MATT TRAVEL
  • Why Matt Travel?
  • Inspiring Destinations
  • River Cruises
  • Ocean Cruises
  • Blog
  • The Team

Blog

When to Villa? Here Are Three Great Ideas!

3/24/2025

Comments

 
Picture
​Private villas offer the ideal getaway for large groups. With a Matt Travel experience, your guests will create memories together - without sacrificing privacy. They might reconnect with the family by the pool, dine on a gourmet, chef-prepared meal, or relax & rejuvenate in the comfort of their private suite or cottage.

Discover some examples of our most-popular large group travel occasions, and some of our favorite villas to match. Contact a Matt Travel and start exploring today.
Find Your Villa

Your Celebration: The Villa Way

Multigenerational Family Travel
Large family travel is on the rise, and with a variety of ages and abilities, each guest may have specific requirements. With a private villa experience, we'll cater to everyone - from travelers who need accessibility options to young children that may need nanny services, connected bedrooms, cribs, and more.

You'll make memories to last a lifetime in a way that meets everyone's comfort level.​
Picture
Orfea Estate, Italy
Up to 14 Bedrooms | Up to 28 Guests
Explore Villa
Picture
​Daybreak Lodge at Bachelor Gulch, Colorado
Up to 8 Bedrooms | Up to 23 Guests
Explore Villa
​Weddings
​​From grand weddings in Europe to intimate beachfront ceremonies in the Caribbean, you will celebrate your special day with those closest to you - and no one else. Our team can make arrangements with local wedding planners and handle all the details - leaving your guests to simply enjoy the day with their loved ones.
Picture
​Hacienda Jaguar, Riviera Maya
Up to 12 Bedrooms | Up to 26 Guests
Can be booked alongside sister villas Hacienda Magica, Hacienda Corazon, Hacienda del Mar to accommodate 150-200 guests.
Explore Villa
Picture
​Mes Amis, St. Martin
Up to 13 Bedrooms | Up to 28 Guests​
Explore Villa
Groups of Families or Friends
For families or friend groups looking to travel together, space is of the utmost importance. The right villa provides multiple master suites, separate wings, and even neighboring villas that can be rented together to accommodate large groups. You might snorkel off the beach, ski right out the door, or simply relax around the firepit or game room.
Picture
Sandy Bottom, Turks & Caicos
Up to 4 Bedrooms | Up to 8 Guests
Can be booked with nearby Sandy Shore Villa
explore villa
Picture
Canoe House at Champion Ridge, Hawaii
Up to 4 Bedrooms | Up to 8 Guests
Can be booked with nearby Beach Walker at Champion Ridge
explore villa
Comments

Your Complimentary Luxury Travel Magazine from Matt Travel

3/18/2025

Comments

 
Picture

Special Offers on Luxurious Cruises, Resorts and More

view offer details
THE DEFINITION OF LUXURY
In your complimentary digital issue of Luxury Travel magazine, you’ll discover a handpicked collection of luxury escapes where every detail reflects your personal tastes, and each day unfolds with curated discoveries designed just for you. Booking with Matt Travel ensures unparalleled value and exclusive benefits. With years of expertise and insider knowledge, we craft bespoke itineraries enhanced with exclusive perks, such as room upgrades, spa credits, private tours and VIP event access. We handle every detail, so you can immerse yourself in the experience.
VIEW MAGAZINE
Picture
Comments

Matt Travel Will Pay for Your Passport

3/12/2025

Comments

 
Picture
Matt in Korcula, Croatia
Europe is one of my favorite international travel destinations. Some of my all-time favorite cities to visit are Rome, Valencia, and Dubrovnik. But the best thing about traveling to Europe is being able to explore the smaller, picturesque towns all over the continent such as San Gimignano, Alicante, and Korčula . 
​
I wish more people took the time to travel internationally. Did you know that only 51 percent of Americans have a passport? Surprising, right?  When I discovered that barely half of Americans have passports, I knew I needed to do something to change that. 

If you book an international travel package with Matt Travel for at least 7 nights, we'll pay your passport fees!

