Amber Gibson
She/Her
Based in Chicago and Los Angeles
Mandarin
Trip budgets start at $1000/night
Amber Gibson
Ask me about
My Story
Journalist specializing in luxury travel, food, wine and wellness with bylines in Condé Nast Traveler, Departures, Hemispheres, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet and Fodor's.
Travel Style
For most of the past decade, I lived in hotels, spending 340 nights a year in the best and newest hotels and resorts around the world. I have up-to-date insider tips and intel for luxury travelers, foodies and honeymooning couples. I'm the kind of traveler who will book a restaurant reservation before I book flights or a hotel, and enjoy the right balance of fine dining and street food. Champagne, dark chocolate and gelato are my greatest weaknesses.
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Reviews (5)
Bhargavi V.
22 days ago
This was my first time using Fora much less a travel advisor. And as someone who has booked her own travel for a long time, I am now officially converted. I appreciate the expertise and personal experience guarantee that Amber provided when I came to her with a blank slate on wanting to travel somewhere far and remote and accessible. She immediately understood what I was looking for: the level of luxury and what would fit within the budget I provided. In fact she came in under budget - not something you can say often with vendors.
Furthermore on the property itself, what I appreciated is having someone to voice concerns with so that they could advocate on your behalf. And that, I would say, is the main reason I intend to use Fora as a consideration going forward.
The one caveat if you are a points collector is that you might not be able to collect points on trips booked through the advisor. I think that is worth noting, especially for those who book their travel through redeeming hefty points and where collecting matters.
Specific to Amber's service, I would highly recommend her, especially given that she comes from an extensive background reviewing visiting researching and writing about luxury travel. I really also appreciated the patience and personalized touch with her work. And for celebrating a milestone birthday like I did, Amber hit all the notes correctly.
So thank you.
Doug B.
a month ago
It was clear that Amber, our travel advisor, was very familiar with the property. This provided a flawless stay experience for my family. We are grateful to have some like Amber planning our travel.
Makoto C.
4 months ago
To be honest, my girlfriend had to convince me to use a travel advisor. This was a first for me, and I didn't really understand the value...
But it took just 30 seconds into check-in, for me to realize the error of my ways. My room has been upgraded to one twice as nice, the Maybach house car that I had mentioned once was waiting for me to takeout to dinner, and I was in store for a free breakfast the following morning.
With my boy math, the whole trip basically felt free, and that is ignoring the personal letter from my travel advisor sitting by a bottle of bubbles next to the bed. The benefits paid for themself, and that's ignoring the fact that I could turn off my brain and just actually enjoy a vacation. 10/10 would recommend
Gavin C.
2 years ago
Amber is the best I have ever worked with, and I have worked with a great many advisors. She is very intuitive in understanding what I like and finding me the perfect hotel location and property. Always has a nice welcome gift for me too.
Kelsey B.
2 years ago
I couldn't ask for a better advisor than Amber! We reached out looking for some guidance on a last-minute trip to Vancouver, and she got back to us with amazing suggestions in under 24 hours. What was originally a very stressful trip to plan quickly became a fully fleshed out vacation within just a few days. Thank you, Amber!
Bhargavi V.
22 days ago
This was my first time using Fora much less a travel advisor. And as someone who has booked her own travel for a long time, I am now officially converted. I appreciate the expertise and personal experience guarantee that Amber provided when I came to her with a blank slate on wanting to travel somewhere far and remote and accessible. She immediately understood what I was looking for: the level of luxury and what would fit within the budget I provided. In fact she came in under budget - not something you can say often with vendors.
Furthermore on the property itself, what I appreciated is having someone to voice concerns with so that they could advocate on your behalf. And that, I would say, is the main reason I intend to use Fora as a consideration going forward.
The one caveat if you are a points collector is that you might not be able to collect points on trips booked through the advisor. I think that is worth noting, especially for those who book their travel through redeeming hefty points and where collecting matters.
Specific to Amber's service, I would highly recommend her, especially given that she comes from an extensive background reviewing visiting researching and writing about luxury travel. I really also appreciated the patience and personalized touch with her work. And for celebrating a milestone birthday like I did, Amber hit all the notes correctly.
