Note from the Editor:
Keeping this short because today’s issue of been is possibly the best one yet. Nikka’s perspective on travel and her intimate connection to Colombia is what this newsletter is all about. Thank you to our mutual friend, Valentina, for seeing the vision and making the connection.
We oftentimes plan travel ourselves thanks to the endless tools of the internet but there’s nothing like a trip planned by a travel professional. They take the hours of research off your plate and it can really be worth it especially for trips you want to ensure are perfect. Matria’s approach to travel is what we should all strive for, rooted in place to help visitors connect to the sense of home anywhere. Be sure to follow Matria on Instagram, bookmark the site, read this and forward it to the people in your life.
While the state of the world and uptick in travel pricing makes travel seem out of reach right now, there are still ways to make exploring new-to-you experiences possible. Expect more from been in the coming months! If you’re enjoying these monthly sends, I’d love to hear from you. Sharing been guides on social, email forwards and link shares is HUGELY helpful. Remember we have stickers too!
Be well,
Mariah
CHECK-IN
👋 Nikka
🎂 28
💼 Travel Advisor
♎️ Libra
Hey there!
You’re reading been — a people-centered, culturally focused newsletter about the places we've been. Every issue brings interviews with interesting people and their takes on a destination they know well. Let’s go.
THE INTERVIEW
Favorite Travel-related Experience:
I grew up moving internationally every two years and sometimes we’d celebrate big holidays with a trip near where we were living rather than making the intercontinental flight to see family in Colombia. I was around 7 when we spent Christmas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We stayed in a ritzy hotel, at least from the eyes of a child, which had this beautiful bakery and restaurant near the lobby.
“El algo” is a little snack Colombians typically eat in the afternoon in between lunch and dinner, so we decided to stop by the bakery before heading out for dinner. I picked a massive slice of coconut cake, I vividly remember the size of it compared to my small head. I savored each bite of the cake, laughing in between memories of past travels, talking about nothing really, wrangling my little brother who would have rather been running laps around the lobby than sitting still for a coffee.
I felt at home despite being far from natilla (a creamy pudding typically made during Christmas) or novenas or villancicos. I felt comfortable and curious, eager to explore Malaysia and try sugee cakes and kuih bangkit. I learned more about myself, which over the years I’ve realized is one of the core values of my travel. I love coconut cake, the opportunity to be an observer, and night markets. I value feeling at home wherever I am, which requires a mixture of openness, respect, and deep roots.
Nikka with her mother, Manue.
Where are you a local?
Atlanta, 100%.
What’s the backstory of Matria? How did it begin, what are your specialties?
My mum and I have been traveling together for my entire life. We went on a trip to Cartagena in 2018 and had so much fun, we decided to host a group trip there. I had a vintage store at the time, so a lot of wonderful, curious women knew of me and we miraculously filled the 13-person travel experience fairly quickly.
We went, having never done this and completely unaware of what we didn’t know, and had a transformative time. Gwenn, a Black woman, who decided to join our group trip for her first travel experience after having a baby (!!!), sent me her comments afterwards and they remain top of mind for me to this day: "I did myself a solid and stepped outside of the United states. I found a magical place where Black women are celebrated and protected. I spent this time with 10 amazing souls and we all cried when it was over. Storybook vacation.”
I fell in love with facilitating impactful experiences, not just pretty tourism and pleasant travel. We’ve done many group trips since then and have expanded into functioning as a travel agency specializing in grounded, culturally aware travel.
From a Villa de Leyva Matria trip.
How do you approach travel planning as a professional travel agent?
My first priority is what the client values. I want them to be completely satisfied with the service they receive, that all their needs and wants are met, which requires intentional listening. My second priority, however, once the planning is set, is to seek out what could inspire or challenge them. I love offering opportunities to connect with the cities on a deeper level—it’s completely up to them whether they take them, but I want those options to be available. This usually looks like events, pop ups, markets, smaller museums, off the beaten path tourism, even connecting them with locals.
I value feeling at home wherever I am, which requires a mixture of openness, respect, and deep roots.
What do you personally prioritize for your trips?
Planning for myself… all of my Type A goes towards my business, so sadly my personal travel prep is severely lacking. I still have an amazing time! It’s just not nearly as structured. I am happiest prioritizing a maximum of three tourist must-sees. For example, most recently I went to Barcelona and focused on La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and La Rambla. The rest of the time, my travel was more tailored to my lifestyle. I teach yoga and pilates, so I took a workout class while I was there (I also find taking a class while traveling helps you make friends and see what locals are up to), I found so many good vintage markets and shops, parties, the most delicious croquetas I’ve ever had, and spent the rest of the time exploring each neighborhood, mostly by walking and letting curiosity lead.
Nikka with girls on a Villa de Leyva Matria trip.
If you had to give one travel tip to someone, what would it be?
Practical: If there’s one thing you should research intensely, let it be what neighborhood you’re staying in.
Esoteric but key: Let your intuition guide you.