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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South Carolina
By Joe Orovic
Not far from Columbia, this underrated South Carolina state park offers miles of hiking trails, incredible fishing, and charming campgrounds.
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Though it's quite strenuous, this short trail in Virginia leads to stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with a chance to see a downed fighter jet.
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Not only is this the tallest waterfall in Oregon's Coast Range, but it offers a short and scenic hike that meanders through a dense, moss-covered forest.
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Along with the biggest spring in the country, this destination offers cozy campgrounds, hiking trails, and a peaceful escape into the Missouri wilderness.
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Though it requires a long hike to reach, this lake offers dramatic views of Mount Rainier National Park and is a peaceful way to escape into the wilderness.
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Escape the chaos of Wisconsin Dells by driving south to this charming state park, featuring a serene lake, lovely beach, and over 100 incredible campsites.
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If you're headed down South, you're headed to peach country. Why not spend some time in a city renowned for its fruit statues as much as its produce?
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Just minutes from the vibrant shores of Virginia Beach sits a former landfill that's been converted into a stunning park with lakes, hills, and playgrounds.
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United States
By Joe Orovic
Looking for a beach getaway off the beaten path? This island archipelago is hard to reach, but it's teeming with pristine beaches and turquoise waters.
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South Carolina
By Joe Orovic
This incredible slice of the Lowcounty gives you a chance to view ancient trees, search for colorful birds, and relax along a picturesque river.
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Visitors flock to Florida's beaches, but away from the water you'll find a quaint town in the Panhandle offering gorgeous landscapes and historic charm.
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If you're seeking a lakeside retreat deep in the mountains of Southern California, this slice of the San Bernardino National Forest is worth checking out.
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Travelers seeking a quiet retreat near the water will find this Wisconsin state park to be an excellent fit, thanks to its lovely campsites and serene trails.
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About an hour from Knoxville, this serene river and its surrounding wilderness are home to several waterfalls, a large campground, and wonderful hiking trails.
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Hidden away to the west of Acadia National Park, this state park in Maine offers panoramic views of Penobscot Bay without the hassle of crowds.
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Colorado isn't just about mountains, and this serene reservoir near Loveland proves it. With great fishing, boating, and camping, it's a nice change of pace.
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Hidden within Oregon's Blue Mountains, this wilderness area offers visitors more than 100 miles of trails, alpine lake views, and tons of unique wildlife.
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Escape the bustle of the city at this charming destination near Boise, which sits on the Payette River and offers a bounty of wonderful festivals.
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Don't judge a book by its cover — and never judge a river by its name. This Oregon waterway's character is nothing like what its name suggests.
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While a forest fire devastated this destination in Europe, it is now reopened for visitors to come and take a boat ride through a beautiful gorge.
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This incredible Arkansas state park offers a ton of outdoor activities. From hiking and biking to fishing and kayaking, you'll find plenty of ways to stay busy.
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Denver is close to the Rocky Mountains, but even closer to the city is a stunning state park featuring an expansive lake, tons of trails, and excellent birding.
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This isn't the tallest waterfall in Ohio, but it remains stunning most of the year, offering a beautiful hike and plenty of activities in the nearby forest.
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This scenic gravel road in Arizona's gorgeous red rock country is easy to navigate and offers some of the best dispersed camping sites near Sedona.
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South Carolina
By Joe Orovic
18th-century history is palpable in South Carolina. But this small town's past uniquely intersects with Cherokee Indian culture and Revolutionary battles.
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Pennsylvania
By Joe Orovic
Pennsylvania may not be the American West, but its state parks are breathtaking enough to make you think you've reached the end of the world.
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What happens when you combine basalt outcroppings, dramatic valleys, and jagged plateaus across 1.4 million acres of land? A national forest like no other.
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