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Call us: (910) 742-5324
At 65, Lucinda Vigil wasn’t just starting a new chapter; she was crafting a brand-new book of self-discovery. After years of being a caregiver to her husband during his battle with cancer and then stepping in as her parents’ caregiver, Lucinda realized she had put her own dreams on hold. It was two years after her husband’s passing when she stumbled upon a bucket list he had written. “I realized I hadn’t done anything for myself in years,” she shared. “That moment propelled me to write my own list, and at the top was Iceland.”
The journey to Iceland was far more than just a trip; it was Lucinda’s first-ever “Me-Moon,” a solo transformative travel experience to reconnect with herself and rediscover her strength and resilience. But taking that leap wasn’t easy.
Writing her bucket list was one thing; booking the trip was another. “I Googled Iceland, found an itinerary, and later that night, I saw an ad for The Sisterhood Travels trip to Iceland. I pushed the button and thought I was going to pass out!” she laughed. The decision brought waves of doubt. “I was double, triple second-guessing myself,” Lucinda admitted. Would she get along with a group of strangers? Would she feel out of place? Would the experience live up to her expectations?
Stacey, the founder of Sisterhood Travels, patiently guided her through her fears, answering endless questions and offering reassurance. “She talked me off the ledge more times than I can count!” Lucinda said. Eventually, her determination outweighed her anxiety. “It became more of a ‘If not today, when?’ moment. I had to overcome my fears.”
The nerves didn’t subside until she arrived. At customs, Lucinda handed her passport to the agent, glassy-eyed and overwhelmed. “I told him it was my first solo international trip, and he said, ‘Just breathe.’ That was my aha moment. I realized, ‘I’ve got this.’”
The moment her feet hit Icelandic soil, Lucinda felt a sense of peace. “I knew I’d made the right choice. Iceland was everything I needed—peaceful, safe, and breathtakingly beautiful.”
Lucinda was nervous about group travel, but her worries evaporated almost immediately. The women in the group, ranging in age from their 50s to 80s, connected instantly. “We were all from different backgrounds, but we shared the same mindset—embracing this new experience with open arms.”
One of the most magical moments of bonding came at the Sky Lagoon Hot Springs Spa. “We went through the Skjol Ritual, seven rejuvenating steps, and then enjoyed champagne in the infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was magical,” Lucinda said. “Each stop we made, another new friend was made.”
For someone who had spent years caring for others, Lucinda discovered the importance of caring for herself. Each morning in Iceland, she took peaceful walks to clear her mind. “It helped me let go of the clutter in my head and just appreciate the beauty around me.”
One unforgettable moment came during a hike to a waterfall. Before reaching their destination, the group stumbled upon two Icelandic horses standing in a stream, bathed in perfect sunlight. “It felt like a fairy tale,” she recalled. “The look on everyone’s faces said it all—pure awe. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
The trip was more than just a vacation; it was life-changing. “It reminded me that I’m a strong, resilient woman. I had just gotten lost for a bit,” Lucinda said. The experience also introduced her to Gina, a fellow traveler who would become a lifelong friend. They reconnected on a Christmas market trip to Budapest, planned a cruise to New Zealand, and are now roommates for an upcoming holiday trip to Prague and Germany. “Meeting like-minded women who share a love for travel was transformative on its own.”
Lucinda’s post-trip transformation didn’t stop there. Back home, she realized how much she missed connecting with her lifelong friends. “I made it a point to reconnect. As soon as I got home, I called my friends and set up dinners and day trips.”
For Lucinda, the biggest takeaway from her Me-Moon was the reminder to embrace life now. “Today, not someday,” she said. “It’s easy to get lost in caregiving or daily routines and forget yourself. But you’re stronger than you think, and there’s a world out there waiting for you.”
Her advice to women considering a Me-Moon? “It’s not as scary as you think. If you’re hesitant about traveling solo, start with a group like Sisterhood Travels. Stacey and her staff always have your back, and the itineraries are outstanding. Plus, you’ll make new best friends along the way.”
Lucinda’s decision to book her trip to Iceland rippled through every aspect of her life. It reignited her love for travel, gave her the courage to explore new cultures, and reminded her of the joy of connecting with others. From awe-inspiring landscapes to moments of laughter with newfound friends, her Me-Moon proved to be the ultimate act of self-care.
“Traveling solo showed me that I can still dream big, even at 65,” Lucinda said. “It’s never too late to put yourself first and rediscover who you are.”
Lucinda’s story is a testament to the power of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing life’s adventures. Whether it’s the first trip or the fiftieth, every journey holds the potential to transform. For Lucinda, Iceland wasn’t just a destination; it was the beginning of a new chapter filled with courage, connection, and self-discovery.
We would love to feature YOUR Me-Moon story. Please send an email to info@sisterhoodtravels.com using Me-Moon in the subject line and we’ll be in touch.
Who are our Sisters? Well, we’re you! We value old friendships but love making new ones. We’re intellectually curious and love a unique adventure to parts unknown. We may be single, divorced, widowed, or simply have a partner who doesn’t want to travel. Most of all, We’re kind, compassionate women who look forward to cultural immersion, exclusive adventures, lots of laughs, and the magic of Sisterhood.
