Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
School
Arizona State University
Expertise
Sustainable tourism practices, Off-the-beaten-path destination research, Regional culture & folklore documentation
- Joshua has explored over 20 U.S. national parks and public lands, often combining backcountry hikes with storytelling projects that spotlight hidden gems and overlooked history.
- They worked on travel writing projects for major brands like GetYourGuide and Airbnb, crafting destination guides, itinerary content, and experience-based narratives tailored for digital platforms.
- A lifelong road trip enthusiast with a soft spot for dusty trailheads, scenic byways, and small-town diners, they have an ever-growing obsession with documenting America's weirdest roadside attractions.
Experience
Joshua began their writing career with a focus on lifestyle and culture before carving out a niche in travel content. As a copywriter and content strategist, they've developed editorial and branded travel pieces for global platforms, specializing in destination storytelling, local guides, and immersive itinerary content. Their work often blends practical travel advice with narrative elements, offering readers both inspiration and actionable insights. Whether crafting long-form articles on national park adventures or writing UX copy for booking platforms, they bring a deep understanding of what moves travelers.
Education
They earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Arizona State University, where they focused on media writing, digital storytelling, and audience engagement strategies — a foundation that continues to inform their copywriting today.
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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Pennsylvania
By Joshua Parle
This charming canal town located in Pennsylvania boasts scenic trails, delicious food, and a truly impressive suspension bridge, making it a hidden gem.
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If you’re looking for a little quiet time after visiting the Windy City, stop by this village for a fun day of fishing and small-town festivals.
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Colorado is known for its stunning scenery, and this city outside of Denver is no exception. Families and hikers can enjoy trails through the area's parks.
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Affordable living, abundant parks, and proximity to Houston make this Texas suburb a top choice for retirees seeking comfort and connection.
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Midwest foodies may have found a hidden gem. This small town in Indiana has numerous eateries that showcase the state’s farm-to-table roots.
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This suburb of St. Louis is one of the best places to live in Illinois thanks to a family-friendly popular park, small-town charm, and big-city convenience.
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Louisiana
By Joshua Parle
In Louisiana, most people visit New Orleans. However, if you are looking for a more laid-back small-town experience, this charming community is hard to beat.
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Just outside busy Chicago, this vibrant suburb blends boutique shopping, delicious dining, and a welcoming pace perfect for family and friends.
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According to our research and input from a Colorado native, these five towns are the best for affordable health care, housing, and outdoor adventures.
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Located in Montana's Bitterroot Valley, this community offers visitors all kinds of outdoor activities, including fishing, horseback riding, and camping.
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Tennessee
By Joshua Parle
This Tennessee state park is a waterfront beauty with miles of hiking trails, campsites, cozy cabins, and lakes that are perfect for swimming and fishing.
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This small Colorado town is a hiker's dream base camp. Nearby, RV travelers and road trippers will also find campsites with stunning views of the night sky.
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This sandy recreation area about 2.5 hours from Salt Lake City is famous for its dunes, campsites, and off-roading adventures. Here's what you need to know.
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Discover the road near Moab, Utah, that takes you through a picturesque landscape with rock climbing opportunities, ancient petroglyphs, and arches.
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Pennsylvania
By Joshua Parle
For a place with artsy, small town charm that is near Pittsburgh, head to this Pennsylvania college town near a national scenic trail with lots of public art.
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For a Utah escape away from the typical tourist route, head to this town hidden in the mountains that enjoys water recreation, trails, and spring poppies.
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Theme Parks
By Joshua Parle
From coasters to mini golf and a massive arcade, this popular Phoenix destination promises thrills, games, and family fun for visitors of all ages.
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This Rocky Mountain town is near enough to the big cities for convenience but also provides outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking or rafting.
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Wisconsin
By Joshua Parle
This incredible part of Wisconsin is a 30-minute ferry ride away from the mainland on Lake Michigan and is home to a historically Icelandic community.
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This lake and state park offer everything you want in an outdoor adventure, including boating and fishing, hiking and beaches on the shore, and camping options.
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Louisiana
By Joshua Parle
Louisiana is the place to go for big flavors, and you'll find plenty of delicious dishes and graceful charm in the Pelican State's Prairie Cajun Capital.
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This mountain town only an hour from Denver, Colorado is a gorgeous gateway to many different trails, lakes, fishing spots, and canyons. Find out more.
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This hot springs in Colorado is considered to be one of the best in the nation and it's a picturesque resort with plenty of camping, soaking, and stargazing.
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If you're looking for an out-of-this-world experience, this small town in Nevada near Area 51 is filled with various alien-related sights and movie locations.
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This small city in Utah is wildly overlooked, beautiful place to base yourself while exploring some of the best state and national parks in the U.S.
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Tennessee
By Joshua Parle
To get a break from the Tennessee heat, head to this unsung state park near Chattanooga that has plenty of rafting thrills and one of the best swimming holes.
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This Michigan city earned its breakfast reputation over a century ago, but there's a lot more to discover beyond its famous morning meal legacy.
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