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Why Use a Travel Advisor for Your Next US-Based Trip?

7/14/2020

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Matt visiting Sonoma Valley in 2018
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. Here are three ways I can make planning your next trip a breeze.

  • Personalized Planning and Expert Guidance
    • As a travel advisor, I don’t just provide answers. I ask questions too! I want to get to know you, your vacation style and preferences so I can make tailored recommendations for your trip. My primary goals as a travel advisor are to exceed your expectations and assist you in the event something does not go according to plan.
    • ​My clients can always reach me when they call. With other travel agencies, clients are directed to a  help desk. When you are my client, you never wait on hold. You can call me, text me, email me, Facebook message me, etc. and receive a reply instantly. Booking with a travel agent like me will end up saving you time in the end!
    • Everybody loves an insider! Being a frequent traveler myself and well connected within  the travel industry, I'm always ready to recommend interesting things to do, unique places to visit and amazing restaurants to eat at.
    • One of my favorite parts of being a travel advisor is planning a vacation package with my client's precise needs and desires at heart. I work with you until you are 100% satisfied with your travel plans. If you come across a vacation package on the internet that looks interesting, send it my way and I will help ensure it’s reputable and has a high level of value.
  • I have clout in the travel industry
    • I personally contact the manager of the accommodations where my clients are staying to confirm reservations and request complimentary extras. There is no guarantee, but I’ve seen this result in room upgrades, gift baskets, bottles of alcohol, chocolates, etc. About 80% of my clients say they've received upgrades because I’ve been their travel advisor.
    • Since I have clout, that means my clients have clout. This helps ensure my clients have the best travel experience. Not only am I a member of Travel Leaders Network, my host agency is well known and has built strong relationships within the travel industry.
  • Most importantly, I care
    • Whether you are planning a road trip around the country, need a secluded private cabin or want to stay in a private house near the beach, I'm invested in your happiness. My job as a travel advisor is to get you where you need to be, with minimum speed bumps along the way!
    • Good Travels Advisor certified - Good Travels Advisors are trained in the basics of good travel, giving and volunteering.
    • I'm a member of Pledge 1%. This means I donate 1% of my time to volunteer for worthy causes and give 1% of my revenue to charity.

As a travel advisor, I am here to take the hassle and guesswork out of your vacation and ensure you make the most of your time away from home. The service I provide helps to makes sure my clients travel investment creates wonderful experiences and lasting memories. This is just the start of my philosophy in crafting meaningful journeys.

Click here to read what my clients think about my travel service!

If you have questions about my travel services or are looking to plan your next getaway, feel free to contact me! It's never too early to plan your next trip. I often help travelers plan a year or two in advance!
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Napa Valley Insider Tips & Experiences

7/7/2020

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PictureMatt visiting St. Helena for the first time in 2008
​Recently, I connected with Lisa Redmon of Redmon Wines. We spoke about St. Helena, the heart of Napa Valley, and her hometown for 50 years. I fell in love with St. Helena 12 years ago when I first visited. I was surprised to learn about so many experiences I never knew about in this beautiful quaint town in America's most famous wine region. She said she'd love to share her insider knowledge with all of you. I invited her on Travel Radio Podcast to sit down and talk about exclusive wine tastings, the best way to get around town, food, and other must-do experiences.

Enjoy the video or audio versions below!

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Lisa Redmon
Wine maker
​People often ask me how and why I got into the wine business.  The “how” was a bit of luck. When I moved back to St. Helena from the Bay Area in 1999, my family owned a small vineyard that was planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. The funny part is that no one in my family drank or was interested in wine, so I took this opportunity to have some fun by making a bucket or two of wine in my garage as a hobby. This hobby went wild and eventually ended up as Redmon Wines.

The “why” part of the equation is simple. After living in St. Helena for 40 years, I’ve grown deeply fond of the Napa Valley. This business is a way for me to share the love I have for this area through the amazing wines it produces. Sharing Redmon wines with customers is my way of sharing the history and love I have for this beautiful place.
Redmon Wines
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Guide to Mexican Street Food

1/3/2019

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​While there’s little doubt that the dining inside your hotel or resort will be top-notch, you should experience the full range of culinary experiences Mexico offers. This country is home to arguably the greatest culture of street food in the world, and tasting it is as simple as a quick stop between shops or museums. While there isn’t enough room in your stomach to try every single cart or stand, here are a few quintessential antojitos you need to savor.
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Tacos - Perhaps nothing is more iconic of Mexican cuisine than tacos. Of course, these aren’t the mass-produced replicas of chain restaurants; here they’re the real deal. While variations exist based on which state of Mexico you’re in, every taco will likely consist of a warm corn tortilla (often hand-made), tender meat, and a smattering of fresh vegetables, fruits and salsas.

Tamales - Originating in Oaxaca, tamales today can be found and enjoyed all throughout Mexico. Composed of a thick steamed corn dough wrapped in either banana leaves or corn husks, the true treat of tamales is the stuffing: you can find anything from chicken mole to cheese to sweet pineapple inside.

Sopes and Gorditas - Sopes and gorditas are essentially two sides of the same coin: the same delicious corn dough with slight variations in preparation. Gorditas are when the corn dough is fried, then stuffed with meats, beans and cheeses and topped off with delectable salsas and creams. Sopes are the exact same thing, except all of the stuffings go on top of the corn patty, thus making them “toppings.” It may seem like a trivial difference, but you’ll be surprised at how difficult it is to choose between the two!

Tostadas - At first glance, Tostadas look like a mix between a taco and a pizza, but there’s more flavor there than meets the eye. The base is a crisp, salty tortilla that is gratuitously topped with anything from pork to cows’ foot to ceviche or fresh fish. Those traveling to Oaxaca should be sure to try a tlayuda, a huge tostada smothered in chocolate mole sauce, then topped with a salad and meat of your choice before finally being sprinkled with world-famous stringy Oaxaca cheese.

Elotes and Esquites - Elotes and Esquites are essentially the same food, prepared differently. Elotes is sweetcorn, served on a stick and smothered in mayonnaise, cream and chili. Esquites is sweetcorn cut from the cob, mixed with cream, lime juice, mayonnaise and chili inside a plastic cup. Either version is by far and away one of the tastiest options for enjoying Mexican street food.

Comotes - If you’re in Mexico City, you’ll want to try camotes fresh from a stand or cart. Camotes are plantains and sweet potatoes steamed, and then served with strawberry jam and condensed milk. If you can’t tell where they are by the crowds they draw, then listen for the distinct whistle of steam escaping the pot.
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