Hi, I’m Catherine!
I'm obsessed with adventure, addicted to seltzer, and passionate about travel. And I’m learning to travel --both emotionally and physically -- with less baggage.
I believe, if you let it, travel can be one of the most cathartic and healing experiences of your life.
It can be the place where you finally feel ready to release your anger, pain, and heartbreak.
It can be the place where you find freedom, where you finally meet the you you’ve been waiting for.
And it can be the place you learn to unpack your bags and begin to live, love and travel lighter -- both at home and on the road.
My Story
People often comment on how fearless I am. But I am not fearless at all; I just work really hard to remain strong and courageous in the face of my fears.
But it hasn’t always been that way...
Ten years ago, I took my first solo trip… by accident.
I was going to Charleston, South Carolina for a weekend with friends to run a 10K, but they all had to back out.
I went anyway.
On the very first night, these words found their way onto the pages of my journal:
“I've always envied those people, women in particular, who just seem to be able to do anything independently… the ones who seem so secure with themselves that they have no problem going away alone and actually enjoy it. I've always wanted to be able to do it but would not because I didn't know what I would do with myself or whether it was safe.”
Over the last eight years, I’ve traveled (sometimes independently and sometimes with friends) to New York City, Atlanta, Orlando, Saint Augustine, Boston, Clearwater, Chicago, New Orleans, Beaufort, Ithaca, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, New Hampshire, Maine, Bali, New Zealand, Indonesia, Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, Iceland, and Italy.
I’ve found really incredible deals that allow me to travel on a restricted income; I’ve tracked down off-the- beaten- path, must-see experiences; and I’ve figured out how to travel solo safely while still making friends.
Most important to me, I’ve discovered travel to be the safe space I need to unpack my bags and do the work of coming to terms with my story.
And I believe it can be that place for you, as well.
Is Her Bags Were Packed For You?
If you want to travel more but just don’t have the time or money, this community is for you.
If you want to try traveling alone but are nervous you’d just end up hiding out in your hotel room, this community is for you.
If you put everyone else first -- including your job, your friends, your kids, your partner, your sick parents -- and hardly, if ever, make time for yourself, this community is for you.
If you feel guilty going out with friends because you think you should be more financially responsible and not splurge, then this community is for you.
If you have been disengaging with the dreams and desires you have had for years because the “real world” hit, this community is for you.
If past loss and trauma is negatively impacting your life and current relationships, this community is for you.
If you find yourself asking, “Will I ever be able to get past this?” when considering the way your past negatively impacts your current life, then this community is for you.