welcome to flailing at life
oh hey there! i'm Vickie
tldr: I absolutely love going on adventures and exploring different parts of the world. It all began with a backpacking trip around Europe with my sister before college, and my passion for travel only grew stronger during my year studying abroad in London (go King's College!). Now, I've been catching flights ever since and can't get enough of the excitement that comes with discovering new places.!
random fun facts about Vickie
And the long and winded version if you've already gotten this far: Thanks for making a pitstop to Flailing at Life! I've always dreamed of writing about my adventures and challenges, but I used to be held back by the fear of what others might think, but thanks to countless sessions with my trusted therapist and having way too many days with nothing to do (hello unemployment for the third time in 12 months), I decided to take the plunge and use my newly acquired web development (and admittedly mediocre writing) skills to create this platform! My hope is that by sharing my stories, tips and tricks, you may find comfort in knowing you're not alone in your struggles or be inspired to book that next trip to an unknown destination!
but why the name 'flailing at life'?
First, let's get one thing straight - Flailing at Life is not about failing at life, because none of us are failing here - not you, not me, not anyone!
Now that we've got that out of the way...for a long time, I tried to control every aspect of my life during chaotic and difficult times. But after some major life events, I've learned to let go and let life take the wheel to see where it will take me. And for me, travel is a huge part of that process, especially during times of transition. It helps me re-center and gather energy for what's next. So now here I am flailing around the world, trying to stay afloat on this bumpy ride called life, and documenting all the experiences along the way!
Countries Traveled
Solo Destinations
Trips Booked
and counting...
travel highlights around the globe
Eastern European Tour
The brutal winter I lost my new job in a new career path without a place to call my own. The upside - a five week stint traveling across Turkey with the parentals followed by a solo Eastern Eurorail Eurotrip I had always daydreamed about.
A Very Island-y + Western European Summer
Found myself career-less and jobless with my entire life packed up into boxes yet again. This time with plane tickets to Mexico and the D.R. followed by Wales and a trip along the coast of southern Italy.
First Solo Trip
The summer I quit my career, packed my life into a few boxes, and moved cross country, but not without taking full advantage of the long break I had. This gal put her big girl pants on and took her first ever solo asian female trip to the Dominican Republic.
A Caribbean Autumn
An unforeseen unemployment well-spent! From the Pitons of St. Lucia, copious amounts of rum and rotis to a near death experience in the Animal Flower Cave in Barbados and it's crystal clear waters, the island life was the perfect reset I never knew I needed.
Taste of the Motherland-ish
Vietnam was one for the books. From zipping through family orchards, witnessing a Vietnamese wedding to the first stomach bug abroad, this trip was nothing short of an eventful trip
Study Abroad in London
Londontown will always have my heart. It was the year I learned that there was a whole world full of culture, diversity and life outside of the bubble I went to college and grew up in. I felt comfortable in my own skin. I finally belonged.
Backpacking Euro Trip
First Big Girl European trip! Imagine being an impressionable 18-year old backpacking around Europe for the first time, sharing an 8-mixed room hostels with strangers all while on a tight budget. Boy, did I catch the travel bug since!