Introducing the 2024 Villas & Suites Collection, thoughtfully curated by Classic Vacations to deliver the pinnacle of luxury travel. This exclusive collection enhances your vacation experience, whether you seek the spacious seclusion of a villa or the refined elegance of a suite. Each property is designed to provide unparalleled comfort and style, setting the stage for an extraordinary getaway. Villas offer a private retreat with expansive living areas, full kitchens, and often a dedicated staff, making them ideal for families or groups who value space and privacy. In contrast, suites present a more intimate ambiance with luxurious amenities and sophisticated style, perfect for couples or smaller parties. Explore the beauty and allure of destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, and beyond, and embark on an unforgettable journey with Classic Vacations. VILLASEach villa is a sanctuary, offering expansive living spaces, world-class amenities, and personalized service. Whether you’re surrounded by Hawaii’s lush landscapes, immersed in Mexico’s vibrant culture, relaxing on the Caribbean’s pristine shores, or enjoying the secluded beauty of the Maldives, these villas provide an unparalleled escape. Click on each destination below to see the best offers available. SUITESEach suite is crafted to offer a luxurious and intimate retreat, combining sophisticated design with the finest amenities. Whether you’re savoring the serene beauty of the Maldives, soaking up Costa Rica’s lush landscapes, enjoying the vibrant energy of Mexico, relaxing amidst Hawaii’s stunning vistas, or embracing the Caribbean’s coastal charm, these suites provide an elegant haven tailored for comfort and style. Click on each destination below to see the best offers available. Offers are subject to availability at time of booking and may be changed or discontinued at any time without notice. No cash refunds for unused services and inclusions. Blackout dates, minimum night stays, resort fees (if any), and other restrictions may apply. Offers not valid for Group Travel. Booking and travel dates vary by hotel.
by Matt Wahlgren:Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler... Often times, we get stuck in the busy game of life. A whole year passes by and we barely even notice. At some point, we have all felt burned out, whether it’s a stressful career, hectic family life or you simply need a break from reality. My solution? Travel! It's important to take time away from the day-to-day to indulge in a vacation, reflect, and most importantly, have some fun! You don't have to go far if long-distance travel makes you anxious. If Italy or Japan are too far for comfort, California Wine Country and Las Vegas are great places to explore near the west coast. If you're on the east coast and love whiskey, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail might be right up your alley! If you love food as much as I do, check out this BBQ road-trip. You may also want to consider a river cruise on the Mississippi or even a Caribbean cruise out of Florida. Your travel options are limitless! I've helped travelers plan thousands of trips and vacations throughout the years as a certified travel advisor. I love helping my clients create long-lasting memories from all around the world! Click here for some of my favorite travel itineraries. I hope it inspires you to enrich your life with experiences this year and for years to come. Now, let’s get traveling! Matt Wahlgren ADVISOR / AGENCY OWNER I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience Dear fellow traveler, A distinctive meal — be it simple or refined — can quickly shoot to the top of our “best” lists and become what we’ll refer to ever-after as a highlight of the trip. Memorable dining experiences often encapsulate everything that drew us to a location. The convergence of authentic flavors, an extraordinary setting and a particular atmosphere deliver the true essence of place. Savoring magical moments around a table with cherished friends and family is what we wish for each of our clients. In this issue, we celebrate the pursuit of epicurean perfection from the shores of Northern Ireland to the bayous of Louisiana. Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast invites visitors to experience the salty bounty of the day’s catch in cozy pubs animated with heartfelt Irish hospitality. Embark on a multi-day culinary and cultural tour of New Orleans with Amy Mutscher where you’ll hear of innovative tasting menus and beloved dishes that draw visitors to the Big Easy year after year. Chef Masaharu Morimoto, best known as the Food Network star of Iron Chef America, describes his collaboration with Holland America Line to helm their port-to-plate program as Fresh Fish Ambassador. We hope the stories, images and essentials contained in this issue inspire you to craft a culinary journey of your own. Happy travels! How to spend the perfect three-day weekend in New Orleans Rum, reefs & rainforest: the new Sandals resort in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Circumnavigate the island nation of Japan on an 11-day sailing Savor the cuisine of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast Our guide to Athens, Greece, and its 3,000-year history
Have you ever dreamed of renting a private villa with your family and friends? Rates start at what you'd expect for a nice resort, but with the added luxury and exclusivity that only a villa can offer. Plus, you won't have to worry about sudden cancellations—a common concern with typical vacation rental services. There's a villa out there that matches your style and desires, and we are here to help you find it. Imagine a place where some villas come fully staffed with a maid, personal chef, butler, and driver—all ready to make your stay unforgettable. Explore these unique villas with us below... TUSCANY VINEYARDS
THAILAND ISLANDS
CARIBBEAN BEACHES
FRANCE WINTER CHALETS
HAWAII DREAMS
Ready to find your dream villa? Let's make it happen!
