Choosing a specialty

Last week, we asked why you chose your specialties. The most common factors in deciding were a passion for the specialty and compatibility with lifestyle.

Wendy Schatz of Bellevue, Wash., decided to focus on where she grew up and traveled extensively. “The whole South Pacific and Australia and New Zealand are what I know best,” Schatz said.

Sacramento, Calif.-based Nona Mounir took some time finding her specialty. She began with honeymoon and destination travel but found her interest was elsewhere. “I decided on wellness travel as my specialty because wellness (mind/body/spirit) is another of my passions. I am currently enrolled in courses to obtain my certification,” Mounir noted.

Seeking a better work/life balance, Lauren Goldenberg began a home-based agency focusing on family travel after the birth of her daughter. She had traveled frequently as she worked in media positions on the men’s tennis tour and developed a passion for world culture. “I was able to share and motivate my clients to expose their children to the world at their own pace and comfort level,” Goldenberg writes. “My daughter currently lives in Prague and is making her mark as a global citizen.”

You have been overwhelming in your responses, so we will follow up with more of them in the coming weeks. If you would like to have your say, email Katie Parks with your responses.