So thank you.
Doug B.
a month ago
It was clear that Amber, our travel advisor, was very familiar with the property. This provided a flawless stay experience for my family. We are grateful to have some like Amber planning our travel.
Makoto C.
4 months ago
To be honest, my girlfriend had to convince me to use a travel advisor. This was a first for me, and I didn't really understand the value...
But it took just 30 seconds into check-in, for me to realize the error of my ways. My room has been upgraded to one twice as nice, the Maybach house car that I had mentioned once was waiting for me to takeout to dinner, and I was in store for a free breakfast the following morning.
With my boy math, the whole trip basically felt free, and that is ignoring the personal letter from my travel advisor sitting by a bottle of bubbles next to the bed. The benefits paid for themself, and that's ignoring the fact that I could turn off my brain and just actually enjoy a vacation. 10/10 would recommend
Gavin C.
2 years ago
Amber is the best I have ever worked with, and I have worked with a great many advisors. She is very intuitive in understanding what I like and finding me the perfect hotel location and property. Always has a nice welcome gift for me too.
Travel ideas (4)
A Foodie's Guide to Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America and also has some of the best food – especially great local seafood! There's a huge Asian influence on the city's culinary scene and great dining at all price points. Fine dining here is especially affordable compared to major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Vancouver received a Michelin guide for the first time last year and that international recognition has only made Vancouver chefs work even harder. I'm including a few Michelin picks here, but also sharing some of my lesser-known favorites.
A Foodie's Guide to Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America and also has some of the best food – especially great local seafood! There's a huge Asian influence on the city's culinary scene and great dining at all price points. Fine dining here is especially affordable compared to major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Vancouver received a Michelin guide for the first time last year and that international recognition has only made Vancouver chefs work even harder. I'm including a few Michelin picks here, but also sharing some of my lesser-known favorites.
A Girl's Getaway Guide to San Diego
There is nowhere in the United States as reliable for warm, sunny weather and beautiful beaches as San Diego. It's the perfect destination for a bachelorette party, a relaxing spa weekend, shopping, a culinary tour or all of the above. As a food critic, I firmly believe that San Diego has one of the most underrated culinary scenes in the country and it's a little easier to get reservations than in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
A Girl's Getaway Guide to San Diego
There is nowhere in the United States as reliable for warm, sunny weather and beautiful beaches as San Diego. It's the perfect destination for a bachelorette party, a relaxing spa weekend, shopping, a culinary tour or all of the above. As a food critic, I firmly believe that San Diego has one of the most underrated culinary scenes in the country and it's a little easier to get reservations than in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Chicago: The Best of Food and Culture
Jaw-dropping architecture, world-class museums and some of the best food and drink in the country make Chicago a city that's not to be missed. This is my hometown and I started my journalism career reporting on Chicago's restaurants and bars when I was still underage. I now write for magazines like Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast and Conde Nast Traveler, and I'd love to plan a great trip for you in my hometown. Humble Midwestern roots keep Chicago grounded and visitors are often surprised by how friendly locals are and how clean the streets are compared to Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York. Chicago loves its sports too and if a team is doing well, you'll feel the energy pulsing through the streets. Winters can be frigid and even spring is finicky, but summer and autumn bring the most predictably enjoyable weather and rooftop bars come alive. Hotel rates are lowest in January and February.
Chicago: The Best of Food and Culture
Jaw-dropping architecture, world-class museums and some of the best food and drink in the country make Chicago a city that's not to be missed. This is my hometown and I started my journalism career reporting on Chicago's restaurants and bars when I was still underage. I now write for magazines like Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast and Conde Nast Traveler, and I'd love to plan a great trip for you in my hometown. Humble Midwestern roots keep Chicago grounded and visitors are often surprised by how friendly locals are and how clean the streets are compared to Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York. Chicago loves its sports too and if a team is doing well, you'll feel the energy pulsing through the streets. Winters can be frigid and even spring is finicky, but summer and autumn bring the most predictably enjoyable weather and rooftop bars come alive. Hotel rates are lowest in January and February.
