Derek Schemonitz

My name is Derek Schemonitz and I'm the Owner, President & CEO of the privately owned luxury travel agency Mr. Travel Agent, LLC. Founded, Created and operated by myself. I have been working as a Travel Advisor in the travel industry as my profession for my entire adult life (since I was 20).

It all started in 1999 when I went for an interview at a family owned and operated Italian Travel Agency in Pittsburgh's suburb of Mt. Lebanon. The owner who to this day is a very close & personal friend of mine, gave me a chance as a rookie inexperienced and with no international travel under my belt, a position as a Travel Agent for his agency. I continued working for that agency for 12 years, until 2012. During my tenure with, I became extremely well traveled and an expert in Italy (Certified by the official Italian Tourism Office) and Europe (many other official certifications earned by tourism boards), among other international destinations. 6 years into my career, I was made Agency Manager and ran the day to day operations, accounting, back office, and as well as still being a full time front office Travel Agent. This continued for an additional 6 years until 2012. In late 2012 the agency merged. At that time full time staff were offered a position with the merged agency to stay on or leave the agency. I was the only agent who agreed on terms to go with the merger.

From 2012 to the end of 2018, I worked as the sole lead International Tourism Consultant & Specialist. Throughout those 6 years I became more well traveled and picked up additional expert certifications and specializations in the field. At the very end of 2018, I was headhunted by a industry firm who looks for agents ready to step into the luxury market. This firm informed me that a Virtuoso Agency in the Pittsburgh market was very interested in me, and was I interested in making a move? At first I was hesitant and uncertain. Happy where I was and the compensation I was making on average. But this was an enticing opportunity to advance in this industry. I accepted the interview and within weeks I was offered a full time position as a Luxury Travel Advisor for the Pittsburgh Branch of Avenue Two Travel (known as Gulliver's Travels at that time). I accepted this offer and started within 2 weeks in Jan of 2019.

While my position as a Luxury Travel Advisor my make some of my loyal repeat clientele think I would not touch 4 star travel arrangements, nothing could be further from the truth. I handle 4 and 5 star travel arrangements of all types. While my specialty over the years has become more in the customization & planning of travel arrangements, I handle all travel arrangements such as all escorted tours & cruises/river cruises, in additional to international and domestic customization.

Throughout my career I have made excellent local contacts worldwide for private local guides, drivers, and exclusive service arrangements.

Who are my clients?

Well you are. :)

My clients mainly consist of those living in the Pittsburgh and surrounding area market. Though I have clientele elsewhere in US as well. Over the last few years moving into the luxury market I've secured several millionaire clientele in Manhattan & Pittsburgh market. My clients are everyone from CEO's, Dr's, Lawyers, Family & Small Business Owners, Executives, Families, Couples, Friends, Retirees, Gen X, Baby Boomers & Millennial's. From a $3,000 one week all inclusive vacation for 2, to a $100,000+ international travel group, I do it all for you.

I'm also available on request and if agreed to, for local Travel Nights, Cruise Nights, etc. Where you can organize with me a local get together with your company employees, local groups, church groups. library groups and I come out discuss a potential trip.

Please reach out to me to discuss and organize your incredible travel plans.