When I think about where my love for travel and adventure began, I don’t just think about airports and guidebooks, I think about my dad.
Growing up, we were lucky enough to do a lot of family traveling. From the turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos to the vibrant culture of Jamaica, the quiet beauty of Samana to the sun-soaked beaches of Barbados and Punta Cana, our family adventures gave me some of the most unforgettable memories. Whether we were sailing along the coast, feeding iguanas on a remote island, or snorkelling through coral reefs, travel was always more than a vacation, it was an experience. And my dad was at the heart of it.
When I was little, I used to chase him through the airport because he always walked so fast. He’d be three terminals ahead with the passports and boarding passes while I was half-running behind him with my backpack bouncing. It was chaos in the best way, and I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.
One of my favourite shared adventures was getting my scuba certification with him. It was exciting and a little intimidating, but knowing he was beside me; calm, capable, and cheering me on, made it all feel possible. That’s kind of the theme with him. He’s always been my anchor.
Now, as an adult navigating the world on my own, that support hasn’t changed. Like when I got really sick alone in New Zealand, he was just a call away. Even from halfway across the globe, he knew exactly what to say to calm me down, help me figure things out, and make me feel like everything was going to be okay. (He even helped me sort out a situation when an ATM in Nice swallowed my money. Time zones and all – he’s always there.)
He’s also one of my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to following my dreams. From encouraging me to keep traveling and chasing what lights me up, to fully supporting my blog and everything I’m building with it, his belief in me has never wavered. He reminds me that it’s okay to take the road less traveled and that doing what you love is always worth it.
Beyond travel, he’s also a big reason I love writing. As an author himself, he showed me early on the power of storytelling, how words can connect people, explore new worlds, and leave something lasting behind. So much of this blog, and my passion for sharing experiences through words, comes from the inspiration he gave me.
He’s the person I call when I need advice, a little reality check, or just a moment of calm in the chaos. From helping me weigh big decisions to giving me that reassuring “you’ve got this” when I need it most, his support is the kind that sticks with you, even from across an ocean.
After spending Father’s Day with the man himself, I just want to say thank you. For encouraging adventure. For being my sounding board, my travel buddy, and the person I trust most when I need a little clarity. Whether we’re diving beneath the surface of the ocean or navigating life’s trickier currents, I’m grateful to have you by my side.
Halfway to Somewhere 