Location
Brooklyn, New York
Expertise
Solo travel, Arts and culture, European destinations
- Erika grew up in Michigan, attended college in Boston, and moved to New York at age 21, so she's a pro at suggesting Midwestern and Northeastern travel destinations.
- As a travel writer, she has visited countries including Egypt, Kenya, Italy, Spain, Iceland, Jamaica, and St. Lucia.
- As an experienced journalist, she has had her work recognized by the National Headliner Awards and New York Press Club Awards.
Experience
Erika is an experienced freelance writer, covering a variety of topics including travel, wellness, and sex & relationships. Her freelance bylines include Vogue, PopSugar, and VeryWellMind, and she previously held staff positions at Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, and BUST magazine. In 2021, she published her first book, Astrosex.
Education
Erika double majored in magazine journalism and English literature at Boston University. She spent a semester studying abroad in London.
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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South Dakota
By Erika W. Smith
If you want to experience some of the most uniquely welcoming Midwestern vibes, this one small but flourishing South Dakota town is an essential place to visit.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
This college town offers more than just a bustling student life. Visitors there can enjoy nature at a botanical garden and art with numerous film festivals.
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Pennsylvania
By Erika W. Smith
Rated-R horror films and pumpkin beers are all well and good, but some Halloween events — maybe even the best Halloween events — cater to the wee ones.
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New York
By Erika W. Smith
New York is a big state with no shortage of charming mountain towns and sprawling parks, but don't forget about this little village in the Hudson Valley.
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Illinois
By Erika W. Smith
In northwestern Illinois, bordering Iowa, you'll find a cozy state park that's ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and camping near the Mississippi River.
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Tips and Hacks
By Erika W. Smith
An item you probably already have in your kitchen can be used to protect shoes in your luggage when traveling, or provide cushioning for fragile items.
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New York
By Erika W. Smith
New York City has nine Chinatowns, but this bustling Queens neighborhood is home to the largest one, with plenty of amazing local restaurants and attractions.
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Pennsylvania
By Erika W. Smith
This small Pennsylvania town combines ample year-round outdoor adventure in the Poconos with European heritage and a diverse restaurant scene.
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Travel Guides
By Erika W. Smith
Amtrak's NextGen Acela can reach high speeds of up to 160 mph and welcomes more passengers per train, but it does have one uncomfortable and unchangeable issue.
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Illinois
By Erika W. Smith
Stroll through soothing green spaces by day, and chow down on a delicious dinner by night when you visit this serene and unique destination in Illinois.
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Missouri
By Erika W. Smith
Whether you're keen for an afternoon of bowling, tackling a lakeside hiking trail and looking for eagles, or perusing local art, this Missouri city has it all.
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Illinois
By Erika W. Smith
This lush garden with a waterfall and rock garden in Chicago's Lincoln Park is the perfect spot for picnics, group and family photos, and quiet relaxation.
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Connecticut
By Erika W. Smith
Like something straight out of Gilmore Girls, this tiny East Coast town highlights historic architecture, endless amazing restaurants, and quirky shops.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
Explore a curious world of Dutch heritage and outdoor adventure without even leaving the United States. This unique destination in Michigan makes it possible.
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Minnesota
By Erika W. Smith
This small town in Northern Minnesota highlights the state's fascinating mining heritage and doubles as a unique outdoor recreation destination for cyclists.
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Minnesota
By Erika W. Smith
This charming Minnesota town is a classic Midwest escape with international restaurants, outdoor activities, and close proximity to the capital's amenities.
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Minnesota
By Erika W. Smith
This charming lakefront town near Minneapolis-St. Paul is the perfect combination of outdoor recreation, boutique shopping, and delicious restaurants.
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Minnesota
By Erika W. Smith
This historic Minnesota suburb is a thriving city with beautiful architecture, interesting heritage, and delicious restaurants that are worth traveling for.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
If you think that suburbs are boring, you need to visit Metro Detroit. The suburbs around the iconic town are anything about -- just check out this gem.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
This cozy university town in Michigan is a haven for outdoor lovers and bookworms with cozy cafes, a rail trail, and several museums to discover.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Erika W. Smith
Escape the chaos of your day-to-day routine by disappearing into this incredible Michigan state park. Lakefront camping and beachy adventures await you.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
This lakeside town in Michigan offers visitors a peaceful respite while still being just minutes from the state capital with waterfront eateries and fun hikes.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
This city near Detroit, Michigan, is the perfect peaceful respite highlighting, historic sites, sprawling green spaces, and retail opportunities galore.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
Hidden away in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this town is a northerly gem surrounded by unique rock formations, historic sites, and quirky "Yooper" heritage.
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Connecticut
By Erika W. Smith
This New England town tucked along Long Island Sound is a serene getaway with miles of coast, state parks, boutique shopping, and historic architecture.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
Take a trip back in time to a little town in Michigan that is home to a liberal arts school and all the quiet and charming luxury you could ask for.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
If you're in the Great Lakes area and looking for a getaway with small-town vibes and tons of outdoor activities, here's another one to add to your list.
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