When the Traveler Becomes the One Waved Goodbye

This week, we're packing the suitcase, triple-checking the essentials, and sending our eldest daughter, Kalyra, off on her first big international trip without us. And while I’m feeling a mix of emotions—pride, excitement, and, let’s be real, deep jealousy that she’s off to Paris and London—I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Travel has been the greatest gift in my life, and I’ve always believed it’s the best investment you can make. So, despite the budget squeeze (and my frustration that we couldn’t use our beloved mileage points!), there was never a question that we’d make this happen for her. She's heading off with her closest school friends, and while it’s just a 10-day trip, I hope it plants the seeds for more in her future.

What’s funny is, I’m not your typical mum—I’ve been encouraging her to take a gap year when she graduates this year. "Go live in London! Explore, have fun, then decide what you want to do!" But her response? "Mum, I’ve traveled enough." (Cue my dramatic gasp.) So, I’m extra grateful she’s found a little extra room in her suitcase for more travel, even if she’d rather be rooted right now.

The past week has been a flurry of preparation—travel adapters (and convincing her she does not need to bring a curling iron), eSIMs, streamlining her packing by at least a third, and attempting to get some local currency only to realize banks don’t just have that sitting around anymore. (Oops! A little late on that one. But, hey, ATMs exist, and as a seasoned traveler, I don’t stress about these things—everything works out in the end.)

One of the things I love most about travel is how it teaches you to figure things out. It puts you in uncertain situations, stretches you, and forces you to tap into that well of confidence and resilience inside. This is actually the theme of a talk I’m giving at a women’s networking luncheon this week—"From Backpack to Boardroom"—about the power of navigating uncertainty and growing through those moments when your back is against the wall.

So while Kalyra’s journey is just beginning, I hope this trip cracks open the door to even more adventures for her. And honestly, I’m also just grateful that travel in her generation means instant messages instead of waiting for postcards to arrive after she gets home or hunting down a payphone and a calling card! (But as a traveler, I prefer the old way 😏)

Here’s to the next generation of travelers and the incredible journey ahead—wherever it may lead.

Caroline

Updates: Meeting Aussie Soccer Legends

This week we had the honor of attending the North Carolina Courage’s professional women’s soccer season kick off. We love watching the Courage play - and scored an invite thanks to Hana (another Aussie) who is on the marketing team. We’ve partnered with them before on our This is Raleigh site and are always sharing the Courage with our community.

Well this year they have recruited two Australian soccer stars, Cortnee Vine and Charlotte Mclean.

If you followed the Women’s World Cup last year, you’ll know just how extraordinary the Australian Matildas were, making history and inspiring a nation. And if you remember that legendary penalty shootout against France? Cortnee Vine was the one who scored the winning goal that sent Australia to the semifinals! It was a moment that gave us chills—and, yes, made us cry with pride for what it meant for women's sports in Australia.

Meeting Cortnee and Charlotte was such a special experience. They were incredibly friendly and down-to-earth, and we bonded over our shared Aussie roots—trading travel stories, reminiscing about Australian coffee, and, of course, missing Vegemite. It was a little taste of home, right here in Raleigh.

We also loved hearing them rave about their new home and how much they enjoy playing for NC Courage. According to them, the National Women's Soccer League is the best in the world, which means we have some of the top global talent right here in our backyard.

It affirmed for me even more just how much love I have for my two soul homes - Australia and Raleigh!