Many of life’s best moments are spent with those we cherish most. Combining the people we love with the destinations we long to visit makes for special getaways, incredible experiences, and lasting memories. But how do you know where to go? Here are four more trips to take with friends around the United States, and why they might be perfect for your next getaway.

1. AUSTIN FOR FOOD, CRAFT BEER, AND LIVE MUSIC - The capital of Texas boasts endless sunny days, friendly locals, and a thriving community of creatives, with a small-town feel nestled within a large metropolis. A wide variety of accommodations to choose from, beer and food options galore, and a bustling nightlife make a long getaway with friends to this fun city a natural fit. Spend time walking the Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake before renting a paddleboard or kayak to glide over its water. Gobble up some Tex-Mex or barbecue around town and wash down your meal with a famous Austin craft beer. If you’re not too tired from an awesome day, make plans to spend the evening checking out the live music scene at one of the many venues around town. 
2. NEW ORLEANS FOR HERITAGE AND TRADITION - A melting pot of cultures, The Big Easy entices travelers to visit and learn about its history through music, architecture, and cuisine. By day, organized walking tours are an informative way to explore the past; by night, ghost tours will spook even the bravest of tourists with their tales of haunted New Orleans. After working up an appetite, some traditional Creole cuisine and a Sazerac is in order. And of course, no visit to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Café du Monde for a café au lait and an order of fluffy beignets. 
3. PORTLAND FOR COFFEE AND COZY CULTURE - ​Visitors to Portland should embrace the city’s cozy aesthetic of drizzly days, fairy-tale forests, and quaint cafes and coffee shops. A robust food scene with a particular fondness for donuts (Voodoo Donut, Blue Star Donuts, Annie’s Donut Shop), a strong coffee culture that celebrates independent roasters (Jim & Patty’s Coffee, Stumptown Roasters, Water Ave. Coffee), the largest independent bookstore in the world (Powell’s City of Books), and outdoor activities galore combine to make for a spectacular Instagram-worthy getaway with friends.  
4. NANTUCKET FOR SUMMER VIBES - For a summer vacation straight out of the pages of a Nancy Thayer or Elin Hilderbrand beach read, a visit to Nantucket during high season is an indulgent treat friends will remember forever. Imagine lazy mornings lounging at Jetties Beach followed by a stroll through town with an ice cream cone from The Juice Bar. Enjoy peaceful afternoons wandering in and out of shops like Murray’s Toggery Shop to check out the Nantucket Reds or Lemon & Line to choose the perfect new bracelet as a vacation memento. Sherbet-colored sunsets viewed while dining al fresco at Breeze at The Hotel Nantucket or Galley Beach are the perfect ending to the perfect island day.  

Friends don’t need to go far to have incredible vacation moments near to their hearts. The United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic cities and small islands, perfect for friends who want to get away together and make new memories. From coffee to beaches to ghost tours to craft beer, as their travel agent, you can help your clients find their perfect vacation vibe. ​

For many of us, this is the summer of long-awaited travel plans. Unfortunately, airlines are having challenges in staffing to meet the demand. Here are some tips we’ve compiled for you to help deal with any interruptions in your trip.

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! ​

Are you ready to cross out another activity on your bucket list? Despite this pandemic, we can still experience what nature has to offer and appreciate human creativity. With caution, you can still plan your next vacation.

Since I partner with Distinctive Voyages, you, as my client will receive exclusive benefits. To give you a peek, never go hungry with fine dining in the main restaurant. Oceanview Cafe and the Mast Grill only have world-class chefs who will cook for you. Start by grabbing your burger and relaxing at the poolside. After munching on those amazing foods, the fitness center is available, so you will always have energy for an adventure. You will also experience luxury accommodations, nightly entertainment, and a casino.

Those are just some of the benefits that you will get when you hire me as your travel advisor. Most importantly, you will be able to contact me on board and I will always be available to offer recommendations and advice.

Start visualizing yourself on your next cruise vacation in Canada and New England. Preview the itinerary and the activities you can expect below.

• Boston, Massachusetts
  If you are someone who appreciates history, music, art, literature, and theater, then you will love the first stop on the cruise. You can walk leisurely along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail and be in awe of Boston’s rich history. This place is one of the oldest cities in America, and walking along the trail you will pass by landmarks such as Boston Common, the Old Corner Bookstore, and Paul Revere’s House, or visit the first-class Museum of Fine Art and Boston Symphony Orchestra and so much more.

