According to Patrice Powers, who’s a new traveler with NextTribe, the ultimate form of self-care is travel. Growing up listening to stories from her parents’ exciting life stationed in Europe while in the military, Powers knew that she wanted to have her own stories to tell one day…and she has! Once she retired, she began taking the “big” trips. She started with an African safari with one of her closest girlfriends. At the last minute, her friend got sick and had to back out, so Powers decided to go anyway. She enjoyed the carefree side of solo traveling; being able to go off on an excursion without consulting anyone.

NextTribe takes small groups of women ages 45+ on extraordinary immersive trips across the U.S. and around the globe. See where we’re going next here.

She says taking these trips has boosted her confidence and resourcefulness and paved the way for new friendships and even relationships. Another bonus: Her wanderlust has allowed her, a major Bruce Springsteen fan, to see him perform live across the country and around Europe. Here, she shares more about why she loves globetrotting and how NextTribe’s group travel for women, with its tightly-knit community, helps keep her curious and connected. 

Where do you live? 

Chicago.

Marital status? 

Single; I got divorced long ago.

Occupation? 

I’m retired (a former attorney and businessperson).

What convinced you to take your first trip with NextTribe?

I read about NextTribe shortly after it was founded. The idea of meeting other similarly-situated women (same age range, adventurous, looking to make new connections) was appealing. I followed NextTribe for years before I went on my first trip to Cuba. What I found attractive about that particular trip was the ability to get into Cuba with the current restricted access, plus the specific itinerary.

I followed NextTribe online for years before I went on my first trip.

How does traveling with a group of women differ from traveling solo or with a partner? 

The women I have traveled with before NextTribe have been relations (sisters, nieces) and/or good friends. The upside (vs. solo travel) has been the shared experience, a greater sense of safety in numbers, the ability to bounce ideas off of someone else. The different perspectives have led to adventures I would not have conjured on my own, and there are also the benefits of shared legwork in planning/navigation, etc., and reduced cost. The upside vs. traveling with a partner is the relative independence of travel-mates, personally feeling less “responsible” for others’ enjoyment.

Traveling with other women has upsides: the shared experiences,, different perspectives leading to adventures, and reduced cost.

What did you like about your first NextTribe trip? Are you planning another?  

My first trip with NextTribe was to Cuba. It’s always been a place I’ve wanted to go, especially after they started allowing visitors during the Obama Administration. But I wanted to do a pre-planned trip so I could get the full experience. NextTribe’s itinerary was very appealing and so well-planned; it felt like the perfect opportunity. (Plus what I said before about enjoying the others on the trip!)

Next, I’m going to Vietnam this fall with NextTribe, and it’s the same anticipation, just seeing what it has to offer and experience. 

Favorite place to visit and why? 

I have truly loved so many places I have visited. Right now, Iceland, eastern Africa, and Malta are pretty high up there; I was blown away by the unique and natural beauty of each place. In Iceland, it was an amazing active adventure: snowmobiling on a glacier, snorkeling between tectonic plates, the Zodiac boat tour among chunks of the glacier. Lovely people and charming customs. I became friends with locals who invited us for a typical Icelandic Sunday roast.

I had never known how peaceful a safari could be. I gained a new respect for the wildlife and the levels of conservation there. Visiting inspired me to make eco-friendly changes in my own life.

In eastern Africa, I never knew how peaceful a safari could be. I gained a new respect for wildlife and was so impressed with the levels of conservation. Visiting inspired me to make eco-friendly changes in my own life. And Malta was a wonderful amalgamation of so many things I love about travel in a compact, easy-to-navigate set of islands: rich history, ancient ruins, vibrant culture, amazing architecture, great food, sunny beaches, water activities, natural beauty, and good shopping. 

What’s your dream travel destination? 

Again, this is ever-changing. High on the current list are Antarctica, New Zealand, and Vietnam.

Do you believe in wearing sweatpants on the plane? 

I do not wear sweats but don’t judge others who do. Lately, my go-to outfit has been a Ministry of Supply oversized button-down shirt and Athleta joggers (both pieces are breathable/stretchy/wrinkle-resistant) with On Cloud shoes.

I don’t wear sweats on airplanes, but I don’t judge others who do.

Do you have a favorite souvenir from your travels?

I collect Christmas ornaments and jewelry (usually costume/handcrafted) from my trips. I love getting dressed and putting on a ring or bracelet that reminds me where I have been. Also, smaller art pieces I display in my bookcase.

Do you have any travel rituals or tips that you swear by? 

I am a BIG researcher ahead of time. I want to know as much as possible about my destination. Not because I want to be slavish to a pre-planned itinerary, but just so I know what activities may have limited availability or require some type of reservation ahead of time. I may ultimately opt out of such ventures for something spontaneous, but I will do so fully understanding the trade-off.