One of the questions I hear most often — and I mean most often — is: “Sheila, which river cruise line is the best?” My honest answer is always the same: it depends. And I know that sounds like a dodge, but stay with me. Let me give you a concrete example. […]
The river is the same. The experience is anything but. Read More »
One of the things I love most about expedition cruising is what it does to your sense of perspective — quietly, almost without you noticing. Most travel experiences are designed around us. Our schedules. Our preferences. Our timelines. The Galápagos Islands are different. Out there, the wildlife makes the rules. If
The Galápagos Teaches You Something Important Read More »
One of the greatest compliments I can receive is when a client tells me they would happily travel with me again. Recently, Andy returned from an AmaWaterways Danube River Cruise and shared this kind review: “Sheila was great to work with and would certainly work with her again.” — Andy, May 2026 Thank you,
Client Spotlight: AmaWaterways Danube River Cruise 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
June 7 – Some Offers from my Travel Partners Read More »
You’ve probably been seeing them. Stories about record jet fuel prices, tensions in the Middle East, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, and warnings from European officials about potential fuel shortages affecting aviation this summer. It’s a lot. And if you have a trip planned
Don’t Let the Headlines Stop You From Taking the Trip ❤️ Read More »
Everyone asks about the castles, the wine, and the excursions. But after sailing the Rhine, Danube, Rhône, and Seine, Ottawa river cruise expert Sheila Gallant-Halloran says there’s one thing that surprises clients most — and it has nothing to do with the itinerary.
The Part of River Cruising Nobody Talks About — From an Ottawa River Cruise Expert Read More »
“As one of Sheila’s clients, it’s super handy to have access to her hotel booking portal. I know every hotel offered will be amazing, so it makes choosing one so much easier. Plus we get a number of fabulous perks by booking this way. Our recent stay in Montreal at Le Mount Stephen was as
“How do I know which hotel is actually worth booking?” Read More »
There are some journeys where the destination is the highlight. And then there are journeys where the trip itself becomes the experience. After spending two days aboard Rocky Mountaineer travelling from Vancouver through Kamloops and onward into the Canadian Rockies toward Banff, I was reminded why luxury train travel has such
Why Rocky Mountaineer Is More Than a Train Ride Read More »
Ottawa river cruise specialist Sheila Gallant-Halloran previews AmaWaterways’ new Magdalena River cruise in Colombia — with insider tips, current offers, and why this destination is unlike anything in Europe.
Why Colombia May Be River Cruising’s Most Exciting New Destination Read More »
The Power of Awe “Close your eyes.” Our private guide started counting: “1… 2… 2.5… quarter to 3… 3…” And then we opened them. No picture prepares you for this moment. The Taj Mahal doesn’t just look beautiful. It feels overwhelming. Emotional. Surreal. You spend your whole life seeing it in books, movies, documentaries… And
