Angie’s Substack

Angie’s Substack

5 Destinations from 2025

that I would return to in a heartbeat

Angie Smith's avatar
Angie Smith
Jan 04, 2026
∙ Paid

There’s something about travel that slows time right down. It makes you feel completely connected to the moment, like a child discovering something new to treasure. It’s giddy, romantic, and feels a bit like playing rookie with your own life.

This year, I fell back in love with the last-minute getaway. I’ve realised that when you pack light, literally and mentally, you leave more room for the unexpected. There is a certain magic in the “un-curated” trip.

The kind where you arrive with some extra room in your suitcase and zero expectations, relying instead on the old-school way of doing things.

I’ve traded my google searches for conversations. I’ve followed the “word-of-mouth” trail, trusting the recommendations of who I sit next to on the plane, a story reply, curiosity of a stranger next to me or an overheard conversation. Those spontaneous connections are what make me feel truly grounded; they turn a simple trip into a real adventure. It’s in those inspired chats and unexpected detours that I feel most connected, not just to the place, but to the people who make it breathe.

Travel has always provided the backdrop for my best memories and the start of my favourite friendships. By chasing the sun and staying open to the “right now,” we found places that felt effortless yet unforgettable.

Below, I’ve linked my posts from each trip so you can experience what I’ve stumbled across from these journeys....

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