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About Matt Long
06 July 2011 8:08 PM | No CommentsWho am I? I am a typical Gen-X professional who has a passion for all things travel. My site brings a unique perspective that is hard to find online. I am not a backpacker, nor am I living off of a trust fund. I am...
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Five Reasons to Stop Dreaming and Travel Now
16 April 2012 11:55 PM | 20 Comments -
So What’s Reykjavik Really Like?
28 February 2012 11:55 PM | 12 Comments -
Top Five Travel iPad Apps
06 January 2011 11:55 PM | 24 Comments -
Vatican City Scavi Tour
09 September 2010 2:59 AM | 14 Comments -
Don’t Be a Touron
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Destinations Archive
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My Birthday and Dogsledding Through Two Provinces
Posted on January 25, 2012 | 9 CommentsTomorrow is my birthday and for the 8th year in a row I’m 29, amazing feat really. Since it’s my birthday, I thought I’d write about two things I love: dogs and travel. No, it’s not a story about some strange traveling dog or how... -
Five Reasons to Visit Jordan in 2012
Posted on January 24, 2012 | 12 Comments1. Safe and stable so far - The reverberations of the 2011 Arab Spring have been felt throughout the Middle East, and they’re not over yet. The instability in Egypt especially has had a lasting impact on tourism not only in that country, but surrounding... -
Five (non-ski) Reasons to Visit Banff in the Winter
Posted on January 22, 2012 | 10 Comments1. Tons of activities - Banff is one of the top ski destinations in the world, but if you’re like me and don’t ski (I just fall) there’s still a lot to do in and around this mountain town. We spent a long weekend in... -
Reflections on a Petra Dog
Posted on January 22, 2012 | No CommentsI took this photo in Petra, Jordan, while on a 10-hour exploration of the ancient site. It was hot, scorching really, and every living thing was seeking shade of some sort, including this little guy. Dogs traditionally are not well cared for in certain... -
In Honor of the Fry: Exploring the Frietmuseum in Brugge
Posted on January 18, 2012 | 4 CommentsThe Belgians are awesome. Unlike some other countries I won’t mention, they don’t care if everyone knows they like the best things in life. My best I mean the worst for them physically. To spend any time in Belgium is to learn to love beer,... -
Four Reasons to Visit St. Kitts in 2012
Posted on January 17, 2012 | 7 Comments1. Lunch on a volcano – Although this may not have been my favorite activity, (please refer to my post Paying the Price for Lunch on a Volcano in St. Kitts) in retrospect, and after some intense psychotherapy, I have come to the realization that... -
Importance of Supporting Local Communities When You Travel
Posted on January 16, 2012 | 13 CommentsA few weeks ago I published an informative guest post by Amanda Williams all about Sustainable Tourism. I particularly enjoyed the post because while it’s easy to bandy about the term ‘sustainable,’ very few people actually understand what it means to practice sustainable travel. I... -
Amsterdam, How I Mucked it Up
Posted on January 15, 2012 | 19 CommentsOur plan was a good one. Stay in Brussels and go on a few day trips to neighboring countries. Paris we love, so that was on the list. Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, so Cologne quickly made the cut. Bruges was a short... -
Best of Banff in Photos
Posted on January 15, 2012 | 16 CommentsI spent a long weekend exploring the winter playground of Banff, Alberta, Canada at the invitation of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. Since I had never been to this part of Canada before, the goal was to both explore the region and to highlight some of... -
Follow Me to Banff, Banff, Banff
Posted on January 11, 2012 | 8 CommentsI’m a big fan of the old (is 80/90s old?) comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. When Bill Watterson was still writing, I read every strip and bought every book. One of my favorite strips was a Sunday color version featuring Calvin and Hobbes having a... -
The No-Holds Barred Review of Dreams Resorts
Posted on January 11, 2012 | 7 CommentsLast year I was approached by AMResorts, the provider of sales, marketing and brand management services to five brands of exclusive resort properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, to work together in a partnership to help promote their properties. I researched the brands and... -
