A Bit about me
Hello and welcome to my site. My name is Amabel, and I’m the content creator behind all the articles you’ll find here on Classy Travel Guides.
I’m a UK-based travel writer, rooftop cocktail-aholic, and full-time overthinker.
I live in an unremarkable town called Solihull in the Midlands. The best thing about where I live is that it’s close to the airport… which should tell you everything you need to know.
I’ve always loved to travel, ever since I can remember. I recently re-discovered the travel journals I kept from a trip to Australia to visit relatives when I was about 7 or 8.
Some of the scathing reviews I would write for the airports and hotels would have you in stitches… I guess I always had impossibly high standards, even as a child.
But the journals couldn’t hide my excitement. The giddy anticipation of the next destination, and Willy-Wonka-style wonder of everything we saw, scrawled in biro next to stapled in ticket stubs.
I created Classy Travel Guides to capture that same feeling – the one I still feel every time I go away somewhere – and bottle it up to share with you all. It’s a place where I detail everything you need to know about that place you’ve been dreaming of, from practical tips for visiting to inspirational pieces to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
If you love drop-dead gorgeous destinations, stylish spots to eat and drink, and itineraries to take you far beyond the tourist traps – this website is for you.
From COVID Redundant to Full-Time Travel blogger
I lost my awesome job as a writer at a travel magazine in August 2020. At the time, I was devastated.
Luckily (or so I thought), I landed another job within a matter of weeks at a publishing company. There, I worked as the deputy editor for multiple titles (including one luxury travel magazine).
What seemed like my dream job on paper turned out to be a total disaster. Not only was the workplace toxic, but the work was menial, and the entire business model was completely unethical. I’ll spare you the details, but safe to say, this was the job that led me to become completely disillusioned by the concept of full-time employment.
I realised the only person looking out for me, was me, and there’s no such thing as a ‘stable job’.
I spent 6 months working from 6am, on my commute, through my lunch break, and late into the night to launch my freelance writing business, Classy Copy. I finally quit my toxic job in September 2021 and walked out of there feeling like a weight had been lifted.
Now, I write for a range of businesses in the luxury travel and lifestyle niche, as well as for all of you lovely people right here on this blog.
I might still work like crazy but at least I’m finally working my dream job, with no boss to tell me whether or not I can take a holiday…
3 of My All-Time Favourite Destinations
Val-d’Isère
I spent 6 months in my early 20s doing a winter season in the glitzy ski resort of Val d’Isere, where I traded blood, sweat, and tears in a tiny chalet kitchen for endless golden days on the piste. Every year we go still feels like going home.
Italy
Nope, I can’t pick a specific destination in Italy. They’re all too perfect. Italy has everything; food, views, culture, style, adventure… the list is endless. I also got engaged to my long-suffering high school sweetheart on the Amalfi Coast, so I may be a little biased.
Barbados
We’ve been to Barbados for New Year’s Eve twice in a row now and the island has a certain magic that’s more than a little addictive. For dreamy tropical sunsets, barefoot luxury, and iconic parties under the moonlight, you can’t go wrong.
Want to Know More About Me?
Follow me on Insta to stay up to date with the latest travels! If you have a burning question you want to ask or want to work with me, simply drop me a line on the contact page. I’d love to share my media kit and chat about how I can promote your brand.
