Wesley Des Moines friends Ann Lewis and Nancy Wilson know a thing or two about travel. Every year, they explore new places across the U.S. and abroad, whether traveling together or with others.
We caught up with them between trips to hear about their adventures and to get their advice for other seniors who like to travel.
How Their Travel Friendship Began
Though they moved to Wesley Des Moines in 2021, Ann and Nancy have been friends for decades. “We discovered early on that we traveled well together,” says Ann.
In fact, Nancy and Ann travel so well together, that they finish each other’s sentences. “Our first big trip together was Costa Rica in 2012,” says Nancy. Ann adds, “Nancy had a credit from a canceled tour that was burning a hole in her pocket!”
Favorite Destinations Around the World
That trip to Costa Rica was the first of many other adventures over the next decade. Since then, they’ve bird-watched on Grand Manan Island, explored Copper Canyon in Mexico, tracked desert elephants in Namibia, snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, played with manta rays in Cozumel, and even gone zip lining in Costa Rica. “We’ve just been having a good old time,” Nancy says.
Ann and Nancy like to travel with tour companies to destinations they’ve never been to. Both are always on the lookout for interesting itineraries where they can learn about the local culture, wildlife and also have some fun. “It’s just a matter of what happens to strike our fancy…and the other one always says yes,” says Ann, laughing.
Why They Love Group Tours
Ann and Nancy love group travel with reputable tour companies. “It’s easier to let them plan the details for you,” explains Ann.
As lifelong learners, they enjoy trips that emphasize learning with lectures and daily presentations.
“You really learn a lot about what you’re seeing, and these tour companies provide local guides who really know the area,” continues Ann.
Traveling with a tour operator also ensures you are taken care of. If anything goes wrong—like delayed luggage on a plane, for example—the guides know how to take care of it.
But one of the biggest benefits of group travel, the friends point out, is meeting like-minded people and maybe even making new friends. Ann puts it beautifully, “Interesting people travel because they’re interested in the world.”
Advice for Fellow Travelers
This year, Ann and Nancy already have a few trips planned. Ann is going to take a cruise on the Douro River and visit Porto’s wineries in Portugal, and then she’s off to Lithuania to introduce her daughter to her heritage and meet relatives discovered there. Nancy is headed on an Alaska cruise.
As they plan future adventures, the friends agree on one thing: “Do it while you still can!”
Ann and Nancy encourage those who are thinking of taking up traveling to start small. Look at local, overnight trips offered through Wesley U and Wesley Resident Engagement activities.
Wesley U offers engaging classes and events that make it easy to learn something new and connect with others—no passport required.
Learn more about Wesley U
There’s no time to waste. It’s time to start packing!