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Age Boldly: A Blessed Retirement
When it's time for (big) little birds to leave the nest
The Jeannies at NextTribe
June 26, 2025
Hi there,
With most of the country in a heatwave, Jeannie Ralston was grateful to be greeted by mild temps and a cooling rain shower when she arrived in Colorado yesterday. She’ll celebrate her oldest son’s wedding with her fiancé, her other son, all five of her siblings, many nieces and nephews, and various “outlaws”—the family parlance for those who have married into the Ralston clan. And as anyone who has traveled with her knows, there will be dancing!
The Ralston siblings at a family wedding a few years ago.
Jeannie Edmunds and a small group of NextTribers are being treated to amazing experiences in Africa. She says, “This is really the trip of a lifetime. It was fun sitting with the gorillas and chasing chimps through the forest, but the highlight has been connecting with the people, learning how they live, and, as always, getting to know the incredible women who are traveling with us.”
Getting close to gorillas in the wild! AMAZING!
Ralston was supposed to go on the Africa trip—seeing the gorillas is on her bucket list—but when her son’s wedding was scheduled at the same time, Edmunds took over. The trip has been so stellar, we will offer it again in 2027 and Ralston is determined to be on that one. Stay tuned.
For those Jones-ing for an Africa experience before then, we WILL be offering a truly insider South Africa trip with a Safari Add-on in spring 2026. Check it out.
This Week’s New Reads
In acknowledgement of the huge milestone in Jeannie Ralston’s life as a mother, we are highlighting this ever-popular article about the mother-son bond that was originally published in 2017—our first year as a magazine. You can bet Ralston has re-read it a few times.
Want more? Check out our library of 1,600 articles!
Happy trails!
Jeannie Ralston, CEO + Jeannie Edmunds, Chief Operating Officer
Want to Stay Close to Home This Fall?
Learn more about our Santa Fe Adventure at our Trip Preview on Tuesday, July 1st. RSVP here.
FEATURED FIND
Jeannie Ralston says, “This is one of my secrets to sleeping on the road. It’s a head band with blue tooth speakers in it. I can cover my eyes to keep out the light and can listen to my audio books, or sleep stories, or white noise to drown out other noises. I use it every single night—at home or on the road. Sleep well. ”
Tempting Trip Offerings for you in 2025!
Click on a square to see our trip listing.
REMEMBER: We offer interest-free monthly payments
 Whale watching, hot tub boats |  Grape harvest, cooking class, tile making! |  Nobody does Paris like our Trip Leader, Ellen! |
 Close to home but still exotic |  ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT! |  Hiking, cooking class, llamas, adventure |
 Our signature trip—and maybe the most magical |  Olive harvest, truffle hunting, water color playshops |  We just can’t quit Italy! |
Looking to 2026? Join the Journey!
 A leisurely pace in a beautiful place. |  Tagines and shopping and camels, Oh my! |  By popular demand, our 7th time returning! |
 Plus a Galapagos add-on! |  Without the crowds, WITH our art expert |  You’ll never see South Africa in a more authentic way |
 3 spots left. |
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