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Savor the Flavor: Spice Up Your Next Vacation

3/1/2023

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Travel appeals to our senses—hearing the crash of ocean waves, seeing the twinkling lights of a city skyline, feeling a cool mountain breeze on your face. Judging from the popularity of food-related hashtags and social media posts, many travelers especially love to indulge their sense of taste. Travel food and dining experiences are often the most memorable parts of a trip.

​Are you planning a trip for your favorite food buddies? Want to add some extra flavor to your next getaway? Here are a few ideas sure to tempt anyone’s travel taste buds.
EXOTIC EXPLORATION

​The world offers an endless variety of ingredients and cooking styles. Specialized foodie tours make it easy to explore vibrant destinations like Thailand, Morocco, Peru, and more. Options include guided visits through local markets and street fairs, unique dining experiences, and hands-on cooking lessons.

WINE AND DINE

Sail through some of the world’s top wine regions on a luxurious European river cruise. Wine-focused itineraries feature expert lectures, tastings, and culinary pairings. Or plan a custom self-drive tour along New Zealand’s wine trail or through California’s Napa Valley.  

HOP(S) ON BOARD

River cruises are also a great way to explore beer-producing regions in countries like Germany and Amsterdam. You can include tours of local breweries, visits to malt factories and hops fields, and of course, plenty of tastings. And what beer lover wouldn’t enjoy a pub crawl through Dublin or London?

SPICE IT UP

If an entirely food-themed trip isn’t your style, you can still add a pinch of culinary adventure to your next vacation. Try a food-themed shore excursion to experience local specialties in cruise ports across the globe. Take a break from the beaches of Jamaica, Costa Rica, or the Dominican Republic to tour a local coffee plantation or distillery. The possibilities are endless… and delicious. 

Are you hungry for your next travel adventure? Matt Travel can craft a menu of tempting travel food options! ​
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The Benefits of Non-Peak Travel

2/22/2023

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Many travelers look forward to their annual spring break trip, summer vacation, or holiday travels. With kids off from school, these times usually work well for families and those with busy schedules. That also means that these are among the busiest travel times of the year, or what we in the travel industry call peak season.  

Peak travel times can be the only option for some travelers, but those with more flexibility in their schedule should consider traveling during non-peak times to take advantage of these benefits!   
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LOWER COSTS

Most travelers have a vacation fund or a budget planned for their vacation. Travel agents strive to work within their clients’ budgets to plan their ideal trip and maximize their vacation value. This can be tricky during some peak season times of the year when flights are at their priciest and occupancy is nearly full.  

One of the benefits of traveling during non-peak travel times is that travel costs are usually lower. This means a traveler’s budget can go farther. Perhaps they will be able to add an extra night to their stay, upgrade their room or cabin, fly first-class or include some activities that they didn’t consider before.  ​
FEWER PEOPLE

Non-peak travel also means that there are smaller crowds. This can make a huge difference when you are waiting in line for a favorite ride, a world-renowned museum, or a table at a restaurant. Along with shorter wait times, fewer people at a theme park, monument, or destination can mean that visitors get a better view of the sites they’ve traveled to see. 

The fewer wait times also present travelers with two options for their vacation approach: doing more or taking it slow. Shorter wait times mean that travelers who are trying to fit as much into their day as possible can see and do more.  Alternatively, travelers who are searching for relaxation on vacation are less rushed to move along or get out of the way, giving them the option to stay and enjoy the moment or the scenery a little longer. And the photos they take will be able to focus on the person or the location which is the subject rather than crowds of people. ​
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LESS STRESS

Whenever there is more time, fewer people, and less financial concern, the result is less stress. For most people, taking a vacation is a chance to leave the demands of their daily lives at home and escape to somewhere that they can relax. The stress of busy airports and crowded destinations can make it hard to find that escape when travelers take a trip during peak times.  

But they can breathe a little easier and put their feet up with greater ease when they travel during non-peak times. Not only are the travelers happier, but their agents are happy to have booked a vacation that they know their clients will truly enjoy. ​
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WHEN ARE NON-PEAK TRAVEL TIMES?

Peak and non-peak travel times can vary from destination to destination and from year to year as holidays fall on different days. It’s important to know the local school calendars, when wedding season is in your area, and when holidays and three-day weekends will fall in the coming year. 

