Jeannie's Journal at NextTribe

Mama Joy

How many times have you tried to make a connection at an airport, only to run up to the gate of your departing flight and the door is closed and the gate agent unwilling to let you in even though the plane is clearly still there?

That’s happened to me more times than I can say. But I had such a different experience a couple of weeks ago in Seattle. My son, a Hot Shot wildland firefighter, was connecting flights to his new assignment via SEATAC airport. I was flying into Seattle to visit with NextTribers there, but my flight was scheduled to get in 10 minutes after his departure.

Happily, my flight got in 40 minutes early and parked four gates down from where my son was. I ran off my plane, but the gate to my son’s Alaska Airlines flight was already closed. I was crestfallen and teary that my son—who I hadn’t seen in months—was so close but so unattainable.

The Alaska Airlines gate agent—TJ was his name—saw my angst and said, “Hey, they haven’t closed the airport door yet. Come with me.” I followed him down the jetway and he went to get my son off the plane.

Oh, the joy!!! To hug my sweet son—just for a minute—was everything.

Even though I have never flown Alaska Airlines, I am now a complete fan. That TJ could respond with such humanity makes my heart soar. It was the most magical moment I’ve had in an airport.

We hear so much about bad service in the travel industry, but I have to believe there are more stories like mine. What lovely gestures of good will and kindness have you experienced?

September Scaries?

Something about Labor Day and the beginning of September has traditionally given me a little knot in my stomach. (I’m so not alone, the New York Times says.) It harkens back to school days, when we realize at this time of year that the fun is over and that for the foreseeable future we’ll be waking up early and spending our days in unforgiving seats trying to prove ourselves on multiple-choice tests.

Who knew school imprinting could last some 50 years?

But this year, I have to tell you, I’m feeling real excitement about what’s coming down the pike this fall. I’m ready to dive in head first. That’s because I know I’m going to be having a great time with NextTribe gals on trips to fabulous Portugal, Peru, and Mexico. Plus, I’m planning so many trips for 2025 (Iceland, Hydra Island in Greece, for instance), and nothing gets me more jacked, more high on possibilities than imagining how to make the most of each stop on an itinerary.

Also, we’re adding new services—such as custom trips. Meaning if you want to go to one of our destinations—such as San Miguel de Allende or Scotland—with your family or friends at another time, we can make it happen for you and even provide one of us as a guide if you want. Stay tuned for that.

Here’s to September being anything but scary. Thanks—

Jeannie Ralston, CEO and Co-Founder

Did You See These Two New Trips?

Come to the Foodie Capital of Italy With Us

All the trip details here.

RSVP for our Info Session on Tuesday, Sept. 3rd here. (One woman at our Info Session will win a $400 discount on the trip!)

Outlander, Harry Potter and Beyond

All the trip details here.

RSVP for our Info Session on Wed. Oct. 2nd here. (One woman at our Info Session will win a $400 discount on the trip!)