Call us: (910) 742-5324
Call us: (910) 742-5324
If you’re ready for a breakthrough, if you’re craving a way to reconnect with who you are, a Me-Moon is waiting for you. This is more than just a trip; it’s a revolution in self-discovery.
Now that we have defined what a Me-Moon is and how it can change your life, we are going to share some inspiring stories from women who have taken the leap and gone on their own Me-Moon. In the weeks and months to come, we hope these stories will not only motivate you to go forward with your own Me-Moon adventure but also help you understand the power behind solo travel as a tool to reconnect and empower yourself.
As I experienced during my own Me-Moon in 2011, it takes a huge leap of faith to do this if you’ve never gone on a trip by yourself before. We are looking for a big change. Something inside of us propels us forward. The fear takes a backseat to our need for that change. As you will see, the rewards are substantial.
Sometimes, the quiet moments of solitude bring clarity and reveal truths that we’ve long buried. For Tracie Maxey, that moment of revelation came on a still June night in 2022. After 40 years of marriage, Tracie found herself at a significant crossroads. Recently divorced, retired from the business she had shared with her former husband, and without a permanent home after selling the house where she’d raised her children, she felt her identity unraveling. The weight of life changes left her feeling adrift, yet deep down, a quiet determination urged her to start anew. “I just really wanted to be somewhere else, if only for a couple of weeks,” she recalled.
In a serendipitous twist, Tracie’s answer arrived when she stumbled upon an ad for Sisterhood Travels in the middle of the night. It offered a Christmas Markets trip to Budapest – a destination that felt as far away from her current life as possible. Without overthinking, she did something she’d never done before: she booked it, without research or second thoughts. There was no hesitation, no fear, just a pull toward something greater. This spontaneous decision became her first “Me-Moon” – a solo journey taken to reconnect with herself and rekindle her spirit.
Budapest, with its enchanting Christmas markets, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, was the perfect backdrop for Tracie’s journey of rediscovery. “Arriving in Budapest, I was so excited, and I felt at home immediately with everyone associated with Sisterhood Travels,” she recalled. The moment her feet touched Hungarian soil, she knew this adventure was different. She wasn’t just exploring a new city; she was stepping into a new phase of life.
The city’s iconic Christmas Markets quickly drew her in, providing a feast for the senses: the rich aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, the festive twinkle of lights, and the joyous hum of holiday music all set the stage for a magical experience. But beyond the markets, the true treasure of her journey was the sisterhood she discovered along the way. Despite being a solo traveler, Tracie found herself embraced by a group of incredible women, each on her own unique path. They were, as she described them, “ordinary women like me, sharing their stories, worries, challenges, goals, and laughter.”
One of the most memorable – and transformative – moments of Tracie’s Me-Moon was her visit to Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Although she initially dreaded the thought of stepping into a swimsuit and joining strangers in the chilly outdoor pools, she decided to take the plunge. Surrounded by her fellow travelers (new Sisters), the experience quickly turned from one of apprehension to one of pure joy. “I have never laughed so hard or had so much fun in my life!” she exclaimed. The baths represented more than just a fun evening; they symbolized her shedding insecurities, embracing new experiences, and realizing the power of living fully in the moment.
She offered a heartfelt reminder to other women considering similar journeys: “Ladies, do everything you can on every Sisterhood trip you can!” Tracie’s night at the baths was a transformative experience, a reminder of how stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to unexpected joy and connection.
For Tracie, the women she met in Budapest became more than travel companions – they became friends and allies in her journey of self-discovery. Among these inspiring women was Stacey Ray, the CEO of Sisterhood Travels, who shared her story of resilience after losing her husband. Stacey’s story was a beacon of hope for Tracie, demonstrating that it’s possible to rebuild one’s life after profound loss. Tracie described Stacey’s impact as transformative: “There were many ordinary women, like me, that shared their stories, their worries, their challenges, their goals, and their laughter that left a lasting impact on me.”
