School
Texas A&M University, University of Utah
Expertise
Off-the-beaten-path destinations, Travel safety and security, Impactful travel
- Dave has worked, volunteered, and studied in six countries on four continents.
- He was first bitten by the travel bug while studying abroad in Australia, an experience that opened up his world and ignited his passion for travel.
- 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 and learn any foreign language.
Experience
Dave professionally taught English abroad for eight 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. After earning his master's degree, he founded GuideMie LLC to enable sustainable development through tourism by crafting foreign language courses, guidebooks, and life-changing travel itineraries to help foreign travelers thrive in a new environment. He has written for Static Media since 2024, crafting pieces on underrated destinations, travel safety and security, and Asia.
Education
Dave holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Utah with an emphasis on Japan and Japanese, as well as a Master of International Affairs 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.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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Washington
By Dave Bowling
Step back in time at a forgotten Washington ghost town that rose from gold rush dreams and is now one of the state’s most fascinating free attractions.
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Step into the Canadian prairies where whispers of crime, historic tunnels, and legends linger beneath the charm of this seemingly charming yet notorious city.
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The road to Yellowstone is packed with spectacular sights and fascinating attractions, including mysterious ghost towns and a bucket-list-worthy state park.
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There are plenty of adrenaline-pumping adventures to be found in the Gem State, and the thrills and trails of one spectacular spot deserve special attention.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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