Location
Bristol, United Kingdom
School
Manchester Metropolitan University
Expertise
Japan & East Asia, Art & Culture, Adventure Travel & Hiking
- David grew up in Northern Ireland, but it was in Japan — where he lived for seven years — that he began writing about travel, news, art, and culture for newspapers and magazines.
- He has also lived in China and Australia and has traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia and Europe.
- He's now mostly based in Bristol, England, and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers.
Experience
David has written for publications including Tokyo Weekender, The Japan Times, Al Jazeera, The Belfast Telegraph, The Independent, The Irish Independent, Lonely Planet, Intrepid Times, and Deeper Japan Journal. His first book, Intrepid Japan, was published in spring 2025 as part of a new travel book series by Australian publisher Hardie Grant. His second book, the next edition of the Frommer's Japan guidebook, is slated for publication in November 2025.
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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Rhode Island
By David McElhinney
Deserted structures that once teemed with life hold a special place in the imagination, and this defunct theme park near Providence is a window to history.
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Texas
By David McElhinney
While the animal might have a stronger association with states like Louisiana, Texas has plenty of gators to go around, and this town celebrates that fact.
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Pennsylvania
By David McElhinney
If you're looking to visit one of the oldest cities in America, this delightful Pennsylvania suburb is packed with history and places to visit.
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Kansas
By David McElhinney
Time stands still in this small Kansas town, where several historical sites significant to 1800s politics give visitors a first-hand look at the Civil War era.
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Virginia
By David McElhinney
As housing prices continue to rise across the country, potential buyers are looking to off-the-radar cities and towns like this one to realize their dreams.
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Colorado
By David McElhinney
This Colorado cog train takes passengers on a wondrous ride to the top of a Rocky Mountain 14er, with epic wildlife and forest scenery visible the whole way up.
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Air Travel
By David McElhinney
If you thought there was already enough to worry about while traveling by plane, we've got some bad news for you: Onboard pesticides are a thing.
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Canada
By David McElhinney
Many ski resorts are plagued by overcrowding and high prices. Not so at this lesser-known resort in Canada's Yukon, which ranked number one among 173.
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Air Travel
By David McElhinney
Think shopping duty-free will help you save money? Think again. Here's why you might actually be paying more for certain items at the airport.
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Travel Gear
By David McElhinney
Tech-savvy travelers are calling this innovative gadget a game-changer for road trips. Find out what it is and why it’s worth a spot on your dashboard.
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Tips and Hacks
By David McElhinney
There's nothing worse than wet clothes and luggage while traveling. We've got the solution to all of your soggy suitcase problems right here, though.
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Don't let Ohio's meme-culture reputation fool you: The state is home to plenty of underrated spots, and this quaint neighborhood is just one of them.
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California
By David McElhinney
This favorite Pacifica beach was recently found to be one of the most polluted in the country, enough to make you rethink your swimming plans.
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Camping
By David McElhinney
Car camping can be hot depending on the season, and running the air conditioner can wear your car down. Consider adding this item to your car camping list.
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New York
By David McElhinney
There's never a bad time for a little escape to the Catskills, and if you've decided to make the trip, it's worth checking out this history-filled wooded spot.
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Montana
By David McElhinney
A non-profit nature reserve is connecting prairie land across the most remote region of the Lower 48, preserving habitat for bison and other threatened species.
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Hiking
By David McElhinney
If you're indulging yourself with a bit of off-grid adventure travel, you'll probably want to bring a compass along, just keep it away from one thing.
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New Hampshire
By David McElhinney
There was a time when people thought the best places to retire were only those in warm climates. But this East Coast state has put that idea to bed.
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Chicago, Illinois
By David McElhinney
Chicago has no shortage of cool neighborhoods, but one particular up-and-coming hotspot has been highlighted as the fifth coolest in the world.
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Nashville, Tennessee
By David McElhinney
Tucked away in downtown Nashville is the fourth-best hotel in the world. Here's what makes the Thompson Nashville so luxurious and noteworthy.
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Pennsylvania
By David McElhinney
Whether you want to tackle a day hike, or take your time on a weeklong trip, don't miss out on this pretty Pennsylvania trail. Its history and nature will wow.
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Travel Guides
By David McElhinney
Ever wonder what it would be like if traveling itself was as relaxing as your destination? A scenic train ride can be much less stressful than an airplane.
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Tips and Hacks
By David McElhinney
If you ever burn yourself while on a camping trip, it's best to avoid this classic first-aid mistake that has been touted for years as the best remedy.
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Air Travel
By David McElhinney
Uber made booking a ride across town far easier than it was before, and now they're looking to do similar things to short flights via helicopter or seaplane.
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California
By David McElhinney
The world's biggest bridges represent stunning feats of engineering, but which provides the best views? This emblematic structure tops the list.
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New York
By David McElhinney
There may be no more quintessential bar food than the Buffalo wing. This culinary journey takes you through the history and flavors that made Buffalo famous.
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South Carolina
By David McElhinney
Charleston, South Carolina, is home to a long-abandoned island fortress just off the city's coast that was once a significant Civil War military site.
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