Friendships and the Power of Sharing Stories
Designating days throughout the year to cherish significant relationships is instrumental to our culture, and there's only one celebration we can universally be a part of — friendship. Whether they're long-distance, newly-formed, acquaintances, or longtime friends: these unique relationships give us so much to be thankful for.
But here's our reality, friend: Building friendships as an adult can be challenging and intimidating, especially while simultaneously facing the loss of another relationship close to your heart...
It was October 2012, and Jill Weinstein was preparing to embark on her first AGC trip, 'Great Smoky Mountains Sampler.' Not much time had passed since she found herself divorced, closing the doors on a 30-year marriage.
"I had planned on traveling with my husband once the kids were grown, but now I was alone. Thankfully, I found AGC...."
It was on Jill's second trip with AGC, 'Northern Lights, and Natural Beauty of Iceland' in March 2013 that a friendship blossomed between Jill and fellow traveler, Beth. And although separated by a couple of thousand miles, Jill in Colorado and Beth in Connecticut, the two stayed connected over the years and began a journey as travel companions.
"In 2015, Beth and I went on the Cinque Terre trip. We met three other women, and the 5 of us became close friends. We all live in different cities and under different circumstances, but for some reason, the 5 of us clicked. We remain close to this day."
This group of 5 friends quickly become prominent roles in each other's lives. They have traveled together on ACG trips, as well as on their own. They visit each other in their home states and have even met each other's children and grandchildren.
By the time the pandemic rolled around, they were more than grateful that they had each other to lean on in a season that would prove to be pretty difficult...
"...We knew we all were suffering. We instituted a Sunday evening video chat through Facebook Messenger. Every Sunday evening for 1 hour. Three women live in the Eastern Time Zone, I live in Mountain Time, and one woman is in Pacific Time. We found a time that worked.
It really helped us through those first few months of isolation. Then it became something more. It created an amazing connection, and we still do our Sunday chat, over three years later."
What started as a fortunate stroke of serendipity, five women crossing paths while on their adventure travels, has now turned into lifelong friendships that span thousands of miles across the nation.
"We celebrate each other; we help each other through hard times, we laugh together, and, perhaps most importantly, we plan travels together.
We have even given our group a name - The FEW. Friends Exploring the World. (At times, we think it really means Friends Eating their way around the World, but that's another story).
The love and strength I have gained from these women are immeasurable. And I have AGC to thank for that."
New friendships aren't the only treasure Jill has walked away with through this journey. She's since gained incredible travel experiences that led her to discover a fresh perspective on herself.
"I think travel opens the world to us and opens us to the world. While I started my travel experience going on AGC trips (and continue to do so), I have now graduated to solo travel.
Solo travel has given me such a sense of confidence and freedom. I have piggybacked my solo travel to AGC trips (such as five days in Paris before the Provence trip in 2019 or my recent stay in Friday Harbor after the San Juan trip), or on my own. In October, I will spend five days in London on my own before taking the train to Amsterdam to meet up with one of The FEW in Amsterdam. She is arriving there after a river cruise.
I was fairly devastated after my divorce. I had no idea where my life was going. Thanks to AGC (and a bit of work myself), I am now living my best life. The confidence I have gained, the experiences I have had, and the friends I have made."
🗺️ Jill's AGC Travels at a Glance 🗺️
📍 Great Smoky Mountains Sampler - October 2012
📍 Northern Lights and Natural Beauty of Iceland - March 2013
📍 Delights of Italy: Tuscany and the Cinque Terre - September 2015
📍 Portugal: Hiking & Culture - May 2017
📍 Highlights of Nova Scotia - July 2017
📍 Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies - April 2018
📍 Island Hopping in the Greek Islands - May 2018
📍 Kayaking & Snorkeling Belize - March 2019
📍 Colors of Provence - April 2019
📍 Adventures in the Adirondacks - September 2019
📍 Autumn on the Superior Hiking Trail - September 2021
📍 San Juan Islands Exploration - July 2022
Stories teach us about the world and allow us to share empathy in someone else’s shoes.
Whether you've traveled alongside lifelong friends or made new ones along the way, we would love to hear about the adventures you've shared. This is your chance to tell your stories:
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How did you meet your friend(s), and on which AGC trip?
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What was your favorite part of your shared experience?
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Did you stay connected after your trip ended?
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Have a favorite photo to share of you and the gang? Send it our way!
Throughout International Friendship Month, we'll celebrate the spirit of friendship and companionship while sharing stories. After all, what would we be without our friends, the family we choose?
Meet fellow AGC travelers here!
Activities to Celebrate International Friendship Month
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Write a letter to an old friend.
With a month-long observation, there's no excuse for running out of time to connect with old friends! Why not ring a childhood friend or reach out to a companion you recently lost touch with to reminisce about the good old days of exploring and embracing life together? -
Plan a weekend getaway.
February is an excellent month for a late winter-themed getaway. Take this season of opportunity to surprise your friends with a quick weekend trip and shower them with love and care. -
Host a friendship-themed movie marathon.
Whether the “First Wives Club” or “Bridesmaids” is more to your taste, it's time to enjoy the final stretch of hot cocoa and cozy blanket season with your besties. As you wrap up this beautiful month of February, end your nights with your favorite movies celebrating the spirit of friendship.
