NextTribe | Jeannie's Monthly Journal

This is What It’s All About for Me

I do a lot of laughing on NextTribe trips. I don’t think I’ve ever cried. But something that happened last week did bring tears to my eyes.

It was following our NextTribe trip to Playa Troncones in Mexico. We had a stellar group—women of various stages in their post-45 lives. One woman was there days after her father’s death and soaked up love and lessons from others who have gone through the same. The husband of one traveler had walked out on her two months before our trip, so she was there contemplating her next move, a new chapter and plugging into the collective wisdom (as so many women do following the loss of their marriage.)

Another NextTriber on her first trip, a single mom in her early 50s I’ll call Sue—divulged that she suffered from acute anxiety and we all rallied around her.

In our text chat after the trip—we create a What’sApp group for each trip that always lives on WAY past the return home—Sue apologized if she was a drain for anyone (she wasn’t) and thanked everyone for helping her.

Geri Lowry, who is in her late 70s and has been on several beach trips with us, wrote, “Don’t beat yourself up. We all need support. We all need love and hugs. You will receive all of these from this group of women you shared time with in Troncones. Stay in touch.” She went on to offer her specific resources.

“I need a Geri,” Sue wrote.

“You have a Geri,” Geri answered.

That’s when I cried. I was so moved by the beauty of the exchange. How a woman 25 years older—who had 25 more years of knowledge about how life can take you up, down, sideways and in spirals—was reaching out in such a real and generous way to someone who truly needs that hand and her perspective.

I always say that one reason women on our trips bond so quickly is because at this stage in life we’ve all been through something difficult. And understanding that seems to make us more compassionate, less judgmental toward other women as they make their way.

BTW, it’s not as if we have therapy sessions on our Troncones Beach Trip (scheduled for Feb. 21-28, 2026)—the care and sharing comes out organically—when we’re playing in the waves, walking on the beach, kayaking in a lagoon, chilling by the pool. See below.

See You in Scotland?

Last June, I went to Scotland and whopped it up, Gaelic style, with a fabulous group, including Jo McInnis, our Scotland Insider. Jo was going to lead the Scotland trip this June, but because of a family medical emergency she has to bow out. (We’re sending lots of love and healing vibes to Jo’s family.) That means I’m going back to Scotland to take her place—ah, poor me!

With the new configuration, we have room for more travelers. We'd love to have a couple more women dance a Ceiladh with us in Edinburgh (as I’m doing above) and drink tea with adorable Highland Cows on the shores of Loch Ness and watch sheepdogs doing their tricks up in the Highlands. Plus so much more.

If you’re interested, write our travel manager Marcy ([email protected]) and we can give you a special deal!

Photo Fun

At the beach this year, a group had a party at our hotel and they asked me to take a photo of them. That’s me above directing the crowd, but looking like I’m holding up something to be blessed (I don’t love my Iphone THAT much). I knew that I had to get up high to get all the people in. That’s one photo tip. I shared others in a How to Take Better Travel Photos story this week and will be leading an online photo session next Monday, April 7th, with lots of advice and examples. It’s free! RSVP here.

Later this year, we’ll be running a photo contest among those who have traveled with us. The winner will get a very nice prize, which we’ll share with you later.

Hope to see you down the road…

Jeannie Ralston, CEO and Co-Founder

P.S. Want to know what kind of women travel with us? Check out this video I made that explains it all.

Upcoming Trip Previews

Join us on the following dates to learn more about each of these trips we’ve carefully planned for you. You’ll be eligible to win a discount on each trip just for attending.

TONIGHT! Wed. April 2nd: Creativity, Awe and Play on a Greek Island RSVP here.

TOMORROW. Thurs. April 3rd: The Best of Lisbon and Portugal’s Wine Country RSVP here 

Tuesday, April 8th: Santa Fe Like You’ve Never Seen It RSVP here.

Trips Almost Sold Out

Many of our 2025 trips have sold out! If you’ve been on the fence, time to book the last spots:

1 room for Asheville (April 25-28)

1 spot just opened for Ireland (May 24-31) Grab it before it goes!

4 spots for Scotland (June 9-17)

2 spots for Colombia (July 8-16)

5 spots for Portugal (September 22-29)

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