Bags Half Packed, Heart Wide Open
A first hello from your new travel companion—with strong opinions on hotel breakfasts and a soft pitch to be travel friends
Well, hello there.
I’m currently overthinking every word I type (because of course I am), but hey—first posts are like that. So this is me, just ripping off the band-aid.
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 Monday?
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.
If you’ve made it this far, I think we’re going to get along just fine.
So welcome.
See you every Monday—with my bags usually halfway packed.
Andreia