OMG not another travel blog

Welcome to my little corner of the travel web! Now, I know you might be thinking, OMG not another travel blog, but you know what, I’m going to do it anyways. So here we go…I’m Angela, a bit of a gypsy (just ask my friends how many going away parties they’ve thrown me over the years…). 

Growing up on a farm, I was often left to my own devices. As soon as I got off the school bus, I’d ditch my backpack and hop on my horse to head out exploring. Those childhood adventures instilled in me a love for discovery and freedom. This sense of wanting to experience everything this world has was only amplified when I received an MS diagnosis in my early 20s. I was faced with what uncertainties my life would hold, and if I may face physical disabilities in my future which may limit my ability to do this. I realized if not now, then when, and it kind of altered how I lived my whole life. I knew I wanted to travel. 

Ok, back to the good stuff – I’m typically a budget backpacker…, we could blame that on my Dutch heritage or maybe just that fact I’ve never been able to afford more… either way, I’m not mad about it. Sure, I splurge occasionally, but my style leans heavily towards the “roughly planned, super affordable and lots of room for spontaneity” end of the spectrum.

Some of my most cherished memories come from my time in Malaysia, where I somehow ended up camping in a the jungle, far from Wi-Fi and surrounded by locals (the ridiculously nice, secluded white sand beaches didn’t hurt either). Days were spent reading a random book on the beach, hiking the island or snorkelling those oh such amazingbeaches *chefs kiss*. Nights were spent with a few other foreign travellers who had found their way to that side of the island and eating with the locals. We rigged up a ‘theatre’ type set up where we would watch nature documentaries under the stars and occasionally go swimming in the ocean, only to be lit up by the fluorescent algae. Yeah, I was living in a dream.  

Some of my most cherished memories come from my time in Malaysia, where I somehow ended up camping in a the jungle, far from Wi-Fi and surrounded by locals (the ridiculously nice, secluded white sand beaches didn’t hurt either). Days were spent reading a random book on the beach, hiking the island or snorkelling those oh such amazingbeaches *chefs kiss*. Nights were spent with a few other foreign travellers who had found their way to that side of the island and eating with the locals. We rigged up a ‘theatre’ type set up where we would watch nature documentaries under the stars and occasionally go swimming in the ocean, only to be lit up by the fluorescent algae. Yeah, I was living in a dream. 

I’m a big fan of local cooking classes too, because let’s face it, I fucking love food. One day I might just open a Pad Thai food truck … but then again, add it to my list of pipe dreams. When it comes to packing, I swear by the minimalist approach of a carry-on bag, which might sound funny given my weekend trip packing skills back home but I digress. There is just something nice about never fearing the loss of luggage or waiting at baggage claims ….I haaaaate waiting for anything, patience truly has never been my best virtue. 

Funding my travels has often meant working for a couple of years, followed by quitting my job, selling off everything I own and splurging on a one-way ticket somewhere, then rinse and repeat. As I hit my 30’s I recognized how unsustainable that was and started working towards a digital career, pursuing UX/UI design and ending in digital marketing and web development. This has led me to a place which allows me to work remotely and have more flexibility to live a little as a digital nomad. 

“Collect moments and memories, not things.” I hope my blog brings a smile to your face, offers a laugh, and maybe even some useful tips. Ultimately, I aim to entertain and connect, sharing my journey through the highs, lows, and everything in between.