Sunday, January 11, 2026 Set Your 2026 Travel Goals — Real Places, Real Magic Set Your 2026 Travel Goals — Real Places, Real MagicDear Lush Lifers, Think Santorini only looks perfect in photos? Think again.
🇬🇷 This isn’t a postcard — it’s real, and it’s Greece in 2026. Santorini: where the sunsets are surreal and every corner feels like a
dream. The caldera glow, the whitewashed lanes, the indigo sea meeting apricot skies — it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. If
Greece is on your 2026 travel list, here’s your sign to start planning. 👇 Drop a 🌊 if you’re ready to make it real.
But let’s go even farther — to a place where travel doesn’t just soothe the senses, it electrifies them: Sailing Auckland Harbour — America’s Cup Energy in Real Life ⛵️🇳🇿 There’s something undeniably thrilling about standing in the
America’s Cup museum one minute, seeing the gleaming trophies and hearing the legends of the races...
…and then being out on the water the next, wind in your hair and skyline racing by. On Auckland Harbour, with the sails filled and the city behind you, it
feels like stepping straight into the world of Team New Zealand — focused, fast, and fearless. The highlight? It wasn’t just the speed — it was the people.
An exceptional young woman on the crew — confident, skilled, and completely at home at the helm. A reminder that some destinations don’t just offer beauty — they move you. Auckland doesn’t whisper.
It energizes. ⛵️ Is New Zealand on your 2026 travel goal list? Let me know in an email!
✨ Why Set Travel Goals for 2026?Travel goals aren’t just itineraries
— they’re intentions.
They help you: - Break the everyday routine
- Reclaim a sense of wonder
- Grow through experience, not just escape
- Connect with culture, nature, and yourself
Whether you’re craving a sunset in Greece or
the rush of open water in New Zealand, setting a travel goal gives you something real to plan, anticipate, and live. Ready or not — your next great story is out there. 🌎 Where is your 2026 destination dream? Drop an emoji or place name below — I’d
love to help you make it a plan. ✈️💙 #2026Goals #TravelWithMeaning #SantoriniSunsets #AucklandAdventures #LushLifeTravel #LiveYourLushLife 🌲 Coming Soon: Adventure Canada — Explore Your Own BackyardCookin’ up something special with @adventurecanada 🇨🇦✨
Small-group journeys, Canadian stories, and big nature moments are on the
horizon.
We're getting inspired us — from Arctic landscapes to Indigenous-led experiences to the wild, raw beauty of our own backyard. Where in Canada would you love to explore
next? 👇 Drop your dream destination below! 🗺 The Arctic
🐋 Newfoundland & Labrador
⛰ Haida Gwaii
🌲 The Northwest Passage
🚢 St. Lawrence & East Coast
…or
somewhere else? Stay tuned — more details coming soon! #AdventureCanada #ExploreCanada #CanadianTravel #IndigenousExperiences #ExpeditionCruise #LushLifeAdventures #Travel2026
📌 Ready to design a trip that inspires your next chapter?
Let’s create something unforgettable. #TravelWithMeaning #ReturnOnLife #2026Vision #NapierNZ #ArtDecoRevival #TransformationThroughTravel
#LushLifeTravel 🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey: 🔹 Schedule a Consult Warmly,
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
Virtuoso Cruise Icon
www.lushlife.ca 🌍 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: 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 - River Cruising & Mobility: What You Need to Know Before You BookSee the Section 4.) Travel with Me below for information on new Travel with Me group for river cruising in 2027 - Festive Delights on the Rhine in 2027
- travel with me! (More info for solo travelers on another idea next week.) And for other news.... River cruising is a beautiful way to travel—but it does require
a certain level of mobility. It’s important to understand that before you book. - Guests must be able to board the ship independently, manage stairs of varying heights, and—when ships are rafted together—sometimes cross up and over another ship, especially when lobbies don’t
align.
- Elevators, when available, often don’t reach lower decks, and shore excursions frequently involve cobblestones, uneven ground, and steps.
- In limited cases, river cruising may be possible with a fully capable companion and flexible expectations—but it isn’t ideal, and touring may be reduced.
- For many travellers, an ocean cruise with truly accessible staterooms, elevators serving all decks, and better mobility support is a more comfortable and
enjoyable option.
