School
Seton Hall University
Expertise
Culinary Travel, Trip Research, Hospitality
- An avid consumer of food news and frequent traveler, Amanda loves nothing more than recommending bars and restaurants around the world to friends and strangers alike.
- She has swum with whale sharks in La Paz, Mexico and galloped on horseback through the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
- Fluent in Spanish and confident in the basics of French and Italian, Amanda prioritizes learning key words and phrases in the language of wherever she travels.
Experience
Amanda has spent almost a decade each in New York and now Los Angeles, allowing her to explore those cities and surrounding areas extensively. As a chef and writer, Amanda is keen on the culinary and cultural aspects of travel and researches extensively before any trip.
Education
Amanda has a bachelor's degree in Communications and Spanish from Seton Hall University, where she wrote for the school newspaper. She is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute's Chef Training Program in NYC.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
-
Illinois
By Amanda Berrill 11 months ago
Illinois can boast big city charm with Chicago, but this suburb nearby has a vibrant downtown while placing more emphasis on nature's calm beauty.
Read More
-
Restaurants
By Amanda Berrill August 8th, 2025
Travel expert Rick Steves has plenty of info about dining in Europe. In a conversation with his friends, he unpacks how Italian and American restaurants differ.
Read More
-
Washington
By Amanda Berrill July 21st, 2025
Seattle is known for its food, but these four trendy districts are known for making up the Washington's walkable wine country with accessible tasting rooms.
Read More
-
Europe
By Amanda Berrill June 30th, 2025
Discover the lesser-known town in Italy that features Roman-style structures made from a stone that glows in the light, creating a beautiful scene.
Read More
-
California
By Amanda Berrill June 21st, 2025
Just minutes from the heart of Santa Barbara is a park boasting a scenic (yet challenging) hike with stunning views of wildlife and the Pacific Ocean.
Read More
-
New Hampshire
By Amanda Berrill June 18th, 2025
This picturesque New Hampshire lakeside gem holds the title of America's oldest summer resort town, boasting centuries of history on pristine waters.
Read More
-
Europe
By Amanda Berrill June 1st, 2025
When it comes to immersing yourself in the local culture of France, travel expert Rick Steves insists that these weekly occurences are not to be missed.
Read More
-
Oregon
By Amanda Berrill May 13th, 2025
This small town is packed with activities for lovers of art, outdoorspeople with a penchant for tree climbing, and those who enjoy a nice glass of pinot noir.
Read More
-
Europe
By Amanda Berrill May 4th, 2025
This beautiful resort town is the perfect place for a quintessential summer in Portugal, complete with gorgeous limestone rock formations and golden sands.
Read More
-
Australia
By Amanda Berrill April 20th, 2025
This beautiful Australian island has undergone major rebuilding and is now home to an incredibly luxe hotel. Here's why you should go on your next trip.
Read More
-
Dining
By Amanda Berrill April 8th, 2025
If you're hankering for an authentic French cuisine experience with an incredible view, this café in New York's Adirondacks has you covered.
Read More
-
Tips and Hacks
By Amanda Berrill April 1st, 2025
Good manners are important when traveling, especially if you plan to take the train. Follow Rick Steves' etiquette tip to be a polite passenger.
Read More
-
Massachusetts
By Amanda Berrill March 25th, 2025
There are endless fantastic reasons to visit New England, but this tourist hotspot is not one of them and may well leave visitors underwhelmed.
Read More
-
California
By Amanda Berrill March 16th, 2025
Slot canyons are rare, and this one is especially unique — facing the Pacific Ocean between LA and San Diego, it’s a hiker’s paradise with coastal views.
Read More