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...

• Notepad and Pen: Great for jotting down random thoughts or doodles.
• Eye Mask and Ear Plugs: Absolute lifesavers for some quality zzz's.
• Collapsible Water Bottle: Keep hydrated without constantly waiting for the beverage cart.
• Neck Pillow: Because comfort is everything.
• Yummy Snacks: Jason and I love chocolates, so we bring a selection and have little tasting sessions. You can do the same with chips, cookies, or spicy snacks. Make it fun!

Entertainment is Key
Load your phone with everything you need...

• Movies and Shows: Download a bunch of fave's.
• Language Packs: Why not brush up on a new language?
• Music: Get your favorite tunes and some calming music too.
• Calm App: Sleep stories, meditations, and relaxing music to keep you chill. Download your favorites before the flight takes off. 
• Travel Docs: Have all your travel documents handy on your phone, just in case.
• Noise Cancelling Headphones: Must-have for all your in-flight entertainment.

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.
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• Set Up Comfort: Neck pillow, eye mask, and ear plugs—get comfy!
• Entertainment Ready: Have your movies, music, or sleep stories ready to go.
• Stay Refreshed: Keep your water bottle and snacks close by.

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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?

The 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.
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​Whether you're escaping to the beach or chasing snow, Matt Travel has the perfect villa waiting for you.

There are places that move you — places that challenge everything you thought you knew about travel. For our latest group of clients, that place was Antarctica.

They just returned from the bottom of the world, and their reactions say it all: awe, gratitude, and a deep connection to something wild and wonderful. As your trusted travel advisor, I get to curate meaningful journeys. But hearing directly from travelers who’ve stood among penguins and sailed through floating cathedrals of ice? That’s the magic.
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Here’s a glimpse into what they experienced — in their own words.

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​Uncover your sanctuary in Costa Rica where luxury meets nature. Nestled amidst lush tropical landscapes, Matt Travel invites you to indulge in elegance—from private pools and modern amenities to curated gourmet experiences. Here, every sunrise promises a new adventure and every sunset wraps you in serenity, making your stay not just a getaway, but a journey into paradise that will be remembered for years to come.

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. 

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

Here are a few of some of the most popular experiences travelers are booking this year.

​Private villas offer the ideal getaway for large groups. With a Matt Travel experience, your guests will create memories together - without sacrificing privacy. They might reconnect with the family by the pool, dine on a gourmet, chef-prepared meal, or relax & rejuvenate in the comfort of their private suite or cottage.

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.

Multigenerational Family Travel
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.​

​Weddings
​​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.

Groups of Families or Friends
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.

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!