New travel agency opens in Byram

BYRAM — Someplace New, a travel company that plans customized vacations owned by area native Samantha Hartman, opened for business in September 2015.

"I specialize in authentic trips that put clients in touch with the local culture and atmosphere of the place they are visiting," Samantha said. "I can help clients plan and book romance, family, group and individual travel experiences."

After graduating from college, Hartman spent a year living in Spain and traveling around Europe. "Traveling and experiencing new cultures has become my passion," she said. "I wanted to find a career that allowed me to continue to travel and to share such experiences with other people."

Upon her return from abroad, Hartman completed a training program in New York City run by two of the largest and most reputable travel agencies in the country. And after graduation from the program, she opened my own company and work as an independent contractor with one of those companies, Protravel International.

So far, Samantha says the best part of being in business is following up with clients after they have returned from a trip. "It is very rewarding to hear the excitement in their voices when they have experienced something totally new and interesting to them."

The hardest part of being in business for herself was sacrificing the stability and security of a 9 to 5 job in order to follow her career goals. "I only have an income if my clients travel, so I never know what I'll be earning on a month to month basis," she said. "This can be a little scary. But in the long run it will be worth it to have my dream job."

When Hartman isn't working, she likes to read, hike, and of course, travel.

A Byram resident since the age of one, Samantha is happy to be in business here in her home town. Of all the people she knows personally, Samanthan said her mom has been her biggest inspiration.

"She has worked incredibly hard in every role that she's filled. She's taught me that you can have everything that you want, and be good at it, as long as you are willing to work for it."

Her biggest career role model is Geoffrey Kent. "He started an African Safari company that has grown to be the leader in luxury world travel with destinations all over the globe."

Friends, former teachers and area residents looking to book travel plans with a professional agent close to home are encouraged to contact Samantha at samantha.hartman@protravelinc.com.