I’m Andreia. I travel a lot, live in Milan (Italy), and yes, I have a full-time corporate job that I actually like… most days (you get it.)
What’s this newsletter about?
Mostly travel. The places I go. The food I eat. The things I notice. The people I meet. And maybe - just maybe - it’ll make you want to pack a bag too.
But before you commit, let’s see if we could be friends.
Here are a few things about me:
1 - Born in Portugal. Raised in Mozambique. Living in Italy. Basically, a walking cultural mixtape.
2 - I’ll happily visit a touristy spot once… but I’m forever hunting down the unusual, charming, hidden stuff no one talks about.
3 - I don’t buy outfits “just for travel.” I shop my closet - unless we’re talking about something hyper specific, like anti-leech socks in Borneo (true story).
4 - Love coffee. But I usually end up drinking matcha or green tea instead. Don’t ask.
5 - Hotel breakfasts? My love language.
6 - I’m a mindful traveler. If animals are involved, I do my research. If I can support a local business, I will. I don’t always get it right - but I try.
7 - I’m an avid reader. I’m usually juggling two books at once, so if one starts to drag, I just switch to the other. All while conveniently ignoring my to-do list…
8 - I like shoes. But I LOVE bags. Bags are my weakness. Bags are my personality.
9 - I’ll climb the mountain, jump in the water, hike the jungle… but I will complain first.
10 - My husband wants a house in the mountains. I want to move to Kuala Lumpur (let’s see who wins).
What can you expect from me every week?
Stories. Real ones. From the road, the beach, the jungle, the plane seat that doesn’t recline.
I’ll share:
Travel diaries from places you’ve never heard of.
Stories and hidden gems in places you have heard of.
My takes on trends, travel hacks, and what’s actually worth your time.
Curated things to read, watch, or save - told with taste, curiosity, and zero pressure to do or see it all.
But also…
The details. A whole edition where the stories turn practical - the cafés, the wine bars, the boutique hotels, and all the places that quietly make a trip what it is.
Think of it as the unpolished, save-able side of Halfway Packed: day-by-day itineraries, restaurant lists, local tips, and the kind of recommendations you’d only get from someone who’s actually been there (and probably got a little lost in the process).
It’s travel that’s meant to be stolen - ready for you to copy, tweak, and make your own.
If you’ve made it this far, I think we’re going to get along just fine.
So welcome!
