MATT TRAVEL - Matt Travel Blog

Bucket List Dreams: Why You Need A Travel Advisor

10/1/2022

Matt in Perast, June 2021

Are you a planner or do you prefer spontaneity? Do you make to-do lists to tackle each day or do you take things as they come? Does having a color-coded calendar system bring you joy or make you anxious? Many of us rely on itineraries and plans to bring order to our daily lives. Others see planning as too much work and not enough fun.

When it comes to travel, a little planning goes a long way. That’s why the professional expertise and experience of a Travel Advisor is a must.

I’ve worked with both types of clients, the planners and the spontaneous types. They both want a vacation that checks all of their boxes, and it usually starts with what’s on their bucket list.

Speaking of which, when was the last time you revisited your travel bucket list? If it’s been a while or you don’t yet have a bucket list, ask yourself these questions to get started:

Which destinations have you always wanted to see?
What experiences have you dreamed of?
Which places have you been that you want to revisit?

Your bucket list can be as long as you want. Once you’ve put all your ideas down, go back and star or circle the top three to five items on it that are your top priorities. Then, set a goal for when you’d like to cross off that experience!

Click here for a handy worksheet to help you create your bucket list!

I’d love to see what you come up with. Maybe you’ve always wanted to do a sunset horseback ride along the beach in Puerto Vallarta. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to take a river cruise through Burgundy & Provence and taste local wines. The options are endless and as a certified travel advisor, I’m here to help make them happen.

Let’s start planning now, so you can make it a reality in the future! I’m currently planning trips for 2022 and 2023! Not sure which of your bucket list items are doable right now, or when you want to travel? I can help you understand your options so that you can feel safe, comfortable and prepared with your future travel plans.

Here’s to shortening your bucket list so you can add even more to it later!

8 Great Money Tips for Travel

9/12/2022

Check out this guide to 8 Money Saving Tips for Travel! Click the button below...

Click here to get your FREE copy of 8 Great Money Tips for Travel

My Three Travel Traditions

9/1/2022

Matt visiting Dubrovnik, June 2021

I love creating new traditions, so when I first started traveling, I came up with three ways to create lasting memories from my traveling endeavors.

Travel Tradition No. 1: Save a Bill
Whenever I am traveling, I always keep the lowest denomination paper currency and take it home with me. One day, I found a double-sided clear frame and decided to get crafty. I laid the bills I had collected throughout my travels inside the frame and hung it on my wall. If you visit my home, you can take it off the wall and check out the backside of the bills too! It’s a super simple and fun way to remember your trip.

Travel Tradition No. 2: Discover New Music
When I travel, I appreciate listening to local music, so when I hear a song I like, I purchase one of the musician’s albums. I try to find contemporary, classic and traditional folk music. When friends visit me, we'll talk about my travels, eat some traditional foods from the place I visited and play music from the area to set the mood. Collecting music is a fantastic travel tradition!

Travel Tradition No. 3: Buy Art
I'm not looking for anything fancy. In fact, I typically prefer something sold by local street artists. I've purchased small sculptures, ceramics, freshly created paintings and wooden carvings during my travels. Whenever I look at a piece of art I've brought back home, it reminds me of where I was, the person who created it and how I felt at the time.

Consider implementing these three travel traditions or start your own traditions the next time you travel. Creating traditions is a terrific way to build long-lasting memories and makes it easier to take a trip down memory lane.

Vacation Like Your Inner Animal

8/29/2022

Cross posting this blog from my friends at KHM.

Have your wildest summer ever and channel your inner animal when planning your next vacation! Whether you feel like slowing down like a sloth and relaxing for days on end or eating your way through the traditional dishes of your destination like a hungry bear, our trip suggestions will help you explore your wild side and connect with your destination!

ARE YOU FEELING AS BRAVE AS A LION?

If you’re prepared to step outside your comfort zone and take your vacation to soaring heights, put on a brave face and get ready for the heart-pounding rush of hiking Mount Huashan or climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Gingerly traverse the cliffside of China’s Mount Hua by walking narrow planks that, at their highest point, are approximately 7,000 feet above the ground. Known as the most dangerous hike in the world, the pathways that crisscross this sacred mountain in China have long captured the imagination of adventurous travelers. The views are stunning, but this hike is not for the faint of heart.

For a bit more stability but equally as breathtaking views, visitors to Sydney, Australia can book a bridge climb that showcases a 360-degree panorama of beautiful Australia. With four climb types to choose from during the daytime, sunset, or nighttime, thrill-seekers can pick the adventure that’s right for them.

ARE YOU FEELING AS SLOW AS A SLOTH?

When you’ve been as busy as a bee and need to slow your pace a bit, choosing a destination that is perfect for melting away stress and promoting relaxation is key.

A stay in Sedona, Arizona is as calming as it is picturesque. With a stunning backdrop of red rocks and blue sky, restorative activities like yoga and meditation are perfect for finding your Zen. Luxury spas, indulgent meals at world-class restaurants, and evenings of peaceful stargazing will encourage you to slow down and savor life’s quiet moments.

If you prefer to venture outside the US borders, visit Antigua’s unparalleled Hermitage Bay. Pamper yourself with a stay in a glorious luxury cottage with stunning Caribbean views, feast on lovingly prepared meals chock-full of organic ingredients, and leave your worries behind when you book an appointment in the resort’s lush garden spa.

ARE YOU FEELING AS HUNGRY AS A BEAR?

If you’re ready for a feast, choosing a destination with incredible cuisine is tops on your mind. Italy, Spain, and France usually take the top spots on many lists for foodie destinations, but why not consider a country a bit further down?

Thailand features cuisine heavily influenced by its surrounding countries: China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar, and the balance of sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy will tickle your taste buds. Thai dishes are known for flavors like lemongrass, basil, chili, lime juice, coconut milk, and fermented fish sauce, and travelers can treat their palates to traditional dishes served by street vendors and lavish restaurants alike. Classes and food tours provide a greater understanding and appreciation of Thailand’s culinary history and cooking methods. Heading home armed with a perfect Tom Yum soup recipe will help you relive your special vacation from your kitchen.

If you are ready to channel your inner animals, I can help make your vacation wildly amazing with creative suggestions!

The Ultimate Wellness Resorts

8/22/2022

Cross posting this blog from my friends at KHM.

When long work days, busy weekends, too much junk food, and too little self-care catches up with you, it’s time to plan your vacation to a resort that promotes nutritious but delicious cuisine, creative fitness classes, and a bevy of spa services. These five ultimate wellness resorts will help you relax, rejuvenate, and take care of your body, mind, and spirit…all while enjoying a dreamy destination.

Photo courtesy of BodyHoliday

BodyHoliday - St. Lucia
This holistic all-inclusive resort set on the island’s western shore promotes health and wellness through thoughtfully crafted treatments, activities, and dining experiences. Some spa services are included (massage, facials, seawater treatments, sauna) and the resort boasts even more paid experiences. Healthy cuisine served by the resort’s five restaurants and an array of fitness and yoga activities make this a stellar destination for relaxation and self-care.

Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba

Rosewood Mayakoba - Riviera Maya, Mexico
Before your arrival at this stunning resort in Riviera Maya, a team of wellness consultants will work with you to create your “Path of Wellness,” a personalized agenda for your stay. Choose to focus on inner balance, fitness and nutrition, or adventure; the team will plan three custom activities for your preferred experience.

Photo courtesy of Palmaïa, The House of AïA

Palmaïa, The House of AïA – Riviera Maya, Mexico
For a tranquil retreat that is also family-friendly, Palmaïa, The House of AïA combines the most desired elements of an all-inclusive vacation with the feel of a secluded sanctuary. The Michelin-trained chefs are wizards with preparing plant-based dishes that will make your mouth water. The Atlantis Spa provides a 13-page menu online for you to peruse before arrival so you can plan your days of pampering. Children can participate in Waldorf-inspired programs, ride bamboo bikes, or play in the Aqua Park.

Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Camelback

Sanctuary Camelback – Arizona
At 6am in this desert escape in Scottsdale, you can be pampered in your first spa appointment of the day. Opt for more traditional services, recharge with a Golden Lotus Balancing Ritual, or embark on a Nidra Sound Voyage. If you’re ready to get up and go, the day’s schedule of fitness classes also kicks off at this time. Unwind at a Dine & Learn session to get up close and personal with the resort’s incredible chefs and learn the art of cuisine preparation. Relax with live music on the patio at Sundays in Paradise, which are the perfect ending to a perfect week.

Photo courtesy of GoldenEye

GoldenEye – Jamaica
GoldenEye boasts inspiring lush grounds (Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels here! Sting wrote “Every Breath You Take!” Bono wrote the theme for the GoldenEye film!) and impeccable attention to detail. Meals are prepared in creative ways with the freshest ingredients. The menu for spa services is lengthy and varied. The staff is ready to cater to your every whim. Beautifully appointed and secluded beach huts, villas, or cottages await, complete with sweeping views and outdoor baths.

