Summer Travels: Cheers and Challenges

Your July Blog Post

Summer may bring short staycations or worldwide travel, whether solo or with others. These experiences can be profoundly different for someone in widowhood.

Some may choose to stay close to home, while others venture far and wide, seeking new beginnings and answers to deep questions. Widowhood initiates a unique journey, one that transforms us deeply, whether we remain at home or explore the world. It’s a profound journey of the soul, detaching from what once anchored us.

“I remember my first travel adventure: a road trip from Florida to Arkansas with my very young daughters in our minivan. I wanted to visit my family but couldn't bear the thought of flying alone with the heavy responsibilities of logistics, luggage, car seats, and flights.

I made it to Arkansas, crying quietly while my daughters napped in their car seats, facing many fears along the way—from the possibility of getting a flat tire to falling ill and being unable to care for my daughters. After spending time with my family, I admitted to my dad that I wasn't sure if I could manage the trip back due to the exhaustion of the first leg. I had to acknowledge my physical, mental, and emotional limitations.

I was proud of myself for accomplishing the trip. Yet, if I’m honest, it was heartbreaking to realize that I was now a solo parent facing the many adventures I had once planned to experience as a family.

By the third year, I was ready for a more ambitious trip to another country I had wanted to visit with my late husband. By then, my daughters were four and six, and although they were a bit more capable of helping me and themselves, I was still very much the adult in charge. My solo parenting skills were hard-earned.” - MWC Founder Carolyn Moor, widowed at 37 becoming a young solo parent to two and four year old daughters on Feb. 14, 2000.

Kudos to you for bravely embarking on day trips or far-off travels in this new chapter of your life.

Traveling evokes a range of emotions, no matter how far from home you go. I hope you find new beginnings through your travels. To support this journey, we’ve created our very own MWC Travel Club. With 2600 members (all widows), our Travel Club keeps growing, giving a way for you to safely and joyously travel with others. You are welcome to join in the free monthly meetings sharing traveling tips and hacks. Taking a trip is not necessary, but there are many trips planned in 2024- 2025. Join here.

We look forward to seeing you next month on August 5th at 7pm CST

Calendar of Trips:
2024

• TUE, JUL 16 - JUL 27: Alaska Cruise/Land Tour with Princess Cruises

• MON, AUG 12 - AUG 18: Seattle/Vancouver Ultimate Getaway

• TUE, AUG 20 - 28: Canadian Rockies with the Rocky Mountaineer

• TUE, AUG 27 - SEP 4: Canadian Rockies with the Rocky Mountaineer

• SAT, SEP 28, 2024: London & Paris Explorer

• THU, NOV 7 - 12: Iceland (Northern Lights Quest of Iceland)

• SUN, NOV 10 - 17: America's Canyonlands Escape - Las Vegas Roundtrip

2025