The year has been filled with special moments for us at NextTribe. Founder Jeannie Ralston will never forget the thrill of surfing down a sand dune in the Sahara or ziplining high over a waterfall in Iceland. On COO Jeannie Edmunds’s list are: Getting close to gorillas, elephants and giraffes in Africa; listening to music in a jazz club in Vietnam; and swimming in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea off the island of Hydra, Greece.

But we wanted to know what our readers and travelers held dearest. When we asked, we received these answers, which filled our hearts with joy and reminded us why we love what we do at NextTribe.

Dawn Janáček, Morocco

That’s Dawn in the dunes in the photo above.

I went to the Sahara with NextTribe on their very first Morocco trip not really knowing how much it would change me. Standing at the edge of those endless dunes, barefoot in the sand, I felt both impossibly small and completely alive. I laughed, slid down the dunes, let the desert sun and silence wash over me—and something inside me shifted.

I laughed, slid down the dunes, let the desert sun and silence wash over me—and something inside me shifted.

What made it life-changing wasn’t just the Sahara itself, but the nudge and support that got me there. On my own, the idea of planning a trip like that would have felt overwhelming, maybe even impossible. Being on that journey meant pushing my boundaries in ways I hadn’t expected—sharing close quarters, long days, and vulnerable moments with people who were strangers just days before.

In the vastness of the desert, surrounded by sand, sky, and new faces, I learned how powerful it can be to step into discomfort with the right kind of support. The Sahara didn’t just move me—it reminded me how alive growth can feel when you let yourself lean into it.

Debbie Lessin, Iceland

My favorite NextTribe moment of 2025 was the last night of the Iceland trip where we were treated to the Northern Lights display. One last chance, dinner out of city center with our local guide Helga in command of the bus and traffic,  a run down the pier to catch the boat, the comfort of cold night, among newfound friends…and wait for it…lights, action, it happened!  The most perfect ending to a wonderful trip!!!

Elise Shapiro, Creativity Retreat, Umbria, Italy

Elise submitted the photo on left above, taken at the villa in Umbria, as part of her answer.

The magic of Next Tribe is that you start as strangers and end up as friends. 

Carolyn Gallinsky, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

I was a part of the Deluxe Day of the Dead trip. Here is my memory:

Adorned in vibrant costumes, colorful makeup, and floral headdresses, my new friends and I were swept up in the incredible, surreal energy of the Dìa de Los Muertos parade; we danced to the rhythmic beats of the musicians ahead, while admiring and being admired by the warm, joyful crowds that lined the narrow streets. 

My new friends and I were swept up in the incredible, surreal energy of the Dìa de Los Muertos parade.

As the sun painted the sky in bold, glorious colors, hundreds of us wound through the city, making our way to the magnificent, pink cathedral that is the heart of San Miguel de Allende in an exuberant, emotional tribute to life and death. 

Najwa Klostermann, Portugal

This past September in Portugal, we were having dinner at the beautiful winery and hotel in the Douro Valley. The waiter asked for the room number and when someone gave the room number to the last hotel, the waiter looked confused. 

A few of us started laughing hysterically and we could not stop laughing for what seemed like at least 10 minutes. It was so silly, yet I had not laughed like that in so long. I smile every time I think about it.

Roberta Vasek, Zoom Call

We were surprised when we got this answer for someone who has not traveled with us yet. But we were moved and delighted that our video calls can have this impact. (Check out our next Trip Preview here.) Yes, Roberta, we say, join the journey.

I joined Nexttribe this year and listened to a pre-recorded call re:  the Troncones trip.  The video helped me to get a feel for how the group operates and I liked what I saw.  Now…I’m just trying to make my best decision on a trip that works for ME!  Iceland perchance?