For travel from mid-January through February is slower, though three-day weekends can be a bit busier than other travel times during these months. Early May can also provide some great options for early summer travel without some of the peak travel prices.  

Most destinations are very busy from mid-May through mid-September, but things slow down once again for October and early November before holiday travel leads to busier destinations.  
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The Top 3 Reasons to Book a Fall Wine River Cruise

2/15/2023

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Matt attending the river cruise expo in Budapest - March 2022
A wine cruise offers the hospitality of traveling with a group of like-minded people with a variety of private events, dinners and tastings scheduled aboard the ship and on land. Keep reading to discover three of the best reasons to book a fall wine cruise!

1. See Europe’s breathtaking landscapes illuminated in vibrant autumn colors.
2. Visit renowned sites and wineries as the locals do, amid less crowds.
3. Save on airfare, as prices are typically reduced during fall.


Cruise through highly acclaimed European wine regions, from Austria’s UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley to Germany’s Rheingau and Moselle regions, to France’s celebrated Bordeaux region and beyond.

Expert Wine Hosts
You’ll be accompanied throughout your cruise by a dedicated Wine Host from a North American winery who will lead tastings and provide trips to private cellars and historic vineyards. You will also enjoy carefully curated food and wine pairing dinners.

Are you interested in booking a fall wine cruise? Click here to learn more about river cruising. Contact me today so we can get started planning the perfect wine cruise designed specifically for you! ​
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Turn Up The Romance

2/8/2023

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As professional travel advisors, we use our vast experience to help you explore, relax and reconnect on your vacations. For those looking to reconnect with the one they love, the hotels, resorts and tour operators listed here can help you do just that.

Set in some of the most dazzling destinations around the world, these properties from SELECT Hotels & Resorts — an exclusive program that includes the world’s finest hotels, resorts and villas — shower you with exclusive perks and privileges when you book them through Matt Travel.

AT SELECT HOTELS & RESORTS, YOU'LL RECEIVE ALL THESE BONUS AMENITIES AND MORE:
  • Exclusive VIP Amenities Valued at 100 USD
  • Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily
  • Upgrade Upon Availability
  • Early Check-in and Late Check-out Upon Availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

COMBINE THESE BONUS AMENITIES WITH THESE SPECIAL OFFERS FROM THE FEATURED HOTEL PARTNERS:
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21c MUSEUM HOTEL CHICAGO
​Located just steps from the famous Magnificent Mile shopping district in River North Chicago, contemporary art surrounds and inspires you at 21c Museum Hotel Chicago. Discover a new kind of cultural and travel experience in the Windy City with this multi-venue museum and 297-room boutique hotel featuring 106 suites. A welcoming sanctuary from the art and activity that fills the 21c galleries and downtown Chicago, the romantic rooms are the perfect place to rest, refresh and reconnect.

Also included when you book through Matt Travel — these SELECT amenities:
  • $100 resort credit
  • Complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily
  • Early check-in and late checkout upon availability
  • Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in — subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
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FAIRMONT KEA LANI, MAUI
Discover the essence of Maui at Fairmont Kea Lani, Hawaii's only all-suite and villa luxury oceanfront resort. Imagine an island oasis where blue skies, golden sand beaches and an abundance of tropical blooms create a vibrant retreat. With six dining venues featuring four bars, three swimming pools (including an adults-only tranquility pool), authentic Hawaiian cultural activities and comprehensive fitness and wellness programming, Fairmont Kea Lani is the ideal place to re-energize and reconnect with loved ones.

Also included when you book through Matt Travel — these SELECT amenities:​
  • $100 food & beverage credit per stay*
  • Daily breakfast buffet for two at Kea Lani Restaurant
  • Early check-in and late checkout upon availability
  • Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in — subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
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HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS
​From iconic cities of the world to sunny white-sand beaches and beyond, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts around the globe provide the perfect settings for your romantic getaway. Choose the excitement of Nashville or the legendary European cities of Amsterdam and Prague. For the ultimate escape, select destinations like Hawaii or Cambodia. Or enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe or the Pacific Coast. Wherever you set your course, you’ll be sure to share memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. 

Also included when you book through Matt Travel — these SELECT amenities:​
  • $100 resort credit
  • Complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily
  • Early check-in and late checkout upon availability
  • Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in — subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
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IHG HOTELS & RESORTS
Wherever your travels take you, elevate the experience. As one of the world’s largest luxury and lifestyle hotel brands, IHG offers unparalleled service and stay experiences in the world’s most premium destinations. With 17 brands across 6,000 destinations around the world, they have multiple properties to choose from no matter where you wish to spend your romantic getaway.

