A retired high school Spanish teacher, Leigh Anne is one of our most cheerful, curious, and fearless travelers  She never imagined herself on international trips multiple times a year, but as she says, “I may not be able to travel ten years from now. I may not even be here ten years from now!” 

In January 2023 Leigh Anne took what she called  “a huge leap” and traveled with her son to Chile for a wedding. “I thought this is a trip of a lifetime, and you know when you’re working you can’t always take the time off or afford to travel like that,” she says. Just a few weeks after she returned, her husband had a stroke and passed away just two days later. 

NextTribe takes small groups of women ages 45+ on fun, immersive trips across the country and around the world. Learn more here.

“I stayed home with my daughter to get her through her last year of high school, and I never went back to work. After she went off to college I was sitting in my house by myself with no husband, no kids, no job. I was scrolling thru Instagram and found the “no assholes” video and I thought if my husband could communicate through Insta this is how he would do it,” she says. [She’s referring to a video one of our members, Lucie Frost, posted on her site that asks “Are you a woman? Are you over 45? Are you NOT an asshole? Then you should travel with NextTribe.”] 

So, in mid-2024, she booked the Day of the Dead trip. “I felt lucky I got a spot. And I thought, if I like the group I’ll look at some other trips,” she says.

Two women she met in San Miguel were going on our Cuba trip, so she booked that, too. Followed by Colombia, then Iceland, and Ecuador and the Galapagos. She’ll be on our Ireland, Oaxaca and Portugal trips later this year, and Argentina next January.

“It really has helped me as far as grieving goes. I’m doing new things, not just sitting at home with my cats. I get to challenge myself and do things I never thought I could do. I don’t spend a lot on other things. I’m retired, I have time, I can do it. We women think we don’t deserve it because everybody else always comes first. But I earned it I worked for 31 years in a public high school, girl, I earned it!”

Where do you live?

Torrance, CA

Marital status?

Widowed

Occupation/Interests

Retired high school Spanish teacher. 31 years

What’s your favorite thing about traveling in a group of all-women? 

I want to visit the places and see the cultures I taught about for 31 years.

I always enjoy the group. The women are always smart, fun to be around, engaging and good travelers. The “no divas” policy is in full effect. Do I always become “besties” with everyone in the group? No, but I always manage to find like-minded women who I can enjoy getting to know and hearing about their lives. Often there are commonalities like widowhood, empty nesters, and staying busy in retirement. I always find someone I’ve traveled with before, or someone that’s also going on an upcoming trip.

What’s your favorite place to visit and why? 

I’ve been trying to visit Spanish-speaking countries. Since I taught Spanish for 31 years, I want to visit the places and see the cultures I taught about. Better late than never, because my only regret is not bringing all that I’ve learned and experienced back to the classroom.

What’s your dream travel destination?

My dream destination is probably Scotland right now. I have Ireland, Oaxaca, Portugal and Argentina coming up, but I really want to go to Scotland for some reason. Maybe it’s the “McKellar” in me. 

What type of travel are you looking for when booking a trip?

I really love the itineraries NextTribe plans. There is a great mixture of adventure, culture, history and luxury. In Ecuador, for example, we were traipsing through the Amazon in rubber boots, climbing 140 ft. towers to see above the canopy, finding insects, reptiles, birds, monkeys, etc., and sleeping in luxury rooms with amazing, elegant meals and service. The local guides are always smart, kind women our age. 

Travel brings out the inquisitive spirit.

I never thought of myself as “adventurous” before, but since I retired and lost my husband, I am a little more open to trying new things. Travel brings out the inquisitive spirit. I love learning about other people and places.

Do you believe in wearing sweatpants on the plane? If not, what’s your go-to travel outfit?

I don’t usually wear sweats on the plane, unless it’s a super long flight (over 8 hours). I have a nice jogger set that I’ve worn once. Usually just jeans and a blouse are fine for me. I wear my bulky walking shoes on the plane. 

Do you have a favorite souvenir from your travels?

I always buy something to decorate my home. Usually a painting because it can be taken off the frame, rolled up, and easily packed in my carry on. I have paintings from Cuba, Colombia, Iceland. A painted Non La (cone shaped hat) from Vietnam, a weaving from Ecuador. Sometimes the souvenir is something I made, like a small pot, embroidery or batik. I don’t have a favorite. Each one is a great reminder of an incredible trip. Also, I collect magnets and stickers from each place. My fridge is quite full, and my garage is decorated too. 

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

One important tip: Be kind to everyone at the airport and on the flight.

I always get in the travel mindset. I’m off on an adventure. I’m excited. Pack my patience for the airport. Be calm and relaxed during the flight (I’m not really a fan of flying). Be kind to everyone at the airport and on the flight. I always tap the outside of the airplane twice with my right hand as I board. I repeat “safe flight, safe flight, safe flight…” to myself during takeoff.