My Most Unforgettable Destinations of 2023!

Happy holidays! I wasn't going to post this on Christmas since I knew that no one would read it. I don't have that big of an ego...yet. 😏

Since this is the last issue of the year, let's rewind and take a trip down memory lane! Here are the top destinations that amazed me in 2023:
 

1. Kansas City, Missouri - Despite my reservations, this city turned out to be a hidden gem! Despite my initial reservations due to the Super Bowl win against my hometown team, the Eagles, I was pleasantly surprised by Kansas City. The city is renowned for its barbecue, particularly the burnt ends. The live music scene in Kansas City is exceptional, thanks to its history as a hub for jazz clubs during Prohibition. To my surprise, Kansas City is home to some of the best museums in the country, including the World War I Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
   
    
2. Montreal, Canada - Get ready to fall in love with Montreal's charm! Montreal offers a taste of Paris on the east coast, with its great food, rich culture, and friendly Canadian hospitality. It's conveniently located just a few hours away, making it an accessible destination. I recommend visiting during the summer to avoid the cold Canadian winters.
   
    
3. Nashville, Tennessee - Nashville surprised me in the best way possible! Initially, I was hesitant to visit Nashville due to its mainstream popularity. However, Nashville exceeded my expectations. Whether you're a fan of country music or not, there's plenty to enjoy in Music City. The food is fantastic, including the famous Nashville hot chicken. The city also boasts great museums, such as the National Museum of African American Art. The locals are incredibly friendly, and I made some friends during my visit that I'm eager to reconnect with.
   
    
4. Paris, France (Still working on article) - Ahh, the city of love! Paris is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the world and should be on everyone's bucket list. The city is known for its incredible food, especially the pastries. Along with exploring Paris, consider taking side trips to places like Versailles. To truly appreciate all that Paris has to offer, I suggest dedicating at least a week for your visit.
   
    
5. Sao Paulo, Brazil - The vibrant city of Sao Paulo will steal your heart. Sao Paulo is one of the largest cities in South America and is often referred to as the "Brazilian New York." It offers a great combination of food, culture, weather, and friendly people. I recommend spending at least a month there (if you can) to fully experience all that Brazil has to offer.
    

These are my top recommendations from my 2023 travels. I am grateful for all of your support this past year.

If there are any places you’d like me to explore in 2024, please reply to this email, and I’ll do my best to make it happen!

Keep traveling✈️,

Andrew

What was your favorite travel destination of 2023?

Cocktail of the Week

One international cocktail from Poland is the Krakow Old Fashioned. The Krakow Old Fashioned is a modern twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, created in Krakow, Poland. It combines the rich history of the Old Fashioned with local Polish ingredients and flavors, giving it a unique twist.

Recipe:

• 60ml vodka
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• Orange peel for garnish

Preparation:

1. In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the honey and bitters until well combined.
2. Add vodka and stir until honey is dissolved.
3. Fill the glass with ice and stir for about 20 seconds to chill the drink.
4. Garnish with an orange peel twist and serve.

Random Travel Thought

Connects aren’t your friends.

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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