My best friend and I went our separate ways after college. We reconnect every year on a trip we call 'bestiecation.'
Business Insider
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The author shares the story of her annual "bestiecation" trips with her best friend, Sena, a tradition they began after graduating from college when their lives took different paths. These vacations serve as a way to reconnect and prioritize their friendship amidst life’s challenges. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships in a world that often overlooks friendships in favor of romantic partnerships or professional goals.
Their journey began at university, where both pursued politics degrees and bonded over shared values and fears about drifting apart after graduation. In 2019, Sena cried before the author left their university town, fearing their friendship would end. The author felt a similar dread when seeing Sena’s corporate life in Johannesburg, realizing how differently their lives were heading. This fear of growing distant led them to plan their first vacation together, starting a tradition that has now spanned six years and five countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested their commitment, forcing them to cancel plans for Morocco and instead create a local tradition they called "bestiecation." Even when life got challenging—like the author moving abroad, Sena quitting her job due to burnout, or navigating heartbreak—they continued to prioritize these trips. Sometimes one friend covered more costs, but they always found a way to make it happen.
For readers interested in business and finance, this story highlights the value of investing in relationships beyond professional networks. The author and Sena’s tradition is a reminder that friendships require effort and commitment, especially in a world where connections often fall by the wayside. Their approach to logistics—focusing on "how" rather than "if"—demonstrates resilience and prioritization of what truly matters in life.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/3/2026