4 More Trips To Take With Friends

8/15/2022

Many of life’s best moments are spent with those we cherish most. Combining the people we love with the destinations we long to visit makes for special getaways, incredible experiences, and lasting memories. But how do you know where to go? Here are four more trips to take with friends around the United States, and why they might be perfect for your next getaway.

AUSTIN FOR FOOD, CRAFT BEER, AND LIVE MUSIC - The capital of Texas boasts endless sunny days, friendly locals, and a thriving community of creatives, with a small-town feel nestled within a large metropolis. A wide variety of accommodations to choose from, beer and food options galore, and a bustling nightlife make a long getaway with friends to this fun city a natural fit. Spend time walking the Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake before renting a paddleboard or kayak to glide over its water. Gobble up some Tex-Mex or barbecue around town and wash down your meal with a famous Austin craft beer. If you’re not too tired from an awesome day, make plans to spend the evening checking out the live music scene at one of the many venues around town.
NEW ORLEANS FOR HERITAGE AND TRADITION - A melting pot of cultures, The Big Easy entices travelers to visit and learn about its history through music, architecture, and cuisine. By day, organized walking tours are an informative way to explore the past; by night, ghost tours will spook even the bravest of tourists with their tales of haunted New Orleans. After working up an appetite, some traditional Creole cuisine and a Sazerac is in order. And of course, no visit to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Café du Monde for a café au lait and an order of fluffy beignets.
PORTLAND FOR COFFEE AND COZY CULTURE - Visitors to Portland should embrace the city’s cozy aesthetic of drizzly days, fairy-tale forests, and quaint cafes and coffee shops. A robust food scene with a particular fondness for donuts (Voodoo Donut, Blue Star Donuts, Annie’s Donut Shop), a strong coffee culture that celebrates independent roasters (Jim & Patty’s Coffee, Stumptown Roasters, Water Ave. Coffee), the largest independent bookstore in the world (Powell’s City of Books), and outdoor activities galore combine to make for a spectacular Instagram-worthy getaway with friends.
NANTUCKET FOR SUMMER VIBES - For a summer vacation straight out of the pages of a Nancy Thayer or Elin Hilderbrand beach read, a visit to Nantucket during high season is an indulgent treat friends will remember forever. Imagine lazy mornings lounging at Jetties Beach followed by a stroll through town with an ice cream cone from The Juice Bar. Enjoy peaceful afternoons wandering in and out of shops like Murray’s Toggery Shop to check out the Nantucket Reds or Lemon & Line to choose the perfect new bracelet as a vacation memento. Sherbet-colored sunsets viewed while dining al fresco at Breeze at The Hotel Nantucket or Galley Beach are the perfect ending to the perfect island day.

Friends don’t need to go far to have incredible vacation moments near to their hearts. The United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic cities and small islands, perfect for friends who want to get away together and make new memories. From coffee to beaches to ghost tours to craft beer, as their travel agent, you can help your clients find their perfect vacation vibe.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTHER SUMMER & FALL VACATION

8/8/2022

Click the image to download the PDF copy

For many of us, this is the summer of long-awaited travel plans. Unfortunately, airlines are having challenges in staffing to meet the demand. Here are some tips we’ve compiled for you to help deal with any interruptions in your trip.

TIP 1: GET TO THE AIRPORT WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO SPARE
Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. For international flights, that means arriving three to four hours before departure. For domestic flights, you should plan on two hours in advance. Lines are going to be very long at the ticket counters, baggage check and security, so if you cut it too close you run the risk of missing your flight. Also, remember to take advantage of any frequent-flier status you have on the airline to check in using the preferred or first-class line.

TIP 2: PREPARE FOR FLIGHT DELAYS
If you must change planes to get to your destination, schedule a longer connection time than you would normally. Even if you think you have plenty of time, a crowded airport means it’ll take you longer to make your way to another gate or terminal. Consider booking a nonstop flight, even if it’s more expensive. Additionally, try to book the first flight of the day as they are much less likely to experience delays. Likewise, don’t book the last flight of the day as that limits your options.

TIP 3: USE CARRY-ON BAGS INSTEAD OF CHECKED BAGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
This way, if there’s a delay or cancellation, you won’t have to wait for your luggage to be pulled or be without your bags if you miss your connection. Most people over-pack so only bring what is necessary.

TIP 4: BE PREPARED FOR DELAYED CHECKED BAGS
If you do check your bags, make sure you are taking your electronic devices and chargers, a change of clothes and any needed medications in your carry-on. In the event of a long delay, you’ll be glad you have them with you.

Many travelers have found that placing a digital tracker, such as Apple Air Tags, in their luggage gives them peace of mind in knowing where their bags are at all times.

