TravelMates: Amy Boyle
Multi-talented journalist, podcaster and photographer.
This is part of my TravelMates guest interview series of some of my favourite travel writers and explorers here on Substack, where they share their travel tips, recommendations and mistakes to avoid.
Today’s guest is Amy Boyle, the writer behind Amy Boyle | Stories in Light and Sound.
Amy Boyle is a multimedia journalist, photographer, and host of the Speaking of Phenomenal podcast, based in Chicago. She founded the 52 Phenomenal Women Project to amplify women’s voices and stories.
With over 19 years of experience, her work has been featured by Oprah Daily, Broadway productions, and major brands. She now also teaches at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, shaping the next generation of storytellers.
Now let’s hear what Amy has to say!
1. When did you first fall in love with travel—and what do you remember most about that first experience?
I loved traveling as a young girl, often flying to San Diego, but honestly, the travel bug really bit me in high school.
I had the opportunity to do class in Washington, D.C., as well as attend a writing camp in Iowa. Neither destination was particularly exotic, but the magic came from being someplace new, meeting people outside of my circle, and realizing how those connections could last a lifetime.
To this day, some of those friendships are still part of my life more than 30 years later, which says everything about the power of travel to shape us.
2. What’s one destination you’ve been to that completely surprised you—and why?
Brazil, specifically the Amazon, left me completely in awe when I traveled there in 2016.
To be surrounded by such rugged, untouched beauty was unlike anything I had experienced before. At the same time, it stirred something deeper in me—the awareness of overtourism and how fragile these extraordinary places can be.
I was struck by the balance of wanting to witness it with my own eyes while also wanting it preserved for future generations.
That tension, for me, became one of the biggest lessons of that trip.
3. How do you plan and stay organised with your trips?
Packing cubes have changed the game for me.
I keep everything separated—clothes in one, camera gear in another, iPad accessories in another—so that no matter how quickly I have to move from place to place, I know exactly where everything is.
It takes away stress and makes it easy to stay organized, even in tight quarters or when hopping between multiple destinations.
I don’t always have the luxury of staying in one spot, so this simple system has made my travels smoother and more enjoyable.
Want to an easy & organised way to plan your next trip?
Get my free Travel Hub trip planning system in Notion.
4. What’s a travel tip you swear by that most people overlook?
When traveling solo, I always use one earbud for navigation.
That way, I can hear directions without needing to stare down at my phone, and I avoid looking distracted or lost. It helps me blend in while also being aware of my surroundings. The added bonus is battery life—since I’m only using one at a time, the other stays charged.
It’s a small habit, but it makes me feel safer and more confident when I’m navigating new places.
5. What’s one travel mistake you’ve made that others should avoid?
Overpacking! It’s so easy to assume you’ll need more than you actually do.
I’ve learned to cut my initial packing list in half, and it’s always been more than enough. Fewer bags mean less stress, easier mobility, and a lot less energy spent hauling things I never even use.
6. What’s your go-to strategy for finding great local food?
I start by looking at what’s unique to the region—whether it’s seafood on the coast, seasonal produce, or a dish tied to local tradition.
Then, I ask people I meet along the way: waiters, shopkeepers, even fellow travelers. I love asking not just where they like to eat but why. Their answers often reveal gems I would never find in a guidebook, and it makes every meal more personal and memorable.
7. How do you make long flights or travel days more enjoyable?
Whenever I can, I book overnight flights and aim for direct routes.
My strategy is to eat, get settled, and then do everything possible to fall asleep quickly so I arrive rested. Hydration is key, and as soon as I land, I make it a priority to get outside and keep moving.
On my recent trip to Barcelona and Paris, my son and I landed at 10 a.m. and pushed through until nearly midnight.
By the next day, we were adjusted to local time, and it made the whole trip smoother.
8. What’s always in your suitcase no matter where you go?
Postcard stamps.
I love sending postcards to friends and family, but I also send one to myself on every trip. It’s such a joy to come home and find it waiting—a little time capsule that brings me right back to a moment I didn’t want to forget.
On my most recent trip, the postcard didn’t arrive for almost three and a half weeks, but when it finally did, it felt like a gift from my traveling self.
It’s the most affordable and meaningful souvenir I can think of.
That’s a wrap!
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Don’t forget to follow Amy Boyle and keep up with her travel adventures and tips at Amy Boyle | Stories in Light and Sound and phots on Instagram.
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Thank you so much Janice! Looking forward to having you on the podcast in 2026! :)
Totally agree re the packing cubes. I resisted them for ages until my husband eventually convinced me they were a good idea. I haven't looked back.