Not a horror movie: Woman takes 'Vacation with a Stranger,' has fun, goes viral

Troy Jackson, left, and Nicole Astra during their trip Photo credit Nicole Astra

By Mai Martinez

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Imagine planning an exciting vacation get-away. Now imagine taking that trip with a stranger.

That's exactly what a west suburban mom did earlier this month.

Nicole Astra wanted to take a trip, but there was one problem: “Nothing was fitting my price point or my schedule.”

So, when she saw the brother of a college friend post on Facebook that he was going to book a cruise she asked if he'd be interested in solo-traveling as a pair—despite not really knowing him.

He said yes.

“Within three days we had it booked,” Astra said.

She dubbed the adventure "Vacation with a Stranger” and shared trip updates on social media. Some of the posts went viral.

Her travel companion, Troy Jackson, was a little surprised by the online interest but happy to join in. The best part for him, he said: “I went in not really knowing somebody and I was fortunate enough where I can call someone a friend now.”

Astra said she feels the same.