​Already have a passport? We'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 Matt Travel help you plan an unforgettable international travel experience sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Contact us today for more details on how to get your passport or Global Entry for free! Don’t be shy, We’re here to help!
Picture
Matt Wahlgren
ADVISOR / aGENCY OWNER
I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience
learn more
Comments

Family in Ireland

3/7/2025

Comments

 
Picture
Two years ago I had the privilege of traveling to Ireland with my Husband, Daughter, and some of my Husband’s family. My Husband’s last name Shanahan is very obviously Irish so this was a special trip that allowed some of his family to reconnect with their family roots. While Robert, Harper, and I opted for a more 3-year-old-friendly Itinerary in Dublin, some of my in-laws explored the natural beauty and history of the southern and western coasts of Ireland. They traced their original Shanahan ancestry from Dublin to Galway.  

Ireland is definitely on our list to return and explore outside of Dublin once Harper is older. We had a wonderful time exploring the more common Dublin spots that are kid-friendly while the rest of our family delved into more cultural and historical sites. Being able to travel in a group and have everyone meet their travel preferences was critical for this trip since we had very different goals. 

We love to integrate our client's interests into their custom trips. Whether you are tracing your Irish heritage, traveling with kids or you are a Game of Thorns Fan, we can customize your trip to fit your interests and preferences. Ireland offers so much for so many different types of travel. 

Unsure of your travel style? Check out Matt’s travel vibes and let us know what kind of trip you are looking for! 

Comments

Luxury Getaways Without the Passport - Explore Villas in the U.S.

2/25/2025

Comments

 
Picture
​From the breathtaking volcanic landscapes of Hawaii to the stunning mountains of Colorado to the picture-perfect scenery in California, there is so much to appreciate when it comes to the beauty of the United States of America.

Vacations in the U.S. have the potential to be so magical, especially when your clients are exploring from a private, lavish villa.
Find Their Villa

Discover Top Destinations in the U.S.

Picture
Hawaii
440+ Villas
Maui • Oahu • The Big Island • & More
​

Experience the allure of Hawaii—where lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and
​rich Polynesian culture create the perfect escape for your clients.
Explore Hawaii
Picture
Colorado
230+ Villas
Breckenridge • Steamboat Springs • Beaver Creek • & More

​
Experience the wonder of Colorado—where majestic mountains, outdoor adventure, and
​year-round beauty provide an unforgettable retreat for your clients.
explore villas
Picture
Florida
140+ Villas
Orlando • Melbourne Beach • Anna Maria Island • & More

​
Experience the magic of Florida—where sun-drenched shores, world-class entertainment,
​and endless relaxation opportunities come together for the ultimate getaway.
explore villas
Picture
California
80+ Villas
Palm Springs • Los Angeles • San Diego • & More

​
Experience the diversity of California—where stunning coastlines, iconic cities, and
breathtaking landscapes create an extraordinary journey for your clients.
explore villas

More to Explore

Picture
Utah
explore Utah
Picture
Tennessee
explore tennessee
Picture
Montana
explore montana
Comments

The Secret to Traveling At Little-To-No Cost

2/25/2025

Comments

 
Picture
Matt in Split, Croatia
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 Matt Travel now and let us plan your group trip! Let’s get traveling!
click here for more details
Picture
Matt Wahlgren
ADVISOR / aGENCY OWNER
I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience
learn more
Comments

Unveiling The Newest European Villas

2/19/2025

Comments

 
Picture
From the vibrant blue-drenched Mediterranean Sea surrounding Greece to the breathtaking natural scenery of Italy, European getaways are what dreams are made of - especially when your home-base is an ulta-luxurious private villa with enchanting and picturesque views.

Discover the most recent additions to the European portfolio, offering access to high-end amenities and facilities, and endless opportunities for guests to experience peace and tranquility. 
Find Villas

