Amanda Blakley
Amanda Blakley
Ask me about
My Story
Vacationist, mom of two, constant tourist with an appetite for adventure. Part-time travel writer, full-time trip curator living the southern California dream in Malibu.
My Travel Style
I love a unique adventure; I always keep a pulse on the destinations that go beyond Top 10 lists. I live for unique hotels and amazing hospitality, and I’m a firm believer that a good hotel should offer the ultimate experience in hospitality: a fine balance between feeling at home and like a treasured guest. I’m all about balance, and I pace my trips consciously and intentionally to balance research and serendipitous experiences. It’s not all about luxury nor is it all low brow – but I never say no to a meal at a busy street stand or night market, or the opportunity to hang with the locals.
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My reviews (3)
Gary E.
3 months ago
Amanda always provides prompt and thoughtful service; her advice is so important for travel to new places ... and I love how she engages others with more expertise if needed. A delightful experience each time!
Gary E.
3 months ago
All communication was clear and consistent and thoughtful. Most of the Alaska portion was done by Discover Holidays. I think she is darn near perfect as a travel agent and advisor.
Clare A.
2 years ago
Amanda is always a total pleasure to work with. Her perks are fabulous and she’s quick to cut through the noise of all the options to help someone make a decision on where to stay. She also knows her clients well which allows her to make recommendations that are spot on.
Gary E.
3 months ago
Amanda always provides prompt and thoughtful service; her advice is so important for travel to new places ... and I love how she engages others with more expertise if needed. A delightful experience each time!
Gary E.
3 months ago
All communication was clear and consistent and thoughtful. Most of the Alaska portion was done by Discover Holidays. I think she is darn near perfect as a travel agent and advisor.
Clare A.
2 years ago
Amanda is always a total pleasure to work with. Her perks are fabulous and she’s quick to cut through the noise of all the options to help someone make a decision on where to stay. She also knows her clients well which allows her to make recommendations that are spot on.
My travel ideas (4)
Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This architecturally rich respite in the Guanajuato state is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Mexico City, and it boasts a thriving art scene, a fascinating historical center and a vibrant heritage. A visit here isn't complete without taking advantage of spa treatments, vegan eats, organic coffee-shop sips and hikes. Even after a few days gallivanting around the Mexican gem, you won’t get enough of the vibrant culture, colors, sounds and tastes it has to offer. I've rounded up some of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende in this guide, and can always customize recommendations based on your travel style.
Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This architecturally rich respite in the Guanajuato state is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Mexico City, and it boasts a thriving art scene, a fascinating historical center and a vibrant heritage. A visit here isn't complete without taking advantage of spa treatments, vegan eats, organic coffee-shop sips and hikes. Even after a few days gallivanting around the Mexican gem, you won’t get enough of the vibrant culture, colors, sounds and tastes it has to offer. I've rounded up some of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende in this guide, and can always customize recommendations based on your travel style.
Country Retreat to The Berkshires
A country retreat for city folk with a history dating back to the early 1800s, you might call her old-fashioned – but there is nothing stodgy about the beautiful Berkshires. You’ll find elegant homesteads and gilded-age mansions, gardens aplenty, picturesque Americana towns, antique shops and a food trail to rival any farm-to-table culinary destination.
Country Retreat to The Berkshires
A country retreat for city folk with a history dating back to the early 1800s, you might call her old-fashioned – but there is nothing stodgy about the beautiful Berkshires. You’ll find elegant homesteads and gilded-age mansions, gardens aplenty, picturesque Americana towns, antique shops and a food trail to rival any farm-to-table culinary destination.
Family-Friendly Guide to Mexico City
There’s just something about Mexico City that reels you in. It’s not charming like Venice, exotic like Marrakech or romantic like Capri, but it has something else, something alluring. As if you just need to know more, stay a while longer, visit her back roads, eat all her street food, walk all her colorful streets, soak up her spirit. There is an energy that is synonymous with the Mexican culture as a whole, but it’s intensified here.
Family always comes first and I love watching the multi-generational packs of people who gather on the weekends in the city’s gorgeous parks to share a meal. Food and children are such a central part of Mexican culture.
The city’s colours, smells and the warmth of its inhabitants all contribute to making CDMX one of the world’s emerging cultural centres — replete with some of the best food, breathtaking public parks, playgrounds, art and a youthful energy to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. Uncover this special place with this family-friendly guide to Mexico City.
