School
Grand Valley State University
Expertise
Domestic and International Trips, Budget Travel, Travel Tips and Reviews
- In 2017, Jill founded the travel blog, Humor Travel Life.
- She's traveled to 23 U.S. states and 15 countries.
- During college, she worked on the entertainment staff at an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Experience
Jill Zwarensteyn has nearly a decade of professional writing experience. She began her editorial career as a freelance writer, where she covered news and travel content for different media publications. Jill's writing has been featured on Matador Network, Artrprnr Magazine, SleepAdvisor.org, and YourTango, among other publications. She's also worked as a content curator for TripScout and is the creator behind Humor Travel Life, a blog focused on travel tips and reviews, as well as comedic first-person travel stories. Jill joined Static Media as a news writer for Islands in 2025.
Education
Jill has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from Grand Valley State 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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Michigan
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Escape to a hidden recreation area in West Michigan where quiet trails, hardwood forests, and a secret lake create a peaceful outdoor paradise.
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Michigan
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Big cities may come with big reputations, but this tiny town outside of downtown Detroit pairs some of the allure of a city with small-town charm.
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Michigan
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Head to Michigan's "cabin country" to find a riverside hidden gem where the trout-filled streams are perfect for fly-fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.
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Hiking
By Jill Zwarensteyn
A national forest located on Michigan's Upper Peninsula is an unspoiled wonderland of waterfalls and trails along the coasts of Lake Superior.
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Tips and Hacks
By Jill Zwarensteyn
You're packing a big floppy hat for your a beach trip but you don't want it to get all smushed up inside your bag. What do you do? Here's a great tip.
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South Dakota
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Ready to dive into adventure at some of South Dakota's best lakefront spots? Not so fast. Before taking a dip, read up on the snakes that lurk in the deep.
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Michigan
By Jill Zwarensteyn
A little-known but beautiful recreational lake in Michigan shares a border with Canada and is a dazzling escape from downtown Detroit.
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Florida
By Jill Zwarensteyn
One of the most popular beaches in Florida is also one of the most dangerous in all of the U.S., thanks to an excess of shark attacks and rip current deaths.
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Michigan
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Camp, hike, kayak, canoe, or bike along Michigan's legendary Inland Waterway, which passed through a friendly village with plenty of local shops and parks.
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Texas
By Jill Zwarensteyn
For a blend of history, mountain views, and a great downtown, head to this underrated getaway in Texas that feels like a Colorado mountain town.
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Alabama
By Jill Zwarensteyn
A visit to one of Alabama's most haunted and historic landmarks will give you an insight into the dark history of manufacturing in Birmingham.
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Arizona
By Jill Zwarensteyn
These mountain islands in southeastern Arizona are like an oasis in the desert, home to pine forests, hiking trails, and wildlife like hummingbirds and coatis.
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Michigan
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Discover this tiny town in the north of Michigan's Lower Peninsula that's known for its 19th century history, cliffside lighthouses, hiking trails, and beaches.
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Wisconsin
By Jill Zwarensteyn
These freshwater swimming spots in Wisconsin hide slithering surprises that could turn your peaceful day out into a dangerous wildlife encounter.
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Michigan
By Jill Zwarensteyn
This underrated state park near Saugatuck provides visitors with not just miles of pristine shoreline, but also miles of hiking trails nestled in a forest.
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Oregon
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Chill out with a frozen treat from one of Portland's finest ice cream parlors, located on a popular food-laden street east of the Willamette River.
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Hotels and Resorts
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Not far from the big city, an outdoorsy Missouri resort gives visitors space to camp, cozy up in a cabin, and enjoy hours of incredible riverfront adventures.
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Virginia
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Looking for a place to retire that has charming neighborhoods, shoreline activities, and affordable living options? Here's one place that has it all.
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A classic Bay Area amusement park loved for generations may close after 2027. Find out why this nostalgic landmark's future is currently in doubt.
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Michigan
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Big Rapids may not sound like a premier art destination, but Ferris State University features a collection of stunning sculptures, all free to visit.
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Brackish water has proven deadly in the Sunshine State as cases of a flesh-eating bacteria have been linked to the shimmering coasts of Florida.
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Europe
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Though it's won many accolades, many find Siam Park on the Spanish island of Tenerife to be a huge disappointment, from massive lines to floating feces.
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Kansas
By Jill Zwarensteyn
This affordable Midwest city offers luxury retirement communities, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions that make it stand out for retirees.
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Tips and Hacks
By Jill Zwarensteyn
If you want to eat authentic food when traveling like the late Anthony Bourdain, borrow some of the famous foodie's tips to avoid tourist trap restaurants.
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Indiana
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Only a short drive from bustling Chicago, this town in a neighboring state offers a peaceful but vibrant suburban life along with a reasonable cost of living.
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Idaho
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Coming up on retirement age? Maybe it's time to start considering a change of scenery to this college city that's both affordable and great for retirees.
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Cruises
By Jill Zwarensteyn
Discover clever ways to cut cruise costs with these laundry tricks that savvy travelers swear by. Your wallet will thank you on your next voyage!
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