Sunday, September 21, 2025 When Plans Go Sideways: Travel Lessons From Move-In Day 🎒🚚 Move-in day for my daughter Ceili at TMU was supposed to be exciting, emotional, and maybe even a little nostalgic. Instead, it turned into a masterclass in handling the unexpected. Here’s what we walked into: - A squatter still in the apartment when we arrived (plunger, broken chairs, and all).
- Our freight elevator — booked a month in
advance and confirmed twice — suddenly cancelled three days prior because of a holiday.
- Endless trips hauling boxes across a busy street, hoping an elevator would eventually take us to the right floor.
It wasn’t pretty. But with teamwork — thanks to my older daughter Ciara, her boyfriend Nick, and my husband Bill — plus bleach, Drano, and sheer determination, we scrubbed, furnished, and transformed the apartment into a home. By the end of the day, it looked less like a
student crash pad and more like a space for young professionals. And here’s the connection to travel: this is exactly what I do every day as a luxury travel advisor. ✨ Because let’s be honest: travel plans don’t always run smoothly. Flights get cancelled. Rooms aren’t ready. Weather doesn’t cooperate. In those moments, you need someone in your corner who knows how to pivot, negotiate, and make it right. That’s where I come in. My role is to troubleshoot the chaos so you can return to what matters: enjoying the journey. Whether it’s moving day or moving people across the globe, I help clean up the mess, smooth out the bumps, and make sure the final result is
seamless. That’s the Lush Life Travel difference. 🌍💙 🌍 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 - Sleeping Underwater on a River Cruise? Fixed-window cabins are the most budget-friendly, but here’s the catch: the window sits about 5 feet up — so you’ve got to stand to see out. When you’re lying in bed, you’re basically below the
waterline… hello, underwater vibes! 💦 I tried one myself on Uniworld’s River Duchess (complete with a $50,000 Savoir bed) — luxuriously comfy, but I missed the balcony breeze. For me, fresh air wins every time. Would you choose the savings, or the balcony? 👉 Ready to plan your river cruise? Let’s create your perfect journey: www.lushlife.ca — Sheila 2. Adventure Travel - From Train Tracks to Luxury Decks | Touring Silversea’s Silver Shadow in Montreal 🚆⚓️From the train tracks of Ottawa to the luxury decks of Silversea’s Silver Shadow in Montreal 🚆⚓️ This all-suite ship—part of the Shadow Class—features 196 spacious suites and was beautifully refurbished in 2019. On my tour, I was struck by the ship’s timeless interiors, warm elegance, and refined small-ship atmosphere. One of the
highlights? Experiencing Silversea’s S.A.L.T. program (Sea And Land Taste)—a culinary journey that celebrates regional cuisine and culture. I enjoyed a 3-course plated lunch onboard, and it was every bit as delicious as promised. 🍷🍴 This visit only adds to my excitement for my upcoming Silver Nova sailing later this year. 🌊✨ Would you choose a small, ultra-luxury ship like this for your next adventure? Let me know if you'd like to go. 👇 3. Wellness Corner - From Hallelujah to Hubbell: Small Moments, Big WellnessSometimes, wellness is about the little joys we carve out in our everyday lives — the moments that lift us, make us smile, and remind us to savour the present. 🎶 Music for the Soul
Hallelujah. 🙌 Leonard Cohen gave us the most perfect song, and in 2010, the goddess k.d. lang delivered the most perfect performance of it at the Vancouver Olympics. For me, it remains one of Canada’s most iconic moments — and maybe the best live performance ever. Take a break, press play, and sing along. 💙 🍴 Savouring Local
Closer to home, I stopped by the Orleans Rib and Poutine Fest. I went thinking ribs… but the poutine got me! Wonderful to see so many vendors and neighbours turn out, and of course, I had to go with a classic:
St. Albert cheese poutine. Supporting local, and treating yourself, is wellness too. Pay attention to opportunities to shop local. (In Ottawa, sign up for Capital Eats https://www.capitaleats.ca/subscribe , and Ottawa Lookout https://www.ottawalookout.com/subscribe ) 🎬 Simple Pleasures
Sometimes, wellness is curling up with an old favourite — I rewatched The Way We Were this week. Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford never fail to tug at the heartstrings (aren’t we all mourning Hubbell again?). Or maybe rewatch Out of Africa - heck, why not rewatch both? 😂 Laughter is Medicine
And speaking of joy, I’ve booked myself some comedy therapy: Kathy Griffin is coming back to Ottawa in January (see https://www.kathygriffin.net/ ), and Rick
