This week the theme is “Wave to The Next List.”
It’s January – so that means it’s “wave” month for cruises of all kinds. This is the time of the year that the cruise lines announce their biggest promotions. And, since cruises are better priced the further out you book (it’s all supply and demand, so an empty ship will generally be much better priced/ have better promos than once the ship starts to fill), it’s a great time to jump in on some promos. So, if you’re considering an ocean, a river, or an expedition cruise in the coming year or two, let me know. Here are some “wave” offers that we’ll be featuring this week. Cruise Wave with offers from Holland America, Regent, Paul Gauguin, Windstar, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity.
I’ll be having an event with Paul Gauguin on Jan.25th – so you should join us if you’re in Ottawa. See here
And there’ll be offers with river cruises and expedition cruises too. Contact me for details!
Remember – I am the masterchef. I can combine the ingredients in my kitchen (i.e., my travel suppliers) to prepare the meal (i.e., travel experience) that’s right for you – whether you feel like a Big Mac or a gourmet burger. I’ll leverage my connections and my 10,000+ hours of experience to help curate your travel dreams. See 10,000 hours and collaborative process.
So, last week, we considered where you would like to go in 2016…. this week, we’re considering “the next list” with the Virtuoso Life article. See the next list
I’ll feature spots on the list in the adventure highlighted trips below, as well as the top 5 from my VAST partners… and a couple of others to make up the top 12 below.
So, have you planned your year of travel? Something cool for every month. Here’s the list:
01 Beyond the Taj Majal, Southern India – see Big Five Tour’s trip in VAST section below
02 Secret Island, Con Dao, Vietnam – see Six Senses Con Dao info here
03 Arctic Allure, Norway – see Adventures by Disney’s trip here
04 Little Italy, Sicily – see Artisans of Leisure trip here
05 Rustic Renaissance, US West – see National Geographic trip in VAST section below
06 Better than Ever, Nepal – see Remote Land’s trip in VAST section below
07 Now’s the Time, Cuba – see active trip highlight below
08 Far and Away, Newfoundland – Fogo Island Inn – see video of my trip below
09 Safari Bonus, Mozambique – see African Travel’s trip in VAST section below
10 Dram Trip, Scotland’s Whisky Trail – see Royal Scotsman’s trip in adventure section below
11 Baja is Back, Cabo San Lucas – see Lindblad Trip in VAST section below
12 South American Hamptons, Jose Ignacio, Uruguay – see G Adventures trip in adventure section
Give me a call at 613-837-0699, or shoot me an email at [email protected], and we can strike a time to get you crossing off some of these spots on your “to see” list (or other spot as well)!
Happy 2016!
Cycling in Cuba
15 Days – various dates 
Cuba’s music, beaches, old cars, striking architecture and revolutionary history combine to make the perfect cultural destination with a lively atmosphere. Our relaxed cycle route passes through stunning countryside with a patchwork of plantations, fields and jungle, allowing us to appreciate the traditional way of life that continues today. Out of the saddle we can experience Trinidad’s vibrant music scene, the crumbling colonial buildings of Havana and learn about the revolutionary history of Santiago. After a day of cycling you’ll no doubt welcome Cuba’s speciality – a refreshing mojito!
Priced from $2835 p.p., land only, double occupancy.
Scotland’s Whisky Trail – Dram Trip
Departs May 18, 2016
THE HIGHLAND JOURNEY 
3 Days / 2 Nights, from US$3,936.80 per person
Travel straight into the heart of the Highlands and enjoy typical outdoors activities.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Departing Edinburgh in the early afternoon, journey north through the former Kingdom of Fife, then up into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands.
In the evening an informal dinner is served, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.
Overnight in Boat of Garten.
Day 2
After breakfast, you travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
Rothiemurchus offers a magical setting in which to try a spot of clay-pigeon shooting or fishing or a tour of the estate.
Rejoin the train for lunch and travel to Culloden Battlefield for a private tour.
Enjoy an evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries and home to one of Scotland’s most famous whiskies.
Back on board enjoy some spectacular panoramas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus. A formal dinner is served on the way to Dundee.
Day 3
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you leave Dundee behind and return to Edinburgh.
In Search of Iguassu – Rio to Buenos Aires
17 days
Dance your way through the best of South America’s colourful cities. Kick off your adventure in Rio where you’re free to explore the carnival atmosphere or soak up rays. You’ll enjoy time outdoors and on the beach at Ilha Grande and connect with the land at an estancia stay in Uruguay. Best of all, we’ll fly over to Iguassu Falls for more time to explore the immense cascades. With accommodation and transport arranged by a CEO, this trip offers great value and is the perfect way to discover South America’s unique vibe.Culture/HistoryHighlightsRevel in the energy of Rio, wander around colonial Paraty, sip a caipirinha on the beach in southern Brazil, marvel at Iguassu Falls, discover the charm of Uruguay at an estancia, sample the food and wine of Buenos Aires.AccommodationSimple hotels (12 nts, some multi-share), hostel (1 nt), estancia/ranch (2 nts, multi-share), overnight bus (1 nt).
Read more: http://www.virtuoso.com/tours/15206397/in-search-of-iguassurio-to-buenos-aires#.VpKSr_krKM8
Lush Life’s Video of Week
Video Blog – Fogo Island Inn
I love sharing my personal experiences with clients.
Visiting Fogo Island Inn was magnificent for my family. I’m a native Newfoundlander, and didn’t think it possible for me to be blown away by my home province. I already knew how gorgeous it was. But, my friends at Fogo Island Inn have outdone themselves in creating an experience that embraces the beauty and wonder of Newfoundland, yet go so much further in giving a true “sense of place.”
Watch, and you’ll see why it is included on the Virtuoso “The Next List”:
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Lush Life’s Weekly Top 5 VAST Trips
Virtuoso’s Active & Specialty Travel Program
 VAST, Virtuoso’s Active and Specialty Travel program, offers you the chance to immerse yourself in authentic, life-changing moments and unique experiences provided by a select group of travel partners, taking you one step closer to our world’s most captivating destinations and intriguing cultures.
An important aspect of VAST to remember: Only a Virtuoso travel advisor can be a VAST specialist, and only Virtuoso clients can be a VAST traveler who enjoys Virtuoso exclusive perks, upgrades and access. I am proud to be a VAST specialist.See more here
Here are my top 5 VAST trips that I’m highlighting this week.
1. Big Five Tours Kipling Collection South Africa
2. National Geographic Hiking the Grand Canyon
3. Remote Lands Classic Nepal
4. African Travel South African Beach & Bush
5. Lindblad Expeditions Wild Islands & Treasures of Baja
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