From an iconic Jewish pastime to one of the summer’s hottest trends, Mah Jongg is certainly having its moment.

But as the game has evolved into a lifestyle phenomenon, many Jewish women are reflecting on something deeper: the sense of community and connection that made Mah Jongg meaningful long before it became fashionable.

Jill Fox and Susan Bishop, co-founders of Crak Your Bags, built their Jewish women-owned travel company around the same spirit. They view Mah Jongg as more than a trend; it’s a catalyst for friendship, connection, and shared experiences.

“Now more than ever, people are seeking spaces where they feel comfortable and connected,” said Bishop, who was inspired to combine her two passions of Mah Jongg and travel shortly after becoming an empty nester.

While interest in travel continues to grow among women, many face a common challenge: wanting to experience somewhere new but not necessarily having someone to travel with.

Whether widowed, divorced, recently retired, or navigating life as an empty nester, many women want to keep exploring the world on their own terms. Others simply don’t want to wait for a travel companion before pursuing destinations they’ve always dreamed of visiting.

“Now that my husband’s retired, he just wants to play golf and relax,” said Linda, who has chosen to pursue her passion for travel while sharing the game she loves. “I had such an incredible experience on my recent Paris river cruise on the Seine with Crak Your Bags. I love being able to travel and play Mah Jongg with new friends, and I can’t wait to sail again with the group next year on the Rhine.”

The concept has resonated with women at every stage of life. They are embracing solo travel, but looking for ways to do so without feeling alone.

Long before the game’s recent resurgence, Fox and Bishop recognized that Mah Jongg offered something deeper than weekly entertainment. Its ability to bring people together and create instant connections made it the perfect foundation for the travel experiences they would later build.

“When women sit down at a Mah Jongg table, they’re no longer strangers,” said Bishop. “They already share a common language.”

That shared language has become the foundation of more than 30 Mah Jongg-focused journeys around the world. Travelers arrive from across the country — many on their own — but quickly find themselves part of a community.

Whether sharing meals, exploring new cities, or gathering for nightly games, participants often form friendships that continue long after the trip ends. For many women, those relationships become just as meaningful as the destinations themselves.

“I’m grateful for the amazing connections I’ve made on these trips. So many incredible women from around the country come together, and we continue to reconnect long after we return home,” said Fox. “We are like one big, extended family.”

For generations, Mah Jongg groups have provided support systems for Jewish women. Around kitchen tables, friendships are forged, advice is exchanged, and communities are built.  For women without a regular foursome, however, those connections can be harder to find.

“One of the most rewarding parts of our trips is watching women connect with one another,” said Fox. “Many arrive not knowing anyone, and by the end of the week, they’re planning future trips together.”

Unlike traditional solo travel, where visitors may spend much of their time navigating unfamiliar places alone, these vacations offer built-in companionship while still providing as much independence as travelers want.

Guests can explore destinations at their own pace while knowing there is always a familiar group waiting to welcome them back. For women who want to see the world but don’t want to travel alone, that may be the most valuable part of all.

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Jill Fox and Susan Bishop are co-founders of Crak Your Bags, a Jewish women-owned travel agency, inspired by their love of Mah Jongg, but catering to whatever your sense of adventure may be. For a list of upcoming travel opportunities, visit CrakYourBags.com or email hello@crakyourbags.com.