About FLY
Hello. Hola. Halo.
Hey! I’m Dina Tae, 30 years old, and—you guessed it—I love to travel! I began my travelling journey back in June 2017 at the age of 22. While hesitant about the paediatric career path I was working towards at university, I decided to say YES to a wild idea. It was time to travel, have fun, and see the world differently. Here’s how my travelling journey began.
Every traveller says, ‘Travelling is amazing’, and I couldn’t agree more. So, when my best friend, Jamie, echoed those words and asked if I wanted to move halfway across the world for a year of travelling with him, I said YES. These three-letter words changed my life.
I must say, it didn’t start great. Although we arrived at London Heathrow Airport together, we had booked separate flights with similar flight times. Things were going smoothly… until… I got to my gate and realized I had lost my passport!
Seriously, how could I be so clumsy as to lose my passport? What a significant mistake to make so early! Sobbing on the phone with my friend Jamie, we discussed what I would do next—get a new passport and meet him out there.
However, five hours later, my passport was handed in and returned to me! Phewwww. Lucky, much? Four hours later, on a new flight and £600 down, I hopped on the plane to Bangkok, Thailand. We planned to stay for a few weeks, but months later, we found ourselves still in Thailand, in Koh Phi Phi, soaking up the culture, the surroundings, the vibes, and the sheer shock and gratefulness of being still there.
Leaving to go Thailand – and loving it!
It was my first real taste of independence and freedom, and I loved it! However, we spent waaaaaay too much money, but luckily, we came across opportunities to support ourselves whilst there. This included tour guide roles, boat party hosts and hostel check-ins; it was an incredible experience.
Jamie called it quits after four months and went to New Zealand; however, I decided to stay longer. I was in a trance of losing myself and finding myself, and I enjoyed living in the moment.
Opportunities and tour guiding in Thailand
When I finally decided to leave for New Zealand, I got on the plane…to Bali. I spent one week there with a few travellers I had met in Thailand who were heading there; that FOMO had kicked in again, so I decided to join them at the last minute. You’re never really alone when you solo travel; you’ll always make friends!
Then, off to New Zealand. I had secured a one-year Working Holiday Visa here. I stayed at hotels and hostels, and at one particular hostel, I came across a guy named Marco. A week later, we shared an apartment and searched for a third roommate. We met the perfect guy for our additional room, Dhruv, a university student from India.
We were all together during the year and made many good memories I will cherish forever. From apartment parties to cooking sessions, hiring cars for road trips, and exploring New Zealand, I really was having the time of my life!
Making friends in New Zealand
Then, I went on my first-ever official solo trip, and you’d never guess where I chose to do this—Vanuatu, an island where cannibalism was a thing until only some years prior! Call me crazy, maybe, but I like to live my life FEARLESSLY; my heart wants what it wants. Vanuatu was a lovely little place off the beaten track that I enjoyed; I recommend checking it out if you’re down the sides!
In mid-2019, I returned to the UK for my mum’s 50th birthday. We went on a few family holidays, including Portugal and Morocco. I worked a few jobs and stayed around Bournemouth and Scotland – the travelling fever was still in me, even if it was only in the UK.
In 2020, after returning from Dubai with my mum, COVID-19 put us in lockdown. You know, the rest of that period is history! My first trip after the COVID-19 era was a solo trip to Cancun, Mexico. It was a period when Mexico was big news for gang-related violence, resulting in some unfortunate deaths of tourists. I was nervous, but it didn’t stop me; I said YES to Mexico.
I stayed in Mexico for one week, meeting random people by the pool, drinking ‘Tequilla Tequilla’, going on tours, and making friends. It was fun and just what I needed to kickstart my travelling again.
Making friends and taking selfies in Mexico
Fast forward to 2024, when a lot has happened since COVID-19. After years of being questioned about my travels and asked for advice, I decided to create this travel website.
I began working on Forever Living Yes in 2022, learning from scratch how to create a great website and dedicating 15 hours daily to make it come alive. I deleted the website over five times until I reached this version in early 2024. Although I still have a long way to go, I’m happy with how far I have come!
When creating this, I hoped it would inspire, encourage and educate about the beauty of our big world. I realised how much valuable knowledge I can share with you, especially for women seeking to travel solo and people wanting to live their best YES. That’s why I created the Solo Travel Planner.
Climbing a mountain in NZ with a girl I met out there – you’re never really alone
Making memories is so important, and learning about yourself, the lives of others, and other cultures is unforgettable. I also wanted to change the narrative that holidays are too expensive and you can only afford to go on holiday once a year.
After years of experience, I have mastered finding great luxury holidays without breaking the bank. I also enjoy helping others have the best time and stay in nice places at affordable prices, so I also created the Find Me A Holiday service.
Going forward, I aim to add hundreds more blogs on helpful travel topics, services, and products. I am currently working on my FLY Swimwear Collection for all the bikini-loving babes and other travel products. I will continue following my heart while travelling.
Who knows where the next destination will be, but for sure, I’ll be saying YES to it. Are you ready to follow your heart, too?
Thank you in advance for your love, and I hope you find the inspiration and courage to travel more through it all.
With love
Paige x
