Meet Derrick Matthews of Matthews Travel Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Matthews.

Hi Derrick, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Antioch, a suburb of Nashville, TN. I attended Middle Tennessee State University and graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration while majoring in Computer Information Systems. Some of my fondest memories as a child were summer and holiday road trips with the family.

Whether it was the beaches of Florida or the deserts out west, we all looked forward to being out of school and work. I definitely wanted to continue this into my adulthood. So, after graduating from MTSU, my two favorite hobbies started to develop. Travel and food. As a matter of fact, I believe my love for food blossomed during my travels.

At the time, I knew I wanted to start traveling internationally while staying in the best accommodations for the least out-of-pocket costs. I started reading blogs, and articles and educating myself about credit card points, airline miles, and maximizing travel bonuses. The next few domestic trips I booked were nearly free from the principles I learned from using credit card points and miles.

Even to this day I still utilize the same principles. Disclaimer, I’m not a financial advisor, so please consult a professional if you think using credit card miles can work for you. My first international trip was in 2010 to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Words can’t express the powerful feeling I experienced during my time there. Being surrounded by those who unapologetically love their culture, heritage, and country, was simply amazing.

I quickly realized that many of the stereotypes of certain countries and their people were quickly dismissed by the love and happiness of everyone I came in contact with. At that point, I knew I wanted to share and help as many people travel and experience other cultures the way I did. As time went on, I found myself being the go-to person for friends and family with travel questions.

Everything from how did you like this country, to how much did you pay, to what is the best time of year to go to this country? It wasn’t until after I planned a 17-day trip to South Africa, Kenya, and Zanzibar for my friends and me, that a dear friend and mentor suggested I become a travel advisor. I’d never actually thought about it before that moment, but it simply made sense.

That’s when I started Matthews Travel Group. Present-day, you can catch me around Nashville trying our ever-growing food scene. I absolutely love to eat, try new restaurants, and stay abreast of the markets and technology.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Without a question, the road hasn’t been as smooth as I would have hoped.

The main driver, as a travel advisor, has been the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent variants. In the fall of 2019 and early 2020, I had so many client bookings. I had clients going everywhere from St. Lucia, Jamaica, Spain, and clients scheduled for cruises.

When the U.S. and the world shut down, travel came to halt. As travel slowly opened back up, many were still hesitant to travel. There were so many questions regarding entry requirements, COVID protocols, masking, and vaccination requirements.

I’ve made it my mission to communicate the various updates concerning travel restrictions and requirements. Fast forward, since many are vaccinated and boosted, traveler confidence has returned, and business is going extremely well.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Matthews Travel Group was formed as a luxury travel planning company rooted in building a personal relationships with clients, exemplary customer service, and curating unique travel experiences. I do not plan cookie-cutter trips. Your travel is tailor-made just for you and your group.

My clients enjoy the idea of hiring a professional who removes the stress of travel by doing all the research and planning for them. Outside of the round-trip flights and four and 5-star accommodations, clients can experience truly immersive experiences like walking food tours, catamarans and yacht rentals, cooking classes, and spa treatments. The best part about hiring me is the experience I bring to the table, having personally traveled to over 21 countries.

Likewise, I’m available and support my clients before and after their trips. During travel, I’m available for questions, or if the unexpected happens. I take pride in communicating all travel entry requirements, restrictions, and FAQs prior to travel. My goal is to ensure you have a truly memorable, stress-free vacation. Alongside luxury travel planning, I’m a licensed real estate agent and REALTOR® in the Middle Tennessee area.

I just love helping solve problems and bringing a smile to the faces of others, with the professional services I provide. Whether it’s helping first-time homebuyer purchase their first property or helping someone sell their existing home, I love helping others with their real estate goals. If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Nashville area, I’d love for us to grab a coffee.

Whether it is travel planning or your real estate needs, I treat every client with the utmost attention and care. For travel planning services, I encourage you to visit www.matthewstravelgroup.com or email me at [email protected]. For all your real estate needs, please visit www.derrickmatthewsrealtor.com or call me at 615-473-5983.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I would just say I love my clients. As I mentioned, as a travel advisor, I build a connection with my clients. It’s more than just transactional.

All my clients have supported me in ways they can’t imagine. When I build that unique trip for them, I’m motivated and inspired to keep pushing forward. I see myself going to that destination or experiencing that activity. I love that they trust me with their time and investment.

I couldn’t be more thankful. If you have supported, Liked, or Shared any of my social media content, or are a personal client of mine, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Pricing:

• The Getaway Package – itineraries and trips less than six days in length – $150 per person
• The Getaway Plus – All benefits of The Getaway with the extra benefit of Concierge Services included – $200 per person
• The Escape Package -multi-destination, complicated itineraries and > 5 days in length – $250 per person
• The Escape Plus – All benefits of The Escape with the extra benefit of Concierge Services included – $350 per person

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected] & [email protected]
• Website: www.matthewstravelgroup.com & www.derrickmatthewsrealtor.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/matthewstravelgroup & www.instagram.com/derrickmatthewsrealtor
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/matthewstravelgroup & www.facebook.com/derrickmrealtor

Image Credits
NPhotography Geraldhazizi, Pablo Seijo, and Abdillah Salim