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Yachting vs. Cruising: What's the Difference?

10/29/2024

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Matt sailing on a yach around Croatia - August 2024
​I recently had the opportunity to sail around Croatia on a private yacht, so I took it. I've been on 23 ocean cruises, 7 river cruises and now I'm in love with yachting. 

Every morning, we woke up and enjoyed breakfast. Not too long after breakfast, we'd stop somewhere to swim. They had water toys and even let us jump off the top of the boat. The day goes by leisurely and by the time we finish lunch, we're in a new town. They included a walking tour in each city so we could get the lay of the land, then we were off on our own. 

On most nights, they don't include dinner. This means we could explore the local cuisine, then hit up a nice bar for a drink. We even got a little adventurous some nights and explored what the nightlife had to offer. The yacht doesn't embark until after 6am every morning so we could make new friends and party until our hearts content. 

In a lot of ways, a yacht experience is the opposite of an ocean cruise...
  • As the big cruise ships were leaving the major ports, we were arriving.
  • Instead of returning for dinner on the ship, you eat dinner in town at a local restaurant.
  • Many ports are too small for cruise ships to visit, but our yacht fit perfectly.
  • Instead of staying on board for entertainment, you immerse yourself in local experiences.
  • Our yacht was small with a max capacity of 32 guests. There are even smaller options to fit your group size.

You might be a yachter if you...
  • Seek a high level of service
  • Want more control over the itinerary
  • Prefer small private group experiences
  • Like custom designed excursions that start when the mass cruises depart
  • Enjoy elevated cuisine onboard with local cuisine options on land
  • Love to taste the nightlife
  • Require sleeping in while vacationing

So why not yacht!?! Reach out with all of your questions about what its like to yacht and the Matt Travel team will help you determine if it's the right experience for you.
Traveling by yacht may be more attainable than you think. Ask us about private yacht charters. There are also public options for couples or small groups to join others and make new friends. You can yacht almost anywhere in the world. Here are the top three destinations for yacht enthusiasts.
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Greek Island Hopper
Yachting in Greece is a journey through time and beauty, where ancient ruins and mythological tales meet sparkling turquoise waters. Picture yourself gliding past iconic whitewashed buildings, then dropping anchor for a swim in a secluded, emerald-green bay. Each island offers a unique experience. Along the way, you’ll savor the flavors of authentic Greek cuisine at quaint tavernas. It's an adventure that blends the mystique of ancient history with the pure joy of sun, sea, and sail.​
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Croatia Coastal Cruise
Yachting in Croatia is like stepping into a postcard, with crystal-clear waters shimmering beneath your bow and picture-perfect islands dotting the horizon. Each day unfolds a new adventure, from exploring hidden coves to mingling with locals in charming seaside towns. Your days are filled with sun-soaked lounging, spontaneous swims, and breathtaking sunsets. It’s the ultimate blend of relaxation and discovery, where every moment feels like a dream.​
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Caribbean Dream
Yachting in the Caribbean is a paradise realized, where every wake leads you to a new slice of tropical heaven. Imagine drifting through aquamarine waters, discovering unspoiled beaches fringed with swaying palm trees and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Each island tells its own story. Your evenings are spent under a canopy of stars, with the gentle lapping of waves and the distant melodies of island music setting the perfect backdrop. It’s a voyage of endless sunshine and boundless adventure, where every day feels like a celebration of paradise.​​
If not now, when?
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Matt Wahlgren
ADVISOR / AGENCY OWNER
I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience
Learn More
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The Pursuit of Happiness: The Mental Health Benefits of Travel

10/15/2024

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​by Matt Wahlgren:

Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler...
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Matt and Jason taking a night stroll in Valencia, Spain - July 2024
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.
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Matt Wahlgren
ADVISOR / AGENCY OWNER
I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience
LEARN MORE
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2024 Villas & Suites Collection

10/1/2024

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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.

VILLAS

Each 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.

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SUITES

Each 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.
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​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.
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