Family-Friendly Guide to Mexico City
There’s just something about Mexico City that reels you in. It’s not charming like Venice, exotic like Marrakech or romantic like Capri, but it has something else, something alluring. As if you just need to know more, stay a while longer, visit her back roads, eat all her street food, walk all her colorful streets, soak up her spirit. There is an energy that is synonymous with the Mexican culture as a whole, but it’s intensified here.
Family always comes first and I love watching the multi-generational packs of people who gather on the weekends in the city’s gorgeous parks to share a meal. Food and children are such a central part of Mexican culture.
The city’s colours, smells and the warmth of its inhabitants all contribute to making CDMX one of the world’s emerging cultural centres — replete with some of the best food, breathtaking public parks, playgrounds, art and a youthful energy to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. Uncover this special place with this family-friendly guide to Mexico City.
Best Things to Do in Malibu
Far enough away from the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills and Hollywood, Malibu offers a more relaxed Southern California experience, one in tune with nature. The fresh ocean breeze means the temperatures are rarely too hot or too cold and, on most nights, you can see the constellations in the sky. The quintessential postcard vistas will have you daydreaming long after you’ve returned home!
Best Things to Do in Malibu
Far enough away from the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills and Hollywood, Malibu offers a more relaxed Southern California experience, one in tune with nature. The fresh ocean breeze means the temperatures are rarely too hot or too cold and, on most nights, you can see the constellations in the sky. The quintessential postcard vistas will have you daydreaming long after you’ve returned home!
Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This architecturally rich respite in the Guanajuato state is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Mexico City, and it boasts a thriving art scene, a fascinating historical center and a vibrant heritage. A visit here isn't complete without taking advantage of spa treatments, vegan eats, organic coffee-shop sips and hikes. Even after a few days gallivanting around the Mexican gem, you won’t get enough of the vibrant culture, colors, sounds and tastes it has to offer. I've rounded up some of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende in this guide, and can always customize recommendations based on your travel style.
Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This architecturally rich respite in the Guanajuato state is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Mexico City, and it boasts a thriving art scene, a fascinating historical center and a vibrant heritage. A visit here isn't complete without taking advantage of spa treatments, vegan eats, organic coffee-shop sips and hikes. Even after a few days gallivanting around the Mexican gem, you won’t get enough of the vibrant culture, colors, sounds and tastes it has to offer. I've rounded up some of the best things to do in San Miguel de Allende in this guide, and can always customize recommendations based on your travel style.
Country Retreat to The Berkshires
A country retreat for city folk with a history dating back to the early 1800s, you might call her old-fashioned – but there is nothing stodgy about the beautiful Berkshires. You’ll find elegant homesteads and gilded-age mansions, gardens aplenty, picturesque Americana towns, antique shops and a food trail to rival any farm-to-table culinary destination.
Country Retreat to The Berkshires
A country retreat for city folk with a history dating back to the early 1800s, you might call her old-fashioned – but there is nothing stodgy about the beautiful Berkshires. You’ll find elegant homesteads and gilded-age mansions, gardens aplenty, picturesque Americana towns, antique shops and a food trail to rival any farm-to-table culinary destination.
Family-Friendly Guide to Mexico City
There’s just something about Mexico City that reels you in. It’s not charming like Venice, exotic like Marrakech or romantic like Capri, but it has something else, something alluring. As if you just need to know more, stay a while longer, visit her back roads, eat all her street food, walk all her colorful streets, soak up her spirit. There is an energy that is synonymous with the Mexican culture as a whole, but it’s intensified here.
Family always comes first and I love watching the multi-generational packs of people who gather on the weekends in the city’s gorgeous parks to share a meal. Food and children are such a central part of Mexican culture.
The city’s colours, smells and the warmth of its inhabitants all contribute to making CDMX one of the world’s emerging cultural centres — replete with some of the best food, breathtaking public parks, playgrounds, art and a youthful energy to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. Uncover this special place with this family-friendly guide to Mexico City.
Family-Friendly Guide to Mexico City
There’s just something about Mexico City that reels you in. It’s not charming like Venice, exotic like Marrakech or romantic like Capri, but it has something else, something alluring. As if you just need to know more, stay a while longer, visit her back roads, eat all her street food, walk all her colorful streets, soak up her spirit. There is an energy that is synonymous with the Mexican culture as a whole, but it’s intensified here.
Family always comes first and I love watching the multi-generational packs of people who gather on the weekends in the city’s gorgeous parks to share a meal. Food and children are such a central part of Mexican culture.
The city’s colours, smells and the warmth of its inhabitants all contribute to making CDMX one of the world’s emerging cultural centres — replete with some of the best food, breathtaking public parks, playgrounds, art and a youthful energy to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. Uncover this special place with this family-friendly guide to Mexico City.