5 Common Camping Rules That Change When You Go Glamping
Camping and glamping both put you out in nature, but glamping offers an abudance of amenities, meaning some common camping rules no longer apply to your stay.
Read MoreDavid McElhinney
Islands Editorial Policies
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.
Stories By David McElhinney
-
-
The Longest Lake Name In America Is Found At This Massachusetts Charmer For Swimming, Fishing, And Boating
If you think you know how many letters the longest lake in the United States has in its name, add a few more — and then add a few more on top of that.
Read More -
The Region Called The 'Brazilian Serengeti' Is An Affordable Alternative To An African Safari
While the famed African landscape is a bucket-list dream for travelers, Brazil's tropical wetlands offer a cheaper option that's just as unforgettable.
Read More -
America's 5 Most Crowded National Parks (And The Best Times To Visit Them), According To Research
Having your national parks be so beautiful that overtourism is an issue is a pretty great problem to have. Here's when to visit the most crowded in the country.
Read More -
America's Deepest River Winds Past Charming Towns, Picturesque Views, And Outdoor Adventure
One of America's most historic rivers is a waterway of superlatives that serves as a beautiful ribbon to follow on a fun road trip just outside New York City.
Read More -
5 Unexpected Reasons Retirees Regret Moving To Beach Towns
Retiring near the beach is the dream of many Americans, but there are several practical reasons some retirees may not enjoy life by the coast.
Read More -
Washington's Mysterious Mounds Near Tacoma Are A Peculiar Landmark Of Strange Beauty
Washington is home to plenty of gorgeous natural scenery, including one peculiar feature that doesn’t have a clear explanation but is still beautiful.
Read More -
What's The Difference Between A National Park And A National Monument?
While it might seem like a distinction without a difference, there are some good reasons that protected land in the U.S. is divided into these categories.
Read More -
5 Countries Where $2,000 A Month Is Enough To Retire In Comfort
As financial pressures grow, managing retirement plans can become a challenge. These five countries offer affordable alternatives to retiring in the U.S.
Read More -
How To Spot An Air Marshal (And Are They Really On Every Flight?)
Air marshals can be hard to spot, but there are some signs that may suggest one is on your flight, from their luggage to where they sit on the plane.
Read More -
The Proper Etiquette For Flying With Golf Clubs, According To The PGA
Planning a golf trip? Check out these PGA-approved tips on flying with clubs, from airline baggage limits and fees to shipping options and insurance.
Read More -
Nestled In Ohio's Edge Of Appalachia Is A Hidden Prairie With Dozens Of Unique Plant Species
Discover unexpected yet incredible biodiversity in this preserve that's situated near the Appalachian Mountains and speckled with wildflowers.
Read More -
One Of America's Top 10 Golf Courses Is A Pennsylvania Stunner With Championship Fairways
Just outside of Philadelphia is a course with some of the most iconic moments in golf history inscribed into its undulating and unforgiving greens.
Read More -
5 Things Allowed When Flying In The '80s That You Could Never Get Away With Today
Long lines, invasive security protocols, and high-tech scanners of all kinds: It wasn't always like this. Take a look back into the romantic skies of the 1980s.
Read More -
Campers And Backpackers Are Trading In Their Sleeping Bags For This Love-It-Or-Hate-It Gear Alternative
Sleeping bags are fading to the background as the tried-and-true sleep system for camping and backpacking as this gear alternative steps up.
Read More -
This Storied Capital In Europe Is The World's Top Literary Travel Destination
There are countless lenses through which to see the destinations we visit while on vacation. One of the most romantic is through the stories we know and love.
Read More -
Michigan's 5 Quirkiest College Towns For Travelers To Visit
Looking beyond big cities? Michigan's college towns offer walkable downtowns, museums, outdoor escapes, and local flavor for unique getaways year-round.
Read More -
The Walkable Newark Neighborhood New Yorkers Are Moving To For Top-Notch Amenities At Lower Costs In 2026
New York doesn't exactly have a reputation for being affordable, and an increasing number of its denizens are opting for a life in nearby suburbs like this one.
Read More -
This Untouched Stretch Of California's Sonoma Coast Is Finally Open To The Public In 2026
This new hiking spot provides incredible views of the Pacific coast and a pristine estuary full of animal and plant life, plus access to an uncrowded beach.
Read More -
The Reason Your Eyes Are Always Dry After A Flight
Many passengers report having dry eyes after their flight, and there's one primary factor that makes this a common symptom among air travelers.
Read More -
The 'Unofficial Capital Of After-Dark Adventure' In America Is A Southern Gulf Paradise
There's a certain thrill to exploring a place after sundown that daylight just can't compete with. And this vibrant city is one of the best places for it.
Read More -
Skip Peru's Crowded Inca Trail To Machu Picchu For This Wildly Under-The-Radar Ancient Route
Machu Picchu will always be a bucket-list destination, but its popularity comes with drawbacks. Consider this alternative route for a less-crowded experience.
Read More -
5 Affordable Ikea Finds That Actually Make Travel Easier
Ikea may be famous for its stylish and affordable furniture, but the Swedish chain also offers a number of inexpensive items that make traveling easier.
Read More -
How Do Airports Detect Unidentified Drones?
Airports take security seriously, and the rising number of drones in the skies around them poses a real challenge. Here's how airports keep tables on them.
Read More -
The 'Most Walkable Tourist Destination On Earth' Is A Sunny Europe Capital Full Of Attractions
A city being home to a wealth of attractions means little if it takes an hour just to get from one to the next. This European capital is as walkable as it gets.
Read More -
4 Of The World's Best Wineries Come From This Country In Europe (And It's Not Italy Or Spain)
Forget the usual wine heavyweights. One surprising European country is redefining excellence and boasts wineries that rank among the world’s best.
Read More -
How To Survive A 20+ Hour Flight, According To A Traveler Who's Done It
A 20-hour flight need not be equivalent to an airborne prison sentence if you prepare accordingly, using these tips from someone who has survived one before.
Read More