Mercer is in town this week (see - https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/39187 it says sold out, but to come back soon - I got some tickets yesterday) — and I’m going to both. Because nothing resets your spirit quite like a good laugh. ✨ Whether it’s music, food, film, or comedy, I encourage you to plan the activities that light you up. And here’s the travel connection: wellness isn’t only found at home. It’s why so many of my clients love wellness-focused travel — whether that’s restorative days on a river cruise, a week at The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia, or simply time away where everything is taken care of so you can focus on yourself. Because just like at home, it’s the small moments — the song that stirs your soul, the meal that makes you smile, the laugh that lifts your spirit — that add up to true wellness, wherever you are in the world. 🌍💙 4. 🌟 Travel With Me: A Journey Home to Newfoundland — Fall 2026I don’t often get to invite clients to travel with me to my home province of Newfoundland — but this is that special chance. This itinerary is uniquely meaningful to me: it takes us along Canada’s Atlantic coast, right to the rugged cliffs and colourful harbours where I grew up. Every stop tells a story, and I’d love to share those stories
with you. And here’s the twist: while this cruise stays entirely in Canadian waters, it still whisks us to France. With a stop in St. Pierre & Miquelon, you’ll step into a slice of French culture without ever crossing the Atlantic. (A rare treat, since maritime laws normally require a U.S.
port on Canadian sailings.) We’ll be sailing on Windstar’s boutique-style Star Pride, where the atmosphere feels more like traveling with friends than traditional cruising. On board, you’ll enjoy:
✨ Small-ship intimacy & personalized service
✨ Destination-inspired gourmet dining
✨ Open decks perfect for whale
watching
✨ A warm, welcoming atmosphere 🌊 Itinerary HighlightsMontreal – vibrant culture & historic Old Port Saguenay – dramatic fjords carved by ice Newfoundland – wild coastlines & fishing villages St. Pierre & Miquelon – authentic French charm right next door 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 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.
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! Editor’s Letter: Cheers to 25 Years of
Virtuoso, The Magazine The magazine’s September/October issue marks a quarter century of stories shaped by luxury travel."To our art team’s credit, they didn’t run screaming when I floated the idea for a photo retrospective to honor this
magazine’s quarter-century anniversary. Hats off to them for fearlessly wading through 25 years of back issues to unearth some of our most evocative photos (and for sparing me any “What were we thinking?” moments they encountered along the way). The collection
kicks off this trips-of-a-lifetime-themed celebration of our milestone." Enjoy!
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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: Fogo Island
Inn Fogo Island Inn sits on an island, off an island, at one of the four corners of the Earth. Situated along Iceberg Alley, all 29 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto the wildest and most powerful ocean on the planet. Furnished with handmade quiet luxuries, they serve as a welcome refuge from the numbing uniformity of modern times. The island’s still-wild world has caribou to track,
hills of berries to forage, nature trails to explore and countless birds and sea life to behold. This award-winning Inn is operated as a social business, is a community asset and 100% of the operating surpluses are reinvested into the community. Fogo Island Inn's dining room was named among the top three "Best New Restaurants" in Canada by
enRoute magazine. Led by Executive Chef Timothy Charles, the Inn's culinary team is responsible for the Inn’s 48-seat dining room, 35-seat lounge and, for on- and off-site catering. The team finds inspiration in the ocean’s bounty, from ingredients grown on the island, and from Fogo Island’s time-honoured outport cooking traditions. Everything coming out of the kitchen is handmade – sausage, bread, baked goods, bacon, and mustards. The menu changes with the wind and the waves and the seven
seasons: a culinary mission that respects and celebrates the profound gift of place that is Fogo Island. Virtuoso Amenities For 2025: - Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served
in the restaurant and via in-room dining (already included in property rates)
- A locally crafted seasonal amenity, custom chosen for each client. Valued at a minimum of $100.
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
See https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/hotels/13979365/fogo-island-inn 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: Latvia SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Virgin Voyages RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: AMAWaterways Anniversary Sale EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Swan Hellenic TOUR PARTNER of
the Week: Ready to Go Wild with Micato? HOTEL of the week: Two Ritz Carltons LUXURY experience of the week: Unveil Asia by private jet 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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