by Matt Wahlgren:Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler... 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! 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. #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! 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.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Matt Travel, and often when I explain what I do, people are surprised to learn that Travel Advisors are far from extinct! Curious minds typically ask how I ventured into this exhilarating field. Well, it all began with my partner Jason, who was already dabbling in travel advising. He received an invitation to a travel seminar aboard the Carnival Imagination, and I decided to tag along. Not only was it my very first cruise, but it was also the catalyst for my career as a Travel Advisor. Don’t tell anyone, but initially I secretly used Jason’s credentials to book trips for clients—definitely not recommended! It wasn’t long before I officially entered the field, and the rest, as they say, is history. Four years into my newfound passion, I bid farewell to my traditional job and embraced guiding people through their travel adventures full-time. The realization that working in travel was my calling happened quite swiftly. My first journey abroad was immediately after college during a period of intense self-questioning about my future. The typical 9-to-5 office job just didn't appeal to me. After exploring various paths with my father, I felt a strong pull towards the Peace Corps—it just clicked mentally. Soon after, I found myself living in Bulgaria for two years, where the travel bug firmly took hold. Returning home with a fierce determination to integrate travel into my career, I scoured the internet for travel-related jobs. Despite considering roles from flight attendant to travel blogger, none resonated with me. At one point, I even secured a job managing a boutique hotel in Rome, but the visa limitations made it impractical. Several years later, it was Jason’s connection to a travel agency that opened the door to the world of travel advising. Joining the agency felt as right as joining the Peace Corps had years before. Now, a decade later, I can’t envision myself in any other industry. Travel advising is not just what I do—it's a crucial part of who I am. Here at Matt Travel, we don't just plan trips; we create gateways to global discovery and lifelong memories. Matt Wahlgren Advisor / Agency Owner I work with both new and experienced travelers in order to provide them with an unforgettable experience Think about the services you rely on in life: your doctor, your accountant, your hairstylist or barber. Trust is the key to your connection with these professionals. Your health, your financials, and your hair shouldn’t be left to just anyone. The same is true for your vacation, whether it be a Caribbean cruise or a romantic getaway. More than ever, your travel advisor is your guide to traveling smarter.
KNOWLEDGE THAT AFFECTS THE INDUSTRY Travel agents are familiar with resources for monitoring changing travel conditions, policies, and requirements that may impact their clients. They regularly monitor evolving travel advisories, policies for entering countries, visa requirements, hurricane updates, and more. They communicate this information to their clients in a timely manner for planning or adjusting arrangements as needed. GENUINE CARE FOR CLIENTS Travel advisors enjoy working with clients and genuinely care about those they serve. To the internet, you are a reservation number, but travel advisors understand you have instilled your trust in them to plan a memorable vacation. Travel advisors take their roles seriously, genuinely caring about your best interests. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Travel professionals love to travel, and their experiences benefit those who plan vacations with them. When travel advisors travel, they take hundreds of photographs, document their experiences, meet with staff, attend on-site training sessions, and write reviews of their vacations. This knowledge helps advisors when working with future clients by using their experiences (both positive and negative) as a guide for recommendations. NETWORK OF COLLEAGUES Travel advisors spend a great deal of time together and talk with one another about everything travel-related. Travel advisors attend workshops together, tour resorts with organized groups, participate in discussions on social media, and constantly assist one another in sharing travel experiences or information. When booking with a travel agent, clients have a massive support network behind the scenes. This benefits clients, travel advisors, and suppliers, and strengthens the entire industry. ACCESS TO PERKS AND PROMOS While it can vary by supplier, dates, and availability, travel advisors often have access to promotions the public does not. Travel agents have access to all supplier-advertised national promotions, but additional perks are sometimes available because of relationships and standings with travel suppliers. Travel advisors work diligently to find the best savings and perks for their clients’ vacation plans. RESOURCES FOR CLIENTS Travel advisors provide resources for their clients that help make preparing for their trips easier. When booking travel with advisors, their assistance doesn’t stop once the deposit (or final payment) is processed. Advisors spend time meeting with their clients to prepare them for their vacations and providing them with packing lists, destination information, brochures, dining recommendations, excursion suggestions, and more. Advisors want their clients’ vacations to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible—preparation and planning the details with an expert makes any trip better. PASSION FOR TRAVEL Travel agents have a passion for travel they want to share with the world. Fueled by a strong enthusiasm for exploring the world, travel advisors also want you to feel energized and excited about your travel plans. This passion for the industry shines through and drives how advisors interact with and serve their clients. They love traveling and want you to love it too! by Matt Wahlgren:Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler... 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.
