Every year, Veteran's Day serves as a solemn reminder to honor the sacrifices made by military personnel. This year, the spotlight is on veterans who have successfully pivoted from military service to careers in travel, highlighting how their experiences enrich the industry and help it flourish.
Among those making significant contributions is John Matthews, a former U.S. Navy member, who, along with his wife Jackie, now runs Adventure Awaits World Travel. This travel agency has its roots not only in their shared passion for exploration but also within the framework of Nexion Travel Group's Veterans in Travel program, which plays a pivotal role in supporting veterans who seek to enter the travel industry.
The Veterans in Travel program was launched back in 2018 as part of Nexion Travel Group’s commitment to assist veterans and active-duty service members. The program has been instrumental for many, offering training and community support aimed explicitly at helping military personnel transition smoothly to civilian careers.
Since its inception, the program has awarded scholarships to over 300 participants, including John and Jackie Matthews. This couple’s story begins back when John joined the Navy in 1979, serving primarily within the submarine force and stationed at Pearl Harbor. His time spent traveling the Pacific, visiting places like Guam and Japan, laid the groundwork for his adventurous spirit. It was during his deployment, alongside working with pilots at Moffett Field, where he first crossed paths with Jackie at what turned out to be her birthday party. A chance encounter quickly blossomed, leading to their marriage and the courage to explore the world together.
After years of dedicated service and various career paths—including work at American Airlines and Boeing for John and sales roles for Jackie—the couple decided to step out of traditional employment and embrace the travel industry. It was their shared history of exploration and deep appreciation for travel's role in personal growth and building compassionate connections around the globe.
Adventure Awaits World Travel officially opened its doors late in 2018, allowing the Matthews to combine their knowledge and love for travel with their new business venture. John emphasized the importance of the Veterans in Travel program, stating, “It wasn’t just about free training; it was about recognizing and prioritizing the hard work veterans have put forth for our country.” Through comprehensive training provided by the program, they gained not only the skills needed to run their business but also the insights necessary to navigate the intricacies of travel bookings and client interactions.
They quickly focused on cruise travel as their primary niche. With John and Jackie having been avid cruisers themselves, it made perfect sense to guide others through their cruising adventures. They kicked off their agency by investing considerable effort researching host agencies, and their positive experience with Nexion only solidified their commitment. With Nexion’s backing, the couple gained invaluable marketing support and access to numerous resources, all of which have been integral to their growth.
Fast forward to today, Adventure Awaits World Travel is thriving, even post-pandemic. About 80% of their sales come from group travel, including alumni and business trips. Jackie has also specialized in accessible travel, which is not only commendable—it's necessary. “Sixty-one percent of people over the age of 50 self-identify as having a disability,” she pointed out, highlighting the importance of accommodating travelers with special needs and ensuring their adventures are both enjoyable and accessible.
John and Jackie Matthews' long-standing affection for travel is infectious and serves as inspiration for many former service members contemplating their next career move. John encourages these individuals to contemplate the travel industry, reasoning, “They’ve been overseas, they’ve experienced destinations many people haven't, and they have developed skills applicable to working in travel.” It's this shared enthusiasm and dedication to the experiences of their clients—especially those who are also veterans—that elevates their agency within the travel community.
Jason McCarthy, Senior Vice President of Nexion, reaffirmed the importance of programs like Veterans in Travel, saying, “We’re committed to supporting veterans as they transition back to civilian life. With this initiative, we provide them with the skills necessary to thrive.” Not only does the program offer financial assistance, but it also creates opportunities for networking, making connections with fellow veterans embarking on the same career path.
This Veterans Day, as we honor those who served, stories like those of John and Jackie Matthews remind us of the immense potential within the military community. Many veterans are seeking new avenues where they can leverage their experiences, and the travel industry presents itself as one of those promising paths. There’s something truly special about the kind of connection forged during travel, and as each veteran shares their unique story, they enrich the experiences of travelers globally.
With the world opening up again, the Matthews look forward to more travels, both for themselves and their clients. Adventure Awaits World Travel reflects their dedication, passion, and the camaraderie among veterans who are making strides in various fields—illustratively paving the way for more military personnel to find their calling beyond service. Honoring Veterans Day goes beyond acknowledgement; it’s about fostering environments where veterans can thrive and inspire others to continue their journeys, whether at home or abroad.
