Anastasia Mills Healy recently celebrated a significant milestone, her 50th birthday, with a remarkable trip to the Middle East alongside her sister. This celebration not only marked half a century of her life but also highlighted a longstanding family tradition of travel that began in her childhood.

Growing up with a father who was passionate about exploration, Anastasia and her sister were fortunate enough to travel extensively, visiting most of the United States and several foreign countries even before they graduated from college. Their father believed that travel was an essential part of education. He encouraged them to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the places they visited, which included writing reports on their experiences, participating in historical walking tours, and exploring countless museums from Kentucky to Cornwall.

With a family structure that consisted of just their parents and themselvesno aunts, uncles, or cousinsthey formed a close-knit unit. Anastasias mother, although not as enthusiastic about travel, would occasionally miss out on their adventures. After the passing of both parents, Anastasia found herself in a different phase of life. By this time, she was married, had two young children, and juggled her role as a part-time worker and primary caregiver.

Despite living on opposite coasts of the United StatesAnastasia in Connecticut and her sister in Californiatheir bond remained strong. Her sister frequently visited, providing much-needed support and companionship. Anastasia, who had children later in life at ages 40 and 41, reminisces about their younger days when they traveled together, embarking on thrilling adventures like encountering a leopard in South Africa, paragliding over Key West, and attending a Ramones concert in Brixton.

As time progressed, their vacations shifted focus from vibrant nightlife and cultural experiences to family-oriented activities, such as trips to nearby playgrounds. The joy of sisterly bonding always remained, though conversations often became interrupted by the needs of toddlers.

With the arrival of her 50th birthday, Anastasia was determined to rekindle their adventurous spirit by planning a memorable trip. She managed to persuade her then-husband to take care of the children for a week during spring break, presenting it as an opportunity for a well-deserved getaway without the stresses of daily parenting duties.

After some convincing, she secured her sisters participation in a travel package that promised to encompass an extensive exploration of the Middle East, featuring visits to eight countries in one go. This included all seven emirates of the United Arab Emiratesnamely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairahalong with a brief stop in Oman. For the entire trip, she spent approximately $3,000, which covered airfare, accommodation, and car rental.

Anastasia has set ambitious travel goals for herself. After she successfully visited all 50 states by the age of 30, she has now aimed to explore 100 countries. This aspiration is guided by the criteria of the Traveler's Century Club, which recognizes 330 countries and territories, including the individual emirates of the UAE. Her experience in Oman provided yet another opportunity to check off one more destination from her list.

Among the highlights of her Middle Eastern adventure were two unforgettable experiences: a luxurious tour of the Burj Al Arab hotel, celebrated for its extravagant gold decor and iconic helipad, and a whimsical encounter with a penguin at an indoor ski resort located within a Dubai shopping mall.

Other memorable moments included visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, exploring the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and ascending the Burj Khalifathe tallest building globallywhere she toasted her 50 years with a cocktail, gazing down at the fountain displays below from the 122nd floor.

Many activities during this trip would have been far more complex if her children had been present. For instance, a day at the spa was a luxurious treat made possible by the absence of kids. The freedom allowed her to explore the Dubai Design District, shop in local souks, wander through the historic Al Fahidi District, and spend a leisure day on a boat in Oman without any interruptions.

Anastasia reflects on the necessity for women to take time for themselves amidst their caregiving responsibilities. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, akin to the airline safety advice to put on your oxygen mask before assisting others. At 57 years old and now divorced, she recently traveled with her children to her 72nd country. Looking ahead, she envisions more adventures with her sister once her kids are grown, ultimately planning for her sister to accompany her to her 100th countrya fitting way to celebrate their enduring sisterhood through all the significant moments of their lives.