Hey there, fellow travelers! Long flights can be tough, but who says you can't pamper yourself even if you're not flying first class? In 2024, I took my longest non-stop flight ever from Dallas to Sydney, and I managed to make the journey pretty comfy. Here’s how I did it and how you can too! Arrive Early and Indulge Why rush? Get to the airport 3 hours early. This gives you time to relax, maybe grab a lounge pass or treat yourself to a nice meal. It's a great way to kick off your trip on the right foot. DIY First-Class Amenity Kit Make your own little luxury kit! Here’s what you need...
Entertainment is Key Load your phone with everything you need...
Get Cozy on the Plane Once you’re on board, get yourself set up ASAP. I love a window seat so I can create a little nook. Have everything you need within reach to avoid digging through your overhead bag.
By following these steps, you can make your long-haul flight almost as good as flying first class—well, almost! So next time you're boarding a long flight, remember: it's all about the prep. Treat yourself, because why not? Matt Wahlgren ADVISOR / aGENCY OWNER I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience Celebrate the Holidays in Style with a Luxury Villa EscapeThe holiday season is fast approaching, and while the world is just starting to think about Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve plans, prime holiday villas are already being scooped up. If you're dreaming of celebrating in sun-drenched Caribbean estates or cozy alpine retreats, now is the time to book. Whether you're escaping to the beach or chasing snow, Matt Travel has the perfect villa waiting for you. The holidays may feel far off, but peak-season villas are filling fast. For clients still dreaming of a luxury escape, we have select holiday availability at some of our most requested properties—from sun-drenched beachfront estates in Turks & Caicos to cozy alpine chalets in the French Alps. Caribbean Escapes with Festive Availability
More Beachfront Escapes with Festive Availability
Retreats with Festive Availability For Snow Seekers
Clients Just Returned From Antarctica – |
CASA KAILUA Pinilla, Guanacaste Personal service by the villa staff including daily housekeeping. |
PALAZZO DEL MAR El Tesoro, Guanacaste Personal service by the villa staff including a housekeeper. |
COCOON LUXURY ESTATE Tamarindo, Costa Rica Personal service by the villa staff including a housekeeper. |
CASA ALANG ALANG Tamarindo, Costa Rica Personal service by the villa staff including a housekeeper. |
CASA COLIBRI Uvita, Costa Rica Personal service by the villa staff including a gardener, housekeeper and pool maintenance. |
Hopper
With airfare constantly fluctuating, it's hard to know when to buy your ticket to get the best rate. You can check one moment and by the next moment, the rate has already increased. Hopper has a data science team mining through trillions of archived flight records to spot trends and predict when you should book your flight to get the best rate possible. It also has a 95 percent accuracy rate! If you are traveling while on a budget, this travel app is perfect for you!
Download it here
Google Translate
After you download the app, find the languages you'll need during your trip and download them as well. This will allow you to translate even if you're offline. Translate menus using your camera, translate live conversation, and translate frequently used words and phrases. These are my three favorite uses for Google Translate.
Download it here
FlightAware
Keep track of your flights and setup alerts. FlightAware will notify you as soon as there is a change with your air arrangements. Once it even alerted me that my flight was cancelled before the airline made the announcement over the intercom. Guess who was first in line to pick a new flight?
Download it here
Jacobite Steam Train & Scottish HighlandsAll aboard the real-life Hogwarts Express! Ride the iconic Jacobite Steam Train, and journey deep into the Scottish Highlands. A must for Harry Potter fans and adventure seeker alike. |
Japanese Garden Walking Tour with Tea and SweetsScroll through the scenic Hamarikyu Gardens, learn the art of Japanese garden design, and experience a traditional tea ceremony with matcha and sweets. |
Classic Waltz Workshop at The Waltz SchoolStep into the elegance of Vienna's ballroom tradition with a workshop led by international pros in a private hall. No experience needed, just a love for music and movement! |
Discover some examples of our most-popular large group travel occasions, and some of our favorite villas to match. Contact a Matt Travel and start exploring today.
Your Celebration: The Villa Way
Large family travel is on the rise, and with a variety of ages and abilities, each guest may have specific requirements. With a private villa experience, we'll cater to everyone - from travelers who need accessibility options to young children that may need nanny services, connected bedrooms, cribs, and more.
You'll make memories to last a lifetime in a way that meets everyone's comfort level.
Orfea Estate, Italy Up to 14 Bedrooms | Up to 28 Guests | Daybreak Lodge at Bachelor Gulch, Colorado Up to 8 Bedrooms | Up to 23 Guests |
From grand weddings in Europe to intimate beachfront ceremonies in the Caribbean, you will celebrate your special day with those closest to you - and no one else. Our team can make arrangements with local wedding planners and handle all the details - leaving your guests to simply enjoy the day with their loved ones.
Hacienda Jaguar, Riviera Maya Up to 12 Bedrooms | Up to 26 Guests Can be booked alongside sister villas Hacienda Magica, Hacienda Corazon, Hacienda del Mar to accommodate 150-200 guests. | Mes Amis, St. Martin Up to 13 Bedrooms | Up to 28 Guests |
For families or friend groups looking to travel together, space is of the utmost importance. The right villa provides multiple master suites, separate wings, and even neighboring villas that can be rented together to accommodate large groups. You might snorkel off the beach, ski right out the door, or simply relax around the firepit or game room.
Sandy Bottom, Turks & Caicos Up to 4 Bedrooms | Up to 8 Guests Can be booked with nearby Sandy Shore Villa | Canoe House at Champion Ridge, Hawaii Up to 4 Bedrooms | Up to 8 Guests Can be booked with nearby Beach Walker at Champion Ridge |
Special Offers on Luxurious Cruises, Resorts and More
In your complimentary digital issue of Luxury Travel magazine, you’ll discover a handpicked collection of luxury escapes where every detail reflects your personal tastes, and each day unfolds with curated discoveries designed just for you. Booking with Matt Travel ensures unparalleled value and exclusive benefits. With years of expertise and insider knowledge, we craft bespoke itineraries enhanced with exclusive perks, such as room upgrades, spa credits, private tours and VIP event access. We handle every detail, so you can immerse yourself in the experience. |
I wish more people took the time to travel internationally. Did you know that only 51 percent of Americans have a passport? Surprising, right? When I discovered that barely half of Americans have passports, I knew I needed to do something to change that.
If you book an international travel package with Matt Travel for at least 7 nights, we'll pay your passport fees!
Already have a passport? We'll pay for your Global Entry, which includes TSA pre-check! This means you'll be able to get through TSA and customs lines in the U.S. faster. Traveling made easy!
Let Matt Travel help you plan an unforgettable international travel experience sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact us today for more details on how to get your passport or Global Entry for free! Don’t be shy, We’re here to help!
Ireland is definitely on our list to return and explore outside of Dublin once Harper is older. We had a wonderful time exploring the more common Dublin spots that are kid-friendly while the rest of our family delved into more cultural and historical sites. Being able to travel in a group and have everyone meet their travel preferences was critical for this trip since we had very different goals.
We love to integrate our client's interests into their custom trips. Whether you are tracing your Irish heritage, traveling with kids or you are a Game of Thorns Fan, we can customize your trip to fit your interests and preferences. Ireland offers so much for so many different types of travel.
Unsure of your travel style? Check out Matt’s travel vibes and let us know what kind of trip you are looking for!
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