Jeannie's Journal: It All Starts With Having Fun

Hello Dear Pal:

A couple of weeks ago, while cruising down the Douro River on our own private boat, I was talking to one of our wonderful Portugal travelers wanted to know about NextTribe’s mission and how we stick to it.

“My mission is having fun,” I said as I tossed my arms out to indicate the sun glistening off the water and the steep slopes filled with rows of grape vines that rose dramatically on either side of us. She laughed but looked confused. I explained that we definitely have a mission statement—about connecting and promoting women through travel and local community. “Believe me, that informs everything we do,” I said.

But, I explained, it all starts with having fun. “That’s my North Star,” I told her.

This is what I believe: If you’re having fun, you’re relaxed, which means it’s easier to connect to other women and make new friends. You’re more open to seeing the world from a new perspective or finding new pathways for yourself.

I’m not flippant, but I know it would be easy to become too earnest about our goals or get in our own way by trying too hard to direct what takes place when women get together. We let that occur naturally; we don’t conduct sessions or workshops on finding your true self or your next chapter (though we do some amazing mind-opening exercises on our creativity retreats).

“I trust that magic and transformation happen when smart, interesting women are having a good time together in a fabulous location,” I said on the boat. Which is about when we started dancing.

Passing the Baton

One of the best ways to make sure travelers are having fun is to make sure I’M having fun.

And boy do I ever—anyone who’s traveled with me knows I am always looking to dance. But all that fun can be tiring (I kinda fell apart upon returning from Iceland and Portugal last month for various reasons).

I used to go on every single NextTribe trip, but obviously that’s not possible any longer. The only reason we can offer as many trips as we do (and I’m always planning more) is because we have so many very cool women who are excellent Trip Leaders.

Some—like Jeannie Edmunds, Marcy Mitchell, Ellesor Holder—have worked for NextTribe for a while. Some have special expertise, such as Jen Vickers, Shannon Faseler, Ellen Williams, Jo McInnis and Victoria Reyes.

For others, I’ve asked them to help out after traveling with them and noticing they have the special qualities that make good NextTribe leaders—they’re organized, patient, diplomatic and FUN!! I’m thinking here about Jennifer Gongaware, Vanessa Sinclair and our newest guide, Joy Mills.

A word about Joy. She has been on many NextTribe trips—from Morocco to Mexico—and I’ve always admired her travel savvy, her wonderful curiosity and willingness to try most anything, and her kindness.

On our trip in Ireland last May, I had other reasons to admire her. I loved how into Irish culture she was. She reveled in the history, the weaving and arts, the ancient ruins, everything. Plus, she found the best pubs for traditional music—and was brave enough to sing at a cozy establishment in Kenmare, where she was warmly applauded. It made all the sense in the world for me to ask her to lead the Ireland trip in 2026. You’ll love her.

Oh and you can meet her and our local guide—a very cool Irish writer—at our Ireland Trip Preview on Tuesday, Oct. 21. RSVP here.

Lucie Frost Rocks…Update

I talked about Lucie Frost and her new book, How the Hell Did I Not Know That, in my last monthly note. I just wanted to give you some additional details.

Next Tuesday, Oct. 7th, I’ll be in NYC to throw her a book party. Every author as smart and funny as Lucie deserves a good old fashioned book party in the publishing center of the world. Thanks to Ellen Williams for hosting. If you’re in the New York area, please come see Lucie (and me). RSVP here. (P.S. You can bring a MAN to this event, if you’d like.)

We’re also celebrating Lucie’s book in the Austin area on Wed. Oct. 15th. Check out the event in Georgetown’s Lark & Owl Bookstore and get yourself there. More info here.

Cheers—

Jeannie Ralston
Founder and CEO

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