I Backpacked Solo Through Vietnam – How It Helped Me Heal

"I ate some of the best food I’ve ever tasted at the local restaurant Bep Viet, where the quality of the dishes made a lasting impression during my time exploring Hanoi." - Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is an editor at Travel + Leisure, where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor, and copywriter. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines