Sophie Mendel Title: Commerce Editor Education: University of Michigan Location: New York City, New York Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help travelers select the best shoes, beauty products, apparel, and accessories for their adventures. Currently based in New York City, Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and lived in five. Passionate about the world’s many languages and cultures, Sophie speaks fluent English and Spanish and is in the process of learning French and Hebrew as well. She has traversed much of the globe as a solo female traveler, and strives to use language as a tool to embolden others to explore the world.Highlights: 5+ years of writing and editing experienceBachelor’s degree in communication and Spanish from the University of MichiganBilingual in English and Spanish Experience Prior to her current position, Sophie was a credit cards and travel rewards staff writer and travel expert at LendingTree, where she analyzed and reviewed the best travel rewards programs and credit card deals for consumers. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor, and copywriter working for various travel brands, blogs and influencers. Her work has been featured by Lonely Planet, Hostelworld, BootsnAll and Transitions Abroad, among others. She also has her own travel blog, The Unbounded Traveler, where she documents her extensive travel experience.As an avid traveler, Sophie loves finding products that revolutionize her travel game, keeping her looking chic and feeling comfortable no matter the destination. From a perfect pair of travel shoes that flawlessly take her from day to night to the trendy daypack that works with every outfit, there are a few items she never travels without. Education Sophie graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a bachelor’s degree in communication and Spanish. She is also TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certified and has taught English as a second language in Buenos Aires, Argentina. About Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is a top travel media brand with a mission to inform and inspire passionate travelers. Our expert team includes a network of hundreds of writers and photographers across the globe, all providing a local eye on the best places to stay, eat, and explore. We reach an audience that takes 76 million round trips annually, offering valuable travel tips, ideas and inspiration, and products you need to get you to your destination — whether it’s a small town or big city, beach or lake, national park or theme park, road trip, cruise, or long-haul flight, and everything in between. Learn more about us and our editorial process