why I'm carrying on.

a note about growth + change.

“I loved the tough guys, the action, Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, and I loved all of that dancing and carrying on in such films as Stormy Weather and Cabin in the Sky.”

— Chapter 6: Detroit Red, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X”

This will be quick.

As you see, the name of this Substack is no longer Travel With Vikkie.

There’s a simple explanation: I’ve outgrown it.

From a brand or even—shudder—SEO perspective, names like Vikkie Ventures (the OG newsletter) and Travel With Vikkie made sense years ago. I was starting to make a career out of being a travel reporter. Being so prominently featured could mean more air time or linkbacks on a news site, which is a boon for an already crowded travel writer circuit.

But with five years in the game—plus a few awards and recognitions—I no longer need to do that. Not only is it antithetical to what I want to accomplish as a travel writer, but my name doesn’t have to be prominently featured for you to know who wrote it. 

So, why Carrying On?

In African-American Vernacular English (AAVE), the phrase carrying on means to commiserate excitedly with one another. Drinking poolside with your friends or relatives, talking smack (or not) is carrying on.

I want to note that AAVE isn’t monolithic—my definition may not be yours. Another interpretation of the phrase is someone behaving childishly or immaturely. But for the purpose of this Substack, Carrying On will be for travelers who choose to carry on or check a bag, for people trying to carry on, and for folks carrying on with their friends, lovers, or enemies.

Much of how I wrote and edited Travel With Vikkie will remain unchanged—and I want to make it clear that this is still a travel outlet.

Carrying On will feature a mix of travel perspectives, analysis, news, rumblings, and musings. I’ll also be doing some long-form writing. My You Paid How Much? flight deals will continue, though these will be standalone and won’t include travel perspectives.

So, here’s to new seasons and change. I’m looking forward to carrying on with y’all. 

-vikkie