Judith, a new voice to my monthly newsletter, is  sharing her experience on topics relating to transitions, beginning with travel.
My late husband and I spent many years traveling together. We traveled independently, did house exchanges in Europe, and occasionally went on group tours. Several months after his death I realized that I still wanted to explore the world. The challenge would be how to do this and with whom. I have learned that there are many options.

I like to take one or two big trips a year.  I have had the good fortune to take several trips with friends during the last four years. 


Flexibility, compromise and kindness have been essential aspects of each adventure. I personally prefer to travel independently as there is more flexibility and greater opportunity to strike up conversations with people along the way. I have friends who prefer traveling with a tour group. Of course some locations lend themselves to group travel. Health concerns, budget issues and personal preferences are always taken into consideration. A discussion about expectations and the need to have quiet and or alone time is a crucial part of planning.

Tour Group Travel
Traveling with a tour group has advantages. The planning and arrangements are done for you. Before signing up be certain you understand the physical requirements, length of bus rides and number of one night hotel stays. All of these can greatly impact the enjoyment of your trip. Show up with with a smile and your suitcase and the tour leader takes it from there. It is understood that you will be friendly and flexible. Don't be a complainer or you will find yourself eating alone. 

Over dinner one night a friend showed a group of us her photos of a recent trip to Sicily. Her enthusiasm and gorgeous pictures sparked my interest. Two of us remarked that we wanted to go on this tour.  A phone call the next day confirmed that we were serious and that we were each free to travel during the month of September. We called Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) and were able to secure two spots. OAT guarantees small group travel, there were only 12 on the trip. Touring Palermo, visiting the Valley of the Temples, experiencing a landscape full of olive groves and indulging in delicious food added to the enjoyment of the trip. 

Sicily was so successful that the same friend and I decided to go to Cuba. We researched different group options and decided on Road Scholar.  The tour focused on dance and music. The whole country vibrated with the Afro-Cuban beat.  We enjoyed farm to table meals in the mountains, attended ballet rehearsals, rode in a 1957 Chevy convertible, and danced in a nightclub on top of a water tower. 
 
I had to adjust to being single in so many ways.  Some transitions were more difficult than others.  I am determined to live a life full of adventure and to try new things as opportunity arises.  I knew when I was ready to travel and I will continue my quest for knowledge, fun and adventure.

My own travel tips  
  • Always buy travel insurance. I use Travel Guard. 
  • Order World Wide service for your cell phone. Verizon $40 for 30 days. 
  • Start taking probiotics a few days before you leave home and continue until you return home. 
  • Avoid eating meat and dairy in areas with iffy refrigeration.
  • If you hang wet laundry in the bathroom, make sure it does not drip on the toilet paper.
  • When traveling to remote or less developed regions consult with a travel nurse. Update immunizations and take along antibiotics if recommended.
  • Don't wear expensive jewelry and use the hotel safe.   
  • If sharing a room discuss possible differences in sleeping patterns before you leave home. 
  • Avoid checking your suitcase if possible. It can be difficult, though liberating, to have a missing suitcase for five days while on safari in Kenya.
  • Relax and have fun, be open to new experiences and plan on the unexpected.

Mindful Transitions consults and works with individuals, seniors, and families during downsizing, home moves and transitions. 
Mindful Transitions website    Joanne Devereaux     510-757-7340
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