by Matt Wahlgren:Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler... Europe is one of my favorite international travel destinations. Some of my all-time favorite cities to visit are Paris, Rome and Barcelona. But the best thing about traveling to Europe is being able to explore the smaller, picturesque towns all over the continent. I wish more people took the time to travel internationally. Did you know that only 42 percent of Americans have a passport? Surprising, right? When I discovered that less than half of Americans have passports, I knew I needed to do something to change that. If you book an international travel package with me for 2024 or 2025 dates, I'll pay your passport fees! Already have a passport? I'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 me help you plan an unforgettable international travel experience sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Contact me today for more details on how to get your passport or Global Entry for free! Don’t be shy, I’m here to help!
by Matt Wahlgren:Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler... What if I told you there’s a way you could travel for free, and it doesn't involve credit cards or tracking rewards points? Plus, you get to travel with your friends! There's a little secret to traveling for free I’ve discovered as a travel advisor, and I'd like to share it with you: all you have to do is get a small group of friends together and your costs are covered. Work with me to come up with your ideal itinerary. Let's say it's a cruise. You get nine friends to go on the same cruise, and you'll go for FREE! If you get 10 couples in your group, you'll get a FREE CABIN for you and your guest. This is just one example. Requirements and rewards vary. Contact me to put together a travel plan that suits you! There will always be some costs such as taxes and flights, but overall, this is the cheapest way you'll find to travel. Contact me now to let me plan your group trip! Let’s get traveling!
by Matt Wahlgren:Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler... With the wealth of travel information available on the internet, what is the advantage of working with a travel advisor? The great thing about the internet is the amount of information it provides. Unfortunately, the bad thing about the internet is the amount of information it provides. An effective travel advisor sorts through it all to help you make brilliant travel decisions, whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, a family, or with a group. Navigating travel disruptions with grace and expertise is what sets a top-notch travel advisor apart. Take the case of a soon-to-be bride who contacted me in a flurry of distress. On the eve of her wedding, she discovered her honeymoon flights were abruptly canceled. As her dedicated travel advisor, managing all her arrangements, I swiftly reassured her, “Leave the stress to me—your focus should be on your special day.” While she celebrated her nuptials, I was busy behind the scenes, meticulously rebooking and securing her travel plans. By day's end, I was delighted to confirm that her honeymoon was back on track, exactly as planned. I could share countless stories like this over the past decade of serving my clients. Here are three ways Matt Travel can make planning your next trip a breeze. Personalized Planning and Expert Guidance
I have clout in the travel industry
Most importantly, I care
As your personal travel advisor, my mission is to strip away the complexities and uncertainties of vacation planning. It's all about maximizing your precious time off and transforming it into a seamless, stress-free experience. With my service, every penny of your travel budget is meticulously invested in curating moments that blossom into exquisite memories. This philosophy is merely the beginning of how I design journeys that resonate and bring joy long after you return home. Ready to make your travel dreams a reality without the guesswork? Let's chat! Reach out to start tailoring a getaway that aligns perfectly with your desires. Don't just dream about your next adventure—let me help you live it. If not now, when?
Hygge, the Danish concept of coziness that stirs pleasant feelings of contentment, has become a global phenomenon over the past few years. With numerous how-to books on the market, YouTube channels dedicated to the creation of cinematic hygge masterpieces, and social media accounts that showcase hygge at home, coziness is celebrated more than ever.
But how do you capture that warm and fuzzy feeling on your next vacation? Consider how you embrace coziness at home and simply take it on the road (or to the sky, or to the sea!) when traveling. Here are some ideas and inspiration for cozy travel: Books Many people toss a popular trade paperback in their carry-ons or purchase a new book while waiting in the airport, but why not be a bit more deliberate about your reading selections? Choosing cozy reads that provide a calm and pleasant reading experience might be just the ticket for your upcoming road trip or flight. Audiobook Sometimes it’s nice to insert your earbuds, curl up under a blanket, close your eyes, and let someone read to you. Alternatively, turn on a book in the car and then everyone can enjoy a story together.