The trip was filled with shared moments, laughter, and conversations that helped Tracie reconnect with herself and realize she wasn’t alone. Sisterhood Travels became a lifeline, an anchor that steadied her as she faced the daunting challenges of international travel – navigating foreign airports, dealing with language barriers, and adjusting to new currencies. The warmth and support of her fellow travelers gave her the courage to embrace these challenges with grace and confidence.
The bonds Tracie formed during this trip continued to grow even after her return home. “This trip to Budapest was a very defining time in my life and helped me know I could write the next chapter of my life, and it was going to become a great read,” she said with confidence. She discovered that friendship and connection could be just as transformative as the experience of travel itself. These friendships would later lead her on even more adventures, including a three-week trip to Japan with some of the women she met in Budapest.
Tracie’s Me-Moon wasn’t just about seeing new places; it was about reconnecting with herself. She promised herself that she would take full advantage of every opportunity on the trip – from exploring local markets to bonding with new friends. “I left for Budapest somewhat numb because of all the life changes happening in my life at the time. I returned happy, excited, and full of memorable things that I wanted to share with family and friends,” she shared.
One of the most life-affirming moments for Tracie was her initial encounter with the other women upon arrival in Budapest. “This probably sounds corny,” she said, “but the moment I met up with some of the ladies and several group leaders once I landed, I knew I was going to be ok and could handle all that was going to be placed in my path while I created a new and exciting life for myself.”
Tracie’s Me-Moon journey helped her realize that life didn’t have to be filled with fear or regret. She could start over, embrace new beginnings, and approach her future with optimism and excitement. Her transformation was subtle yet profound. She returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and joy, filled with memories that fueled her desire to share her experiences with others.
Tracie’s Me-Moon wasn’t just a brief escape from reality – it was the beginning of a new chapter. Her experience gave her the confidence to set new goals and pursue dreams she hadn’t previously considered. “I returned knowing that I could face my future, and it was going to be ok!” she said. Tracie’s journey to Budapest confirmed her belief that life could be richer, fuller, and more joyful when shared with like-minded women who offer support, encouragement, and friendship.
Her family and friends noticed a positive shift in her outlook, though few realized the depth of her struggles before her journey. “Family and friends never even realized that I was hurting, scared, depressed, or worried about how I was going to start over in my life,” she reflected. For the first time, Tracie allowed herself to be vulnerable, to acknowledge her fears, and to face her future with confidence and hope. Her life was no longer defined by what she had lost but by the possibilities that lay ahead.
Today, Tracie has embraced a lifestyle filled with adventure, friendship, and growth. She continues to travel with Sisterhood Travels, exploring new destinations, deepening her connections, and expanding her horizons. Her advice to other women considering a Me-Moon is simple yet powerful: “Don’t overthink it! Just do it!”
Tracie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of solo travel, especially for women over 50 who may feel that they’ve missed their opportunity for adventure. She hopes her story will inspire other women to step outside their comfort zones and embark on journeys of their own. For those hesitant about solo travel, she offers a reassuring reminder: “Once you arrive at your destination and join the ladies of Sisterhood Travels, you are no longer a solo traveler!”
Tracie’s Me-Moon redefined her understanding of strength, resilience, and community. She learned that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, make new friends, and explore the world with an open heart. Through Sisterhood Travels, she found a community of women who supported her, challenged her, and inspired her to keep moving forward. And with every trip, she continues to add new chapters to her story – a story of courage, friendship, and a life well-lived.
For Tracie, the journey is far from over. She may not have a bucket list, but she knows that the world is full of incredible places to explore and remarkable women to meet. Since that Budapest trip, she has traveled to Japan, Cancun for the Girlfriends Getaway, Amsterdam, and Portugal. In a few weeks she will be taking another Christmas Markets trip, this time to Germany. All with Sisterhood Travels. Each trip, each new friend, and each shared experience has enriched her life in ways she never expected. Her Me-Moon was the start of a lifelong journey of discovery, joy, and empowerment.
As Tracie reflects on her journey, she is grateful for the decision she made in the middle of the night, alone but hopeful. That spontaneous booking to Budapest became more than just a trip – it was the beginning of a new life, a richer life, one filled with laughter, adventure, and love. And for Tracie, that is the greatest gift of all.
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.
