About Me
Welcome to my corner of the internet! Unlike many travel bloggers, my journey isn’t rooted in a realization that the corporate grind wasn't for me. In fact, my story has deeper, more poignant beginnings.
From my earliest days, travel has been an intrinsic part of my life. Growing up, my family was always up for an adventure, and our vacations often revolved around kitesurfing and windsurfing. My parents were passionate about these sports, and they sought out the windiest destinations. When I was six, they made a life-changing decision to trade in our California summers for the balmy shores of Maui. From then on, every summer was spent in Hawaii, where my sister and I enjoyed a childhood filled with sunshine, laughter, and beach days. We were fortunate to have parents who both owned businesses, allowing them the flexibility to work remotely. Each day was an adventure—packing the van and heading to the beach to watch them chase the waves.
As I reflect on those summers now, I feel immense gratitude. I cherish the experiences I had and the time spent with my family, which shaped my love for travel.
Tragedy struck in 2018 when my dad passed away unexpectedly at the age of 69. I was visiting him for a short weekend trip, and on an ordinary Friday morning, I borrowed his van to see friends. After a day filled with laughter and nostalgia, I received devastating news: while paddle boarding, my dad had suffered a cardiac event and drowned. Despite the nearby surfers' heroic efforts, he couldn’t be saved. His passing shattered my world, yet I found solace in knowing he was doing something he loved in his final moments.
Just over two years later, during Thanksgiving week, my mom—only 60—also left us unexpectedly. She had been traveling through Mexico in her camper, reveling in the freedom and joy of chasing the wind. While she sent us beautiful photos from her journey, she also shared a minor injury she sustained while on the water. Upon her return home, she began to experience severe back pain, which we initially attributed to a minor issue. However, her condition rapidly deteriorated. After several visits to the emergency room, we were devastated to learn that she was gravely ill. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, she suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite being revived and transferred to ICU, she faced another cardiac arrest just hours later, and this time, they couldn’t save her. We later discovered that she had died from sepsis caused by a staph infection, likely linked to that minor cut she received in Mexico.
The loss of both parents in such a short span left my sister and me grappling with chaos and grief. They were healthy, active individuals who lived life to the fullest—how could this happen? I found myself drowning in sorrow, feeling lost and alone. The grief was overwhelming, and the weight of it sometimes still feels unbearable.
But then, during a weekend getaway to Miami—a much-needed escape to grieve with a friend who had also lost a loved one—something shifted in me. Standing at the water’s edge, she remarked that I was channeling my "inner Vicki" (my mom). In that moment, a flicker of purpose reignited within me. I realized that to honor my parents, I needed to truly live, not merely exist. The phrase “live your life” took on profound meaning for me. It became a call to embrace adventure, to explore the world, and to approach life with the same zeal my parents had.
My passion for travel, which had always been with me, was reignited after my parents’ passing. I want to live without regrets, to chase experiences like they did, and to ensure their legacy continues through my adventures. I hope to inspire others—especially those grappling with grief—to find joy in exploration and to embrace life fully.
Join me as I share my travel experiences, insights, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Let’s explore this beautiful world together and cultivate a zest for life that honors those we’ve lost.
Contact Me:
