Dirk DeYoung

Travel Consultant

Meet Dirk

Your travel partner.

Dirk could describe himself in many different ways – accomplished traveler, musician, band director’s son, travel researcher. His professional title of Travel Consultant allows him to combine all of those descriptions into one career, which he’s spent his life developing. Dirk has worked in student travel since 1996, personally tour directing over 160 student tours in the U.S. and abroad. He sees performance travel as an opportunity for the lessons of both music education and travel to intersect, helping students to grow and expand their horizons.

Dirk DeYoung

Dirk DeYoung

Travel Consultant

Extension: 252

My favorite book

I have to say “So Big” by Edna Ferber. It is a historical fiction novel that follows the family of Dirk DeJong as he grows up in the south suburbs of Chicago. My ancestors founded South Holland, Illinois and a number of the characters in the book are real people that were family members or family friends generations deep. I was named for the main character.

My hobbies and pastimes

My passion is Jeeps, off-road travel, and shade-tree mechanic work. I purpose built a Jeep Cherokee to take on the mountainous trails of Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky. My current goal is to take it west for a tour that includes Big Bend State Park, southwest Colorado, Moab Utah, Death Valley and Anzo Borrega Parks, and the Rubicon Trail. Ultimately, I’d like to ship it to Australia to drive the Old Telegraph Track, the Simpson Desert, and the Kimberly Track.

My favorite travel memory

On my birthday, many moons ago, I was tour directing a group that was cruising the Bahamas. That morning we were scheduled to be in Freeport. I was up early and was on the deck watching the ship dock and I noticed a little cove that we passed. Upon debarkation for the day, I walked about a mile to that cove. It was clear blue water and a large beach. I sat and swam there for hours and never saw another soul. I had my own private beach that day.

Moments that Matter …

 

He makes a well-rounded trip plan way ahead of time and takes care of any last minute issues that may arise so that I don’t have to deal with it. Not only does he plan the best trips for us, he has a personal relationship with me, my students and parents.

Sandy Elliott
Choir
Mt. Juliet High School

 

His attention to details and his expertise are second to none. He offers great ideas and works within budgets to custom build tours that will benefit our students.

Tom Wise
Choir
Red Lion High School

 

He is a great communicator, and he always return calls quickly and handles challenges promptly. He has outstanding knowledge of our destinations, and he has always been able to recommend unique gems to include in our itineraries.

Jason Morehouse
Band
Central Bucks High School

 

I can state without reservation that Dirk DeYoung is second to none as a travel consultant. His organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow through are truly impressive.

Brian Nutting
Band
Troy High School

 

He is sincerely interested in making the trip about the kids, and knows what they will enjoy. When there are hiccups, he is quick to solve them.

Brenda Williams
Choir
Riverdale High School

Contact Dirk:

Performance
Group Travel
Performance group travel has been the heart of our business since 1981.
International
Group Travel
Learn about the eye-opening experiences that international travel offers.
Educational
Group Travel
Student group travel brings learning to life.
Group Travel
Destinations
Discover some of our most popular student-friendly destinations.

Parades & Events:

The art of performance travel perfected.

Parents & Students:

Build friendships. Explore new places. Make memories.

About Us
We craft travel experiences that allow you to share the world with your students.
Our Company
Learn more about our history, our values and our commitment to serving your needs.
Our Team
Good people and great relationships are the keys to perfect travel experiences.
Technology
Our tools make traveling with a group easier, safer and more efficient.
Learn about our commitment to providing a safe and memorable experience for our travelers.
Planning Guides
KNOWLEDGE:
Topical, comprehensive, and helpful. Our planning guides are created to give you a deep dive into specific aspects of student travel.
Go
BRT Videos
INSPIRATION:
Our videos feature profiles of destinations and events, interviews with students and directors, and the inside scoop on our process.
Go
TravelNotes
ARTICLES:
Sharing what we’ve learned for over 35 years. Our blog highlights travel planning resources, destination profiles, travel trends and more.
Go
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Celebrating weddings, new babies, new jobs and important achievements. Find it all here.
Go

Pin It on Pinterest