The goal is always the same: ✨ the right trip, for the right traveller, at the right time. If mobility is a consideration, ask the questions early—it makes
all the difference. #AskSheila sheila@lushlife.ca Warmly,
Sheila
Lush Life Travel |
Virtuoso Cruise Icon | AmaWaterways Elite Advisor 2. Adventure Travel - This ice is alive — and it’s whispering ancient secrets.This ice is alive — and it’s whispering ancient secrets. That’s the feeling you get when you stand on the edge of the world’s great ice realms. Not just frozen water, not just vast white landscapes, but living, breathing – shifting and storytelling in every crack, curve and crevasse. This is polar travel — and it’s nothing short of transformative. Whether you’re drawn to the Antarctic Peninsula or the Arctic Circle, you’re signing up for far more than a cruise. You’re signing up for an immersion into Earth’s final frontiers, where nature is both teacher and companion. ❄️ More Than a Cruise — A Communion With the
PlanetWhen you journey to these regions, you witness phenomena few ever experience: - Brash ice and pancake ice swirling in surreal patterns
- Sky so wide it feels like a dome of possibility
- Wildlife that thrives where others cannot — from penguins to polar bears
- And that unique
silence that only true wilderness can offer
This isn’t just travel.
It’s a way of learning about our planet — and ourselves. Every expedition teaches something: patience, presence, perspective, and the power of ecosystems that operate on their own ancient rhythms. 🌍 Polar Destinations Calling in 2026If your 2026 travel plans are starting to take shape, consider where the polar call might take you: ✨ Antarctica – White deserts & iceberg cathedrals
Embark on a voyage through channels flanked by towering ice, observe colonies of penguins in full courtship spectacle, and feel the immensity of Earth’s southernmost wilderness. ✨ The Arctic – Fjords, ice floes, and midnight sun
From Svalbard’s rugged shores to Greenland’s monumental icebergs, the Arctic offers a hauntingly beautiful landscape shaped by extremes — and a chance to encounter wildlife few ever see in the wild. These trips go beyond sightseeing — they engage your senses, expand
your understanding of our planet, and deepen your connection to our natural world. 👇 What Calls to You?Which frontier are you drawn to — Arctic or Antarctic?
Drop a ❄️ if this just hit your bucket list. Polar expedition travel checks every box:
✔️ Adventure travel
✔️ Learning &
inspiration
✔ Emotionally and visually unforgettable moments
✔ A profound reminder of how wild and wonderful our world still is Whether you’re ready to plan this for 2026 or just exploring ideas, I’m here to help you chart a course that fits your curiosity and your calendar. This isn’t just a cruise — it’s a way of experiencing the world. 🌍❄️ #PolarExpedition #TravelDeeper #BucketListTravel #NatureLovers #AdventureTravel #IceWorlds #FrozenPlanet
3. Wellness Corner - — Finding Peace in a Spinning World Lately, it can feel like the world is changing faster
than we can process — headlines cycle in minutes, news about geopolitics, climate and uncertainty seem nonstop, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In times like this, it’s more important than ever to carve out space for peace, calm, and restoration — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. One inspiring way people are
finding serenity is by embracing movement with purpose. You might already be familiar with the Walk for Peace initiative, where dedicated walkers — including monks — make mindful journeys with intention. Watching their quiet resolve can remind us that movement + meaning = clarity:
👉 Watch on Facebook: Monks on their peace walk ➤ https://www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa If that resonates, why not plan a mindful walk of your own? Whether it’s a trail near home, a stroll through a favourite park, or a scenic walk abroad, steady steps and fresh air can do
wonders for stress. Or, imagine standing beneath the Eiffel Tower at sunrise, a moment that invites deep breathing, calm focus, and awe at beauty — simple but powerful.
