School
CUNY Graduate School of Journalism
Expertise
Nautical adventure, road trips, Mediterranean lifestyle
- Joe very briefly dressed like Jon Snow while working on a story about set-jetting "Game of Thrones" tourists flooding Dubrovnik.
- His first big-time, fancy glossy magazine article was in Islands over a decade ago, a feature about his love for making traditional Dalmatian olive oil.
- He once underestimated a wave's height, sending a speedboat too quickly into the oncoming crests and nearly launching The New York Times's 52 Places writer into the Adriatic Sea.
Experience
Joe's nearly two-decade career in journalism started as a founding member of Lukewarm Off the Press, the first student newspaper at St. Joseph's Grammar School in Astoria, NY. Joe's first decade as a paid journalist involved covering the ins and outs of life in New York for the local press, culminating in a "News Story of the Year" award from the New York Press Association in 2013. He then shifted gears by moving across the Atlantic Ocean to his ancestral home, a small island off the Croatian coast, and continuing as a freelance journalist. Since then, his work has appeared in a wide range of publications, from Popular Science to The New York Times.
Education
Joe has a master's degree in journalism from the City University of New York.
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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Just a few hours north of Los Angeles lies a hidden hot spring that's a favorite destination among some of SoCal's less-inhibited citizens.
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Connecticut
By Joe Orovic
Don't just escape the hustle and bustle of city life with this Connecticut hiking hotspot -- get a great view of nearby Hartford from the top, too!
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Within New York’s stunning Thousand Islands region, you’ll find a sprawling campsite with comfortable lodging options, sandy beaches, and outdoor recreation.
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The next time you're in Arizona, make sure you stop by this stunning waterfall that's something of a local secret. Here's what you need to know.
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During your Adirondacks getaway, be sure to stop by this tranquil lake, where you can enjoying a refreshing swim in the summer or go ice fishing in the winter.
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Nature lovers finding themselves in New England can't miss this state park in New York's Finger Lakes region, which will make you believe you're in a fairytale.
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This Utah locale is a must-visit to experience beautiful sights and exciting water activities -- and don't be fooled by its misleading name!
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Meander through the lush forest of a Louisiana wilderness, keeping your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife while you're admiring waterfalls and fall foliage.
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This charming Idaho oasis is the perfect place to spend some free time -- and makes for an amazing retirement locale!
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New York's Catskill Mountains are home to an amazing canyon full of jaw-dropping waterfalls, incredible cliffside views, and breathtaking foliage.
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Hawaii is a place of epic adventures, and the less-visited island of Kauai is home to one of the wettest mountains on Earth, creating a treacherous climb.
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South Carolina
By Joe Orovic
Many college towns offer walkable areas and shopping, but you can root for a local football team and explore the mountains in this scenic South Carolina city.
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Sedona’s stunning red rock landscape is a hiker’s playground. One of the most popular trails is easily accessible for trekkers and four-wheelers alike.
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In the middle of Utah lies a national forest known for its beautiful scenery and incredible lake that offers visitors a top-tier fishing experience.
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Anglers seeking a relaxing vacation with plenty of options to cast out their lines should check out a hidden beach town in Texas that is a fishing paradise.
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Spanning 170,000 acres, this vast territory is the ultimate paradise for camping under the stars, exploring by kayak, and watching animals roam in the wild.
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Peruse quirky antiques and local art while strolling alongside a river at a historic small town in Virginia, hidden within the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains.
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While Washington State probably isn't where you think of when it comes to beaches, you might change your mind after visiting this one full of wild beauty.
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This small town in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, offers beaches without crowds, stunning ocean views, and that quintessential New England vibe.
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Admire some of the towering redwoods of California in this hidden grove, where lakeside trails promise scenic views of the Orange County retreat.
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Swim in crystal-clear waters while exploring a fairytale-like marine landscape and snorkeling among manatees in a gorgeous basin in Florida.
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There are many historic places in America, but there aren't many as bursting with history and natural splendor as this Montana city along the Missouri River.
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Stay alongside an incredible blue lake in the depths of Glacier National Park at one of three incredible campgrounds with unmatched beauty.
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West Virginia
By Joe Orovic
Whitewater river rafting through the gorges and scenic valleys of this diverse landscape in West Virginia offers the perfect outdoor adventure.
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If you are willing to lace up your boots and slog up miles of wild trail, this Colorado hot spring rewards you with warm soaks and breathtaking views.
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South Dakota
By Joe Orovic
This short and winding mountain road trip will add a little excitement to your next trip to South Dakota's Mount Rushmore.
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This unexploited beach in Puerto Rico offers beachgoers year-round opportunities to catch some waves, enjoy top-tier snorkeling, and more.
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