If you know me, I'm the foodie. In fact, that's how Jason and I initially bonded. Many years ago, I texted him, asking what he was doing. He said nothing and that he'd probably just stay home. I told him there was this frozen custard place near his house I'd been wanting to try. He immediately replied, "I'm ready. Come pick me up!" We've been enjoying meals together ever since. Some of the best one's home cooked by him. Even as a child, I loved food. One day when I was little, I noticed my mom hadn't cooked breakfast. When I ask why, she said we'd be going out for brunch instead. I didn't know what that was, but she said instead of eating breakfast and lunch, you just get one meal called brunch. I was pissed. I felt like I was being cheated. It turns out my uncle Willie was treating the whole family to a huge brunch buffet for Mother's Day. All we could eat. Ever since then, I've loved brunch. And who says you can't have breakfast, brunch, lunch, linner, dinner, supper, and a late-night snack too? From street food to fancy food, I love it all. It's a main focus when I travel. At Matt Travel, we understand that everyone's preferences and reason for traveling are different. So before making recommendations, we ask a lot of questions to get to know you better and help us understand what your desired trip looks like. Take a look at this list of travel vibes we've defined and let us know which one fit you best. You can match more than one. I'm also the Explorer and the Relaxer and the Partier. =) Matt Wahlgren ADVISOR / AGENCY OWNER I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience Let's be real—being comfortable on a flight can seem almost impossible. For me, it's not just about the cramped seats and lack of legroom, though those definitely don't help! I've got a pretty intense fear of flying, and as if that wasn't enough, my usual travel buddy is my three-year-old who acts like they're thirty. Fun times, right? But hey, I love to travel. Seriously. As a travel advisor, it's basically in my blood. And since flying is part of the deal, I've had to figure out some tricks to manage my fears and make the whole experience as comfortable as possible. Trust me, it's been a journey—and not always a smooth one! Here are a few of my go-to tips to survive, and dare I say, even enjoy a flight: Tip 1: CBD Oil for Anxiety One word: CBD. Whether it's prescribed meds or over-the-counter natural options, having something to tame my anxiety is a game-changer. I keep my CBD oil in my carry-on to use as needed. Just a heads-up, though—CBD oil isn't allowed in all destinations, so do your homework beforehand. When I can't bring it, I opt for ashwagandha and magnesium for similar calming effects. Tip 2: Box Breathing to Calm Down Box breathing is my tried-and-true technique for those inevitable waves of anxiety that hit—whether it's on the way to the airport, right before boarding, during takeoff, or mid-turbulence. Here's how it works:
Tip 3: Distractions—a Few of Your Favorite Things Home comforts can work miracles when you're thousands of feet in the air. I make sure to pack a good book and several hours of classical music to drown out the airplane noises. Wearing my comfiest clothes also helps. The goal is to feel as close to being at home as possible. Of course, these are just the tricks that work for me. Everyone's different, so you might need to experiment to find what helps you best. There are plenty of online resources and apps designed to combat flight anxiety, so do a bit of research and prep before takeoff! Safe travels, and remember: the journey is just as important as the destination. Poets and greeting card manufacturers claim that the international language is love, but travelers know better. For anyone who has spent a good deal of time in a foreign destination, surrounded by people they cannot understand, the international language is effort — as in making the effort to communicate slowly, thoughtfully and with the intent of being understood. Here are some helpful tips to get your message across in any situation.
English 101 English comprehension is growing around the world, creating more students of the language. As students, their grasp of English is tenuous at best, so speak slowly and clearly, annunciating each word as if you’re speaking to someone reading your lips. Just like you cannot understand a Spanish film even though you took two semesters of Español in high school, international English students may not be able to understand you because you’re talking too fast. App Up Download and test a few translator apps to your phone before you go. Be sure to practice with the app so that you can smoothly and quickly use it when someone is waiting for the translation. Choose Your Words Wisely Use simple, straightforward English phrases without slang (“Where can I chow down on some grub?”), colloquialisms (“Y’all know where the bathrooms are?”) or idioms (“I’m looking for a place to drown my sorrows.”). Word Economy There’s no need to communicate a complex message or mangle a foreign phrase when one word will suffice. “Toilet?” works better than “Excuse me, sir, but where is the toilet?” And “Photo?” will do instead of “Can you please take our picture next to this cathedral?” Keep Moving Language is only one small part of communication. Don’t forget that facial expressions and gestures work just as well, especially when exaggerated. Rub your belly if you’re hungry or mimic drinking with your pinky extended if you’d like a cup of tea. Make it One Big Game of Pictionary For those with artistic talent, keep a pad and pencil on you at all times and draw whatever it is you want. A picture of an airplane will tell the taxi driver where to go, while a stick figure with a stethoscope shows you’re looking for a doctor. The Most Important Phrase While it’s extremely helpful to learn basic phrases in the local language before your trip, the most important phrase to learn is “thank you.” Even if you failed to get the answer you were looking for, you should thank the person for their effort. Traveling is exciting, offering new experiences and unforgettable memories. However, there’s nothing worse than starting or ending a fun vacation dealing with sickness, especially when it comes to our kids. As a parent and seasoned traveler, my top priority is to make air travel as smooth as possible while ensuring my family remains healthy throughout the journey. Over the years, I've developed a few key strategies, and I'm excited to share them with you. Boost Immune Systems Before Departure Preparing our immune systems for travel begins days before our departure. Here’s a closer look at what we do:
Travel Essentials for Health Packing smart is key to staying healthy on the go. Here are a few essentials we never leave behind: Fiber & Electrolytes Electrolytes are minerals such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They play a crucial role in maintaining our body’s balance and performance. Here’s why they’re indispensable:
Digestive health often takes a hit when traveling due to changes in routine and diet. Fiber is great at keeping our digestion moving smoothly - Here’s why:
By taking these advanced steps, we can enjoy our vacation with peace of mind knowing we've done all we can to stay healthy. Remember, a healthy trip is a happy trip! If you have any tips or tricks you use to stay healthy while traveling, we’d love to hear them in the comments. Here’s to safe and healthy travels for you and your family! A river cruise ship is essentially a moving luxury hotel. This concise guide provides a great introduction to River Cruising the European waterways. As as certified agent with the major river cruise companies, reach out to me with any of your questions including river cruise options in the US, Asia, Africa, and South America. 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? I recently took a 17-hour flight (regular economy) 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:
Load your phone with everything you need:
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.
Matt Wahlgren ADVISOR / AGENCY OWNER I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience |
AuthorSharing my travel experiences and insights Archives
October 2024
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