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Author Archive for Matt Holmes

Matt Holmes is the President and Founder of Boundless Journeys, an award-winning, adventure tour operator that goes off the beaten path for immersive travel experiences. Long distance hiking in the Alps, snorkeling around remote Pacific islands, and chatting with Buddhist monks at hilltop monasteries are some of the experiences Boundless Journeys offers on over 35 small-group itineraries. Their journeys bring active, culturally curious travelers together to share authentic experiences away from tourist crowds. Prior to starting Boundless Journeys, Matt worked as a tour manager for many years and a rafting guide before that.

6 brag-worthy experiences from around the world

By Matt Holmes on Nov 09, 2020 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Asia, Austria, Bhutan, California, Eastern Europe, Europe, France, Iceland, Italy, Kenya, Namibia, North America, Norway, Regions, Slovenia, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Tanzania, USA, Western Europe

Why settle for a ho-hum holiday when you can experience a one-of-a-kind adventures that will leave you with lasting memories? Of course, that’s a bit harder right at this moment in time, but that means it’s also a great time to start planning for your next adventure. Get all the details nailed down so when

Sounds of the world

By Matt Holmes on Oct 21, 2020 in Food and Drink, Leisure Travel, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

We rarely talk about the sounds that we encounter when traveling and how they may differ by or even define a destination. We highlight the other senses—views from an overlook, the tastes of cuisine, the feeling of sand in our toes, and the scent of pine or the ocean, but we don’t talk about what we hear, which

Is an active tour for you?

By Matt Holmes on Sep 02, 2020 in Adventure Travel, Speciality Travel

There are many ways to see the world. Each mode of transportation has pros and cons. On a cruise, you’ll enjoy the humbling experience of having the infinite ocean laid out before you and not having to move from hotel to hotel, but you won’t experience much more of the country past the commercialized ports

5 unexpected wine destinations

By Matt Holmes on Aug 05, 2020 in Asia, Bhutan, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, North America, Portugal, Regions, Slovenia, Travel Miscellany, USA, Vermont, Western Europe

While Spain, Italy, and France typically enjoy the limelight when it comes to well-known wine regions—think Rioja, Tuscany, and Bordeaux—travelers have long known that what we drink at home is often dictated by what gets exported and imported. Demand for bottle diversity has expanded what we can find on the shelves (thankfully), so it’s easy

5 benefits to luxury adventure travel

By Matt Holmes on Jul 02, 2020 in Adventure Travel, Featured, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

Take an average vacation, upgrade the hotels and restaurants, add in some extra time in nature and a local guide to show you the way, remove the usual tourist spots, and don’t forget good walking shoes, and you’ve got a luxury adventure travel experience that is good for your mind, body, and soul. While luxury

The unexpected luxuries of a safari

By Matt Holmes on Jun 02, 2020 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Featured, Regions, Speciality Travel

A safari in Africa may well be the epitome of adventure, heading out in the remote wilds of the planet in search of untamed creatures big and small and the drama that plays out when prey and predator meet. While you can certainly opt for a budget safari where you pitch your own tent, sleep

5 things to eat in Vietnam (and one you might not want to)

By Matt Holmes on May 01, 2020 in Asia, Food and Drink, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Vietnam

Part of being an adventurous traveler is getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and embracing the fact that you may not find the foods or creature comforts that you are used to. It’s hard to be completely immersed in a new culture without sampling the cuisine, and in Vietnam, you’ll want to

5 best places to go in September and October

By Matt Holmes on Apr 01, 2020 in Asia, Bhutan, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, Nepal, New Zealand, Oceania, Portugal, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

Although not the first one to say, I’ll reiterate—these are weird times. And while international (and sometimes even domestic) travel is basically out of the question at the moment. We and many other adventuresome folks are thinking ahead to when it’ll be safe for us to explore the world again. Nothing right now is guaranteed,

8 must-dos in Bhutan

By Matt Holmes on Mar 02, 2020 in Air Travel, Asia, Attractions, Bhutan, Food and Drink, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

Bhutan is one of my favorite destinations. Not only are the pristine landscapes breathtaking, but the rich Buddhist culture and glorious temples are unforgettable. As the government requires that most visitors travel with a guide, Bhutanese guides are incredibly well trained, speak impeccable English, and are enthusiastic about sharing their heritage and country with guests.

There's no app for this...

By Matt Holmes on Feb 06, 2020 in Adventure Travel, Cruises & Boat Travel, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Worldwide

In this digital age, it’s easy to be an armchair traveler — browsing travel magazines on an iPad, scrolling through photos on social media, or reading a blog on the newest undiscovered destination. But nothing replaces actually being there and experiencing a new culture, landscape, or activity! An app can’t leave you breathless as the

9 things to expect on a luxury safari

By Matt Holmes on Jan 02, 2020 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Regions, Speciality Travel

An African safari may well be the epitome of adventure and is an experience many people have dreamt of all their life. There are many ways to “do a safari”, but ultimately, you get what you pay for. A luxury safari, is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday where you’ll enjoy the very best service, facilities, accommodations, meals, guides,

Where to find Africa's best safari guides

By Matt Holmes on Nov 28, 2019 in Africa, Regions, Zimbabwe

Even among African safari guides, Zimbabwean guides are considered the best on the continent. Of course, all safari guides are well-trained and knowledgeable, but Zimbabwe’s training to be a “Pro Guide,” is the most demanding and extensive on the continent. Typically, the licensing process and education takes about four years to complete! So, anyone interested

5 reasons why it’s time to visit the Azores

By Matt Holmes on Oct 05, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, Portugal, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Just a few years ago, the Azores started appearing in a handful of publications and articles with titles like, “remote islands that no one knows about” and “Europe’s Best Kept Secret.” Many people, especially North Americans could not point out this archipelago on a map. But for those in the know, the thought of a

How water has shaped Norwegian culture

By Matt Holmes on Sep 04, 2019 in Europe, Norway, Regions, Western Europe

We all know that water sustains life. But for Norwegians, whose population is concentrated along the coasts where the famous fjords dramatically cut into the landscape, water has literally shaped their culture. It’s in their heritage—Vikings, after all, were incredibly successful seafarers. They colonized as far away as Greenland and the country of Georgia navigating

Spain: have it your way

By Matt Holmes on Aug 09, 2019 in Europe, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

Spain is home to emerald hills, charming red-roofed hamlets, and pristine white villages, not to mention an abundance of wine, olives, cheeses, and culinary delicacies unique to each region. While the interior of the country has much to offer in its own right, we have found the most inspiring scenery and cultural treasures in the

What is ema datse? A guide to Bhutanese food

By Matt Holmes on Jul 04, 2019 in Asia, Bhutan, Food and Drink, Regions, Travel Miscellany

Bhutan’s culinary tradition is heavily influenced by Tibet, and with a diverse climate, the country is suitable for growing all sorts of crops. While the 5-star hotels (Taj, Le Meridien, Amankora, Uma) offer gourmet experiences, once outside of their restaurants, when eating more authentic, everyday dishes, you’ll find much less of a variety. Bhutan’s traditional