We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Kleinhenz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I needed to get out of the food business. That was the ultimate driving force behind starting my travel agency. I was sick of working in a pizza shop and really needed to take a new direction. A 9-5 wasn’t gonna cut my sleeping schedule and mental capacity for face to face interaction. I finally came into a time in life where I started to understand my limits and driving forces better, I needed a change and I needed it fast. I started a business in a rash decision! I knew I needed freedom in my schedule and I knew I needed it to be focused on something I truly enjoyed and wanted to learn more about. I really didn’t look enough into what goes into starting your own business beforehand, but I had to make a big move or else I was gonna slump into a lazy depressive spiral and that’s something no one wants. Thus, Runaway Today was formed, and I’ve learned so much since. While overwhelming at times, so far it’s kept me from dreading going to work everyday. I’m learning constantly about new places and the travel industry as a whole, and I’m doing it comfortably on my time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Runaway Today is a full service travel agency offering hotel, flight, cruise, rental car, and activity accommodations from over 100 vendors. Based out of Ohio, you know travel is essential for us in gaining new experiences. After so long you’ve done it all, but that’s why the rest of the world exists. We love hearing peoples stories and the reward of planning a perfect trip catered to them. Everyone lives such different lives and we want to help you create new memories for yours. We hold the title of Hawaii Destination Experts, we’re certified through the Disney College of Knowledge as well as Universal Studios, and we hold a Diamond Level as Carnival Cruise Experts. The main lesson I’ve learned through it all is to google everything, google it twice, before you make a decision or purchase. There were plenty of times I thought I was buying the right thing, signing up for the correct program, doing the right thing, before I’d realize I was close but not correct. I’m still growing everyday and I think that’s the key thing to realize, no matter what there’s room to grow and you’re not gonna be perfect right off rip. I got here by just truly loving what I’m doing, the organization, education, and satisfaction of planning every trip is worth it every time. There’s a new connection formed, we’re tied in with their memories of that vacation as their advisor, we want it to be a good one every time. I wanted to run away from my life, I did that by traveling, but now my life is made up of helping others travel and it’s almost better. Whether you’re traveling for business, your honeymoon, a family getaway, or group travels, we’d love to help you plan your trip and Runaway Today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I personally spend a week at a time when I’m in the area. My number one spot in the city is the San Diego Zoo, every time. I will recommend it till the day I die, it truly is the most amazing zoo I’ve ever stepped into. I visit Seaport Village and peruse the shops, I like Sorrento Ristorante & Pizzeria in Little Italy, but my favorite cafe closed so I’m in need of a new one. Checkout the farmers markets, the Gaslamp District on the weekends when the restaurants expand into the street, Coronado for a day, and get yourself up to La Jolla to see some fun wildlife!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The woman in San Diego whose AirBnB I stay in years ago now. Her name was Katherine, she invited me upstairs for coffee every morning and we’d talk about her life, her sons who were all moved away and aged, the city, and why I felt so stuck in life at home. She’s the voice in my head telling me I’ll be able to make this work.

Website: www.runawaytoday.com

Instagram: @runawaytoday

Facebook: Runaway Today

Other: ckleinhenztravel@gmail.com

Image Credits
Courtney Kleinhenz

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