I just got back from Costa Rica, and I still feel like I’m floating, partly from the sunshine, partly from the coffee (more on that in a second), and partly from knowing that my Instagram ran on autopilot without me while I was on a dream trip (more on this in a second, too).
We were there for a brand trip, which, as you can imagine, usually comes with a long shot list and that creator instinct of, “Don’t forget to capture this!” every 10 minutes. But this trip… felt different.
It was Louie’s 14th country… 14th! And he’s not even a year old yet.
Every time I say that out loud, I have to laugh. Thankfully, we live in the age of smartphones, so if (or when) he ever complains about his childhood being difficult, I have the evidence to prove otherwise.
I always knew I wanted to raise a little professional traveler. But watching him look around with those wide, curious eyes at every new place we take him… it takes me right back to how I felt when I first started this career. Like the world was bigger than anything I could’ve imagined.
We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria, and to say we were pampered would be the understatement of the year. Every detail felt thoughtful, warm, personal, and intentional.
Even though it was technically a work trip, I kept having these “pinch me” moments.
Louie giggling in the pool. Slow breakfast with ocean views. That golden-hour light from our room balcony, overlooking the ocean.
And then, the sweetest surprise! Our friend, Kiki (@theblondeabroad) and her son were there too.
There’s something so comforting about being around people who truly get your lifestyle, kids, camera gear, and all. The babies played, the adults talked shop. And for a moment, it felt like we were all on a big family vacation.
But the highlight was the coffee class.
I’m not exaggerating when I say it was some of the best coffee we’ve ever tasted, second only to Panama. And I know, I know – after visiting this many countries, that’s a bold statement. But there was something special about learning the process, tasting every note, and feeling how proud the local experts were of their craft. It made every sip feel sacred.
The wild part is, even though we were technically working, we spent most of the week off our phones.
If you’re a creator, you know how rare that is.
Engagement doesn’t take vacations. DM responses don’t pause because you do. And the algorithm has never once said, “Go ahead, take the week off – I got you.”
But this time, it actually felt like it did.
Because while we were soaking in the quiet moments, my Instagram engagement was running in the background automatically.
People who commented on my posts were receiving quick replies.
New followers were getting welcomed and introduced into my world without me lifting a finger.
And not in a spammy, mass-message way, but in a personalized, thoughtful way.
It still blows my mind that this is even possible. I remember the days when these third-party systems were penalized by Instagram. But ManyChat is a Meta-approved app that changed everything.
It allows me to be present offline while still showing up online.
It’s short, simple, and shows you exactly how to set all of this up the right way, step-by-step.
So you can take weekends off.
Take vacations off.
Or honestly… just take a deep breath.
All while your engagement keeps growing on autopilot.
Because the best moments deserve your full attention.
Chase those dreams,
Catarina
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment