Amy's Top Travel Picks
Amy's Top Travel Picks
Packing, podcasts, credit cards and more
It’s All Tried, True and Loved By Me…Please Enjoy All the Links
Cheers! Today I decided to take a bunch of my previous newsletters and combine them into a one-stop location for all the travel goodness. Below you will see everything from what I pack to the tools I use to get there and even a few suggestions for traveling from home when you can’t hop on a plane just yet. Everything is linked. Enjoy!
My International Packing List
Click here for my personal, must-have travel items and all the links. I have used and love everything that you’ll discover. Two-thumbs up on the entire list!
An Additional Winter Packing List
Shoes
I always pack two pairs of shoes, no matter the season. For winter, when there is potential for snow and slush, in addition to my leather Adidas, I always pack waterproof and warm street shoes…no hikers for city travel, please. But, of course, hikers are totally approved for winter hiking in Iceland. :)
I love these SO MUCH. They mimic black Converse high tops and don’t make me stand out too much as a tourist. This winter I’m planning to add an even more dressy style street shoe because I’m off to Italy where shoes are evidently a thing. I’ll probably go for something more like this.
Puffy coat with Inside Pocket
I adore my Patagonia mid-length puffer. Whichever coat you choose, just make certain that it has an inside zipper pocket for storing your passport, money and charger without having to carry a bag or purse in the weather. Hands-free travel is the best!
Long Underwear
Cuddl Duds are my go-to…but honestly, I kind of hate long underwear and would much rather wear a knee length Patagonia puffer to keep my legs warm. Women’s Bottoms Top
Hat/Gloves/Scarf
My number one criteria is that these have to be cute, basic and not itchy. For me, anything Cuddl Duds is ideal. I usually buy these pieces at Kohl’s.
Socks
Hand Warmers
Charles Schwab Card - My #1 choice as a travel debit card
Zero transaction fees at ATMs EVERYWHERE!
After experiencing an Austrian Christmas market on a Monday when all banks were closed and no one wanted to take my credit card, I will never travel again without my Charles Schwab debit card. It works at every ATM worldwide and there are ZERO transaction fees, which are generally killer on most other debit cards available.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris - A great theater escape for the weekend
Go, go, go! This movie is sweet and kind and real. For me, it can’t get much better than that. Though you don’t get a huge Paris vibe throughout the entire movie, it’s still a lovely little getaway.
Favorite Podcast - The Earful Tower is still my #1
Amy’s Top Podcasts
Favorite Carry-On - I never want to travel again without my Tortuga.
In my opinion, there is nothing better. Here is the best deal I have found for women and men. And here you’ll find a newsletter I wrote about why I only travel with a Tortuga carry-on. (FYI-I’m not sponsored by Tortuga. I just LOVE them.)
Go-To Mileage Credit Card - Hands down the best card for all of us European travel lovers
American Airline Platinum Select Citi Card
My Most Used Travel Site - Rome2Rio.com
See here why Rome2Rio is my first stop when planning any holiday.
Fave Travel Read - for today…but it will surely change tomorrow
Best Book for Learning to Travel for Almost Free - a shameless plug :)
It’s the best $10 you can spend today…in my humble opinion. Spend just $10 and save thousands!
Amy’s Dream Off-Season Travel Location
Literally anywhere in Europe! Off-season is THE BEST. No lines. No crowds. cheaper tickets. Cheaper lodging.
Do you want to go with me? Check our Big Story Living Curated Journeys today and add your name to the waitlist for Fall 2023. Comment below or leave a message at bigstoryliving.com.
My Favorite Ways to Travel at Home
Peruse an international grocery store and purchase things you’ve never tried. Then go have a picnic and enjoy your bounty.
Slow the pace and be creative.
Listen to travel podcasts.
And, of course, binge all the Netflix travel and food shows.
I think I’ll go do that now…
Happy Travels,
Amy
If there is something travel related that you think is great and would like to share, I'd love for you to tell us about it here in the comments.