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4 More Trips To Take With Friends

8/15/2022

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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. ​
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TIPS FOR A SMOOTHER SUMMER & FALL VACATION

8/8/2022

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Click the image to download the PDF copy
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.
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TIP 1: GET TO THE AIRPORT WITH PLENTY OF TIME TO SPARE
Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. For international flights, that means arriving three to four hours before departure. For domestic flights, you should plan on two hours in advance. Lines are going to be very long at the ticket counters, baggage check and security, so if you cut it too close you run the risk of missing your flight. Also, remember to take advantage of any frequent-flier status you have on the airline to check in using the preferred or first-class line.
TIP 2: PREPARE FOR FLIGHT DELAYS 
If you must change planes to get to your destination, schedule a longer connection time than you would normally. Even if you think you have plenty of time, a crowded airport means it’ll take you longer to make your way to another gate or terminal. Consider booking a nonstop flight, even if it’s more expensive. Additionally, try to book the first flight of the day as they are much less likely to experience delays. Likewise, don’t book the last flight of the day as that limits your options. 
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TIP 3: USE CARRY-ON BAGS INSTEAD OF CHECKED BAGS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
This way, if there’s a delay or cancellation, you won’t have to wait for your luggage to be pulled or be without your bags if you miss your connection. Most people over-pack so only bring what is necessary.
TIP 4: BE PREPARED FOR DELAYED CHECKED BAGS  
If you do check your bags, make sure you are taking your electronic devices and chargers, a change of clothes and any needed medications in your carry-on. In the event of a long delay, you’ll be glad you have them with you.

​Many travelers have found that placing a digital tracker, such as Apple Air Tags, in their luggage gives them peace of mind in knowing where their bags are at all times.
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TIP 5: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CLUB MEMBERSHIPS
If you’re a member of an airline club lounge, utilize the staff at the service desk to make any changes caused by flight delays or disruptions. They will frequently go the extra mile for members. Also, take advantage of club-use privileges that come with credit cards you may have, such as American Express Platinum or Capital One Venture X.

Some clubs have limited admission to cope with overcrowding at peak times. Before leaving the club to head to your gate, double-check to make sure there are no potential delays. Once you leave the club, you may have to get back in line to re-enter. 
TIP 6: DOWNLOAD AIRLINE APPS
The airline apps are great sources of up-to-date information on flight status, tracking of your bags and proactive re-booking for missed connections. Often you can make same-day flight changes for free right in the app, so you don’t have to wait in long lines at the gate or ticket counter.
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​TIP 7: CONSIDER INCENTIVES TO TAKE A LATER FLIGHT
If you have time to spare, consider taking the airline up on travel credits in exchange for changing your flight when your original one is overbooked. You could rack up some free trips for later in the year. Insist on cash credits rather than miles which may restrict your ability to redeem.  
TIP 8: BE FLEXIBLE AND “CHILL” 
There may be times when you’ll feel frustrated or angry, but taking it out on the people who work at the airport won’t get you anywhere. You are much more likely to get help from a sympathetic airline staff member by showing empathy than by being aggressive. 
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TIP 9: ADD DAYS TO THE TRIP PLAN
Think about tacking a few days onto either side of your trip. If you’re just going away for a weekend, a flight delay could mean you lose valuable time at your destination. The same goes if you’re taking a tour or a cruise. You should plan on arriving at the starting point a few days early. You don’t want to miss out on your vacation because of a flight delay. 

Your travel advisor can help you arrange a hotel and car rental, if necessary.
TIP 10: CONTACT OUR TRAVEL AGENCY
As travel advisors, we are here to assist our clients. Your safety, health and well-being are our top priority. We provide available information, so our valued clients can make informed decisions about their travel plans.

​If you are still in the process for making plans to travel this summer or fall, please don’t hesitate to contact us to offer expert advice on where to go, where to stay and which flights to take. And if there’s a delay or cancellation, rest assured you will have a human you can easily contact able to help resolve the issue.
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My Two Favorite Travel Apps

8/1/2022

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I love discovering ways to do things more efficiently. In fact, in another lifetime, I was a business analyst where part of my job was to help my co-workers work smarter.  Read on to learn about my two favorite travel apps that help me travel with ease. 

A+ Gallery
For those who want organized photos, but don't want to spend the time actually organizing them, this is the travel app for you. It automatically sorts your photos by time and location. It also includes a map view! Simply explore the map as your photos pop into view. Not only can you search for photos by date and location, but you can also search by color. Plus, it includes a feature that allows you to hide an album from prying eyes. If you love to take photos when traveling, this app will become your new best friend.

Learn more about this incredible travel app here.

Hopper
With airfare constantly fluctuating, it's hard to know when to buy your ticket to get the best rate. You can check one moment and by the next moment, the rate has already increased. Hopper has a data science team mining through trillions of archived flight records to spot trends and predict when you should book your flight to get the best rate possible. It also has a 95 percent accuracy rate! If you are traveling while on a budget, this travel app is perfect for you!

​Download it here.
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SAVE ON PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED EUROPE VACATIONS

7/20/2022

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New Experiences In The Old World

With world-class art, legendary history, mouthwatering gastronomy and stunning coastlines, it’s no surprise that Europe is such a popular summer vacation destination. Families of all sizes, couples celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries and groups of adventure-loving friends can all find vacation bliss with a wide range of attractions and diverse destinations, from the tiny town squares to bustling cosmopolitan capitals. Thankfully, our travel experience is just as extensive. With the help of our travel agency, your perfect European vacation is right around the corner.

Find your inspiration here.


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The Top 3 Reasons to Book a Fall Wine River Cruise

7/1/2022

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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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Your next cruise destination: New England and Canada - What to expect?

6/20/2022

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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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Harmony of the Seas: Top 5

6/16/2022

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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.​
Email matt@matt.travel to learn more about sailing on Harmony of the Seas!
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Never Forget These Three Things When Traveling

6/1/2022

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Matt working on taking a picture of his food in Puerto Vallarta
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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Culinary Tours Guide Book

5/15/2022

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click here to get your free copy of the culinary tours guide
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On The Road Again

5/1/2022

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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! 
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