Meet Sharon Rae Tew

Travel Agent | Hop To It Travels

Exploring the World. Bringing People Together. Making Memories.

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A Life Well Traveled, with Plenty More to Explore

I’ve always believed life is meant to be enjoyed, explored, and filled with experiences worth remembering. Whether discovering a new destination, spending time with family, or embracing an unexpected adventure, I’ve never been one to sit still for very long.

 

My journey has included rewarding careers, wonderful friendships, and more than a few exciting detours. Through it all, I’ve discovered that some of life’s greatest treasures are the people we meet, the memories we make and there’s always another adventure waiting around the corner!

 

Today, I’m enjoying a new chapter as a travel agent with Hop To It Travels, affiliated with Incentive Connection Travel (ICT) and Travel Leaders Network.

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From Salon Owner to Educator

My professional journey began in cosmetology after graduating from Sir Walter Beauty Academy. I opened Sharon’s Hair Care in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and spent approximately 15 years building a business, developing friendships, and helping people look and feel their best. Eventually, I traded my salon chair for a classroom and began another rewarding career.

For 20 years, I taught cosmetology, physical education, computer skills in North Carolina schools. While the subjects were different, my greatest reward was always working with students, encouraging their confidence, and watching them discover their potential.

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Both careers taught me that success isn’t simply measured by accomplishments. It’s found in the relationships we build and the difference we make in people’s lives.

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⚓ 363 Days, 6,605 Miles, and One Incredible Adventure

Now, I’ve always enjoyed a good adventure, but spending nearly a year traveling America’s Great Loop took things to a whole new level! On April 21, 2025, my husband, Frank, and I departed Carolina Beach, North Carolina, aboard our boat, Happy Hour, ready for the journey of a lifetime. Frank was Captain, and I proudly served as First Mate and Chef. Between navigating waterways, preparing meals, and keeping things running smoothly, we discovered that living aboard a boat for nearly a year requires teamwork, patience, and a good sense of humor!

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Over the next 363 days, we traveled more than 6,605 miles through the United States and Canada, making 156 stops along the way. We explored charming towns, navigated historic canals and locks, enjoyed breathtaking scenery, and made friendships we’ll treasure forever. There were beautiful sunsets, unexpected challenges, plenty of laughter, and a few moments when we wondered what in the world we’d gotten ourselves into!

 

On April 20, 2026, we returned to Carolina Beach and officially crossed our wake, completing America’s Great Loop. And because 363 days of adventure apparently weren’t enough, I’m now writing a book about our journey aboard Happy Hour. Believe me, there’s no shortage of stories to tell!

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A Love of Travel, On Land and Sea

Frank and I have also enjoyed bareboat charters in the beautiful British Virgin Islands, sharing unforgettable adventures with family and friends.

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Whether it’s a cruise, train journey, road trip, or discovering a destination I’ve never visited, I’m always ready to see what’s around the next bend.

Sometimes the best memories come from carefully planned adventures. Other times, they’re the unexpected moments that make you laugh years later. I’ve learned to appreciate both!

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⛳ Golf, Family, and a Little Friendly Competition

Anyone who knows me knows I love sports, especially when family and friends are involved. After years of teaching physical education, staying active has always been part of who I am. These days, golf is one of my favorite pastimes. Give me a beautiful course, good company, and a little friendly competition, and I’m a happy camper!

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Of course, a great round of golf is wonderful, but the laughter, conversations, and time spent together mean even more. I also love family reunions, gatherings with longtime friends, and any opportunity to bring people together. And if we can combine those things with a beautiful destination, well, that’s even better!

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Retirement? I’m Just Getting Started!

I might have retired from the classroom, but I certainly hadn’t retired from life! Between boating, golfing, spending time with family, writing my Great Loop book, and exploring new opportunities, there’s rarely a dull moment.

 

I especially enjoy the idea of organizing group adventures. Imagine gathering friends for a golf getaway, bringing generations together for a family vacation, or setting sail on an unforgettable cruise.Those are the experiences that turn ordinary trips into stories people tell for years.

And I have a feeling there are plenty more stories waiting to be written!

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A New Chapter with Hop To It Travels

My lifelong love of travel, people, and adventure has brought me to another exciting chapter as a travel consultant with Hop To It Travels. After years of exploring destinations, planning adventures, and discovering how rewarding travel can be, this new opportunity feels like a natural fit.

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Whether it’s a relaxing getaway, family vacation, golf adventure, cruise, or journey somewhere completely new, I love the possibilities travel offers.

I’m especially excited about bringing people together through group travel and shared experiences. After all, some of our favorite memories aren’t just about where we went. They’re about who was there with us.

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❤️ The Best Is Yet to Come

Looking back, I see a life filled with wonderful chapters, from owning a salon and teaching students to navigating America’s waterways and discovering beautiful destinations. Each experience has taught me something, introduced me to new friends, and given me another reason to appreciate this great big world. I’ve learned that adventures don’t have an age limit, laughter makes almost everything better, and some of life’s sweetest moments happen when we’re surrounded by the people we love, especially the ones who say thay miss us!  While I’ve been fortunate to visit some incredible places, my list of destinations I’d still love to explore keeps growing!

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More Than a Travel Advisor, Your Personal Travel Optimizer!

I believe the fun should start long before you pack your suitcase! I love hunting down great travel deals, finding those little extras, and making every vacation dollar count. From comparing flights, dates, and destinations to uncovering hidden fees and avoiding travel headaches, I enjoy putting all the pieces together so you don’t have to!

Whether it’s a fabulous cruise, a relaxing beach getaway, or the adventure of a lifetime, I look beyond the price tag to find the best value for YOU. After all, nobody wants surprises on vacation unless they come with a beautiful view or a complimentary upgrade!

My goal? Less stress, more adventure, and wonderful memories. Because your vacation should be about YOU!

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"New Places to Go and New People to Meet"

So here’s to new friendships, beautiful destinations, family adventures, and making memories along the way. Because the best memories begin the moment you decide to go. CHEERS!

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Sharon Rae Tew
Travel Agent | Hop To It Travels