Some places stay with you—not because of what they are, but because of what they overcame. Back in early December, I boarded the Hawke’s Bay Express (off a Silversea cruise), and arrived in Napier, New Zealand—a small coastal city with one of the most extraordinary comeback stories I’ve ever encountered. In 1931, Napier was struck […]
From Shattered to Stunning: The Travel Story That Might Reshape Your 2026 Read More »
2025 didn’t whisper—it roared. 2025 didn’t whisper—it roared. And now? You should go where only the bold go. Antarctica, 2026. In reviewing my 2025 travels, I watched a video I’d captured in Antarctica of a seal—poised on a drifting stage of ice—slide effortlessly into the Southern Ocean like it was the grand finale
2025 didn’t whisper—it roared. Read More »
There’s nothing more rewarding as a travel advisor than hearing how a journey truly landed for a client — and I’m so grateful when they take the time to share. This week’s spotlight comes from Nathalie, who recently returned from her first river cruise on the Seine — traveling with a group of women
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: River Cruising Memories & Raves Read More »
Champagne corks can shoot out at 55 mph — and yes, people die every year from popping bottles the wrong way. 😳 Tony Soljan, a third-generation winemaker from Soljān Estate Winery in New Zealand, shares the pro method for opening sparkling wine safely and with respect. He uses the méthode traditionnelle (just like
You’re Popping Champagne Wrong – Here’s the Safe Way Read More »
Spoiler alert: polar bears and penguins live on opposite ends of the Earth. But there is one ship that connects their worlds… Earlier this year, I sailed aboard Le Commandant Charcot — the world’s most advanced polar vessel, capable of reaching places almost no other ship can. We’re talking multi-year Antarctic ice, PC2 ice
Adventure Travel – Why Polar Bears and Penguins Will Never Be Friends… Read More »
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
December 28 – Some Offers from my Partners Read More »
🌟 Travel in 2026 — A Year to Savor, Discover & Reconnect 2026 isn’t just another year on the calendar — it’s the perfect moment to lean into joy, reconnect with yourself and the world, and travel with deeper meaning. Whether you’re dreaming of gliding through European vineyards on a river cruise, exploring icy
Travel in 2026 — A Year to Savor, Discover & Reconnect Read More »
Why Now Is the Smartest Time to Book for 2026 River cruising is one of the best-planned, least-stressful ways to travel — and it’s surging in popularity for 2026. Want to know a secret? The best promos and most desirable cabins (especially those with twin balconies or suites) often disappear well over a year out.
River Cruise Corner – Why Now Is the Smartest Time to Book for 2026 Read More »
The Galápagos — Evolution, Up Close There are few places on Earth that truly feel like another world — the Galápagos Islands are one of them. Here, giant tortoises roam volcanic landscapes. Blue-footed boobies dance in the sand. Sea lions nap on park benches. Penguins zip past you while snorkeling. Every moment feels like
The Galápagos — Evolution, Up Close Read More »
We’re thrilled to share that Virtuoso’s testimonial system is now back up and running smoothly after some recent technical hiccups. If you’ve been waiting to leave or view a review — it’s all working again! This week, I want to highlight a lovely note from my client Vicki, who recently returned from her November journey:
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: Feeling Taken Care Of Read More »