by Matt Wahlgren:Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler... 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. 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 for 2024 or 2025 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!
by Matt Wahlgren:Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler... 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 me now to let me plan your group trip! Let’s get traveling!
by Matt Wahlgren:Travel Advisor, Agency Owner, and Avid Traveler... 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. Navigating travel disruptions with grace and expertise is what sets a top-notch travel advisor apart. Take the case of a soon-to-be bride who contacted me in a flurry of distress. On the eve of her wedding, she discovered her honeymoon flights were abruptly canceled. As her dedicated travel advisor, managing all her arrangements, I swiftly reassured her, “Leave the stress to me—your focus should be on your special day.” While she celebrated her nuptials, I was busy behind the scenes, meticulously rebooking and securing her travel plans. By day's end, I was delighted to confirm that her honeymoon was back on track, exactly as planned. I could share countless stories like this over the past decade of serving my clients. Here are three ways Matt Travel can make planning your next trip a breeze. Personalized Planning and Expert Guidance
I have clout in the travel industry
Most importantly, I care
As your personal travel advisor, my mission is to strip away the complexities and uncertainties of vacation planning. It's all about maximizing your precious time off and transforming it into a seamless, stress-free experience. With my service, every penny of your travel budget is meticulously invested in curating moments that blossom into exquisite memories. This philosophy is merely the beginning of how I design journeys that resonate and bring joy long after you return home. Ready to make your travel dreams a reality without the guesswork? Let's chat! Reach out to start tailoring a getaway that aligns perfectly with your desires. Don't just dream about your next adventure—let me help you live it. If not now, when?
Hygge, the Danish concept of coziness that stirs pleasant feelings of contentment, has become a global phenomenon over the past few years. With numerous how-to books on the market, YouTube channels dedicated to the creation of cinematic hygge masterpieces, and social media accounts that showcase hygge at home, coziness is celebrated more than ever.
But how do you capture that warm and fuzzy feeling on your next vacation? Consider how you embrace coziness at home and simply take it on the road (or to the sky, or to the sea!) when traveling. Here are some ideas and inspiration for cozy travel: Books Many people toss a popular trade paperback in their carry-ons or purchase a new book while waiting in the airport, but why not be a bit more deliberate about your reading selections? Choosing cozy reads that provide a calm and pleasant reading experience might be just the ticket for your upcoming road trip or flight. Audiobook Sometimes it’s nice to insert your earbuds, curl up under a blanket, close your eyes, and let someone read to you. Alternatively, turn on a book in the car and then everyone can enjoy a story together.
Music Playlists Wind down while unpacking and getting organized, or, listen to a soft music playlist while settling in at night after a long day of vacation fun. Traveler’s Notebook There’s just something about a Traveler’s Notebook. With its removable inserts, supple leather cover, and endless potential for customization and fun décor, it’s the coziest journaling option out there. Want the look without the hefty price tag? Peter Pauper Press has a budget-friendly option (that is slightly smaller than a traditional TN and requires its own inserts) or you can purchase a nice dupe on Amazon. Games Skip the traditional deck of cards and pack one of these small, fun, easy-to-learn games in your bag. Each of these plays in about 20 minutes or less (besides the Exit games, which are one hour) and most are great to play with children. They are also the perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of tea or coffee! Many of these games are available at Target, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble; for best pricing, shop at online board game stores like Miniature Market and GameNerdz.
Apps For digital entertainment, keep the stress to a minimum and seek out games and activities with soothing music, muted color palettes, and relaxing game play.
Hot Beverages To Go Sip coziness from your travel mug when you purchase and pack a stash of your favorite hot beverage packets.
