theMilesWeKeep

Seventy-Five Looks Good at Sea

January 9, 2026

A girls’ trip through Greece and Turkey, and a masterclass in friendship, joy, and how to celebrate life well.

If you think traveling with 75-year-olds is boring—think again.

This summer, I joined one of my closest friends on a Mediterranean journey to celebrate a milestone that felt almost unreal: her mom and her mom’s best friend turning 75, together. These two women have been best friends since kindergarten. Seventy years of friendship. Entire lifetimes shared. Inside jokes that don’t need context. A bond that has endured every season of life.

My friend and I have been close for about ten years, and watching them celebrate made me wonder—what will our 75th birthdays look like someday? If this trip was any indication, I hope it includes passports, laughter, and the kind of friendship that only deepens with time.

Athens: A Thoughtful Beginning

Before the cruise, we spent two full days in Athens, which felt like the perfect place to begin a trip centered on time, history, and longevity.

Wandering ancient streets, standing beneath the Acropolis, and sharing long meals gave the trip a grounded, intentional start. Athens isn’t rushed—it invites reflection. It reminded us that some things are built to last, including friendships like the one we were celebrating.

Volos: A Gentle First Stop

Our first port was Volos, and it eased us into the rhythm of the trip beautifully. This stop was about slowing down—walking along the waterfront, soaking in the seaside atmosphere, and enjoying the simple pleasure of being somewhere new without an agenda.

It set the tone: this trip wasn’t about checking boxes. It was about being present.

Bodrum, Turkey: Bazaars and Blue Water

Bodrum brought color, movement, and a little magic.

We wandered through lively bazaars filled with textiles, jewelry, and spices—each turn offering something new to discover. Later, we sailed along the coast on a traditional gulet, the kind of experience that makes time stretch in the best way. Sun, sea, conversation, and laughter—nothing more, nothing less.

Watching the birthday girls fully embrace every moment here was a reminder: curiosity doesn’t age out.

Santorini: Views and Vines

In Santorini, we leaned into both the iconic and the indulgent.

We took in the dramatic caldera views—those sweeping blues that somehow exceed expectations every single time—and paired sightseeing with a wine tasting experience that felt perfectly paced. Sipping local wines while looking out over the island felt celebratory without being rushed, special without being overdone.

Santorini has a way of making moments feel cinematic, and this one certainly did.

Mykonos: A Beach Day, Done Right

Mykonos was reserved for rest and fun. Instead of running around town, we opted for a beach day at a resort club, and it was exactly what we needed.

Comfortable loungers, turquoise water, good food, and easy conversation. This was joy in its simplest form. No schedules. No pressure. Just us women enjoying a perfect summer day together.

And yes—75 looked very good poolside.

Rhodes: Walking Through History

Rhodes invited us to explore.

We spent our time wandering the Old City, walking cobblestone streets framed by medieval walls and centuries of history. It felt immersive in a way that only places like this can—where the past isn’t behind glass but all around you.

It was the kind of place that naturally sparks conversation about time, memory, and all the chapters that lead you to moments like this.

Crete: A Soft Landing

Our final stop was Crete, and it was all about slowing the pace once more.

A relaxing beach day gave us space to reflect on the week—salt in the air, toes in the sand, and the quiet contentment that comes at the end of a well-lived trip. It felt like an exhale. The perfect closing note.

The Celebration That Stayed With Me

Yes, there were birthday toasts and shared meals. But the real celebration was watching two women—best friends since kindergarten—move through the world with joy, confidence, and an unwavering bond.

This trip wasn’t just about where we went. It was about what it showed us.

That adventure doesn’t expire.
That friendship deepens, it doesn’t fade.
And that if 75 can look like this—full of travel, laughter, and chosen family—then the future feels incredibly bright.