Dear fellow traveler,

​Bright, carefree summer months are the ideal backdrop for travel plans. The ultimate summer luxury — time with family and friends — should be considered judiciously, and you might find just the right journey within these pages. There’s always a stretch of coast, seasonal dish or annual festival that beckons.

In this summer issue of Postcards, we’re pleased to feature Pól Ó Conghaile, author of Secret Dublin and Travel Editor at the Irish Independent, who gives us his guidance for visiting the Irish capital. Rebecca Barnes traces an 11-night Crystal Cruises itinerary that departs Bali and heads north along the Makassar Strait before hopping between the Philippines’ emerald islands and ending in iconic Hong Kong. And the gastronomy of the Ionian Islands of Greece comes into focus thanks to Emily Brown, who shares her favorite seafood tavernas.

Sand, sea and celebration: long dinners outdoors, building sandcastles and splashing in crystal-clear waters are the things of family lore, and our agency is here to help you make the most of it. Backed by our specialized resources, we can turn your travel dreams into reality. All you’ll need to do is switch to airplane mode and head into endless summer. Happy travels!

If you're craving crisp air, jaw-dropping scenery, and a front-row seat to some of the most majestic wildlife on earth, let me point you due north—Alaska is calling.

From my first step off the plane, Alaska didn’t whisper adventure—it shouted it. Towering glaciers. Breaching humpbacks. Bald eagles soaring across endless sky. It’s no exaggeration to say this place feels epic in every way.
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But here's the beauty: whether you want to spend a full day winding through the wilderness by rail or just hop on a half-day whale watching cruise, Alaska’s tours make it easy to experience the magic on your own terms.

3 Hour Whale Watch
Set out on a 3-hour whale watching cruise and witness Alaska’s majestic marine life up close. Spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles, all against the stunning backdrop of glaciers and rugged coastline. Perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Icefield Glacier Walk + Helicopter Ride Shore Excursion
Experience Alaska’s frozen frontier from the sky and the surface with the Icefield Glacier Walk + Helicopter Ride Shore Excursion. Soar over the stunning Juneau Icefields with an expert pilot, taking in sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and crevassed glaciers. Then, touch down for a guided walk on the glacier itself—an unforgettable adventure through blue ice and natural wonder.

Best of all? These aren’t just sights to check off a list.
They’re the kind of moments that linger long after you’ve returned home.

Ready to go wild?
My top pick Alaska tours are available to book instantly--
​and if you need help crafting the perfect itinerary,
I’m here to help.
​
Let’s make Alaska happen.

​At Matt Travel, we believe your getaway should be as stylish as you are. This season’s inspiration? Think bold couture, elegant retreats, and curated experiences that take you beyond the ordinary. With exclusive perks through our partners and hotel programs, your dream journey is just one click away.

ALL THINGS GLAM: TRAVELLING A LA MODE:
HERE'S YOUR INBOX INSPIRATION TO TAVEL BEYOND.

Featured SELECT and CURATED Hotels & Resorts by Internova
Secure special rates, perks and amenities with our exclusive hotel programs.

Nido, Mar-Bella Collection
Castelfalfi, Florence, Italy
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, Miami, Florida, United States
Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh, India​

Matt Travel
1201 Columbine Dr
Garland, TX 75043
CA - 1010000-40; FL - ST39649; WA - 603002661 ​

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.

408-718-4872
​[email protected]
www.matt.travel​

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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.