Surprising Divisions in Belgium – A Schooling in the Meaning of Flanders
Posted on January 10, 2012 | 3 CommentsI would consider myself well educated in the ways of international relations and politics (wait, don’t fall asleep, yet). I have a couple degrees in the subject, back in the day I even specialized in Western Europe, spoke some languages – all in all... -
Australia Travel Tips
Posted on January 10, 2012 | 5 CommentsAustralia Travel Tips Australia is a huge country that offers something for everyone, beaches, cities, deserts and everything in between. To get the most out of the vast continent/country would take years, and even then you’d be missing something. For the casual traveler though,... -
Four Reasons to Visit Lanai in 2012
Posted on January 9, 2012 | 2 Comments1. Luxury – With two of the three hotels on the island belonging to Four Seasons, luxury is no doubt part of the agenda on Lanai. But it’s a different kind of luxury, a more homey, enjoyable Lanai luxury that’s really hard to find. Yes,... -
Perfect Evening in St. Kilda
Posted on January 9, 2012 | 2 CommentsAfter spending almost a week in the dusty Outback, the last thing I thought I would have wanted was a return to nature. But there I was, sitting at the desk in our spacious room at the InterContinental Rialto thumbing through the guide book trying... -
Travel Itinerary – 48 Hours in Melbourne
Posted on January 8, 2012 | 7 CommentsMelbourne Travel Tips Melbourne was the final stop in our brief tour of Australia and one that proved to be a highlight of the journey. Without exaggeration, Melbourne is one of the best cities I have visited anywhere in the world, and weeks could... -
Travel Tips and Driving Itinerary for Australia’s Red Centre
Posted on January 4, 2012 | 7 CommentsThere’s just something about Australia and the Northern Territory in particular that captures the imagination of people around the world. Maybe its the natural beauty or the famously rugged environment, but it’s hard not to feel drawn to one of the most remote spots on... -
The Ultimate Food Walk Through Paris with Context Tours
Posted on January 3, 2012 | 12 CommentsWe were late for the tour; in fact we were dangerously close to missing it all together thanks to a tardy train. I was looking forward to this walking tour in Paris more than anything else, and with good reason. Walking tours are a great... -
How to See the Best of Alice Springs in 24 Hours
Posted on January 3, 2012 | 4 CommentsAlice Springs Travel Tips Many people know Alice Springs, Australia as the gateway to the Red Centre. From Alice thousands of travelers launch exhaustive tours of Kings Canyon, Glen Helen and of course Uluru, otherwise known as Ayers Rock. Many people just pass through... -
The Last Post of 2011 Travel Bests and Worsts I Will Ever Write
Posted on January 2, 2012 | 8 CommentsI know what you’re thinking, yet another “Best of 2011″ post? I realize that I did a whole series on the topic as did every mainstream paper, magazine, TV show and of course blogger. That being said, I was tagged by a fellow travel blogger... -
Going Beyond the Tourist Zone in Puerto Vallarta
Posted on January 1, 2012 | 2 CommentsMaria’s storefront is only a couple of blocks from the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, but her proximity to the main tourist zone in this vacation wonderland didn’t detract from the flavors of the tacos. Made to order, she creates hundreds of delicious tacos in every... -
New Zealand Travel Tips
Posted on January 1, 2012 | 7 CommentsNew Zealand Travel Tips New Zealand is one of my favorite travel destinations, and with good reason. Simply said, it has something for everyone, from world class museums to the best adventure travel in the world. To truly know and explore New Zealand would... -
How to Explore Queenstown in a Day – Adventure Capital of New Zealand
Posted on December 31, 2011 | 1 CommentQueenstown in a Day The final stop on my whirlwind trip through New Zealand was a visit to one of the most popular destinations in the country, Queenstown. In the winter millions flock to this small mountain town for the ski slopes and in... -
2011 Favorite Travel Destination of the Year
Posted on December 29, 2011 | 6 CommentsThis was a tough one. Last year after careful thought I chose Israel as my favorite destination of the year, and for a while I thought the Middle East would get top honors again this year with Jordan. But the more I thought and reflected,... -
2011 Favorite Travel Experience of the Year