Music Playlists Wind down while unpacking and getting organized, or, listen to a soft music playlist while settling in at night after a long day of vacation fun. Traveler’s Notebook There’s just something about a Traveler’s Notebook. With its removable inserts, supple leather cover, and endless potential for customization and fun décor, it’s the coziest journaling option out there. Want the look without the hefty price tag? Peter Pauper Press has a budget-friendly option (that is slightly smaller than a traditional TN and requires its own inserts) or you can purchase a nice dupe on Amazon. Games Skip the traditional deck of cards and pack one of these small, fun, easy-to-learn games in your bag. Each of these plays in about 20 minutes or less (besides the Exit games, which are one hour) and most are great to play with children. They are also the perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of tea or coffee! Many of these games are available at Target, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble; for best pricing, shop at online board game stores like Miniature Market and GameNerdz.
Apps For digital entertainment, keep the stress to a minimum and seek out games and activities with soothing music, muted color palettes, and relaxing game play.
Hot Beverages To Go Sip coziness from your travel mug when you purchase and pack a stash of your favorite hot beverage packets.
Candles or Tea Lights (Battery-Operated) Tuck a few tea lights or pillar candles into your bag to set the mood in your hotel room or ship’s stateroom. They can also double as a nightlight for children who might be fearful of unfamiliar spaces. Cozy YouTube Channels With YouTube Premium, you can download videos to watch without access to Wi-Fi, but even without this paid feature, you can still enjoy YouTube’s coziness around the globe.
Are you ready for cozy travel season? Matt Travel will help you plan a vacation full of warm memories and special moments! Set your out of office reply and crank up Pharrell’s “Happy” – it’s time for vacation! Ok, maybe not exactly. But chances are good that even reading that sentence, your brain experienced a tiny, momentary spike in happiness. In fact, recent studies emphasize that travel can change our brain’s chemistry and improve our mental health. The mental health benefits of travel indicate that our vacations aren’t just something we could do, but something we should do to ward off anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. 1. It brings us joy According to a Cornell University study, even planning and anticipating a trip can be a mood booster. 2020 might have temporarily interfered with our visions of poolside lounging or urban exploration, but having positive things to think about is key to our mental well-being. Once we arrive in our destination, even if it’s just a quick drive from home, those fluttery feelings of fulfillment of having reached our goal kick in. 2. It relieves stress 91% of Americans say that they see a vacation as a chance to “hit the reset button” on their stress and anxiety. A separate study of 1,500 women found that those who traveled twice a year were less likely to suffer from chronic stress and depression. Why? Travel allows us to focus on ourselves and brings us back to the things we find most meaningful in our lives, which we tend to ignore when we are running on tight schedules and to-do lists. 3. It’s a workout for our brains Not only are we more physically active when we travel, but our minds are more engaged. Much of what we do during the course of our daily routines we do without thinking, but on vacation, we’re constantly exposed to new surroundings and information. Immersing yourself in a new place enhances creativity, which in turn helps us develop new long-term neural connections, according to Psychology Today. In short, traveling lets us flex our brain power! 4. It gives us confidence. Facing unfamiliar situations and stepping outside our comfort zones can be thrilling, but they can also test our patience. Learning how to adapt, even if it’s just to a new form of transport for a few days, makes us more emotionally flexible and resilient. When we go back to our normal lives and are confronted with a challenging situation, we can draw on the times we’ve successfully navigated a tricky travel situation and use these skills to quash our insecurities. For our brain, a vacation is like a room without a roof. It makes us happy. Even short trips, like a weekend getaway, sustain weeks of lowered stress and feel-good vibes. Contact Matt Travel about the mental health remedy you need for your next vacation. The countdown is on for the debut of Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas. An icon in every sense of the word, this innovative new ship is unlike anything we’ve seen on the seas.
A good friend of mine within the travel industry, KHM Travel Group’s President and CEO Rick Zimmerman was invited to be one of first to see this revolutionary ship while it was in drydock this summer in the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. But before we get to Rick's thoughts, let's talk about the June 1, 2024 sailing date for Icon. Don't ask me how, but I was able to score special rates for this date that are about half off what you'd find on Royal Caribbean's own website. Click here for details and rates. Watch the video below to get an idea of how Icon of the Seas adds up to one epic adventure of a vacation. While not yet complete, Rick was able to get an inside look at what excitement will be added to this amazing ship. What is he most eager to experience when Icon debuts in early 2024? “Royal Caribbean is known for making a splash and that’s certainly the case for Icon of the Seas! From the Category 6 Waterpark, to the tallest waterslide at sea, and all the pool options for cruisers of different ages, there are countless ways to have fun with water on board.” - Rick Zimmerman Along with the eye-catching thrills, Rick was also impressed by the attention to detail found in the layout and features of the ship. The design of the areas with elevators provide more open space to help with the traffic flow. New technology will also make it easier to navigate the ship and find the right elevator to take you where you want to go. “The small details show that Royal Caribbean thinks about the cruise experience differently. They’ve found ways to innovate and make it easier to use all the amenities,” said Rick. Icon of the Seas sets sail from Miami starting January 2024. Europe is one of my favorite international travel destinations. Some of my all-time favorite cities to visit are Paris, Rome and Barcelona. But the best thing about traveling to Europe is being able to explore the smaller, picturesque towns all over the continent.
