🌴OOO: Hello from Belize + a manatee moment

Hi {{ first name }}

Just popping into your inbox from sunny San Pedro, Belize, where we arrived yesterday afternoon after a pretty smooth travel day from Raleigh. One quick stop in Miami, 3.5 hours of flying time, and voilà—we landed in a colorful, tropical town on the Caribbean Sea. Not bad, right?

We’re here on a family trip—likely our last one before our eldest daughter heads off to UNCW this fall and we officially lose her to adulthood (cue proud tears). It’s also part of our travel blogging adventures over on yTravelBlog.com, so if you want to follow along in real time, come hang out with us on Instagram at @ytravelblog.

Before this, Craig and I took a whirlwind weekend trip to Daytona Beach to cover the new direct Breeze Airways flight from Raleigh—and we were super impressed. Just over an hour and boom: beach life. I’m loving how many easy travel options are popping up from RDU these days. Our travel hearts are full.

But between all these back-to-back trips, I’m feeling a little… maxed out. You ever feel like you’re barely treading water, but something deep inside reminds you, you were built for this? That’s where I’m at right now. Almost 30 years since my first backpacking trip, I’m still showing up, suitcase in hand, and soul wide open. And feeling blessed that I get to share that joy and purpose with y’all and our avid adventurers on our travel accounts.

I didn’t have the time (or bandwidth) to pull together my usual in-depth Friday wrap for you this week, but I didn’t want to leave you hanging either. I know it’s a slower season in Raleigh, so maybe you’re also savoring some downtime or summer adventures of your own.

Just know: I’m thinking of you, and I’ll be back in your inbox next Friday with more Raleigh stories, tips, and local gems.

Until then, stay cool, enjoy the little moments, and thank you—as always—for being part of this community.

With sandy toes and a grateful heart,
Caroline

Caroline

P.S. The manatee photo above was taken at Blue Spring State Park just outside Daytona. It unexpectedly popped up beside me. A pure magical moment - and just so you know I did not touch the manatee, nor chase it down! I was actually yelling at people who were patting it like a dog to “get their hands off!!”