When Bonnie Weldon retired about 10 years ago, two things stood out to her: she wanted to volunteer, and she wanted to travel. With some fortuitous timing, this happened to be right when Unison’s annual Seniors’ Expo was taking place. Bonnie popped into the event and had a chat with someone at Unison’s travel desk. “I thought - wow! I love travelling. This is going to be great,” said Bonnie.
Bonnie had tried volunteering and joining travel groups in different spots across Calgary, but none were able to keep her interested. After volunteering with Unison’s travel desk for a few months, she felt she had found her place. “It’s the people,” she said. “We have some great people, and if I like something, I’ll stick to it.”
Bonnie is a tenacious, chipper person. She worked at the same insurance company her entire career, even after a move from Toronto. Then, in 2006, she discovered cruises. “My first cruise was to the Mediterranean. I was treated like royalty,” Bonnie said. After that, she cruised across the globe - to New Zealand, the Baltic, Barcelona, Alaska, Rome and Naples, and much more. “I’m not rich by any means, but you want to be happy. Don’t worry so much about finances. Worry about doing things that create memories. If you want to save up for a cruise, cutting down some unnecessary expenses can help,” Bonnie said. “If I have a chance to go, I’m going.”
Bonnie’s travel plans were interrupted in 2024 due to a health scare. “But this is why I travel,” she said. “You have to keep moving. Find something you like to do, especially for when you’re in your 70s and 80s.”
Cruises appeal to Bonnie because of the opportunity to see many places with one ticket. A cruise makes it easy to see the world, and as Bonnie says, “You only have to pack once,” compared to other travel where you stay in one spot for a night or two before moving on. For older adults who want an easier way to travel, Bonnie says a cruise is where it’s at.
Bonnie’s next adventure will be with Unison. She has helped organize Unison’s travel trips for many years, but this time she is going as a participant- a solo trip, actually. Travelling by yourself can be an opportunity for connection, she adds: “Unison can match you up with someone. Besides, how much time are you really going to spend in your cabin?”
Unison’s upcoming cruise to the Mediterranean and Adriatic offers pre- and post-land tours. “And there’s no stress,” Bonnie says. There are always people there to help you, and on this upcoming cruise, Active Aging staff will be on board to help facilitate activities and make sure you have a smooth and pleasant time. “Ships are fantastic, and they’re used to walkers and electronic mobility aids,” says Bonnie.
To learn more about Unison’s upcoming cruise to the Mediterranean and Adriatic, please get in touch with the Travel Desk, part of Unison’s Active Aging Department, at 403-705-3237.