New in Europe


Lily Croft
Trensum, Sweden

Up to 5 Bedrooms | Up to 10 Guests
Explore Villa
Picture
Picture

​Culford Gardens
London, England

Up to 2 Bedrooms | Up to 4 Guests
Explore Villa

​Piacente
Puglia, Italy

Up to 4 Bedrooms | Up to 8 Guests
explore villa
Picture
Picture

​Villa 223
Dubrovnik, Croatia

Up to 5 Bedrooms | Up to 10 Guests
explore villa

​Penthouse Suite
Edinburgh, Scotland

Up to 2 Bedrooms | Up to 4 Guests
explore villa
Picture
Picture

​Caretta Villa
Crete, Greece

Up to 9 Bedrooms | Up to 25 Guests
explore villa

​Villa Oceanico
St. Tropez, France

Up to 5 Bedrooms | Up to 10 Guests
explore villa
Picture
Comments

5 Times a Good Deal Really Isn't a Good Deal: Avoiding Buyer's Remorse

2/11/2025

Comments

 
Picture
Matt at a rooftop party at Virgin Hotels Chicago
At Matt Travel, we work with travelers in different ways. Some of our clients have limited time and ask us to put a proposal together based on their desired trip. We go back and forth, adjusting the proposal until it meets their desires. Others, prefer to work hand in hand with us to design their trip. This sometimes leads us to vetting what they've found. Over the years we've developed a set of internal standards to help ensure a more pleasant travel experience for our clients.  We'll even tailor our recommendations based on your desired service level.

If you share a certain hotel or cruise line with us that you're interested in booking, we may inform you of several concerns before we secure reservations on your behalf. And for certain properties or ships, we may not work with them at all if their policies or quality of service isn't up to par. 

Where you lay your head at night can greatly influence your quality of rest and mood as you travel. In order to help ensure you have the best possible experience, accommodations and tours should be of a certain quality. Our commitment is to provide you with the best possible accommodations within your budget.


Here are 5 Times a Good Deal Really Isn't a Good Deal...
​

1. Compromised Quality: 
A low price could involve sacrifices in quality or service. In the past couple of years I flew on a couple of budget airlines to evaluate the service and see if they could be a good option for some my clients. On both occasions from two separate airlines, the policies and procedures made for a frustrating experience. Traveling cheaper might mean less comfortable accommodations, limited amenities, or poorer service.
​
2. Misleading Deals: 
Sometimes, what is advertised as a deal is merely a marketing gimmick. Prices are sometimes inflated prior to a “discount,” resulting in no real savings. Recently, I priced a cruise for a client and a few weeks later I re-priced it on Black Friday to find that the rate increased rather than decreased.

A recent trend of travel companies these days is putting a counter on their website ticking down the time you have until the deal is no longer available. Guess what? Rates and availability can change even before the clock counts down and oftentimes the promotion lasts much longer than the counter suggests. At Matt Travel we don't like pressure sales tactics.

3. Location Disadvantages:
A great hotel deal might be in an inconvenient location far from attractions or public transport. Savings on accommodations can lead to higher transportation costs or less time to enjoy destinations. I learned this the hard way when I first started traveling decades ago. I booked a nice hotel with a great rate. Soon after I checked in, I discovered it was far from the city center in Paris and I ended up walking hours back and forth to all the main attractions or taking the the metro when I could. Not a great option if you love the nightlife and like to boogie. 

4. Uninsured Risk:
Omitting travel insurance coverage might initially appear cost-effective. There are two main reasons we always recommend travel protection at Matt Travel. One, a tragedy strikes and you need to cancel your plans. Travel protection will reimburse you for covered reasons. Two, you encounter an unexpected health issue during travel such as falling and breaking a bone. Click here for 10 reasons travel protection is a smart idea. 

5. Questionable Reputation:
A deal from an unfamiliar or poorly reviewed company might be pretty sus. At Matt Travel, we only recommend reputable companies that we have built strong relationships with. 
Picture
Matt Wahlgren
ADVISOR / aGENCY OWNER
I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience
Learn more
Comments

Discover The Allure of Europe

1/29/2025

Comments

 
Picture
There’s no better time to start planning a memorable European escape.

Whether they’re seeking the timeless elegance of the French Riviera or the sun-kissed beauty of the Amalfi Coast, a villa retreat in Europe promises unmatched privacy, luxury, and stunning surroundings.
From the sun-drenched shores and vibrant cities of Spain to the idyllic Greek islands, where crystal-clear waters meet ancient ruins and charming villages, we’ve curated a selection of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, perfect for your villa vacation.