 

• Bar Harbor, Main
  The main attraction of here is Acadia National Park. It is an Atlantic coast recreation area where you can witness wildlife like moose, bears, and seabirds. You can go hiking here and see breathtaking views of the Atlantic.

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• Saint John, Nb (Bay of Fundy)
  Explore the Bay of Fundy at Saint John, New Brunswick. You will see boats sitting on land when it is low tide waiting for the river water to flow. See beautiful landscapes and witness the amazing Reversing Falls Rapids.

 

• Halifax, Nova Scotia
  Nova Scotia has 160 lighthouses, and you will see many of them in Halifax. While appreciating them, you can also observe the beautiful horizon with wildlife like whales. As part of your adventure, I am pretty sure that you are familiar with the Titanic.  In Halifax, you will see a collection of Titanic’s artifacts and hear stories all about it.
  
  
• Sydney, Nova Scotia
  Sydney, in Nova Scotia, Canada is a former steel and mining city. After the decline of the industry, it became a popular tourist destination. From then on, people visiting would encounter major attractions like Cabot Trail, Fortress of Louisbourg, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, and golf courses.

 

• Quebec City, Quebec
  You will appreciate Quebec City as they preserve the beauty of their history. Travel back in time in the city of Quebec. The city is well preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site established 400 years ago.

 

• Charlottetown, PEI
  Charlottetown, PEI preserves the historic waterfront that was set against a many seaside homes. Charlottetown's red soil adds to the area's natural beauty. You have to taste their local mussels because they are one of the best in the world.

• Portland, Maine
  ​All of these stops have their own views that anyone would truly appreciate. The same is true for Portland, Maine.  It is one of the prettiest coastal towns. Wrap up your tour and splurge all you want with their one-of-a-kind shops and dine at award-winning restaurants.​

Book this sailing with Matt Travel and enjoy your next vacation with exclusive benefits that you will truly enjoy.
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If you’re considering sailing with Matt Travel on Harmony of the Seas in February 2023 but need a little extra convincing, here are 5 reasons gathered from my friends at KHM Travel Group...

1. Relaxation Mode
   When is the last time you really took time to relax? Once on board Harmony of the Seas, relaxation is only a simple decision away. Catch an evening movie on deck for Outdoor Movie Nights. Book yourself a massage appointment to have your stress and aches rubbed away. Head to the adults-only Solarium for a light lunch and a book in the serene, tropical setting. Whatever form of peace and quiet suits you, it’s available on board. 
   
   
2. Get Up and Get Movin'!
   If you prefer livin’ it up to lounging, the only question is, “Do you want to get wet or stay dry?” If you’re craving refreshing fun in the water, throw on your swimsuit and try out the Ultimate Abyss℠, The Perfect Storm℠, or Flow Rider®. But if you prefer to stay dry, the name of the game is zip lining, ice skating, and rock climbing! Or, gather all your friends and challenge one another to mini golf, table tennis, or basketball!
   
   
3. Refresh and Refuel
   Options abound when it comes time to choose refreshing beverages to quench your thirst and refuel your body before setting off for your next activity or a day exploring a port. Sushi from Izumi is perfect for a light dinner, especially if you like your food’s presentation to be as beautiful as it is delicious. For an unparalleled dining experience, make a reservation at Wonderland, where the menu is based on the five natural elements: earth, sea, fire, ice, and sun. If you prefer to keep it simple, indulge in creative burgers and hot dogs at Johnny Rockets® or Dog House. For an evening cocktail, stop by Bionic Bar® for a drink prepared by a robot or Rising Tide to travel between decks as you sip.
   
   
4. Broaden Your Horizons
   Make friends from around the world while you learn or hone a new skill. Sign up for a variety of lessons like dance, cupcake decorating, sushi preparation, scuba certification, scrapbooking, or listen in on a guest lecture. Sign up for classes together for a great way to spend some free time with other cruisers, getting to know one another in a unique setting while sharing a fun activity.
   
   
5. Settle In for Something Amazing
   After a day being wowed by gorgeous views, amazing architecture, and incredible moments in nature, it’s time to settle in for something amazing back on board Harmony of the Seas: the fantastically talented entertainment crew! Tap your toes along to the Grease soundtrack, hold your breath watching the tight rope walkers at The Fine Line, or lose yourself in the artistry of the ice skating shows in the Studio B ice rink.​

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. Click here to see a collection of some of my favorite photos I’ve taken while traveling throughout Europe! 
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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 whether it’s for 2022 or 2023 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!