Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Kurtz.
Sharon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was bitten by the travel bug at 12 years old when my dad took me by train to the World’s Fair in Montreal – and I never recovered from it. This wanderlust has remained hidden deep within, as fifty years later, with two grown children and a successful business of my own, I never lost my desire to travel the world and explore new and exciting places.
Taking a tour to London & Paris in 2013 with a small group Women’s Travel Company reminded me of my first love, and I decided it was time to make travel a priority in my life. Within the year, I was offered a job as a part-time tour leader with this small-group tour company.
A couple of years later, I decided to follow my dreams and sell my successful business – allowing me to pair my love for travel with leading tours for Women-traveling Together as well as a 2nd Act career as a freelance travel writer. I discovered it is never too late to change your life – and to tackle a new challenge. I feel as if my new life fits me like a glove.
Researching travel locations around the world, Leading tours, and helping women travelers meet their travel goals while having an opportunity to write about travel and all its aspects – I find they complement one another and go together like peas and carrots.
I am still learning my craft, but life is exciting, and I feel I am living my dream. I genuinely believe new experiences that challenge me physically, mentally, and emotionally help to keep me young. Since 2015, I have traveled to 30 countries from India to Iceland, to Africa to Australia. I have been traveling the globe and keeping my inner fire stoked with learning about this big, beautiful world we live in, and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon.
One of my favorite quotes about changing your life – no matter what age we are: “There is a fountain of youth: It is your mind, your talent, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age. ” — Sophia Loren
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Writing is hard, and sometimes I get discouraged. It’s difficult to find your authentic voice, and I was afraid I would get rejected and labeled as a terrible writer. But there is nothing like the thrill of seeing your first byline – my words printed on the page. I love a challenge – to set a goal and then start to tackle it – one foot in front of the other.
Travel to faraway places is my dream, but I also love to come back home to my husband and three doggie children. There is no place like home – but after settling in for a few weeks, I feel that familiar pull to explore someplace new.
Please tell us about your work.
I lead tours for a small group women’s travel company called Women-Traveling Together – It’s all about making travel accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable for women who may not have a partner to travel with, but who still want to see the world. – Within a short time, we have formed a cohesive travel tribe and make life long memories together. You may learn more about the women’s tours on the website women-traveling.com
I am a freelance travel writer for web-based and print publications. You may see links to the stories I have written on my website sharonkkurtz.com. I started my writing career about 1-1/2 years ago when I attended an intense three day travel writing workshop. Travel writing has enriched my life with interesting people, amazing places, and diverse experiences. Although there is a great deal of work involved, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan, it’s worth every minute. I write about destinations around the world and close to home with a focus on solo female travel, food and drink experiences, and both luxury and budget experiences for the baby boomer traveler. Since I have started my career as a travel writer, I have had 16 published articles to date, with five more awaiting publication and three current assignments. I have written for many outlets, including Dallas based FYI50+ Magazine, Go World Travel Magazine and Confetti Travel Café.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is that travel experience when I was 12 years old – my dad took my siblings and me by train from small-town Ohio to Montreal Canada for the World’s Fair. I saw exhibits from countries around the world – and the people in Montreal spoke French and poured real maple syrup on their pancakes – this must have been a very big deal to a 12-year-old girl because I have never forgotten.
Contact Info:
- Website: Sharonkkurtz.com
- Phone: 214-697-3054
- Email: Sharon.kurtz55@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shar_kurtz
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/sharonkkurtz
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KurtzShar
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