Location
Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
School
Swansea University
Expertise
Surfing Destinations, Adventure Travel, Sri Lanka
- Joe lived in Krakow, Poland, for several years, where he wrote extensively about the city's nightlife and culture scenes.
- Surf destinations are his specialty — Joe has surfed in a kaleidoscope of destinations, from Mexico to Morocco, Indonesia to New Zealand.
- He's based in the UK but escapes to the tropics each winter, usually to Sri Lanka or Thailand.
Experience
Joe lived in Krakow, Poland, for several years, where he wrote extensively about the city's nightlife and culture scenes.
Surf destinations are his specialty — Joe has surfed in a kaleidoscope of destinations, from Mexico to Morocco, Indonesia to New Zealand.
He's based in the UK but escapes to the tropics each winter, usually to Sri Lanka or Thailand.
Education
Joseph has a bachelor's degree in English and ancient history from Swansea 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.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 day ago
England's Lake District National Park is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and gorgeous towns, but few are as quintessential as this darling destination.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis 4 days ago
This delightful medieval town near the border with England is known as much for fantastic food as for its history, mountain walks, and scenery.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis 5 days ago
If you've long dreamt of exploring a gorgeous Welsh village within the boundaries of a spectacular coastal national park, this is the place for you.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis 7 days ago
Wales is arguably the most beautiful of the British nations, and this stunning village has everything from majestic mountains to legends of loyalty.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis 9 days ago
Just a few minutes from town, visitors can walk to bluff-top trails and secluded sandy coves that are blissfully quiet, depending on the season.
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Oregon
By Joseph Richard Francis 9 days ago
This out-of-the-way spot on the South Coast offers fantastic whale and sea lion watching, tide pooling, and a few lovely trails with Pacific outlooks.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis 25 days ago
Probably best known for the magnificent long-distance hikes that traverse the area, this corner of France offers rugged Alpine scenery and rare wildlife.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis 27 days ago
This enormous county connects the Central Valley with the Sierra foothills, meaning it's easy to find both big-city convenience and rural mountain adventure.
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New Jersey
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago
Florida dominates the retirement landscape, but this charming Jersey Shore county has everything you could need in your golden years.
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Maine
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago
Characterized by sweeping coasts, historic communities, and uncrowded beaches, this New England region is consistently ranked a top place to retire.
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Canada
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago
If the thought of retiring to a beautiful Canadian peninsula with charming beaches and stunning sea views appeals, this might be the spot for you.
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Colorado
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago
This rugged mountain escape in Colorado has thundering cascades, striking rock formations, scenic trails, welcoming local restaurants, and sweeping vistas.
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Oregon
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago
The Pacific Northwest has plenty to offer potential retirees, and Oregon's best place to retire is packed with coastal charms, outdoor adventures, and more.
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Canada
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago
If you're looking for a spectacular summer road trip, look no further than this spectacular adventure through mountains, mining towns, and beauty in Canada.
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Wyoming
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago
Clocking in at over 40 miles, this scenic drive through Grand Teton National Park treats visitors to both epic mountain views and a glimpse at local wildlife.
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Washington
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago
This national forest in the northern reaches of Washington is the Pacific Northwest at its most magnificent, with brilliant hiking and camping available.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago
Some places make great retirement spots because they offer tranquility; others, adventure. This windswept California county is the best of both.
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Canada
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
History and nature collide with spectacular results at this once-thriving mine town in the wilds of British Columbia, Canada.
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Washington
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
Seattle is one of America's most picturesque cities, and this gorgeous park just outside is packed with everything that makes Washington wonderful.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
It isn't the easiest lake to access, but every drop of sweat expelled on the way to this crystal-clear beauty is well worth it.
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Tennessee
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
The Volunteer State is at its beautiful best in this rustic mountain region located between Nashville and Knoxville, with state parks and cities all around.
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Colorado
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
This scenic byway showcases the diversity of western Colorado, from high mountain passes with aspen forests to towering ancient canyons and former mining towns.
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Canada
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
Visiting Canada? There's a million-acre stretch of Alberta backcountry with no roads, no cell service, and mountain peaks that climb past 10,100 feet.
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North Dakota
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
Consistently praised for its affordability and abundance of natural beauty, this Upper Midwest state is the place to settle for an outdoorsy retirement.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
The coast of this European nation has thousands of years of history to explore, scenic shores, and wonderfully inviting cities full of historic pubs to browse.
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Colorado
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
While Colorado abounds with iconic natural areas to pitch a tent, a less-talked-about lakeside campground is a pristine getaway with nearby trails.
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Maine
By Joseph Richard Francis 2 months ago
This coastal county has a stunning national park and plenty else to recommend it, including outdoor activities and multiple lakes for kayaking or fishing.
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