Also included when you book through Matt Travel — these SELECT amenities:
  • $100 resort credit
  • Complimentary buffet breakfast for two daily
  • Early check-in and late checkout upon availability
  • Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in — subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
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2023 Culinary Collection Brochure

1/31/2023

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click here to view the brochure
Have you seen the 2023 Culinary Collection brochure? We have featured more departures and shore events and added new suppliers to the program who have really stepped up their offers.

AmaWaterways is offering a shopping trip to a local market with the ship’s chef along with a Chef’s dinner made with ingredients from the market.

Newly added Windstar is offering an array of benefits from their James Beard Culinary themed cruises, including a chef-hosted dinner with a guest chef, a wine pairing event, cooking demos and recipe cards to take home as well as $100 per person shipboard credit.

Click the link for some culinary destination inspiration!
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Save Money On Your Spring Break Escape

1/24/2023

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If Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter on February 2, there’s no need to grumble…sunny skies and sandy beaches are just a quick plane ride away! If you haven’t started planning yet, put down that snow shovel and make your reservations for a spring break escape with these money-saving tips in mind. 

  1. BOOK ASAP. College kids aren’t the only ones heading south during spring break, and airlines have taken note of the increased demand, especially on peak travel days. The closer you book to spring break, the higher the fares will be. With travel booming once again, availability for hotels and resorts could also be a challenge, so making reservations months in advance ensures your plans are set. 

  2. TAKE A FIVE-DAY TRIP. Of course you’ll want to spend as much time out of the snow belt as possible, but you will pay more for weekend-to-weekend flights. For a more budget-conscience vacation, check Monday or Tuesday departures and potentially save major moolah. 

  3. TRY ALTERNATE AIRPORTS. The closest airport to your destination may not be the cheapest option, depending on where you are departing from. For example, if you have your sights set on Walt Disney World, check for flights to Tampa — just 84 miles from Orlando — as the airfare might be cheap enough to make the extra drive worth it. This same rule of thumb applies for your departure city – don’t forget to check cost from other nearby airports. 

  4. LOOK AT LESS COMMON DESTINATIONS. Snow can be fun, we swear. This time of year, keep an eye out for great deals on airfare to prime ski areas in Colorado and New England. If you really need a break from the cold, try less-obvious destinations like Southern California or New Orleans. If the surf and sand beckons, avoid the Florida hot spots and spread out your towel on a beach off the beaten path.  

  5. PLAN THE DETAILS IN ADVANCE. Purchasing meals and enjoying activities while traveling can cause daily spending to sneak up on you. With your budget in mind, plan your dining for each day of your trip with consideration to must-do restaurants and cost-saving quick bites. When it comes to activities, tours, and excursions, your travel agent can assist with recommendations and booking to maximize your dollar and fun.  

Spring break travel can pack a punch, but it doesn’t have to be painful on the wallet. The key is organization, planning ahead, and maximizing your budget in creative ways…all aspects of travel a professional travel agent can help you with! 
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Experiencing Culture Through Food, History, and Art

1/18/2023

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Cross posting this blog from my friends at KHM.

Travelers are compelled to explore the world because they love connecting with another culture through the food, history, and art of a place. This is especially true for travelers who want to visit Europe.

These uniquely European experiences will have you wanting to hop across the Pond again and again.

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FOR THE FOOD

Food is one of the most interactive and sensory ways to experience a destination’s culture. It’s also one of the most often talked about parts of our vacations. We connect with the aspiration to eat Neopolitan pizza in Italy, croissants in France, and fish and chips in England. Even if you don’t call yourselves “foodies” you’ll most likely want to try some local specialties.
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HISTORY INSPIRES

Whenever Americans visit Europe, we marvel at the age of their buildings and cities. The idea that you may stay in a hotel built in the 1700s or stroll along cobblestones laid down by the Roman Empire is novel for us. The rich history of Europe is one of the reasons many of us are inspired to visit, and why we often make visiting historic landmarks and museums a priority when traveling.
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APPRECIATING THE ARTS

Much like history, the experiencing the arts is an important part of understanding the culture of a place. While Europe is filled with incredible works, like the Mona Lisa and Michelangelo’s David, museums are only the tip of the iceberg. Architecture, music, and theater performances are among the many forms art takes.

