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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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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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
This stunning body of water is just minutes from Lake Michigan but offers a more peaceful experience with views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes and tranquil coves.
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Rhode Island
By Erika W. Smith
Discover the small village in Rhode Island that is filled with history, has a beautiful waterfall, and features a surprisingly thriving art scene.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an overlooked dreamscape of shoreline, forests, and quietude. And it doesn't get more peaceful than this quaint village.
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Minnesota
By Erika W. Smith
A hidden beach town in the heart of Minnesota? It's true! Just don't expect to see a lot of people on your visit, because this peaceful city's only a mile wide.
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Connecticut
By Erika W. Smith
You can't beat a day-trip to a classic New England charmer that features everything from stunning mountain views to a bustling college campus.
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Connecticut
By Erika W. Smith
School doesn't have to be in session for you to explore the best of America's college towns. This gem in rural Connecticut is ideal for art lovers and foodies.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
Swim, surf, and sunbathe on this stunning Michigan beach where photos can't do it justice. Plus, it's the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
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On the lakeshore between Geneva and Bern is a French town that is filled with medieval history and feels as though it came out of a fantasy story.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
On a peninsula within a peninsula in Michigan is a hidden gem where some say a natural phenomenon creates healing powers.
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