Hello Dear NextTriber:

I’m writing from a 600-year old hotel in the historic center of Quito, Ecuador—one of my favorite countries ever. Today is the first day of our Ecuador & Galapagos trip and there’s nothing that makes me happier than starting a new adventure.

March is beginning well, but let me say how incredible February was—thanks to support from women like you.

So many of you took us up on our 9th Birthday Flash Sale. We were thrilled to offer you this deal. It was a win-win, because now we can look forward to spending time in cool destinations with more of you. Thank you!!

We also launched our Travel Photo Contest—judged by some extraordinary photo editors. Deadline May 15th. You’ve got time to choose your best photos to submit. Prizes are pretty hefty—including $2,000 in trip credit for the winner, which will go a long way to taking you a long way.

And, I decided to consider a whole new NextTribe venture.

Over the years, many travelers have marveled at how well the groups on our trips get along. And I too couldn’t help but notice something magical about getting like-minded women together; we offer each other support and grace (something we all need!)

A few people suggested we take that magical quality even farther and create women’s living communities. At the request of many members, we started a What’s App group called Golden Girls Living to explore this concept. (This is a members-only feature. If you want to be part of the discussion, first step is to become a member, then email [email protected] and ask to be added to the Golden Girls channel.)

There’s a lot involved in figuring out how to make a community like this work, and when Mike, my soon-to-be husband, heard that I was setting up appointments to see properties for development in the Asheville area, he didn’t suggest I had ADD like others have. He called it a “full-plate problem.” He says I’m not content unless I’ve got 50 balls in the air at the same time.

I don’t disagree that there could be something wrong with me, but I personally call it the Steve Winwood Syndrome. Back in my 20s, when I heard Steve Winwood’s song that goes, “While you see a chance, you take it,” my immediate thought was: That’s a good theme song.

It’s always been hard for me to say no to something that excites me. And this chance to redefine how women age is just such an opportunity. I’d love to hear from all of you about your interest. First read this article then click the link in it to respond to our survey.

Another thing taking up room in my head is a house renovation, which started four days ago. Mike and I came across a great deal on a home near us that will make a wonderful rental property. The timing sucked, but in my head I was hearing, “While you see a chance…”

Oh, and there’s my wedding at the end of the month. Mike—whom I’ve been with for 3 ½ years—was also one of those “While you see a chance” moments. We met on Bumble and though I wasn’t really sure I would ever marry again, I am not going to let a good thing get away from me.

I guess I’m a little crazy to try to do this much at once, but it makes me feel truly alive, truly plugged in and of service. Plus, at this point, I know I don’t have my whole life ahead of me to dawdle. So many things to do…so little time.

I probably should be relaxing and slowing down at this age, but I think I’ve actually picked up the pace. This is the time to be doing things that make you happy and fill you with joy. I know the world is crazy right now, but it's not as if that’s going to change any time soon.

In the meantime, our wonderful years are ticking away. So, if not now, when?

If it’s travel that lights your fire, we’re here for you!

 Cheers and hugs—

Jeannie Ralston
Founder and CEO

P.S. When I get back to the States, I’m hosting a Trip Preview for our April tour of Asheville. I’d love to show you my hometown. See you then?

All Trip Previews at 6:30 pm ET.

Someone present at each Zoom event will win a $400 discount in a random drawing ($200 for domestic trips), unless the trip is Sold Out.

Click on a square to see our trip listing.

REMEMBER: We offer interest-free monthly payments