🌍 Important Update: UK & EU Travel Requirements for 2025–26 Travel rules are changing again — and if you’re planning a trip to Europe or the UK in the next couple of years, here’s what you need to know to stay ahead. ✈️ Quick Travel Tip: Europe & UK Entry UpdatesUK ETA → Already required if you fly through or into the UK. Quick online form, valid 3 years, ~£10–12. EU EES → Starting Oct 2025. First arrival = passport scan + photo + fingerprints.
No fee, faster re-entry afterward. EU ETIAS → Starting Oct 2026. Online travel authorization, €20, valid 3 years, multiple entries. 💡 Check the latest requirements before you go: CIBT Visas ✈️ UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Already in effect. If you’re transiting or staying in the UK, you’ll need to apply online for an ETA. It’s quick, valid for 3 years, and costs about £10–12.
Even if you’re only connecting through the airport, it’s smart to have one in case of flight delays or overnight layovers. 🛂 EU EES (Entry/Exit System)Coming October 2025. On your first arrival in the EU, you’ll
have your passport scanned, photo and fingerprints taken. After that, you’ll be able to use digital gates for faster re-entry. There’s no fee, and manual passport lines will still exist. It’s designed to speed things up over time. 🌐 EU ETIAS (Electronic Travel Authorization)Deferred
to October 2026. Similar to the UK ETA, this will require Canadian and U.S. travelers to apply online before visiting the EU. Cost: €20. Valid for 3 years and allows multiple entries of up to 90 days.
✅ In ShortUK ETA – Required now if flying through or into the UK. EU EES – Starts October 2025, digital entry system, no fee. EU ETIAS – Starts October 2026, €20 online authorization required.
Keeping track of entry requirements is as
important as keeping your passport valid — and rules can shift. To make it easier, here’s a resource my host agency uses to track the latest updates: CIBT Visas. ✨ I’ll continue to monitor and
share updates, so you can travel confidently and focus on what really matters — enjoying your journey and maximizing your Return on Life. Warmly,
Sheila
Virtuoso Cruise Icon | Lush Life Travel
🌐 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 - 🍻 Prost to Oktoberfest — in Full Bloom! 🎶🥨The world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich kicked off on September 20 and is in full swing right now — but AmaWaterways
guests don’t need to wait until autumn to join the celebration. On every Danube River cruise, you’ll enjoy an exclusive Bavarian Oktoberfest in Vilshofen, Germany — year-round! ✨ Imagine lively Bavarian music, warm pretzels straight from the oven, hearty beer served in frosty steins, and the cozy Gemütlichkeit spirit that makes
this tradition so unforgettable. It’s one of those special “only with Ama” moments that brings Bavarian culture to life on the river. 📽️ Watch this short Oktoberfest video from
AmaWaterways to get a taste of the festivities. 🍂 And if the real Oktoberfest has you inspired — I have last-minute Danube cruise offers available now. You can still toast to Bavarian traditions onboard while sailing through Europe’s most magical river destinations. 👉 Ready to plan your river cruise? Let’s create your perfect journey: www.lushlife.ca — Sheila 2. Adventure Travel - Expedition Cruising Myths — Busted!Travelers often tell me the same things when I bring up expedition cruising:
“Isn’t it too adventurous? Too expensive? Isn’t it just for retirees?” That’s why, over the next few weeks, I’m unpacking the 6 biggest myths about expedition cruising and sharing the truth — drawn from my own adventures in Antarctica, the Amazon, the Galápagos, Newfoundland, and beyond. ✨
Think of it like a mini-series — each week, I’ll bust one myth and show you how expedition cruising really works. Spoiler alert: it’s not what most people imagine!
🚫 Myth #1: Expedition Cruising is Too AdventurousHere’s the truth: you don’t have to be an elite athlete to step into the world of expedition cruising. If you can step into a bathtub
unaided, you can get into a Zodiac. If you can walk a mile at a 20-minute pace, you can walk along Antarctic ice. And you’re never alone — expedition team members are always there to steady the Zodiac, help you in and out safely, and adjust landings so
there’s a choice for every comfort level. On my own journeys, I’ve stood among penguins in Antarctica, gone birding in the Amazon, snorkeled in the Galápagos, and even dog-sledded in Québec. Every step of the way, the expeditions were carefully designed so that everyone could experience the magic. ✨ Expedition cruising isn’t about danger — it’s about discovery.