👉 Take a breath here: Paris + Eiffel Tower on YouTube ➤ https://youtube.com/shorts/CBcqK_cIM6A?si=O6LqAGY6oW775OOu And there’s even a fascinating wellness travel story coming out of Sweden — a country known for its clean air, forests, and calm pace of life. Sweden’s tourist board has launched an initiative called The Swedish Prescription, inviting travellers and doctors to see travel itself as a wellness tool. In this program, doctors can recommend time spent in Sweden — not as a replacement for medical care, but as a complementary way to support mental and physical wellbeing through nature, culture, and restorative activities like forest walks, sauna rituals, or simply embracing “fika” (a mindful coffee break). It’s part of a larger global conversation about treating travel as part of holistic health —
reducing stress, boosting mood, and connecting body and mind. At its heart, wellness travel is about intentional breaks: choosing experiences that help you reset, recharge, and return to everyday life with renewed strength. That might be a serene hike, a cultural immersion, or simply a trip designed with your wellbeing in mind. Whatever form it takes for you, here’s a gentle reminder: peace isn’t found in distraction — it’s found in presence. 🌍 Plan your next step toward wellbeing — and let travel help
you find your calm.Think your 2026 goals are big? 4. 🌟 Travel With Me: Windstar 2026 and AMA Waterways 2027 Festive Delights on the Rhine 2027 — and Something More for SolosLast week, I shared the early idea for a 2027 Christmas
Markets cruise—and I’ve been thrilled by🎄 Lush Life River Cruise Corner — Festive Delights on the Rhine! I’m thrilled to announce my newest hosted group — and I’d love for you to consider joining us for a magical kickoff to the holiday season in 2027! We’ll be sailing AmaWaterways’ Festive Delights itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the beautiful AmaSerena, departing November 23, 2027. This unique sailing blends twinkling lights, cozy winter villages, and early holiday cheer along the Rhine. 🗓 Cruise Snapshot
• Ship: AmaSerena
• Itinerary: Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles – Festive Delights
• Dates: November 23–30, 2027
• Embark: Basel
• Disembark: Amsterdam
• View Cruise Info ✨ What is “Festive Delights”?
It’s not a full “Christmas Markets” cruise, as not all markets may be open just yet — but
many are, especially in Germany and France, and you’ll still enjoy rich seasonal ambiance, winter charm, and onboard celebrations. Here’s a helpful guide to Christmas market openings. 🌟 Why This Sailing Is Special
• Excellent availability across all stateroom categories
• One of the only Festive Delights dates still offering a promotion
• Choose your bonus:
o C$1,800 off per person, or
o FREE 4-night land extension in Lake Como & Milan
→ View Cruise + Land Extension 🚢 Meet Your Ship: AmaSerena 📌 A Quick Note
These promos are tied to availability and can be pulled at any time. Even though this is a 2027 sailing, Festive Delights cruises are booking up quickly — and this
is one of the rare ones with a promotion still in place. 🛎 Interested?
I’d be happy to place a courtesy hold for you while we explore your options. Just reply to this note — I’d love to help you experience this unforgettable holiday journey. Of course, couples, friends, and solos are welcome to join me. This will not be a special solo departure, with mostly solo women - however, I am still working on another idea. Warmly,
Sheila
Lush Life Travel | Virtuoso Cruise Icon | AmaWaterways Elite
Advisor⚓ Windstar: Montréal → St. Pierre → Montréal | September 2026 Next September, I’ll be hosting a small group with Windstar Cruises on a beautiful round-trip sailing from Montréal to St. Pierre, exploring Canada’s East Coast before visiting France — yes, St.
Pierre-et-Miquelon is technically part of France! 🇫🇷 This itinerary features no U.S. ports — just stunning scenery, local flavours, and Windstar’s signature blend of casual luxury and discovery. 🇨🇦✨ 👉 Learn More About the
Sailing:
Windstar Québec–Newfoundland Adventure 🎶 Explore My Hosted Group – Itinerary, Ship & Pricing Details:
Sheila’s Hosted Windstar Group Page Read more: https://lushlife.ca/travel-with-me-a-journey-home-to-newfoundland-fall-2026/ Let’s reserve
your suite and create unforgettable memories together. ✨ 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. 🌟 Lush Life Spotlight: Quoted in Travelweek! I’m excited to share that I was quoted in Travelweek this week in a story about winter travel demand and how travel advisors across Canada are responding to bookings for sun destinations like the Caribbean. It’s an honour to contribute to the industry conversation alongside other professionals! Here’s what I shared in the article: “Lush Life Travel’s Sheila Gallant‑Halloran focuses on river cruises, expedition sailings, and small ship ocean cruises — not sun‑and‑sand getaways — ‘so the current headlines haven’t directly impacted the kinds of trips I typically book,’” I
told Travelweek.
However, I am monitoring for airspace closures and flight path changes after the Venezuela developments. Like any experienced travel advisor, I know that circumstances can change on a dime.
“In general, Canadians are still very much in that ‘elbows up’ mindset — they’re cautious, yes,
but also determined to live fully,” I said.