Candles or Tea Lights (Battery-Operated) Tuck a few tea lights or pillar candles into your bag to set the mood in your hotel room or ship’s stateroom. They can also double as a nightlight for children who might be fearful of unfamiliar spaces. Cozy YouTube Channels With YouTube Premium, you can download videos to watch without access to Wi-Fi, but even without this paid feature, you can still enjoy YouTube’s coziness around the globe.
Are you ready for cozy travel season? Matt Travel will help you plan a vacation full of warm memories and special moments! Set your out of office reply and crank up Pharrell’s “Happy” – it’s time for vacation! Ok, maybe not exactly. But chances are good that even reading that sentence, your brain experienced a tiny, momentary spike in happiness. In fact, recent studies emphasize that travel can change our brain’s chemistry and improve our mental health. The mental health benefits of travel indicate that our vacations aren’t just something we could do, but something we should do to ward off anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. 1. It brings us joy According to a Cornell University study, even planning and anticipating a trip can be a mood booster. 2020 might have temporarily interfered with our visions of poolside lounging or urban exploration, but having positive things to think about is key to our mental well-being. Once we arrive in our destination, even if it’s just a quick drive from home, those fluttery feelings of fulfillment of having reached our goal kick in. 2. It relieves stress 91% of Americans say that they see a vacation as a chance to “hit the reset button” on their stress and anxiety. A separate study of 1,500 women found that those who traveled twice a year were less likely to suffer from chronic stress and depression. Why? Travel allows us to focus on ourselves and brings us back to the things we find most meaningful in our lives, which we tend to ignore when we are running on tight schedules and to-do lists. 3. It’s a workout for our brains Not only are we more physically active when we travel, but our minds are more engaged. Much of what we do during the course of our daily routines we do without thinking, but on vacation, we’re constantly exposed to new surroundings and information. Immersing yourself in a new place enhances creativity, which in turn helps us develop new long-term neural connections, according to Psychology Today. In short, traveling lets us flex our brain power! 4. It gives us confidence. Facing unfamiliar situations and stepping outside our comfort zones can be thrilling, but they can also test our patience. Learning how to adapt, even if it’s just to a new form of transport for a few days, makes us more emotionally flexible and resilient. When we go back to our normal lives and are confronted with a challenging situation, we can draw on the times we’ve successfully navigated a tricky travel situation and use these skills to quash our insecurities. For our brain, a vacation is like a room without a roof. It makes us happy. Even short trips, like a weekend getaway, sustain weeks of lowered stress and feel-good vibes. Contact Matt Travel about the mental health remedy you need for your next vacation. The countdown is on for the debut of Royal Caribbean’s new Icon of the Seas. An icon in every sense of the word, this innovative new ship is unlike anything we’ve seen on the seas.
A good friend of mine within the travel industry, KHM Travel Group’s President and CEO Rick Zimmerman was invited to be one of first to see this revolutionary ship while it was in drydock this summer in the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. But before we get to Rick's thoughts, let's talk about the June 1, 2024 sailing date for Icon. Don't ask me how, but I was able to score special rates for this date that are about half off what you'd find on Royal Caribbean's own website. Click here for details and rates. Watch the video below to get an idea of how Icon of the Seas adds up to one epic adventure of a vacation. While not yet complete, Rick was able to get an inside look at what excitement will be added to this amazing ship. What is he most eager to experience when Icon debuts in early 2024? “Royal Caribbean is known for making a splash and that’s certainly the case for Icon of the Seas! From the Category 6 Waterpark, to the tallest waterslide at sea, and all the pool options for cruisers of different ages, there are countless ways to have fun with water on board.” - Rick Zimmerman Along with the eye-catching thrills, Rick was also impressed by the attention to detail found in the layout and features of the ship. The design of the areas with elevators provide more open space to help with the traffic flow. New technology will also make it easier to navigate the ship and find the right elevator to take you where you want to go. “The small details show that Royal Caribbean thinks about the cruise experience differently. They’ve found ways to innovate and make it easier to use all the amenities,” said Rick. Icon of the Seas sets sail from Miami starting January 2024. |
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