Posted on December 28, 2011 | 3 CommentsTravel has many faces and there are many factors which, when combined, create the perfect trip. Ultimately though it’s all about the experiences, what you see, do and enjoy while on your trip that is most important. I’ve been very fortunate this year to have... -
2011 Favorite Travel Person of the Year
Posted on December 26, 2011 | 10 CommentsLast year I did a series of posts highlighting my favorite travel experiences, destinations, foods and people for the previous year and I decided to once again perform this bit of forced reflection. Rather than just serve as a gratuitous way to recognize people and... -
News and Deals: December 26, 2011 – Southwest Airlines denies terminally-ill NH boy special car seat, Follow Jesus’ footsteps on Israel’s new Gospel Trail, Tube strike causes travel misery and N.Korea Irked by S.Korean Travel Ban
Posted on December 26, 2011 | 1 CommentSouthwest Airlines denies terminally-ill NH boy special car seat NECN A New Hampshire family had trouble on a Southwest Airlines flight. A Bedford couple says Southwest Airlines endangered their terminally ill son when they forced him from his protective seat on their flight from Florida.... -
Turtle Power – How Resorts in Mexico are Conserving a Species
Posted on December 22, 2011 | No CommentsWhen I arrived at the Dreams Resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico I thought I knew what to expect. Tropical views with swaying palms were a given, as was a pina colada with a sweet cherry to accompany me to the pool. What I didn’t expect... -
Five Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico in 2012
Posted on December 21, 2011 | 2 Comments1. Caribbean – For the most populated American territory, Puerto Rico has done a masterful job of retaining its unique, Caribbean culture. Yes, there are McDonalds and large retail stores, but there are also beaches, restaurants and bars that are quintessentially Caribbean. If you’re looking... -
The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Los Angeles
Posted on December 20, 2011 | 3 CommentsI had the great pleasure of meeting the author of today’s piece, Jade Broadus, earlier this year and knew right away that I had met a fellow foodie. In spite of the hectic schedule with her own site Vagabond3, Jade graciously agreed to share some... -
Salta the Beautiful
Posted on December 19, 2011 | 2 CommentsToday I am pleased to introduce a beautiful post by guest contributor Craig Martin of Indie Travel Podcast. Salta, a beautiful colonial town in north west Argentina has long been proud of its food, but now it has reason to be proud of its art,... -
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the World Trade Center Memorial in NYC
Posted on December 18, 2011 | 1 CommentToday I am very pleased to present a guest post by travel blogger and fellow Washingtonian, Christina Saull. Her full bio follows the piece, but be sure to check out her site My View from the Middle Seat for the best in D.I.N.K. travel. Every... -
Join Me as I Explore the Christmas Markets of Europe
Posted on December 15, 2011 | 4 CommentsThere are many travel experiences I have hoped to enjoy for a long time. Near the top of the list for several years has been visiting Europe around the Christmas holidays. This year thanks to some good luck, we are finally able to make it... -
Hairy Coos, Baby Animals and Amazing Views on Churchill Island
Posted on December 13, 2011 | 4 CommentsThe Scottish highland cow greeted us with its giant horns and fuzzy bangs as we navigated the dirt road leading to Churchill Island. We very well could have been in Scotland, except it was far too sunny and there wasn’t a sign of a distillery... -
Puerto Vallarta Dreams – Photos From Paradise
Posted on December 11, 2011 | 6 CommentsA few weeks ago I was approached by the fine folks over at AMResorts to partner together on a pretty exciting initiative. AMResorts is the provider of sales, marketing and brand management services to five brands of exclusive resort properties in Mexico and the Dominican... -
Dancing the Night Away – Salsa Culture in Puerto Rico
Posted on December 8, 2011 | 4 CommentsWe weren’t quite sure what we were looking for, a bar or after-hours lounge of some sort probably. All I wanted to find was a place in Old San Juan where a few friends could sit and chat over a glass of wine or a... -
Four Thoughts on Australia
Posted on December 7, 2011 | 22 CommentsIn August we traveled to Australia as a result of a Twitter contest I won through the Northern Territory. We decided to extend the trip into a vacation and spent almost two weeks exploring as much of Australia as we could. Given the grotesque size... -
