School
Texas A&M University, University of Utah
Expertise
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations, Airline Points and Miles, Impactful Travel
- Dave has worked, volunteered, and studied in six countries on four continents.
- He has a personal goal to run at least one 10k race every year and finish faster than the year before, preferably on a different course.
- A lover of languages, Dave self-published his first book, Secrets of a Polyglot: How to Transform Your Life through Learning Foreign Languages, to help people worldwide improve their interpersonal relationships.
Experience
Dave professionally taught English abroad for 8 years, exploring the world during his school vacations by leveraging both complex travel itineraries and points and miles. During that period, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Indonesia, where he lived like a local for two years in rural West Java. While earning his master's degree, he participated in the State Department's Critical Language Scholarship Program in South Korea and crafted his own Russian language immersion program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. After graduation, he founded GuideMie LLC to enable sustainable development through tourism by crafting foreign language courses, guidebooks, and life-changing travel itineraries.
Education
Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Utah with an emphasis on Japan and Japanese, as well as a Master of International Affairs degree from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M 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.
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Washington
By Dave Bowling
This tiny town in coastal Washington is perched near the Olympic National Forest and highlights the remnants of its once booming logging industry.
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This unique escape in Idaho offers guests a one-of-a-kind accommodation option highlighting natural scenery, hiking trails, and interesting history.
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Families and newcomers alike are drawn to this city for its affordable living, vibrant community events, scenic trails, and Utah's strong military heritage.
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Whether it's fishing on the Snake River or playing tug-of-war over a vat of potatoes, this Idaho city has everything from outdoor adventure to spud festivals.
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Take a trip into the distant past to explore the oldest city in the Gem State, and spend some quality time adventuring in Idaho's magical nature as you do.
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This Boise neighborhood combines small-town feel with walkability and charm, highlighting the city's ease of access to mountain trails and river swims.
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The adventures continue in the Gem State with one of Idaho's most exciting cities, a charming spot for everything from hiking to fishing and all the rest.
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Washington
By Dave Bowling
This hidden town in Washington is perfect for a northeastern vacation with scenic, relaxing hikes and the chance to find your very own fossil.
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History and hiking collide at this gorgeous state park in the Gem State, the perfect place to get cozy with Idaho's fascinating past and spectacular scenery.
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For all the Gem State adventures you can handle, head to this gorgeous town close to Idaho's border with Utah. You might get a spectacular steak along the way.
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Escape Bali's crowds on a serene Indonesian island packed with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rich culture, and untouched natural beauty.
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No city in the Lone Star State is older than this delightful place, and it has all the amenities and adventures to back up its bucket of history.
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If you like your travel tinged with millions of years of incredible history, make a beeline for the magical geological delights of this Oregon city.
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Texas has it all, but one small community just a short drive from Houston ticks all of the Lone Star State's boxes with added natural magnificence.
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Lake Tahoe attracts masses of tourists to California, but Virginia has its own park and beach-packed marvel with all the adventurers you could need.
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If you are up for a backcountry adventure, head to this scenic campground that is one of Idaho's best-kept secrets with great views of Hells Canyon.
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Wisconsin
By Dave Bowling
Enjoy rustic hikes on an island in the gorgeous Lake Superior. While camping among the forest and pristine beaches, you can also learn about the area’s history.
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This remote region isn't just for those seeking solitude — it's also a fabulous wilderness full of off-roading, hiking, rafting, hunting, and fishing.
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Avid hikers and trekkers seeking a rocky challenge should check out an adventurous, difficult trail within Virginia’s sprawling Appalachian Mountains.
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Washington
By Dave Bowling
Discover America's longest railroad tunnel-turned-hiking trail near Seattle, Washington, which offers visitors picturesque views along its path.
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Washington
By Dave Bowling
Spokane is one of the country's most underrated cities, and this scenic destination just a stone's throw away is perfect for anyone in love with the outdoors.
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If you're looking to visit a unique part of Montana, you won't want to miss the sights and sounds of this preserved ghost town — and surrounding campsites.
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The Oregon Trail was a challenge, to say the least, but its most dangerous crossing has evolved into one of the most beautiful parks in the Gem State.
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Idaho has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be adored, and this charming spot in the south of the Gem State is another to add to the bucket list.
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To experience Boise at its best, make a beeline for this fascinating neighborhood in the City of Trees, one that explains the Idaho capital's nickname.
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Pennsylvania
By Dave Bowling
Once an industrial hub, the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is in the midst of a renaissance that makes it more than worthy of visiting on your next vacation.
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Full of small-town charm, college town vibes, and tons of nature's beauty, this underrated Virginia town is a perfect place to visit.
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