Europe’s rivers are running historically low this year, and if you’ve got a Rhine or Danube sailing coming up, you deserve a clear answer — not a headline. Here’s exactly what I’m seeing, line by line, and why it matters.
Europe River Cruise Water Levels 2026 | Lush Life Travel Read More »
Fog rolled off Signal Hill just as we arrived, and suddenly the whole of St. John’s Harbour was there. This is the first half of a Newfoundland homecoming — Signal Hill, Cape Spear, the quiet beginning of the Terry Fox story, and a proper Screech-In to close the night.
St. John’s, Newfoundland: Where History Meets the Atlantic Read More »
What Gander Teaches Us About Caring for One Another There are places where history feels very far away. And then there’s Gander, Newfoundland. We recently visited Gander International Airport and the North Atlantic Aviation Museum, where one of Canada’s most remarkable stories of kindness and community comes vividly back to life. On September 11, 2001,
What Gander Teaches Us About Caring for One Another Read More »
Home, Twice Over If you noticed I was quieter than usual last week, you weren’t imagining it. I was home. Newfoundland home. https://youtube.com/shorts/X_dGnLPN8as?si=sqR33j0UUOWDO2x- We started on the west coast and drove to the east coast, to St. John’s, for a family wedding — the kind of celebration where you hug people you haven’t seen in
What a Week Split Between Two Newfoundland Coasts Taught Me About Return on Life 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
Aug.23 – Some Offers from my Travel Partners Read More »
Just Released: The 2029 Circumnavigation of Antarctica Aboard Le Commandant Charcot Some news landed in my inbox this week that I couldn’t sit on: Ponant has just opened sales for its 2029 Circumnavigation of Antarctica aboard Le Commandant Charcot — the world’s only luxury icebreaker. I’ve actually sailed on that ship. I was aboard Le
Just Released: The 2029 Circumnavigation of Antarctica Aboard Le Commandant Charcot Read More »
Travelweek Asked Advisors About Discovery Calls. Here’s What I Told Them. [PHOTO: Sheila aboard a river ship at dusk, Pont Saint-Bénézet and the Palais des Papes in Avignon behind her] Travelweek recently asked advisors across the country the same question: what actually happens on a Discovery Call with a new client? I was one
Travelweek Asked Advisors About Discovery Calls. Here’s What I Told Them. Read More »
Bottle Cove has no postcard fame — and that’s exactly the point. Turquoise water. Dark cliffs. Endless Atlantic views. And one beautiful trail leading out to the edge of the world. This is Newfoundland — my home. I’ve stood at Bottle Cove more times than I can count, and here’s the funny thing: the longer
The Newfoundland cove that taught me what luxury really means Read More »
A Virtuoso Cruise Icon and former actuary explains what a river and expedition cruise travel advisor actually does behind the scenes — from monitoring water levels to negotiating supplier disruptions in real time.
What Your Travel Advisor Actually Does (That You Never See) | Lush Life Travel Read More »
Viking vs. Avalon: I’ve sailed both river cruise lines, and the real difference isn’t the ports — the castles and rivers are the same either way. It comes down to passenger density, dining style, and a handful of booking details most travellers never think to ask about. Here’s what I’ve actually learned onboard.
Viking vs. Avalon: Which River Cruise Line Is Right for You? Read More »