Reflecting on Family and History at Pearl Harbor
Posted on December 6, 2011 | 4 CommentsNot all business trips are great, but the year I had a conference in Honolulu was like winning the lottery of work travel. Not surprisingly, I managed to add some time to the trip after my work was done in order to truly enjoy my... -
New Zealand – Trying to Define an Obsession
Posted on December 4, 2011 | 9 CommentsI’m an impressionable person, especially when it comes to travel. It doesn’t take a lot to inspire me to travel, to build that sorrowful nagging feeling of wanderlust deep within my soul. A feature in a movie, a mention in a book, even a well... -
42 Things I Love About Jordan
Posted on December 1, 2011 | 15 CommentsIf you’re a frequent visitor to LandLopers, then you know that I didn’t just enjoy my trip to Jordan earlier this year, I loved it. I’ve been looking through photos of the trip and reflecting on key moments, so I thought I would assemble a... -
Passports with Purpose 2011 – How You Can Help Build Libraries in Zambia
Posted on November 30, 2011 | No CommentsI am pleased to announce that LandLopers is once again joining the massive online fundraising effort known as Passports with Purpose. This year the goal is lofty but simple: raise $80,000 to build two libraries to help the children and communities of two villages in... -
Bangkok Postcard – Finding Travel Umami
Posted on November 29, 2011 | 2 CommentsIt’s hard to believe that more than three years have passed since I first visited Thailand. It was my first time in Asia and I had that strange sensation of being simultaneously excited and nervous – a great feeling for a traveler. The week in... -
Kayaking in a Sea of Light – The Bio Bay of Puerto Rico
Posted on November 28, 2011 | 4 CommentsPuerto Rico surprised me in a lot of ways. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting exactly, but whatever my expectations were they were instantly surpassed. I was a guest of the San Juan Marriott Resort, a gorgeous property with a prime oceanfront location, and... -
42 Things I Love About Australia’s Northern Territory
Posted on November 23, 2011 | 5 CommentsI originally was going to write about the 42 things I love about Australia, but even in list form the country is just too big. The more I thought about my time in Australia, the more I realized that many of my favorite activities, as... -
Exciting New Partnership Announcement
Posted on November 23, 2011 | 22 CommentsAn important part of my work on LandLopers is partnering with destinations and like-minded companies in order to bring you, the reader, interesting and helpful information. Whenever I decide to work with a company or destination, I always weigh the benefits to the site and... -
On Parade with the Penguins of Phillip Island
Posted on November 21, 2011 | 5 CommentsThere are certain words and phrases that should never be repeated in the context of a travel post. Hidden gem, unique treasure, and charming all come to mind. Cute is another one most experts say to avoid, yet I find myself at a loss to... -
Exploring the Beach Shacks of St. Kitts
Posted on November 20, 2011 | 5 CommentsAs a guest of the St. Kitts Marriott, I had a lot of great food. Unlike a lot of other resorts, the property features a variety of culinary options that are reasonably priced and delicious, a feat which many other resorts can’t seem to achieve.... -
Exploring the Roots of Christianity in Jordan
Posted on November 17, 2011 | 1 CommentWhen most people think of Jordan, they probably don’t consider its importance in the formation of the Christian religion. Jordan’s location in the Middle East though has put in the crossroads of several civilizations and religions for millennia, especially Christianity. I’m not a religious person,... -
Kissed by a Koala at Healesville Sanctuary
Posted on November 15, 2011 | 4 CommentsI never expected to be kissed by a koala, yet there I was being gingerly kissed by Australia’s fuzzy mascot. The koala in question was at the Healesville Sanctuary, a short drive from Melbourne and home to one of the best animal experiences in the... -
Adventure Bogging and Zipping in Puerto Rico’s Rainforests
Posted on November 13, 2011 | 1 CommentAdventure travel seems to be a hot travel label for places as diverse as Vancouver to Israel. In some cases the term is well matched but other times it’s just a stretch. I love adventure travel experiences and was thrilled to discover that it’s also...