Artsy Weekend in San Luis Obispo
In recent years, San Luis Obispo has grown from a sleepy college town has grown into a sustainably-minded city that's the cultural hub of California's Central Coast and a great weekend getaway option halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. When I lived in LA, I loved traveling driving up with family and friends on historic Highway 1 to enjoy the surrounding wine region, natural beauty and super walkable downtown with lots of fun public art. SLO is one of the best biking cities in the country and they are aiming for communitywide carbon neutrality by 2035.
Artsy Weekend in San Luis Obispo
In recent years, San Luis Obispo has grown from a sleepy college town has grown into a sustainably-minded city that's the cultural hub of California's Central Coast and a great weekend getaway option halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. When I lived in LA, I loved traveling driving up with family and friends on historic Highway 1 to enjoy the surrounding wine region, natural beauty and super walkable downtown with lots of fun public art. SLO is one of the best biking cities in the country and they are aiming for communitywide carbon neutrality by 2035.
A Foodie's Guide to Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America and also has some of the best food – especially great local seafood! There's a huge Asian influence on the city's culinary scene and great dining at all price points. Fine dining here is especially affordable compared to major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Vancouver received a Michelin guide for the first time last year and that international recognition has only made Vancouver chefs work even harder. I'm including a few Michelin picks here, but also sharing some of my lesser-known favorites.
A Foodie's Guide to Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America and also has some of the best food – especially great local seafood! There's a huge Asian influence on the city's culinary scene and great dining at all price points. Fine dining here is especially affordable compared to major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Vancouver received a Michelin guide for the first time last year and that international recognition has only made Vancouver chefs work even harder. I'm including a few Michelin picks here, but also sharing some of my lesser-known favorites.
A Girl's Getaway Guide to San Diego
There is nowhere in the United States as reliable for warm, sunny weather and beautiful beaches as San Diego. It's the perfect destination for a bachelorette party, a relaxing spa weekend, shopping, a culinary tour or all of the above. As a food critic, I firmly believe that San Diego has one of the most underrated culinary scenes in the country and it's a little easier to get reservations than in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
A Girl's Getaway Guide to San Diego
There is nowhere in the United States as reliable for warm, sunny weather and beautiful beaches as San Diego. It's the perfect destination for a bachelorette party, a relaxing spa weekend, shopping, a culinary tour or all of the above. As a food critic, I firmly believe that San Diego has one of the most underrated culinary scenes in the country and it's a little easier to get reservations than in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Chicago: The Best of Food and Culture
Jaw-dropping architecture, world-class museums and some of the best food and drink in the country make Chicago a city that's not to be missed. This is my hometown and I started my journalism career reporting on Chicago's restaurants and bars when I was still underage. I now write for magazines like Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast and Conde Nast Traveler, and I'd love to plan a great trip for you in my hometown. Humble Midwestern roots keep Chicago grounded and visitors are often surprised by how friendly locals are and how clean the streets are compared to Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York. Chicago loves its sports too and if a team is doing well, you'll feel the energy pulsing through the streets. Winters can be frigid and even spring is finicky, but summer and autumn bring the most predictably enjoyable weather and rooftop bars come alive. Hotel rates are lowest in January and February.
Chicago: The Best of Food and Culture
Jaw-dropping architecture, world-class museums and some of the best food and drink in the country make Chicago a city that's not to be missed. This is my hometown and I started my journalism career reporting on Chicago's restaurants and bars when I was still underage. I now write for magazines like Food & Wine, Wine Enthusiast and Conde Nast Traveler, and I'd love to plan a great trip for you in my hometown. Humble Midwestern roots keep Chicago grounded and visitors are often surprised by how friendly locals are and how clean the streets are compared to Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York. Chicago loves its sports too and if a team is doing well, you'll feel the energy pulsing through the streets. Winters can be frigid and even spring is finicky, but summer and autumn bring the most predictably enjoyable weather and rooftop bars come alive. Hotel rates are lowest in January and February.