Brave New Paths: From the Safety of Family to the Joy of Solo Travel

When my sister and brother-in-law invited me to join them on an Alaskan cruise aboard the MSC Poesia, I had my hesitations. My husband of 43 years, had passed away just two months prior. While I had braved my first major trip to Korea four months before that, this cruise felt different. At first, surrounded by vacationing couples, it was easy to feel a bit like a third wheel.

But as the ship sailed further into the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest, I realized this cruise was exactly what I needed. It provided a safe harbor—a secure base with family that eventually gave me the courage and room for true self-exploration.

Ketchikan: Family, Rainforests, and Salmon Donuts

Our first true taste of Alaska was Ketchikan, and I spent this port day enjoying the comfort of exploring with my sister and her family. The weather was absolutely perfect. We headed to the Silver King Lodge for a classic Alaskan experience: a short, peaceful hike through a lush, vibrant rainforest, followed by a massive, steaming seafood boil.

Oh, and we managed to check something completely unique off my culinary bucket list—the Famous Jellyfish Donuts company! I tried their renowned Salmon Donut, which sounds wild, but trying quirky local treats together is half the fun of traveling.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Hoonah & Icy Strait: Branching Out

It was still nice to occasionally see my family for a quick hello as I continued to explore solo. As the cruise continued, I started to venture out more on my own, and Hoonah captured my heart with its quiet charm. I spent hours simply walking along the pebbled beach, ducking into local shops, and breathing in the crisp air. The standout moment, though, was meeting the local resident—Eagle!

High at the very top of a tree sat a magnificent bald eagle. It stayed perched there for hours, completely unbothered, watching a steady stream of tourists walk back and forth underneath its branch.

Later, we cruised past the glaciers. The air turned biting cold, but the sight of the sparkling icebergs drifting in the water was completely mesmerizing.

Glacier Bay, Alaska

Juneau & Victoria: Finding My Footsteps

By the time we reached Juneau, which welcomed us with chilly, quaint streets perfect for wandering, my trip had taken a beautiful turn. I had pushed past my comfort zone and attended a few solo traveler meetups on the ship.

It was there that I connected with four incredible women. We bonded instantly over a shared, fierce love for travel, and I ended up really enjoying time with my new friends—sightseeing, having dinners together, and sharing lots of laughter with my new partners in (travel) crime. Venturing onto new paths solo and making real, meaningful friendships with strangers was a beautiful reminder of a simple truth: I am going to be okay.

After a fast, delightful four-hour evening stop in Victoria, Canada, the ship headed back to finish in Seattle.

Victoria, Canada

A Final Ascent at Mt. Rainier

We wrapped up the journey with an overnight stay in Seattle, but not before taking a day trip up to the staggering heights of Mt. Rainier. Standing in the shadow of that massive, snow-covered volcano felt like the perfect punctuation mark to the week.

Mt. Rainier, Washington

Coming Away Changed

I started this trip feeling a bit displaced, leaning on the safety of my sister and brother-in-law's company. I came away... good.

This journey taught me that I live in a massive, breathtakingly beautiful world filled with genuinely nice people. More importantly, it taught me that I still have a place in it, and I am fully capable of stepping out on my own to find it.

One Year of Keys Flavors Destinations—And More to Come

As many of you know who followed my journey and my first major trip to Korea last year, travel has become both my healing space and my life's work. This Alaska cruise marks one full year of running Keys Flavors Destinations, and getting out on the water was the perfect way to celebrate how far I've come.

Stepping out solo on this voyage reminded me exactly why I love what I do. Vetting these cruise lines, testing out excursions like the rainforest hike and seafood boil, and hunting down unique local flavors (like that famous salmon donut!) is exactly how I ensure I'm bringing the absolute best recommendations to you.

Whether you are looking to book your next family cruise base-camp, want to brave your very first solo adventure, or need help coordinating seamless shore excursions, I am here to help. With a full year of expertise behind me, I have the ability to offer wonderful cruise opportunities with multiple cruise lines and tailor every detail of your future travel needs.

And speaking of the future... stay tuned! I am currently working on an incredible 2027 Tour of South Korea, taking you back to the place where my own new chapter began.

Let's find your next unforgettable footsteps together over at KeysFlavorsDestinations.com.

A Heartfelt Note of Thanks

None of these memories would have been possible without family and good company. A huge thank-you to my sister and brother-in-law for the invitation on this cruise, and for being my safe anchor. I also want to share a note of appreciation for my sister's extended family,friends and neighbors, the other couples who joined us—I so enjoyed sharing various meal times, stories, and laughs with all three couples.

Finally, a special thank-you to my brother-in-law’s brother, who drove us all the way up to Mt. Rainier for that spectacular finale. I am so incredibly grateful to all of you for the love, the laughs, and the space to grow.