We Build Character Through Extraordinary Adventures 

The Southwestern Travel difference

Our Mission

At Southwestern Travel Group, our mission is simple: we build character through extraordinary adventures. We empower students with custom, transformative travel experiences that foster personal growth, enhance cultural awareness and ignite fresh perspectives. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional service while maximizing value, minimizing stress and creating unforgettable adventures that shape lives. 

Ordinary trips? Nah. Stressful itineraries? Not our thing. Ruining your semester chasing student registrations? Definitely not. We want you to be able to sleep at night knowing everything is handled and focus on nothing but a fantastic time at your destination.  

We also want students to approach travel with a sense of empowerment, positivity and fun.

Our Core Values

Image of Service-Minded

Service-Minded

Not only are we always ready to serve our customers, but we also know the importance of giving back and being of service to the communities around the world. Giving and serving is important to us.
Image of Integrity Always

Integrity Always

You can count on us to follow through with what we say we’re going to do. We are excellent listeners and take responsibility for getting you to and from your destination and everything in between in order to super serve and exceed expectations.
Image of Experience Matters

Experience Matters

We’re passionate about travel! We have explored far and wide and are happy to share our expert guidance. You can count on us to put our experience to good use.
Image of Dedication to Detail

Dedication to Detail

A perfectly crafted travel itinerary requires meticulous planning. We pride ourselves on being 10 steps ahead.
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Positive Impact

Whenever possible, we support the travel process with positive affirmations and energy with the goal of incorporating character-building experiences in to our travel programs.

I Choose To Be

Ambitious
Bold
Creative
Disciplined
Enthusiastic
& Fearless

Meet the Team

We’re here to make every trip meaningful, with uplifting experiences, outstanding service and fully tailored itineraries.

Think of us as your personal travel team, focused on impact and care from start to finish. 

Terri Rickard

President and Founder

Jennifer Wills

Financial Controller

Katie Choma

Senior Meeting & Incentive Planner

Lisa Wyskowski

Travel Consultant

Adam Pietz

Travel Consultant

Tara Lindsey

Travel Consultant

Desiree Soteres

Senior Travel Coordinator

We do it all, but here are things we specialize in that we know are important to you: 

  • Giving you back your time. Managing a dozen vendors isn’t your job – it’s ours. Let us make all the bookings for you and handle the communication. 
     
  • Collecting payment and registration information. We are happy to handle the hassle, so you don’t have to. 
     
  • Managing travel data. Rooming lists, seat assignments, ground transportation, etc. You name it, we have it covered. 
     
  • Safety and security. Safety is a priority that guides everything we do. Rest assured your trip will be as secure and liability-free as we can make it. 

Travel should go beyond a location; it’s an experience. Let us make your experience the best it can be, before your travel even starts! 

Southwestern Family of Companies 

Southwestern Travel is a part of Southwestern Family of Companies, based in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. Established in Nashville in 1855, Southwestern Family of Companies is one of the largest and oldest private corporations in Tennessee comprised of family member companies across a range of industries, all with the shared goals of building people and positively impacting communities worldwide. 

Southwestern is a USA Today Top Workplace and a Newsweek magazine five-star America’s Greatest Workplace 2024.


 

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