I wish more people took the time to travel internationally. Did you know that only 42 percent of Americans have a passport? Surprising, right? When I discovered that less than half of Americans have passports, I knew I needed to do something to change that. If you book an international travel package with me for 2024 dates, I'll pay your passport fees! Already have a passport? I'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 me help you plan an unforgettable international travel experience sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Contact me today for more details on how to get your passport or Global Entry for free! Don’t be shy, I’m here to help! You’ve spent months making arrangements for your upcoming vacation. The flights have been arranged, the transfers booked, and the excursions selected. You’ve strewn clothing around your bedroom making decisions about outfits, reserved your pet’s spot at the local animal care facility, and packed your carry-on bag with love and care. You have checked and re-checked your pre-travel to-do list, working with your travel agent to ensure you are prepared for your vacation. And now travel day is here, bringing with it a fresh wave of stress. Keep the preparedness momentum going with our tips to have the best first day of vacation possible. ORGANIZE, SO YOU DON’T NEED TO RUSH Complete as much packing and as many tasks as possible before departure day, especially if you have an early wake-up call. Set items you’ll need to access before departure near your luggage, use them, and then pack them right away after use. Referring to a thoughtfully organized packing list is also helpful for streamlining this process. For peace of mind, look through your documents and identification together with your travel companions so everyone sees that all important items are accounted for. PACK YOUR PATIENCE AND GO WITH THE FLOW Even with proper care and attention to detail, sometimes things go wrong. While this can be frustrating, go with the flow and contact your travel agent if there is a situation you don’t believe you can handle. FOR RESORT VACATIONS Note your resort’s check-in time and compare it with your anticipated arrival time. If you’re early, your room might not be ready for you, but resorts usually have an area for you to change your clothes and freshen up, allowing you to enjoy the property right away. They’ll also stow your bags, so make sure you have items you might want with you in your carry-on or other easily accessible bag. This could include a change of clothing, swimsuits, and sunscreen, for example. Some resorts lead daily tours so guests can learn more about activities and see where everything is located on the property. If this isn’t offered or isn’t of interest to you, you can spend a little time exploring the resort to get a feel for its layout. Maps are usually available, and the front desk will gladly show you your room location and how to get there from the lobby. Find out which restaurants are open during your stay, and when. It’s not uncommon for restaurant availability to rotate, particularly during slower seasons. If you can’t do so in advance, make reservations for your dinners during the first day of vacation. FOR CRUISE VACATIONS
Don’t make disembarkation day your first day of vacation. Arriving at your departure port city a day early is much less stressful than fretting about potentially missing your sailing because of flight delays or cancellations. Your stateroom won’t be ready for awhile once you have boarded the ship, and passengers will only have access to certain common areas until an announcement is made. This means you’ll be without your luggage for (potentially) several hours, so pack what you’ll need for the entire day in your carry-on. Find out which dining venues are available for lunch on embarkation day. The buffet could be teeming with travelers, many of whom will be rolling luggage around with them. If there is a smaller, quieter location for eating, you might be happier kicking off your vacation in this peaceful environment. Explore the ship and check out the day’s activities. A great first day (and cruise) starts with getting the lay of the land and making some fun plans for how to celebrate the start of vacation. Each year, New England’s glorious fall colors beckon tourists to visit its quaint towns and scenic parks. But other regions of the United States also boast a beautiful autumn season. If you yearn for crisp air, crunchy leaves underfoot, and dazzling displays of nature at its best, plan your getaway to one of these 3 destinations for fall fun! ASPEN, COLORADO Aspen draws skiers and snowboarders to its snowy peaks in the winter, but it’s also one of the USA’s most beautiful destinations for fall colors. With fewer tourists, reduced lodging rates, and awe-inspiring pops of color against the blue sky and snow-capped mountains, this mountain city is worthy of an autumn visit. Stay: Aspen is full of luxury hotels, so consider splurging on either The Little