Have the experience of a lifetime with a villa getaway to Europe in 2025. Contact [email protected] us today to secure your escape.
Find YOUR European Villa

Top Destinations in Europe

Picture
FRANCE
270+ Villas
Cote D'Azur • Provence • St. Tropez • & More
​
​Discover the versatility of France—where diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and centuries of art and history blend seamlessly to give you an unforgettable experience.
Explore France
Picture

ITALY
265+ Villas
Amalfi Coast • Sicily • Tuscany • & More

​Discover the timeless charm of Italy—where gourmet cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history combine to create a memorable journey.
Explore Italy
Picture
GREECE
130+ Villas
Corfu • Mykonos • Santorini • & More

​Discover the natural beauty of Greece—where sun-soaked islands, ancient ruins, and a vibrant culture blend to create experiences you will treasure forever.
Explore Greece
Picture
SPAIN
125+ Villas
Barcelona • Ibiza • Marbella • & More

​Discover the vibrancy of Spain—where dynamic cities, stunning coastlines, and captivating culture come together to craft journeys you will never forget.
Explore Spain
Picture
PORTUGAL
70+ Villas
Algarve • Pinhão • Quinta Do Lago • & More

​Discover the allure of Portugal—where scenic coastlines, picturesque villages, and centuries of history combine to offer you a truly memorable experience.
Explore Portugal
Comments

Virgin Travel Inspiration

1/23/2025

Comments

 
Several weeks ago, Matt toured the Virgin Dallas hotel. The general manager even let him peek inside the different room categories. The following week, he stayed at the Virgin Chicago hotel. Virgin hotels host several events throughout the year, but Christmas time is extra special. This past year, each property hosted a Mariah Carey Christmas themed pop-up bar, along with several other special events. If you have a Virgin hotel near you, check out their events open to the public.
​
This post is inspired by Virgin! Not only Virgin hotels, but Virgin Voyages, and have you ever hear of Virgin Limited Edition?

Virgin Voyages Annual Pass

Picture
Call our ships home for an entire year! Our Annual Pass is a once in a lifetime sea-location opportunity. For an entire year — starting in January, February, March, or April 2025 — sail any of our epic itineraries on any of our award-winning lady ships anywhere in the world.

Click here for details and ask Matt Travel for the inside scoop.

Virgin Hotels

Inspired by local trends, built for globe-trotters. Every Virgin Hotels is unique – designed to reflect the city it calls home, while still offering all the features, goodies and added extras that make up the Virgin way. So, pick a location, pack your bags and get ready to leave feeling even better than when you arrived.

Matt Travel Exclusive: Book any Virgin Hotel and receive $100 USD credit to spend at the property. Email [email protected] for details and restrictions.
Picture

Virgin Limited Edition

Picture
Virgin Limited Edition is Sir Richard Branson's collection of unique, ultra-luxury retreats located in some of the most breathtaking settings in the world.

These unique properties are now available to all Matt Travel clients. From private islands, to secluded estates, and even a Moroccan Kasbah.

Ask Matt Travel how you can earn exclusive perks when you secure an unforgettable stay with Virgin Limited Edition via Matt Travel.
Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Author

    Sharing my travel experiences and insights

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017

    Categories

    All
    All Inclusive
    All-Inclusive
    Amazon River
    Bucket List
    Cancun
    Consultation
    Cruise
    Europe
    Food
    Holiday Travel
    International Travel
    Japan
    Living List
    Meaningful Travel
    Mexico
    Napa
    Packing
    Peru
    Podcast
    Press Release
    Puerto Vallarta
    River Cruise
    River Cruising
    Roadtrip
    Travel
    Travel Advisor
    Travel Agent
    Travel Blogger
    Travelers
    Traveling
    Travel Inspiration
    Travel-pics
    Vacation
    Whiskey
    Whisky
    Wine
    Wine-cruise

    RSS Feed

​​
 ​Click here to schedule a free consultation about your next trip! 
​​
​​(408) 718-4872​
[email protected]
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Affiliate of KHM Travel Group
California Seller of Travel Registration # 2089491-50. Registration as a seller of travel in California does not constitute the state's approval. Agent is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Florida Seller of Travel Registration # ST37113. Hawaii Seller of Travel License # TAR 7231. Washington Seller of Travel UBI # 602 775122.
Terms
Privacy Policy
​Accessibility Statement
Managed by Voyager Websites
  • Why Matt Travel?
  • Inspiring Destinations
  • River Cruises
  • Ocean Cruises
  • Blog
  • The Team