While everyone’s experiences are different, we all find ways to connect with destinations and cultures through meaningful moments. For some, that’s sipping a coffee and or trying a new dish. Others find joy in connecting with the past through history. Others strive to sink into the moment through performances and art. 

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Never Forget These Three Things When Traveling

1/15/2023

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Matt sailing on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady for New Year's 2023
There's a lot to remember before heading out on your next adventure. That's why I always use a checklist to remind myself of all the things I need to pack before I embark on my next trip. Keep reading to discover the three must-have items you need while traveling!
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​Click here for a handy packing list to make sure you are prepared for all of your traveling needs!

After all the packing is done and just before I head to the airport, I double-check to make sure I have these three things on me. Without these items, I may not even make it to my destination, or at a minimum, my traveling experience will be considerably more difficult. If all I have are these three things, I'll be able to get by and can always purchase anything else I need. 
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#1. Don't forget your passport
If you're traveling internationally, you won't even make it on the plane without your passport. Even if you somehow manage to slip through all the check points and make it to your destination, they’ll put you on the next flight home as soon as you land. I've seen it happen a number of times. The traveler who forgets their passport has to go back home to get it, no exceptions. Their travel plans are delayed, plus they incur stiff fees from the airline to re-book their airfare. 

Bonus Tip: Make sure your passport doesn't expire until six months after the date you return home, or they might not let you go abroad.

#2. Don't forget your money/credit card
I was pickpocketed while traveling once. They took my wallet with all my money and credit cards. They were so talented that I didn't even realize it until the next day! The worst part? I was only halfway through my month-long journey. I begged my parents to send money via Western Union at each new city I went to so I didn't have to come home early. Thankfully, they agreed, but it was quite the process. The time difference between us was about 10 hours, which made communication while traveling extremely difficult. I wasn't sure how much money I needed for the rest of the trip and typos in my name made it difficult to collect the cash. All-in-all, lesson learned: do not forget your money or credit cards while traveling!

#3. Don't forget your phone
With the world’s shift from paper to digital almost complete, your most important travel information is now on your phone. Plus, your family and friends expect to hear from you frequently while you travel to make sure you're alive and well. We've grown so dependent on our smart phones, it's hard to travel without them. To top it off, many of us no longer use a physical camera; it's now just an app on our phone. Can you imagine traveling to all these beautiful sites and not being able to take pictures of any of your food? Lame!
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Before you leave for your next trip, double-check to make sure you didn't forget your three most important travel items: your passport, money and phone.
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Using A Travel Advisor

1/11/2023

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Check out this guide on how to best use a travel advisor to plan your next vacation! Click the button below
click here to get your FREE copy of the Using a Travel Advisor Guide
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Ski Vacation Packing Tips

1/2/2023

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Will you be hitting the slopes soon? The right clothing, gear, and accessories can make or break your skiing or snowboarding experience. Airline luggage limits and fees can quickly turn packing your bags into a double black diamond challenge. These ski vacation packing tips will help you arrive with everything you need to enjoy your winter getaway.

PLAN AHEAD
Avoid last-minute packing. You need time to analyze which items you already have and whether they’re still in good condition, to purchase (or borrow) anything you still need, and to test any new gear before your big trip.

MAKE A LIST
Replacing forgotten items can be pricey in resort shops. Use a packing list to remember all the essential gear, après ski apparel, and accessories. Don’t forget sun protection for your skin, lips, and eyes!

UNDERSTAND AIRLINE POLICIES
Carefully review the luggage allowance included with your ticket, including size, weight, and quantity for checked and carry-on bags. Some airlines have specific policies for transporting sports equipment, including coverage limitations for lost or damaged items.

COMPARE BYO VS. RENTAL OPTIONS
Renting equipment at your destination may be a practical alternative to the cost and complications of transporting your skis or snowboard. Compare on-site choices with using a local ski shop or rental company, which often offer delivery.

LAYER LIKE A PRO
When it comes to choosing clothing layers, think quality over quantity. The right fabrics will keep you warm and dry, without weighing you—or your luggage—down. Save space in your suitcase by carrying your bulky ski coat on your flights.

What are your must-pack items for a winter sports adventure?
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