After a Long Pause... The Adventures Begin Again

Hey

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about travel—and honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve felt like talking about it.

This past year, my soul was tired. I didn’t crave the open road or faraway lands the way I used to. And for the first time in my 28 years of travel, I stayed still. Life called me into other areas—quiet ones, grounded ones—and I listened.

But the traveler in me? She never dies. She just sometimes goes to sleep.

Lately, I’ve felt the itch return—the kind that starts as a whisper and turns into a roar. And as soon as I opened myself back up to it, the doors started flying open. Opportunities showed up. Invitations flowed in. The magic returned.

That’s the thing I’ve learned over and over again: we do get to participate in the creation of our life—but something bigger always seems to meet us when we align to the right path.

Here’s what’s ahead:

🌿 This week, we're staying just 10 minutes from home—at the Umstead Hotel & Spa, a 5-star resort that’s been on our dream list for years. It’s one of the only properties in the world to earn triple Five-Star status from Forbes. Sometimes luxury is right in your own backyard.

🌴 This summer… Belize! A long-held dream to play in the jungle, swim in Caribbean waters, and explore a new country together as a family.

♨️ Then Craig and I are off to Nova Scotia for some Nordic spa-aahhh-ing. It’s a new season for us—traveling as a couple, while our girls stay home and take care of themselves (and each other). That freedom is a gift we never take for granted.

It feels like the beginning of another beautiful travel chapter. The break, the stillness—it was worth it. Because now I’m returning to it with fresh eyes and an even deeper sense of gratitude.

Where are you feeling called to go next—physically, emotionally, or soulfully? (Reply and tell me!)

Talk soon,
Caroline 🌍✨

💡 Feeling the itch too? Here are a few tips to ease back in:

• Start local: Sometimes your soul just needs a change, not a plane ticket. Try a staycation or a weekend trip to a nearby town (here are some of our favorite NC getaways).

• Revisit your travel values: What type of experiences light you up? Adventure? Relaxation? Culture? Start there.

• Let inspiration find you: Check out our US travel guides or browse our family travel experiences for ideas—whether you're solo, a couple, or traveling with kids.