Location
Washington, D.C.
School
The George Washington University
Expertise
Culinary Travel, Traveling on a Budget, Film Tourism
- Ana has lived on three continents and has been to over 20 countries.
- She is particularly passionate about the arts everywhere she travels, especially their music and film scenes.
- She has traveled to several different countries to attend film festivals as a member of the press.
Experience
Ana is a writer and educator who is passionate about teaching and storytelling. She has taught writing, literature, and film to teenagers and young adults and is currently a Writing Coach in an after-school center in McLean, Virginia. Ana also writes film reviews and analyses. She has studied in Peru, Belgium, the United States, and Czechia. Ana has also worked in corporate communications in the past, creating newsletters and social media content for various companies.
Education
Valeria earned her M.A. in English from The George Washington University.
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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Just a quick drive from the nation's capital is a delightful little suburb. If you want to escape the city, this is the perfect spot to unwind.
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Air Travel
By Ana Herrera
Travelers from Maine might want to consider bringing their passport next time they head to the airport, unless they want to run into unexpected complications.
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A dedicated trail in the Pacific Northwest takes patrons on a scenic trek through the majestic Columbia River Gorge to award-winning breweries.
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This South American capital has some of the most crowded streets in the world. Beat rush hour with these tips, and you'll be cruising around like a local.
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Travel Gear
By Ana Herrera
If juggling your luggage and your pet's carrier through the airport is a hassle, this carry-on might be the game-changing solution you need.
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Tips and Hacks
By Ana Herrera
One of America's most popular budget airlines is making big changes. Now, you'll want to book 2 one-way tickets instead of a round-trip, or risk losing money.
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Dog owners planning a camping trip to Lake Tahoe need to learn about these important health warnings from local officials about flea-related risks.
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Tips and Hacks
By Ana Herrera
Heading on a beach vacation or planning to sit by the pool? Consider bringing this game-changer in your bag for the ultimate experience.
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If you don't like sleeping in a tent because of what might be lurking out there in the darkness, this DIY perimeter alarm will help you sleep much more easily.
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A cruise can seem like a relaxing and fun way to experience a new area of the world, but the reality of it all might be much different than you expect.
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Avoid running into any vacation-ruining hassles by skipping this one hotel amenity that's more trouble than it's worth.
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American tourists may not realize hidden price differences when they buy produce, meats, and cheeses some of Europe's most famous open-air and street markets
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Tips and Hacks
By Ana Herrera
For a more authentic travel experience, Rick Steves has some expert advice to avoid crowds and overpriced restaurants and live like the locals do on your trip.
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Tips and Hacks
By Ana Herrera
Tourists headed to Washington, D.C. might be caught or delayed due to this typical D.C. experience — know how to plan for it to have the best vacation.
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Tips and Hacks
By Ana Herrera
When traveling, don't forget to leave space in your bag for souvenirs and other keepsakes. To make room, consider nixing this list of bulky, unneeded items.
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Tips and Hacks
By Ana Herrera
Airline help should be a click away, but Google search results can be misleading, and even costly. Here's what travelers should know before dialing.
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For serious birders, the off the beaten path destinations in this country are well worth it. After all, this nation is second in the world for bird diversity.
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Budget Friendly
By Ana Herrera
This alternative to long-term car rentals in Europe is less expensive but promises you a new vehicle without hassles like deductibles and age restrictions.
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Travel Gear
By Ana Herrera
Despite being hailed as the most comfortable option, Rick Steves believes this popular luggage style can have serious drawbacks for casual travelers.
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Air Travel
By Ana Herrera
An actor’s innocent reading material nearly got him detained by TSA during what should have been routine airport screening. Could the same happen to you?
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Tips and Hacks
By Ana Herrera
Looking for a cheaper hotel stay? Discover the insider move that can score you better rates, bonus amenities, and upgrades without the hassle.
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Tips and Hacks
By Ana Herrera
If you're short on luggage space, you may be tempted to try vacuum-sealing your clothes in plastic bags, but there are several reasons to skip this hack.
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Tips and Hacks
By Ana Herrera
Social media is filled with clever travel tips that make our lives easier. If you want to get around the 3-1-1 liquid ban, try this TikTok-approved hack.
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A Southern state leads the nation in toll costs, with soaring rates on highways, bridges, and tunnels driving up expenses for commuters and travelers.
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United States
By Ana Herrera
International tourists face a new cost when applying for U.S. visas. Learn what the change means and how it may impact your travel plans to the country.
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Air Travel
By Ana Herrera
Dried coconut may seem like the perfect flight snack thanks to its light weight, shelf stability, and flavor, but it could be dangerous on a plane.
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Oahu offers travelers spectacular hiking. This lush forest trail leads to an epic waterfall, but is easy enough for all. You can explore nearby attractions too.
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