TIP 5: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CLUB MEMBERSHIPS
If you’re a member of an airline club lounge, utilize the staff at the service desk to make any changes caused by flight delays or disruptions. They will frequently go the extra mile for members. Also, take advantage of club-use privileges that come with credit cards you may have, such as American Express Platinum or Capital One Venture X.

Some clubs have limited admission to cope with overcrowding at peak times. Before leaving the club to head to your gate, double-check to make sure there are no potential delays. Once you leave the club, you may have to get back in line to re-enter.

TIP 6: DOWNLOAD AIRLINE APPS
The airline apps are great sources of up-to-date information on flight status, tracking of your bags and proactive re-booking for missed connections. Often you can make same-day flight changes for free right in the app, so you don’t have to wait in long lines at the gate or ticket counter.

TIP 7: CONSIDER INCENTIVES TO TAKE A LATER FLIGHT
If you have time to spare, consider taking the airline up on travel credits in exchange for changing your flight when your original one is overbooked. You could rack up some free trips for later in the year. Insist on cash credits rather than miles which may restrict your ability to redeem.

TIP 8: BE FLEXIBLE AND “CHILL”
There may be times when you’ll feel frustrated or angry, but taking it out on the people who work at the airport won’t get you anywhere. You are much more likely to get help from a sympathetic airline staff member by showing empathy than by being aggressive.

TIP 9: ADD DAYS TO THE TRIP PLAN
Think about tacking a few days onto either side of your trip. If you’re just going away for a weekend, a flight delay could mean you lose valuable time at your destination. The same goes if you’re taking a tour or a cruise. You should plan on arriving at the starting point a few days early. You don’t want to miss out on your vacation because of a flight delay.

Your travel advisor can help you arrange a hotel and car rental, if necessary.

TIP 10: CONTACT OUR TRAVEL AGENCY
As travel advisors, we are here to assist our clients. Your safety, health and well-being are our top priority. We provide available information, so our valued clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

If you are still in the process for making plans to travel this summer or fall, please don’t hesitate to contact us to offer expert advice on where to go, where to stay and which flights to take. And if there’s a delay or cancellation, rest assured you will have a human you can easily contact able to help resolve the issue.

My Two Favorite Travel Apps

8/1/2022

I love discovering ways to do things more efficiently. In fact, in another lifetime, I was a business analyst where part of my job was to help my co-workers work smarter. Read on to learn about my two favorite travel apps that help me travel with ease.

A+ Gallery
For those who want organized photos, but don't want to spend the time actually organizing them, this is the travel app for you. It automatically sorts your photos by time and location. It also includes a map view! Simply explore the map as your photos pop into view. Not only can you search for photos by date and location, but you can also search by color. Plus, it includes a feature that allows you to hide an album from prying eyes. If you love to take photos when traveling, this app will become your new best friend.

Learn more about this incredible travel app here.

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.

SAVE ON PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED EUROPE VACATIONS

7/20/2022

New Experiences In The Old World

With world-class art, legendary history, mouthwatering gastronomy and stunning coastlines, it’s no surprise that Europe is such a popular summer vacation destination. Families of all sizes, couples celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries and groups of adventure-loving friends can all find vacation bliss with a wide range of attractions and diverse destinations, from the tiny town squares to bustling cosmopolitan capitals. Thankfully, our travel experience is just as extensive. With the help of our travel agency, your perfect European vacation is right around the corner.

Find your inspiration here.

The Top 3 Reasons to Book a Fall Wine River Cruise

7/1/2022

A wine cruise offers the hospitality of traveling with a group of like-minded people with a variety of private events, dinners and tastings scheduled aboard the ship and on land. Keep reading to discover three of the best reasons to book a fall wine cruise!

1. See Europe’s breathtaking landscapes illuminated in vibrant autumn colors.
2. Visit renowned sites and wineries as the locals do, amid less crowds.
3. Save on airfare, as prices are typically reduced during fall.

Cruise through highly acclaimed European wine regions, from Austria’s UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Germany’s Rheingau and Moselle regions, to France’s celebrated Bordeaux region and beyond.

Expert Wine Hosts
You’ll be accompanied throughout your cruise by a dedicated Wine Host from a North American winery who will lead tastings and provide trips to private cellars and historic vineyards. You will also enjoy carefully curated food and wine pairing dinners.

Are you interested in booking a fall wine cruise? Click here to learn more about river cruising. Contact me today so we can get started planning the perfect wine cruise designed specifically for you!

Click here to schedule a free consultation about your next trip!

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