Exploring The World, One Adventure At A Time: UW NEXT Members Share Their Summer Travels
Summer is a season for exploration, connection, and making memories that last a lifetime! This year, our United Way NEXT members embraced the spirit of adventure, traveling near and far to reconnect with loved ones and create unforgettable experiences along the way.
From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters and enjoying the spray of waterfalls to celebrating family milestones across the globe, their journeys remind us of the comfort that comes from taking a break and stepping away from our typical everyday routines These stories capture the heart of summer travel and the special moments that stay with us long after the suitcases are unpacked!
Kerri Strauss
Member Segment: United Way Alumni
In August, my husband and I flew to Aruba to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal–an unforgettable trip inspired by glowing recommendations from friends and family. We stayed in a quiet Airbnb bungalow just off the Palm Beach area, where our generous hosts equipped us with snorkeling gear, beach chairs, and a cooler. Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore the island, and Tres Trapi quickly became our favorite snorkeling spot. We returned several times, mesmerized by the thousands of fish–angel fish were my favorite–and even spotted sea turtles surfacing just feet away. One memorable moment involved a surprise shark sighting, which led to me instinctively swimming over my husband to put him between me and the shark. He still jokes about my lack of chivalry!
We’re not souvenir collectors, but our photos captured the magic. Next up: a trip to South Carolina for our youngest son’s Marine Corps boot camp graduation, followed by a visit to Japan to see our oldest son. Eventually, we hope to trace our family roots through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Let me know if you have any favorite lesser-known islands–we’re always up for an adventure off the beaten path.
Aruba was everything we hoped for and more: stunning landscapes, kind people, and plenty of adventure. Don’t be afraid to veer off the tourist trail; some of our favorite moments came from exploring the lesser-known corners of the island. It feels like Aruba is on the cusp of becoming even more popular, so if you haven’t been yet, now’s the time. And if you know of any islands that still feel untouched and authentic, I’d love to hear about them.
Paula Gilberto
Member Segment: United Way Alumni
For about 35 years I have vacationed the week of Labor Day at Kingsbury Beach, Eastham, MA, from Farmington, CT. A very dear friend has vacationed there since childhood. She was kind enough to invite me and my partner to join her for this annual tradition and we have done so every year since (with one exception in 2023 as I had only been released from a five-week hospital stay the week before Labor Day, unable to navigate the few steps to the cottage let alone walking on sand). Something magical happens when we cross the bridge onto Cape Cod, and from there it's a week of traditional stops (restaurants, ice cream, shopping), days at the beach, and always celebrating the sunsets. A new addition to the week's traditions has been an early morning walk on Coast Guard Beach, Eastham, where seals bob their heads while swimming parallel to our walking. A real treat is when the sunset coincides with the moon rising. When that occurs, we watch the sunset bayside (Kingsbury Beach) and then jump in the car for the moon rise ocean side (Nauset Light Beach). It's a pretty special experience and, as it doesn't occur annually during our week in Eastham, it's always a special treat. I can't wait until next year!
Dick Aft
Member Segment: United Way Alumni
Water, water, everywhere!
The highlight of cruising the Great Lakes this hot summer was feeling the cold spray of Kakabeka Falls near Thunder Bay, Ontario. Summer rains produced unusually large flows over one of North America's most beautiful waterfalls. The visit was part of our fifth Viking Cruise Line scientific expedition. For Mary Lu and me, it was time very enjoyably spent with 300+ passengers and 30 world-class scientists. Together, we researched and reported weather to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and water quality, phytoplankton, migration, and wildlife to an international consortium of universities and science centers. A regular onboard highlight is the weekly release of a biodegradable weather balloon that grew from four feet in onboard diameter to forty feet when it popped in the decreased pressure about eighteen miles above the earth. As it rose, we watched data streaming onto our onboard link.
Kerstin Rust
Member Segment: United Way Alumni
In June, my family and I took a spontaneous trip to California to visit our friends, Mitch and Abby. We had originally planned to meet Mitch and Abby at Walt Disney World in Florida in April. Unfortunately, Mitch was unexpectedly hospitalized, and they were unable to join us. Mitch has been battling a rare form of cancer for nearly four years. We knew in our hearts that we needed to visit them, and I am so grateful that we were able to go.
While in California, we spent time in Los Angeles at the hospital with Mitch and Abby. Mitch's parents were also in town from Michigan. This was my daughter Mabel's first experience in a hospital, and she was so brave. We are incredibly grateful to the hospital staff who allowed her to see her godparents in the ICU.
We also visited Disneyland. Mabel really enjoyed meeting characters, exploring the park, and enjoying the sweets. She picked out a special souvenir for Mitch. Now, both she and Mitch have a Pegasus to watch over them while they sleep.
An update on Mitch: It's now September, and Mitch is still in the hospital. He's had good days and bad days. Most recently, it's been a very tough time for their family. Six months in a hospital has really taken its toll. We continue to pray for Mitch and Abby.
Carole Peters
Member Segment: United Way Alumni
Jess and his wife, Sabrina, are living in the village of Trabitz, Germany, about an hour from Nuremberg and two hours from Munich. Jess is in the military so that is what took them to this country. His wife and her family are from Germany, so they have no plans to return to the states. This past August, I traveled there by airplane from Madison, WI, to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany, and finalized the last bit of travel with a 45-minute flight to Nuremberg. Total travel is about 18-24 hours due to three flights, layovers, and then a car ride to their little village. It is a long travel day but so worth it as I enjoy every minute reconnecting with my son, daughter-in-law and their three girls. My granddaughters, Selina 10, Isabella 4, and Lina 5 months, are growing up so fast. It’s hard to not want to be there more often as the girls change so much. What inspired the trip was Lina’s baptism which took place on August 10. I was so happy to finally meet her as she was born in April. While visiting, I spend a lot of time playing board games, cards, and just loving on my granddaughters. Each are such unique little ones with their own personalities. I also love to see my extended family as I have become very close to Sabrina’s parents Silvia and Roland and her sisters, Carmen and Romina. I treasure my visits to Germany and look forward to my next visit. I always leave with my heart full.
With the fall air creeping in, we’re excited to see what adventures you’re planning NEXT! Whether you’re looking forward to visiting the pumpkin patch, feasting on apple cider donuts, or soaking in the autumn leaves, we want to hear all about it. And we know the rest of the UW NEXT community would too!
Be sure to join our private LinkedIn and Facebook groups to share your updates, connect with fellow members, and inspire others with your experiences. And if you’d like to be featured in articles like this or even write your own, we’d highly encourage you to reach out to our Marketing, Communications, & Events Manager, Ivy Cirillo, at ivy.cirillo@uww.unitedway.org!