Nell or The St. Regis Aspen for a memorable five-star experience. For a more budget-friendly stay, nearby Snowmass has several options, from Pokolodi Lodge to Stonebridge Inn. See: Drive the scenic twelve miles of Castle Creek Road, stopping at its numerous lookout points to ooh and aah at the leaves. Hike along Hunter Creek Trail to a lovely meadow, spotting old miner cabins along the way. Get up close and personal with the fall foliage as you fly along the zipline or conquer the challenging ropes course at Lost Forest. Eat: Chefs Club, located in the St. Regis hotel, was named one of the nation’s 100 Best Restaurants by Time Magazine. It features a rotation of visiting chefs who take over the space for several months at a time and serve changing menus. For a more casual meal, The Stew Pot ladles out a variety of stews and soups alongside hearty salads and sandwiches—perfect after a long morning of hiking! TAOS, NEW MEXICO An artist’s haven in northern New Mexico, Taos welcomes visitors with its thriving music scene, delicious local cuisine, and world-class skiing in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Stay: For a boutique experience, book a stay at Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast or Blue Sky Retreat at San Geronimo. A quaint, cozy stay pairs perfectly with the charm of the town. See: Hop in the car and explore one of two famous routes for stunning scenery, The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway or The High Road to Taos from Santa Fe. If you prefer for someone else to do the driving, The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad chugs through canyons and desert, snaking between the borders of Colorado and New Mexico. In town, festival season draws visitors who want to take in the art scene or nosh on delicious food. Eat: Small local eateries are where it’s at when visiting Taos. La Cueva Café dishes up tasty Mexican dishes, including huevos rancheros and enchiladas. A hearty, homestyle platter of eggs, potatoes, and meats pairs nicely with a cup of steaming coffee at the Farmhouse Café. For a unique combination of Latin-French cuisine, Gutiz offers crepes, tartines, and croque madames alongside New Mexican staples topped with a variety of chile sauces. CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY
Cape May has long been associated with the bustle of summer tourism, but when crowds return home and the temperature cools, fall provides a delightful backdrop for a new season of fun. See: Guided trolley tours give visitors a glimpse into the maritime and cultural history of Cape May, known as America’s first seaside resort. Spend a relaxing, romantic weekend exploring the grounds of local wineries or breweries, sipping wine or beer, and nibbling on cheese and fruit with your sweetheart. For a bit of spooky fun, ghost and mystery tours help get tourists into the spirit of fall and Halloween. Stay: Victorian bed-and-breakfasts are abundant in Cape May, and guests at properties like The Mason Cottage or The Harrison are immersed in the décor and history of the town. Quaint hotel accommodations like those at Heritage Inn or Carroll Villa Hotel provide traditional hotel amenities while preserving the feel of historic Cape May. Eat: Serving up seafood caught from its own fleet of fishing boats, The Lobster House serves lunch and dinner to hungry patrons in five dining rooms overlooking Cape May Harbor. For creative farm-to-table cuisine, reservations at the swanky Ebbitt House restaurant in The Virginia Hotel are a must. Stuffed sandwiches, boardwalk fries, salads, and mac and cheese are served at Cape May’s surfer beachside café, The Rusty Nail, affectionately nicknamed “The Nail” by locals. While New England has deservedly earned its status as the premier fall destination for leaf-peeping, these 3 destinations for fun also offer travelers a special seasonal experience. Your clients should book their fall retreat as soon as possible for best availability and rates. What if I told you there’s a way you could travel for free, and it doesn't involve credit cards or tracking rewards points? Plus, you get to travel with your friends! There's a little secret to traveling for free I’ve discovered as a travel advisor, and I'd like to share it with you: all you have to do is get a small group of friends together and your costs are covered.
Work with me to come up with your ideal itinerary. Let's say it's a cruise. You get nine friends to go on the same cruise, and you'll go for FREE! If you get 10 couples in your group, you'll get a FREE CABIN for you and your guest. This is just one example. Requirements and rewards vary. Contact me to put together a travel plan that suits you! There will always be some costs such as taxes and flights, but overall, this is the cheapest way you'll find to travel. Contact me now to let me plan your group trip! Let’s get traveling! |
AuthorSharing my travel experiences and insights Archives
February 2024
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