🔜 What’s NextIn next week’s Adventure Travel Corner, I’ll tackle Myth #2: Expedition cruising is only for retirees. You might be surprised who really books these trips! 📌 Want a sneak peek of the whole series? Check out my recent [social media post here] (link to Launch Reel https://youtube.com/shorts/XgT2CPFPYBQ?si=OxU2iCGcJ35_GBep ). Until then — keep dreaming about the adventures that bring you the greatest Return on Life. 3. Wellness Corner - When Wellness Gets Weird (and Wonderful)Wellness travel is having a moment — and it’s not just about yoga retreats and green juices anymore. One of my destination partners recently shared a trend that clients are loving: “Wellness is getting
weird.” Think biohacking. Think futuristic spa menus. Think retreats that blend ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science. These once ultra-exclusive experiences are no longer just for billionaires — they’re becoming more accessible, and travelers are here for it. ✨ The result? Mind-blowing, body-boosting journeys that recharge you on every level. So, where does science meet spa best? 🧊 IcelandCold
plunges, glacial hikes, volcanic hot springs, and thermal detoxes — all under the Northern Lights. Pure elemental magic. 🏔️ SwitzerlandThe Rolls-Royce of biohacking: oxygen therapy, cellular regeneration clinics, and next-gen diagnostics at lakeside wellness resorts. 🌵 ChileDesert-based longevity experiences paired with authentic
grounding rituals that connect body and spirit. 🌸 ThailandEastern wisdom meets modern tech — sleep optimization, herbal detox, infrared therapy, and five-star wellness cuisine. 🌞 SpainMediterranean wellness with a sci-fi twist: IV therapy, gut-health menus, and spa offerings that feel straight out of the future. 🌴 Costa
RicaJungle healing at its finest — breathwork, biofeedback, nature-immersion retreats. (Wi-Fi optional 😉).
Why Now?These extreme wellness getaways are trending because more travelers are investing in their health, longevity, and balance. They want more than a spa day — they want transformation. At Lush Life Travel, I work with expert DMC partners who specialize in this niche, so we can build bespoke itineraries that blend the best of science, nature, and soul. 💡 Ready to see where wellness
meets wonder for you? Let’s start designing your ultimate retreat. ✨ Because wellness shouldn’t just be routine — it should be remarkable. 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! Holiday &
Winter Where’s your winter wonderland? From snowy Swiss pistes in Saint Moritz to sugar-white-sand beaches in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, there’s an ideal seasonal escape for every kind of traveler. And
whether you’re looking to cozy up with a warm drink in a mountain lodge or unwind on a sun-splashed Caribbean cruise, as your Virtuoso travel advisor. I'm here to handle every detail – and deliver plenty of perks, from tailormade experiences and VIP access to generous savings, suite upgrades, and shipboard credits. 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: Hotel Sacher Wien Vienna As the only privately owned and family-run luxury hotel in the city, the iconic Hotel Sacher Wien is a Viennese landmark, set
opposite the Vienna State Opera. The unique balance of maintained traditions and contemporary elements provides an authentic sense of place. The refurbished rooms all feature individually collected antiques and original oil paintings, making it one of Austria’s landmarks and largest private art collections. Home of the Original Sacher-Torte, the famous Café Sacher is where guests can experience this culinary history or opt for the no-calories version at the Sacher Boutique Spa when it is “Time
to Chocolate.” Virtuoso travelers receive: For 2025: - Upgrade on arrival, subject to
availability
- Daily Buffet Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the hotel restaurant
- $100 USD equivalent Hotel credit to be utilized during stay, valid at Sacher Boutique Spa and Food & Beverage outlets (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
See https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-hotels/6164212/hotel-sacher-wien-vienna 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: Quebec City SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: VIRGIN VOYAGES RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: AMA Watereways EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC-LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS - Canadian OFFER 20% off Select TOUR PARTNER of the Week: EXODUS ADVENTURE TRAVELS
COSTA RICA
HOTEL of the week: LA VALISE TULUM -TULUM, MEXICO
LUXURY experience of the week: Four Season Yachts 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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