Antarctica

LUXURY experience of the week: L

I have some offers and information on all these weekly partners. Click the button to see more. 

📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey:

🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey:

🔹 Schedule a Consult

Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca