Sunday, September 28, 2025 Travel Smarter: Tips for Safe & Stress-Free Journeys ✨ Live Your Lush Life UpdateTravel is about joy, discovery, and peace of mind. Part of living your lush life is knowing that you’re protected along the way — so you can focus on the adventures that bring the greatest Return on Life.
🚨 Travel Security Corner: Protecting Your Personal InformationLast week Azamara Cruises shared an important update with travel partners like me — and it’s worth passing along to you. They’ve become aware of scammers impersonating Azamara staff via phone calls. These bad actors may: - Claim “missing fees” are
due
- Offer fake refunds
- Announce urgent travel alerts
- Use spoofed toll-free numbers that look legitimate
Azamara stressed that they will never request payment or sensitive information through unsolicited calls, especially once a cruise is fully paid. 👉 It’s important to note that while Azamara took the step of alerting advisors and clients, these bad actors have popped up across other brands and travel supplier partners as well. This is a wider industry issue — which is why vigilance matters, no matter who you’re traveling with.
🌟 Quick Travel Safety
Tips ✅ Be cautious with unexpected calls or emails.
✅ Never share payment details without first verifying the source.
✅ When in doubt, call me directly — your trusted advisor.
What I Tell My ClientsUnfortunately, I’ve seen scammers at work recently, even targeting clients’ personal email accounts. One case involved a fake request for credit card details. That’s why I’ve updated my email signature to always remind you: “We will never ask you to send photos of your
credit card.
We will never ask you to wire or e-transfer money without first speaking with you directly.
If you ever receive a request like this, please call me right away before taking any action.”
Your trust is the foundation of my work. Together, by staying vigilant, we can protect your information — and your peace of mind
— so your focus stays where it belongs: on enjoying your journey. ✨ With that reassurance in place, let’s turn back to the fun part — the extraordinary adventures ahead on the rivers, seas, and beyond. 🌍 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 Cruise Corner: Exclusive 2-for-1 AmaWaterways SaleI have access to something very special for my clients right now — a private, unadvertised 2-for-1 offer on select AmaWaterways river cruises. (This will NOT
be shared on social media.) Because I’m an AmaWaterways Preferred Partner, I’ve been given limited access to this sale. It’s not available to the general public. ✨ Why this is special50% off the cruise base rate (before port
fees) Much richer than the public promotions currently online (which might show $300–$900 savings per person). To compare: you can use the retail promo pricing as a rough guide, but for this private sale, we need to remove any promo discounts shown online to calculate the
true 2-for-1 fare. ⏳ What to knowSpace is very limited — I can place a courtesy hold tomorrow if you’re interested. This is best suited if you can travel close-in (fall 2025). My standard cruise booking & management fee applies.
Featured SailingsHere are four extraordinary itineraries where I have access to this offer: AmaMagna – Magna on the Danube (Wine Cruise)
Nov 9–16, 2025 •
Category AB Current Promo pricing: C$8,578 pp (not the 2-for-1 price) View itinerary & details
» AmaSonata – Romantic Danube
Nov 19, 2025 • Category AB Current Promo pricing: C$7,618 pp (not the 2-for-1 price) View itinerary & details » AmaSerena – Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
Oct 27, 2025 Current Promo pricing: C$8,746 pp (not
the 2-for-1 price) View itinerary & details » AmaDolce – Taste of Bordeaux
Nov 13–20,
2025 Current Promo pricing: C$6,922 pp (not the 2-for-1 price) View itinerary & details »
🥂 Ready to
take advantage?If one of these sailings sparks your interest, let me know and I’ll grab a courtesy hold for you tomorrow before these cabins disappear. This is one of the richest offers I’ve seen with AmaWaterways — a perfect opportunity to enjoy Europe’s
rivers in luxury, at half the price. 👉 Ready to plan your river cruise? Let’s create your perfect journey: www.lushlife.ca — Sheila 2. Adventure Travel - 🥾 Adventure Corner: King Mountain Trail, Gatineau ParkThis week’s adventure took me just across the river to Gatineau Park, where I stretched my legs on the King Mountain Trail before the rain rolled in. Even with the road closures and traffic delays, the hike was absolutely worth it. The trail was dry and welcoming, the air crisp, and the leaves are only just starting to blush with autumn colour—hinting at the brilliant show to come. We dressed for the early morning frost ❄️, only to shed layers once the sun warmed things up—a perfect reminder that fall is on its way, but summer hasn’t quite let go just yet. It was a refreshing reminder of how much beauty lies right in our backyard. Sometimes
adventure doesn’t mean boarding a plane—it’s simply stepping onto a trail close to home. ✈️ From Local Trails to Global AdventuresJust as Gatineau Park offers the joy of fresh air and movement, there are extraordinary adventure travel experiences waiting overseas. If hiking, cycling, or multi-sport journeys appeal to you, consider: 🌊 Amalfi Coast Walking & Hiking Tour — explore Italy’s cliffside paths, lemon groves, and
breathtaking sea views. 🌿 New Zealand North Island Multi-Adventure Tour — a blend of hiking,
biking, kayaking, and cultural encounters in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Does an adventure travel trip like this interest you? Let’s chat about how we can turn your love of the outdoors into your next unforgettable journey. 3. Wellness Corner - The Healing Power of Laughter & BelongingThis weekend, I was reminded of just how restorative laughter and community connection can be. After a cozy dinner at 1 Elgin, I headed to the National Arts Centre for Rick Mercer’s Stand-Up for Canada. From the moment he stormed the stage to Trooper’s “Raise a Little Hell,” Rick delivered exactly what we all needed: quick wit, sharp satire,
heartfelt stories, and a heavy dose of patriotism. He had the entire theatre laughing together—poking fun at politicians with pointed but fair jabs, weaving in Canadiana from Pierre Trudeau’s “mouse and elephant” line to the quirky fact that Sensodyne is the only Canadian-made toothpaste. And in between the laughter came goosebump-inducing moments: stories of Terry Fox, Gord Downie, and Rick Hansen that made us proud to our core. What struck me most was how shared laughter bonded the room—strangers became neighbours for a night. It was a reminder that wellness isn’t only about diet or exercise; it’s about feeling part of something bigger, being uplifted by joy, and celebrating what connects us. Sometimes the best therapy is found in a crowded theatre, laughing until your cheeks hurt, and walking out feeling more Canadian—and more connected—than when you walked in. If you have the chance, go see Rick! 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 There are only 3 Balcony Suites left (and a few Star Balcony Suites too). 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!
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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: Manoir Hovey Named #1 Best Resort Hotel in Canada and #23 Best Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure. Manoir Hovey is a historic lakeside 5-Star Relais & Chateaux estate on the shores of Lake Massawippi just outside of North Hatley, one of Quebec's most picturesque villages, located only 75 minutes away from Montreal. We offer thirty-six beautifully appointed rooms and suites along with year-round activities and special events. Rooms & Suites - Manoir Hovey has 52 rooms and suites spread amongst two main buildings and six exterior pavilions. All of our accommodations are individually decorated and offer a rare combination of lake-side charm and modern luxury. Most of our rooms offer panoramic views of Lake Massawippi, a ten mile pristine lake,
and our English gardens.
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: South Greenland SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Regent Seven Seas RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Uniworld Palace on the Water EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Quark Expeditions TOUR PARTNER of the Week: HOTEL of the week: Escape to Baja LUXURY experience of the week: Azamara World Cruise 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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