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!

10 Must-Have Items For A 'Travel Go Bag' - Always Be Prepared

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.

Charles Schwab - The World's Best Debit Card For Travel - One Year Around The World

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.

Amazon.com: Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris : Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson, Alba Baptista, Lucas Bravo, Ellen Thomas, Rose Williams, Jason Isaacs, Anthony Fabian, Anthony Fabian, Xavier Marchand, Guillaume Benski, Carroll

Favorite Podcast - The Earful Tower is still my #1

The Earful Tower

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

Read why I love it HERE.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® 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

Find it here

The Temporary European: Lessons And Confessions Of A Professional Traveler

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.

Countries in Europe word cloud concept. Vector illustration Stock Vector | Adobe Stock

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.

Linger in a museum.

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…

Subscribe now

Happy Travels,

Amy

Big Story Living

Amy's Top Travel Picks