Location
Oaxaca De Juarez, Mexico
School
SOAS University Of London, University Of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, London School Of Journalism
Expertise
Latin America Travel, Middle East Travel, Slow Travel
- In 2022, SJ joined the team at National Geographic Traveller as a project editor, contributing many stories to the magazine as a writer and editor.
- In 2023, SJ made her first contribution to a book, writing a chapter entry for Lonely Planet based on her travels in Colombia.
- SJ has written several cover features for magazines with a distribution of more than 250,000.
Experience
SJ has worked as a professional travel writer since late 2019. Originating from London, she writes for many of the most prestigious titles in the UK, including most of its major newspapers and top selling travel magazines. She's rarely found at home, however, having been travelling for six and a half years and researching stories in 100+ countries and six continents.
Education
SJ holds a BA (Hons) in Literature and History from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and an MA in Postcolonialism Studies from SOAS (University of London). She also undertook a course on Feature and Travel Writing at the London School of Journalism.
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.
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Travel back in time to appreciate the vintage fall vibes and old school beauty of New England by following a lesser traveled path that always delivers.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Eat, drink, and dance the night away after spending the day lounging on the incredible beaches of this quiet, majestic, and subtle Caribbean destination.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
This old, underrated English city is deemed ‘the birthplace of tourism,’ offering a unique blend of history, culture, and attractions dating back centuries.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
When all you want is to try extraordinary wines and delicious food without dealing with throngs of tourists, this French destination offers a quieter time.
By SJ Armstrong
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Destinations
By SJ Armstrong
Combine history and culture with stunning tropical beauty - not to mention amazing resorts - when spending your vacation in the oldest city in the Philippines.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Sweden boasts many charming, friendly islands, but if you can only visit one, make sure it's this simple yet delightful spot with beautiful scenery.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Tourists from near and far have been visiting this historical landmark beach in New England for so long, and it's still a great spot for a family getaway.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Micronesia is home to many islands boasting unique charm and incredibly preserved culture, and this warm, welcoming destination is a shining example.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Tired of the crowded tourist scene of coastal Maine? Head to the cheaper alternative farther up north in Canada for scenic hikes and whale-watching.
By SJ Armstrong
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Destinations
By SJ Armstrong
If you're looking for a quaint out-of-the-way spot in South America with incredible vistas and magnificent coffee, we have a suggestion for you.
By SJ Armstrong
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Destinations
By SJ Armstrong
When it comes to an Australian vacation, Sydney is often the top choice; however, this west coast city opens up so many more amazing opportunities.
By SJ Armstrong
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Destinations
By SJ Armstrong
Drawing comparisons to Yosemite is always a good thing, and visitors to this beautiful Balkan national park know that the praise is warranted.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
For stunning surroundings and deep, rich culture and history, few destinations top this budget-friendly South American capital that begs to be explored.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Once one of the deadliest cities in the world, this South American destination is as abundant with natural beauty as it is a beacon of innovation and progress.
By SJ Armstrong
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Destinations
By SJ Armstrong
Adventurous travelers flock to Banff for its unbelievable beauty and epic hiking trails, but this nearby national park is just as nice with fewer visitors.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Delicious cuisine is the cornerstone of many European vacations, but travelers should expect to pay a lot more when visiting this pair of cities.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Brazil has many beaches, but one of the most beautiful and remote is on an island paradise hardly touched by tourists - just remember to bring cash.
By SJ Armstrong
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Travel Guides
By SJ Armstrong
Montenegro is a tourist hotspot, but it also features one delightfully cheap city, perfect for exploring lakes, mountains, and Montenegrin wine on a budget.
By SJ Armstrong
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