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Happy New Year Ajala!

This time last year, so much of what I'd assumed my life would be had unraveled.

It felt like divine intervention that I had flights to Sal, Cape Verde (reluctantly pre-booked in 2024). As soon as I landed, I kept moving by buying another flight to Praia, then to São Vicente, then a ferry here and there. That blessing unfolded into an island-hopping walking holiday across Cape Verde. And somewhere between the crashing waves at the cliff's edge, the echo of laughter in lush green valleys, and the cool breeze amongst the sand dunes, I found my first glimmer of hope for the year. Clarity.

Sometimes the clear path forward isn't found in planning, it's found in moving. In putting one foot in front of the other, literally.

Today's newsletter is in partnership with Intrepid, spotlighting their immersive REI Travel outdoor group tours. Think hiking, trekking, adventuring and, ultimately connecting with places, with people, with yourself.

Maybe that's exactly what you need this year?

Adventure outside the ordinary

What happens when one of the most trusted specialty outdoor retailers, REI Co-op, teams up with the world's largest travel company, Intrepid Travel? You get a unique collection of active trips that offer meaningful, immersive travel experiences in the outdoors.

It’s travel inspired by REI, operated by Intrepid. Think community farm stays in Costa Rica, camping in Joshua Tree’s wild backcountry, cycling in Peru’s Sacred Valley, or sleeping in mountain huts before summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

So, where will you go? Explore more than 85 destinations worldwide with a small group of up to 16, and an expert local leader who’ll help you to truly experience the destination.

REI Co-op members save 15% on REI Exclusive trips and receive a 20% off coupon to use at REI Co-op after booking REI Recommended trips.

Find your next adventure

_{For T&Cs and to view the full collection of trips in 85+ destinations, visit rei.com/travel.}

P.S. Prefer to wander independently but want someone in your corner doing the legwork? I’m helping travellers like you plan affordable, seamless trips without the overwhelm. Book a consultation call with me and let's go in 2026✈️

Flight Deals 📉🤝✈️

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My 2025 Travel Wrapped

I’ve had a lot of fun looking back at my 2025 travel, it was a pretty spontaneous one thats left me with 0.5 days of annual leave until March buttt It was so very worth it! 😆

The full presentation is on Instagram but a standout data point I need to share is just how little I spent across all my escapades:

As someone who was heading towards spending triple this on yearly travel (before the good Lord intervened!) I'm genuinely impressed.

I’m also reminded that I really need to be shouting and sharing that you can have amazing adventures on a mid-range budget. Real experiences, proper exploration, lots of side quests… Travel isn’t just for the luxurious rich and those willing to live off instant noodles in dingy hostels.

So stick around as I circle back to sharing those tips and tricks here. And if you're not already following along on Instagram, come join me as I pledge to show more deals and how-to’s there (I’m working towards 1,000 followers y’all). Let's make mind-altering travel experiences more affordable and accessible.

If you’d like to support me for free as you plan your trip beyond the flights please use my links before making your booking. It does not affect the cost of your order at all but it gives me a high-five to keep going.

Accommodation: Booking.com / Agoda / Expedia / Activities: Get your Guide / Trip.com / Klook / Staying Connected: Airalo e-sim