Wanderletter #3
Slow summers, wellness rituals, and finding adventure in unexpected places
Welcome to the the Wanderletter — a bi-weekly note to help you travel slower and smarter. From reflections and mindful rituals to curated stays and smart travel tips, each edition is designed to inspire more intentional journeys, whether you’re 3,000 miles from home or simply daydreaming between meetings.
This Week’s Reflection: Slowing Down in Summer
I love summer but it has a way of rushing past me. The long and bright days are usually crammed with trips, visiting family, catching up with friends and the pressure to make the most of it. But sometimes, the most restorative escapes don’t involve boarding a plane at all.
Last week, I traded passport stamps for plush robes and spent a day at The Retreat at Elcot Park, in South England. Not at all far from home, yet it felt like a world away. I spent the day hopping from the heated outdoor swimming pool to the iced bath to the hot tub, and sauna. But the highlight was definitely their float in salt pod, a warm, cocoon-like pool filled with Epsom salts so dense you can drift without effort. 60 minutes of weightlessness, my mind stopped racing, my breathing deepened, and for the first time in weeks, I wasn’t thinking ahead. Watch this space for a full review.
Self-care often gets framed as a luxury, but it’s really maintenance, for our minds and our bodies. Experiences like this always remind me that slowing down isn’t wasted time; it’s a necessity.
Whether it’s a day spa, a walk in the park, or a slow lunch somewhere you’ve always wanted to try, give yourself permission to savour summer close to home. You might be surprised at how far you can travel without ever leaving your postcode.
Travel Ritual: Market Reconnaissance
Markets are authentic microcosms of local life, not influenced by tourists' presence which makes them one of the best ways for cultural immersion.
When I arrive in a new country, I head straight to the local market and spend the first hour purely observing the flow, where people linger versus move quickly, and which stalls draw locals versus tourists.
I love observing how locals sho. Do they freely touch the produce, or wait for the vendor to select it? This can vary greatly from one country to another. In North Africa for example, it’s common to handle fruits and vegetables yourself and pick the best pieces, while in places like France or Spain, that might raise an eyebrow. In Southern Europe, I’m equally fascinated by the greetings: some customers and vendors know each other by name, and it’s not unusual to see kisses on the cheek exchanged over a basket of tomatoes :)
And if I have extra time, I’ll do a little “shopping basket analysis.” It’s a surprisingly fun way to spot local food patterns — which vegetables everyone buys, the most popular cuts of meat or fish, even the kinds of snacks they go for. Next time you’re at a market abroad, try it! It’s like a cheat code for understanding local life.
What’s Stirring in the Travel World
Croatia has significantly upgraded its digital nomad visa. While the original allowed a one-year stay, the new program (effective 2025) will enable non-EU remote workers (and their families) to live and work in Croatia for up to three years. Applicants must meet standard requirements (proof of remote work, income threshold, insurance), but can now benefit from far greater flexibility and the chance to truly settle into life along the Adriatic.
It’s official! Spain holds the crown for clean beaches and leads the world in Blue Flag beach recognitions, with a record-breaking 749 Blue Flags awarded in 2025. Especially notable is the Valencian Community, which accounts for over 20% of these awards, earning the highest regional count with 164 Blue Flags.
Vietnam opens Its doors wider to Europe. Starting August 15, 2025, citizens from 12 more European countries—including Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland—can travel to Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. This update, lasting until August 14, 2028, is part of Vietnam’s push to reinvigorate tourism and better connect with European travellers. Previously, some exemptions required booking through tour operators but those restrictions are now lifted, making spontaneous travel to Vietnam simpler than ever.
The World’s Top “Workation” Cities for 2025 award goes to Tokyo!
According to the International Workplace Group’s latest Work from Anywhere Barometer, Tokyo ranked as the best city of choice for remote professionals, thanks to its ultra-fast internet, seamless transport, rich culture, and safety, all combined with a remote-work visa that supports up to 12 months of stay.
Rounding out the global top 10 are Rio de Janeiro, Budapest, Seoul, Barcelona, Beijing, Lisbon, Rome, Paris, and Valletta.
Checked & Curated: A Coastal Escape in Cornwall
Perched dramatically on the clifftops overlooking Fistral Beach, The Headland Hotel and Spa is a seaside sanctuary that feels both majestic and restorative. This five-star retreat combines Victorian elegance with contemporary chic — think sweeping sea views, bright suites, and indulgent spa rituals that feel so soothing after windy beach walks or a surf session. I stayed here on a short Cornish getaway and have been dreaming of going back. The food is excellent, but it’s their restaurant with panoramic sea views that truly steals the show. A highly recommended treat if you’re heading to Newquay anytime soon.
The Travel Capsule
Even though I didn’t venture far this summer, I still had a few essentials that made the season feel more intentional. I practically lived in this breezy linen shirt which pairs so effortlessly with a variety of wide-leg trousers, shorts or jeans. My weekend bag has been with me on short trips and the spa. And for self-care, I kept reaching for this lip kit from La Neige and this delicious grape water facial mist which kept my skin hydrated on hot humid days. Sometimes, the little luxuries at home make everyday life feel like a getaway.
This Week’s Travel Deals
Mediterranean Escape Deal
The end of summer is the best time to visit Europe, when the crowds thin and the prices dip. Mr & Mrs Smith are offering exclusive member-only deals on top hotels and villas, with discounts of up to 50% on non-refundable bookings, often including breakfast and a welcome drink on arrival. Take, for example, this stunning villa in Mykonos, perched above Agios Stefanos Bay, a retreat that blends modern design with coastal serenity, and the perfect Aegean escape for late-summer travellers.
Google Flights Gets Its AI Co-Pilot
Google has launched Flight Deals, a new AI-powered feature within Google Flights that revolutionaries how you search for flights. You don’t even have to specify the destination, Just describe your dream trip, —something like “a breezy seaside getaway in Europe in October with good food”—and the AI, fuelled by Gemini 2.5, will match you with real-time flight deals tailored to your vibe and timing. Currently in beta across the U.S., Canada, and India, this offering is perfect for flexible travellers who search for inspiration rather than locked-in itineraries.
On My Kindle
The Virago Book of Women Travellers
I picked this up last week and I'm hugely enjoying reading it. It’s a collection of stories from women who travelled the world long before it was common (or even acceptable) to do so. From fearless Victorians to 20th-century adventurers. What I love most is how their voices feel so alive and relatable, even across decades. Each story sparks courage and makes me feel so grateful for the freedom I have to travel today, and motivates me to say to every adventure, big or small.
That’s all for now.
If something in this edition spoke to you, hit reply — I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for reading Awakened Voyages! if you enjoyed this content, please recommend this publication.
I love the name wanderletter
Beautiful post to wake up to today Ibtissam!