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.

8 of the best destinations for October and November

8 of the best destinations for October and November

By on Jun 04, 2019 in Africa, Asia, Bhutan, Europe, Iceland, Japan, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Oceania, Pacific Islands, Portugal, Regions, Spain, Tanzania, Vietnam, Western Europe
We know from experience that travelers often begin planning their trip 4-6 months in advance, which means that at this point in the year, people are thinking about their fall adventures. October and November are really great months to travel. Families with school-age kids are home, and there aren’t any college students on spring break.
Alpine cheese and wine around Mont Blanc

Alpine cheese and wine around Mont Blanc

By on May 19, 2019 in Europe, Food and Drink, France, Italy, Regions, Switzerland, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
What do you get when three countries with some of the best culinary traditions in the world converge in one area? A gastronomic region of immense proportions. While the area around Mont Blanc spanning France, Italy, and Switzerland is known for big cheese names such as Gruyere and Fontina, there are many smaller cheesemakers that
Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu: what to know before you go

Peru's Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu: what to know before you go

By on Apr 01, 2019 in Attractions, Going Out, Peru, Regions, South America
The Sacred Valley of Peru is a feast for the senses—colorful woven fabrics, mountains that soar skyward with little warning (or foothills), an ancient culture full of innovation, and a contemporary cuisine that has emerged from traditional crops, international influence, and creative playfulness among the country’s best chefs. From elevation headaches to photogenic llamas, here’s what
What to eat in Japan

What to eat in Japan

By on Mar 06, 2019 in Asia, Food and Drink, Japan, Regions, Travel Miscellany
Simple. Tidy. Fresh. These are the three adjectives we would use to describe Japanese cuisine. While many countries in Asia use a plethora of spices in their food, the Japanese prefer less complicated flavors, allowing the main ingredients and a few seasonings (commonly soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger) to speak for themselves. Even in a
Iceland versus Norway

Iceland versus Norway

By on Feb 01, 2019 in Europe, Iceland, Norway, Regions, Western Europe
These two Nordic countries share some characteristics including dramatic landscapes, Viking history, and beautiful trails. But once you scratch the surface, each is distinctively unique. Iceland is wildly popular (for good reason), while Norway—still a bit under the radar—is more recently becoming the regional darling. Can’t decide which trip is for you? Maybe you’re intrigued
5 alternatives for average vacations

5 alternatives for average vacations

By on Jan 02, 2019 in Asia, Bhutan, Croatia, Eastern Europe, Europe, New Zealand, Oceania, Regions, Spain, United Kingdom, Western Europe
We suspect that you, like us, are not interested in average vacations. You want to travel in a way that shakes things up and is good for your mind, body, and soul. You have an adventurous spirit. You favor uncommon places and experiences. As more people travel and places become ever-more connected, touristy, and Instagramed, it can
8 of the best destinations for April and May

8 of the best destinations for April and May

By on Dec 08, 2018 in Africa, Asia, Bhutan, Botswana, Europe, Italy, Japan, Oceania, Pacific Islands, Peru, Portugal, Regions, South America, Spain, Western Europe
There are some places where Spring is the best time of year to visit. Maybe the landscape is popping with color, maybe it’s the should seasons when few other travelers share the trails and towns. Perhaps the weather is near-ideal for being active outdoors. Sometimes it’s all of the above—a perfect triad. Whatever the reason,
5 of the world's best destinations for a digital detox

5 of the world's best destinations for a digital detox

By on Nov 01, 2018 in Africa, Asia, Bhutan, Botswana, Europe, France, Oceania, Pacific Islands, Peru, Regions, South America, Switzerland, Western Europe
Having mini computers in our pockets is one of the amazing things about the age in which we live. Information about anything is literally at our fingertips, and it’s never been easier to connect with friends and family. Not to mention, you can plan your travel adventures from wherever you are! But in this fast-paced
7 reasons why Portugal is a must-visit foodie destination

7 reasons why Portugal is a must-visit foodie destination

By on Oct 04, 2018 in Europe, Food and Drink, Portugal, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
As with many global cuisines, Portuguese cuisine has evolved over time and has adopted flavors and recipes from around the world. The country was a major player during the Age of Exploration, colonizing in South America, India, Africa, and parts of southeast Asia and the Pacific. With each new land discovery, ships returned to the mainland
What to expect on your first small-group tour

What to expect on your first small-group tour

By on Sep 04, 2018 in Travel Miscellany
For those who have never joined a small-group, guided tour, there are often a lot of questions about what to expect and what benefits there are over planning a trip independently. For one thing, traveling with a reputable company (ask for past guest referrals) ensures that the hotels have been checked, activities have been vetted,
Iceland waterfall Boundless Journeys

5 top tips for a great transoceanic flight

By on Aug 03, 2018 in Air Travel, Speciality Travel
Oh, the long-haul flight. You know it’ll be worth it when you arrive at your destination and start your adventure. But sometimes the thought of 7 to 16 hours on a plane is a bit overwhelming. Those of us who work in the travel industry have taken many of these flights and have happily learned
6 unforgettable luxury safari experiences

6 unforgettable luxury safari experiences

By on Jul 05, 2018 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Air Travel, Botswana, Kenya, Leisure Travel, Namibia, Regions, Rwanda, Speciality Travel, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Luxury safaris are stuff that dreams are made of, where you and your guide rove the remote bush of private reserves in a chauffeured vehicle searching out elusive wildlife with few, if any, other humans in sight. Traditional safari game drives are an amazing way to get up-close to the incredible flora and fauna of
5 ways to be a better traveler

5 ways to be a better traveler

By on Jun 22, 2018 in Travel Miscellany
Despite our best efforts, travel does have an impact on the world (both negative and positive). From planes emitting CO2, the tonnage of hotel laundry that needs to be washed and dried every day around the world, to the sharing of cultures and transplanting new ideas or customs. While it is impossible not to have
Schist Villages

Portugal's best kept secret

By on May 31, 2018 in Europe, Portugal, Regions, Western Europe
What are the two most popular spots in Portugal for foreign travelers? If you guessed Porto and Lisbon, you’re right! Traveling between them along the sparkling Iberian coast is certainly a delightful journey. But for those who are bit more adventurous and who want to explore beyond the tourist crowds, it’s best to venture further
5 great reasons to visit Slovenia

5 great reasons to visit Slovenia

By on Apr 23, 2018 in Eastern Europe, Europe, Regions, Slovenia
Slovenia is one of those countries that many people have heard of, but few can quickly point to on a map. That’s mostly because its neighbors (Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia) are considerably more popular among travelers. Unfortunately, that means that Slovenia often flies under the radar and doesn’t get the exposure it deserves, but
5 of the most transformative travel experiences

5 of the most transformative travel experiences

By on Mar 28, 2018 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Asia, Bhutan, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Food and Drink, France, Iceland, Indonesia, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Travel is more than just checking off a bucket list or standing in front of famous sites. It’s about interacting with other cultures, learning about diverse ways of life and beliefs, and having opportunities you can’t get many other places. If not for those things, why would you ever leave your house? But there are