I’m Back (And We Need to Talk About Who Belongs in "Luxury").

Happy Monday, Gaggle!

First things first: I have returned.

I am officially back on Midwest soil, having successfully thwarted Winter Storm Fern, and enjoying the above-freezing temps…sort of.

If you emailed me last week, you likely got my "Out of Office" auto-reply about a very serious "Research Mission." (Air quotes heavily implied). I spent the last 10 days testing the "Cruise Sandwich" Strategy—bookending a cruise with stays at Cadillac Hotel, Esmé Miami Beach and Kimpton EPIC Miami to prove that you don't have to suffer through airport stress on embarkation & disembarkation day.

Full report on the hotels is coming, but for now, thank you for your patience while I was navigating spotty ship WiFi and "rigorously inspecting" the buffet on the NCL Joy. It was a tough job, but I’m dedicated to quality control. 🍝

But coming home to my inbox made me realize something.

I looked at the sheer volume of bookings we handled in January (we literally did a year’s worth of travel planning in 31 days!), and I got emotional.

Not because of the numbers. But because of who you are.

Finding "The Gaggle"

When I started Follow the Goose Travel, I made a choice. I looked around the industry and I didn't see myself.

If you look at the glossy brochures, a "Luxury Traveler" is supposed to be 22, size 0, and draped in couture on a yacht.

That isn’t me. I am a size 16, queer, Gen-X woman. I am nearly 45. I have a chronic spine disorder that sometimes means I need mobility aids. I am married to an antisocial punk-rocker, and my "children" are a senior dog and a rescued FIV+ cat named Rufus.

For a long time, I wondered: Where is the luxury brand for us? Where is the space for the established, hardworking, childfree folx who want 5-star service but hate the pretension? The people who want to sip Dom Pérignon but might show up to the lobby in a sundress from Target (or in my case, a clearance rack dress from Nordstrom Rack and gold orthopedic sandals)?

I couldn't find an advisor who made me feel comfortable. So, I became one.

The "Come As You Are" Standard

I built this agency on the concept of "Approachable Luxury." It’s the belief that luxury isn’t about how you look, how old you are, or if you fit the "influencer" mold.

• Luxury is a state of mind.

• Luxury is ease.

• Luxury is the comfort of being authentically yourself, whether you are in a hostel or the Ritz.

This January, you proved me right. You showed up. You trusted me with your anniversaries, your "mental health breaks," and your bucket lists. You proved that we don't have to apologize for taking up space in the nicest rooms in the world.

The "Gram" vs. The Reality

To celebrate being back, I’m sharing a few photos from the trip. Sure, there’s the "For the Gram" shot (sipping wine in a rooftop pool, totally chill).

But then there’s the "Outtake" (me screaming on a go-kart, unhinged, living my absolute best life).

I want both for you. I want you to have the polished, perfect sunset moments. But mostly, I want you to have the unscripted, messy, joyful belly laughs.

Sipping while dipping

Pure seduction…lol

Curves on curves on curves

Does this ‘man spread’ say “authority”?

I have got it all together

Okay, well, maybe not….

Thank you for being part of the Gaggle. Thank you for allowing me to show up exactly as I am—perfectly imperfect. I promise to always do the same for you.

Now, let’s plan something incredible. (And yes, you can wear the cut-offs).

Cheers,

Caitlin Head Goose