Europe is one of my favorite international travel destinations. Some of my all-time favorite cities to visit are Rome, Valencia, and Dubrovnik. But the best thing about traveling to Europe is being able to explore the smaller, picturesque towns all over the continent such as San Gimignano, Alicante, and Korčula . 
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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!

​From the breathtaking volcanic landscapes of Hawaii to the stunning mountains of Colorado to the picture-perfect scenery in California, there is so much to appreciate when it comes to the beauty of the United States of America.

Vacations in the U.S. have the potential to be so magical, especially when your clients are exploring from a private, lavish villa.

From the vibrant blue-drenched Mediterranean Sea surrounding Greece to the breathtaking natural scenery of Italy, European getaways are what dreams are made of - especially when your home-base is an ulta-luxurious private villa with enchanting and picturesque views.

Discover the most recent additions to the European portfolio, offering access to high-end amenities and facilities, and endless opportunities for guests to experience peace and tranquility. 

At Matt Travel, we work with travelers in different ways. Some of our clients have limited time and ask us to put a proposal together based on their desired trip. We go back and forth, adjusting the proposal until it meets their desires. Others, prefer to work hand in hand with us to design their trip. This sometimes leads us to vetting what they've found. Over the years we've developed a set of internal standards to help ensure a more pleasant travel experience for our clients.  We'll even tailor our recommendations based on your desired service level.

If you share a certain hotel or cruise line with us that you're interested in booking, we may inform you of several concerns before we secure reservations on your behalf. And for certain properties or ships, we may not work with them at all if their policies or quality of service isn't up to par. 

Where you lay your head at night can greatly influence your quality of rest and mood as you travel. In order to help ensure you have the best possible experience, accommodations and tours should be of a certain quality. Our commitment is to provide you with the best possible accommodations within your budget.

Here are 5 Times a Good Deal Really Isn't a Good Deal...
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1. Compromised Quality: 
A low price could involve sacrifices in quality or service. In the past couple of years I flew on a couple of budget airlines to evaluate the service and see if they could be a good option for some my clients. On both occasions from two separate airlines, the policies and procedures made for a frustrating experience. Traveling cheaper might mean less comfortable accommodations, limited amenities, or poorer service.
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2. Misleading Deals: 
Sometimes, what is advertised as a deal is merely a marketing gimmick. Prices are sometimes inflated prior to a “discount,” resulting in no real savings. Recently, I priced a cruise for a client and a few weeks later I re-priced it on Black Friday to find that the rate increased rather than decreased.

A recent trend of travel companies these days is putting a counter on their website ticking down the time you have until the deal is no longer available. Guess what? Rates and availability can change even before the clock counts down and oftentimes the promotion lasts much longer than the counter suggests. At Matt Travel we don't like pressure sales tactics.

3. Location Disadvantages:
A great hotel deal might be in an inconvenient location far from attractions or public transport. Savings on accommodations can lead to higher transportation costs or less time to enjoy destinations. I learned this the hard way when I first started traveling decades ago. I booked a nice hotel with a great rate. Soon after I checked in, I discovered it was far from the city center in Paris and I ended up walking hours back and forth to all the main attractions or taking the the metro when I could. Not a great option if you love the nightlife and like to boogie. 

4. Uninsured Risk:
Omitting travel insurance coverage might initially appear cost-effective. There are two main reasons we always recommend travel protection at Matt Travel. One, a tragedy strikes and you need to cancel your plans. Travel protection will reimburse you for covered reasons. Two, you encounter an unexpected health issue during travel such as falling and breaking a bone. Click here for 10 reasons travel protection is a smart idea. 

5. Questionable Reputation:
A deal from an unfamiliar or poorly reviewed company might be pretty sus. At Matt Travel, we only recommend reputable companies that we have built strong relationships with. 

There’s no better time to start planning a memorable European escape.

Whether they’re seeking the timeless elegance of the French Riviera or the sun-kissed beauty of the Amalfi Coast, a villa retreat in Europe promises unmatched privacy, luxury, and stunning surroundings.
From the sun-drenched shores and vibrant cities of Spain to the idyllic Greek islands, where crystal-clear waters meet ancient ruins and charming villages, we’ve curated a selection of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, perfect for your villa vacation.

Have the experience of a lifetime with a villa getaway to Europe in 2025. Contact [email protected] us today to secure your escape.

FRANCE
270+ Villas
Cote D'Azur • Provence • St. Tropez • & More
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​Discover the versatility of France—where diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and centuries of art and history blend seamlessly to give you an unforgettable experience.

ITALY
265+ Villas
Amalfi Coast • Sicily • Tuscany • & More

​Discover the timeless charm of Italy—where gourmet cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history combine to create a memorable journey.

GREECE
130+ Villas
Corfu • Mykonos • Santorini • & More

​Discover the natural beauty of Greece—where sun-soaked islands, ancient ruins, and a vibrant culture blend to create experiences you will treasure forever.

SPAIN
125+ Villas
Barcelona • Ibiza • Marbella • & More

​Discover the vibrancy of Spain—where dynamic cities, stunning coastlines, and captivating culture come together to craft journeys you will never forget.

PORTUGAL
70+ Villas
Algarve • Pinhão • Quinta Do Lago • & More

​Discover the allure of Portugal—where scenic coastlines, picturesque villages, and centuries of history combine to offer you a truly memorable experience.

Several weeks ago, Matt toured the Virgin Dallas hotel. The general manager even let him peek inside the different room categories. The following week, he stayed at the Virgin Chicago hotel. Virgin hotels host several events throughout the year, but Christmas time is extra special. This past year, each property hosted a Mariah Carey Christmas themed pop-up bar, along with several other special events. If you have a Virgin hotel near you, check out their events open to the public.
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This post is inspired by Virgin! Not only Virgin hotels, but Virgin Voyages, and have you ever hear of Virgin Limited Edition?