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 first-class honors degree in English and ancient history from Swansea University. He graduated in 2010 and went into travel writing straight away.
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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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Lake Tahoe is one of the most iconic and beautiful outdoor destinations in the world. But the road trips around its borders are just as breathtaking.
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Washington
By Joseph Richard Francis
Washington has its fair share of spectacular outdoor spaces, but the ancient waters of this small state park give it a special character that can't be missed.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Learn Rick Steves’ insider vocabulary and unlock the best of Italy's hidden culinary treasures, from rustic wine bars to family-run spots beloved by locals.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
This peaceful Tuscan retreat tucked between two major destinations offers everything tourists love about Italy: historic villas, fine wines, and scenic trails.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Discover this hidden coastal gem where mountains crash into the Pacific, creating protected beaches perfect for swimming and wildlife watching.
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Colorado
By Joseph Richard Francis
Journey along this historic Colorado mountain byway where frontier tales meet stunning alpine scenery as you wind through picture-perfect towering peaks.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
One state dominates America's national park scene with nine incredible destinations spanning mountains, beaches, forests, and otherworldly deserts.
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Texas
By Joseph Richard Francis
Texas isn't exactly the first state that comes to mind when you think of mountains, but this scenic peak-filled drive just might change that.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Sequoias are some of the most bewilderingly beautiful trees on the planet. And here in this state park, there are thousands of them to wander beneath.
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Nevada
By Joseph Richard Francis
Lake Tahoe is one of Nevada's biggest tourist draws, but if you want to get away from the crowds, try this nearby state park for a breezy and beautiful detour.
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Oregon
By Joseph Richard Francis
This spectacular stretch of Oregon coastline offers jaw-dropping clifftop panoramas, secluded beaches, and picturesque trails that most travelers miss.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Few places on the planet pack more natural beauty and stunning ancient artwork into one location than this scenic European mountain getaway.
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Oregon
By Joseph Richard Francis
Prepare to be awe-struck at these four scenic viewpoints along Oregon's central coast, with glorious beaches, sea caves, tide pools, marine life, and more.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Escape to this dreamy town on Italy's Pontine coast to relax on golden-sand beaches, explore ancient Roman roads and temples, and savor delicious seafood.
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Nevada
By Joseph Richard Francis
This incredible, scenic road trip is perfect for a long weekend and will take you to plenty of amazing places in the Sierra Nevadas, including Lake Tahoe.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
With its prime located in Portugal's celebrated Algarve region, narrow alleyways with ancient landmarks, and surfing beaches, this town is not to be overlooked.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Within an incredible national park in Spain, you’ll find a hiking route through a rugged gorge considered the country’s equivalent of the Grand Canyon.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
This stunning Portuguese beach combines world-class surfing with turquoise waters, quaint villages, and dramatic clifftop views that will take your breath away.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Step into California's forgotten frontier past at this abandoned mining site that's now a fascinating outdoor museum in the heart of the desert.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Escape Italy's tourist hordes in this secret mountain corner of Tuscany brimming with dramatic peaks and mountain villages without the Alpine crowds.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Escape to this pair of steaming desert pools in California, where snow-capped peaks surround you on all sides for the ultimate natural bathing experience.
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Oregon
By Joseph Richard Francis
This tiny Oregon coastal town hides dramatic rock arches, secret tunnels, and postcard-worthy views of the Pacific Ocean around every corner.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Hidden along a scenic trail in California's northern wilderness, this waterfall lets you walk behind its thundering cascade through a natural cave.
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Montana
By Joseph Richard Francis
This pristine Montana island is home to herds of wild animals that have roamed free for generations among prairie grasses and towering pines.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
This stunning lake draws kayakers, fishing enthusiasts, cyclists, and lovers of the great outdoors with the promise of pursuits both on and off the water.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Escape the crowds at this hidden California mountain town featuring crystal-clear lakes, endless hiking trails, and perfectly preserved Gold Rush charm.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Venture beyond the Greek capital to explore a magnificent 40-mile coastline of sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and seaside towns making an impressive comeback.
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