The piece highlights how advisors are fielding a range of client interests this winter — from warm getaways to Portugal and the Caribbean to bucket‑list trips like Antarctica — and how traveller confidence is evolving in early 2026. 👉 Read the full article here: https://www.travelweek.ca/news/caribbean-is-open-for-business-says-cto-as-travel-advisors-tour-ops-share-feedback-on-winter-sun-bookings Whether you’re dreaming of warm beaches, a bucket‑list adventure, or an unforgettable cruise experience, travel continues to be alive and well — and I’m here to help make yours extraordinary. ✈️🌍 — Sheila
🔗 Virtuoso Reviews for Sheila Gallant-Halloran 📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey: 🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey: 🔹 Schedule a
Consult Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca
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! Virtuoso escapes Reset with a complimentary massage or a
yoga session in Antigua and Barbuda. Learn the ancient art of Muay Thai in a luxury boxing studio in Bangkok. Or enjoy starlit strolls and immersive shore excursions on a luxurious cruise. Browse exclusive experiences and limited-time offers, then reach out to Sheila, your Virtuoso travel advisor, to get
started. https://virtuoso-2.hubspotpagebuilder.com/virtuoso-escapes-13-jaw-dropping-destinations-0
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7.  𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒖𝒙𝒖𝒓𝒚? 𝑳𝒆𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓
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Unlock Exclusive Perks for Your Luxury Hotel Stay When you check into one of the world’s finest hotels through me (or via my Virtuoso
self-booking site), you’re stepping into a stay filled with VIP perks like:  Daily breakfast for two Room upgrades (when available) Early check-in / late check-out (when available) A US$100+ food & beverage or spa credit (varies by property)  𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 & 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲? Just self-bookYou can browse and self-book many of my Virtuoso partner hotels (link in first comment) — booking this way still gets you those amazing perks, with no added fee. Browse & Book Hotels Online.  𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: If you’re staying at a Four Seasons, let me handle the booking through my Four Seasons Preferred Partner status so you’ll get even more exclusive access and benefits beyond Virtuoso.  𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦?If you’d like full VIP treatment—think personalized concierge service, curated experiences, and extra-special touches—just hire me to manage the booking. I’ll take care of every detail so you can simply arrive and enjoy. Whether it’s part of a bigger trip I’m planning for you, or just a quick getaway, let’s make every hotel stay unforgettable. (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.)  𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐕𝐈𝐏 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲.
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This week, we feature Octant Ponta Delgada Take time to embrace the singularity.. Welcome to the island getaway, the one overlooking the deep blue. Every Octant is a tribute to its location. They are places where you will find care and attention, peace and freedom, with no time constraints. And also, rare emotion, deep knowledge, unique encounters and experiences
that you will never forget. Here, at Octant Ponta Delgada, Azorean sophistication and natural beauty meet right in the center of the city. Between the cosmopolitan lifestyle of the marina and the more exotic interior of the island of S. Miguel, the contrast between the ocean and the green feeds an adventurous, sustainable spirit that is deeply
protective of local ecosystems. 123 rooms and suites overlooking the sea, the À TERRA restaurant supplied by local producers and serving local dishes, the Lobby Market and a new, full spa and gym open round the clock, a conference center and a panoramic outdoor pool. And taking advantage of São Miguel’s natural environment, you can easily
transition from this atmosphere of sophistication to the more rustic and genuine side of the island, where the landscapes tell ancient stories, among geographical cuts that allow experiences of nature and adventure that are only made here. and only here they feel. They say that each person is an island. This — believe me — awakens more of you, more of us. This is what it means to be free. It is having the time for what matters, turning it into good memories, and returning to them over and over again. Virtuoso AmenitiesFor 2025: - Upgrade on arrival, subject
to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- Complimentary 50 minute massage for up to two people, per room, once during the stay (must have minimum value of $100 USD equivalent)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Many of these perks and amenities are only available when you book your stay through a Virtuoso travel advisor. https://www.virtuoso.com/travel/luxury-hotels/6164195/la-residence 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: Tokyo SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Seabourn All-Inclusive RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Ama Waterways EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner the week: Quark Go Polar TOUR PARTNER of the
Week: Tauck's Ways of Travel
HOTEL of the week: Rosewood Le Guanahani
LUXURY experience of the week: Cunard Set Sail 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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