Expertise
Urban Travel, Solo Female Travel, Asia
- Judith joined Islands in 2024 as a travel news writer.
- She hails from NYC but has been living abroad for 10 years. She is an endlessly curious traveler who has been to 20 countries so far.
- She is a coffee shop connoisseur and urbanite who gets her kicks from gazing out cafe windows while writing and sampling the culture of different cities around the world.
Experience
Judith began her writing journey as a travel blogger in 2011. She has since become a published article writer, both digital and in print, a content writer, and writes short stories in her free time. She has interviewed the Who's Who of expat communities, written profiles of rising and established artists, and written opinion pieces. She has contributed articles to Urbanist Magazine, Chao Hanoi, and The Tay Ho Times.
Education
Judith holds a bachelor's degree in geography with a concentration in cultural studies and a minor in Spanish. She is TEFL certified and completed an independent studies certificate in dance from The Alvin Ailey School of Dance.
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 Judith Barnes
If you hear the phrase "Pennsylvania suburbs" and don't immediately think of a possible vacation destination, allow us to change that for you.
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Kentucky
By Judith Barnes
Whether you're looking to camp, hike, fish, or swim, there's a perfect state resort park with just about everything you could hope for in a midwest vacation.
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Arkansas
By Judith Barnes
After touring this Arkansas cavern full of whimsical natural formations such as stalagmites and flowstones, pan for gems so you can leave with a souvenir.
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Michigan
By Judith Barnes
This 30-acre nature preserve on the banks of Lake Michigan offers the perfect environment for a peaceful respite, outdoor daytrip, or educational family outing.
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Tennessee
By Judith Barnes
Looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure? Explore Tennessee's highest lake, tucked away in the Appalachians for swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
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Tucked in Arizona's southeast corner is this understated park with its tranquil pond and wetlands, which attract a wide variety of bird species.
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Orlando, Florida
By Judith Barnes
This abandoned Florida motel was turned into a thriving art village that opens two days a month for an art festival complete with food trucks and fun.
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New Mexico
By Judith Barnes
This outdoor escape in New Mexico is a desert state park where you can camp under the stars, fish in mountain lakes, and experience beautiful, rugged terrain.
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If you love birdwatching and beachcombing, this little beach on Ohio's coastline is perfect for your next getaway. Here's why it's worth a trip.
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Louisiana
By Judith Barnes
A waterpark at the beach might sound like overkill, but you and your family will have endless fun swimming at this underrated spot along Louisiana’s gulf coast.
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Looking for a secret beach adventure? Near Pacific City, discover a remote stretch where sandstone cliffs rise over surf and endless ocean views.
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If you're bound for Texas and looking for a getaway, Abilene State Park has everything you could need between the camping spot, hiking trails, and paddling.
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New Mexico
By Judith Barnes
If you want to cool off while traveling on Route 66, this lake in Santa Rosa offers a beach-like experience and a fun obstacle course in the water.
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This local favorite of an island is home to an unexpected wild animal. Visitors can book a tour to kayak, paddleboard, or boat to the charming destination.
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If you can't get to the ocean, Lake Erie will do in a pinch, and this beautiful beach is the perfect place if you're looking for a quiet corner of nature.
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This Ohio beach offers the best of Lake Erie without the crowds. Sunbathe on soft sand, swim in the refreshing water, or start a game of cornhole or volleyball.
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Tennessee
By Judith Barnes
Visitors soaking in the Tennessee scenery got more than they bargained for when an iconic Smoky Mountain resident made an appearance at the rental.
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Rhode Island
By Judith Barnes
Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is a bit of a Renaissance city, and that devotion to cultural development includes a unique gondola experience.
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Tennessee
By Judith Barnes
There are lots of lakes located in the Smoky Mountains, including one manmade wonder that's known for activities like fishing, swimming, and boating.
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Washington
By Judith Barnes
Washington State has plenty of great beaches, and this one is not only uncrowded but also a clamming paradise that is great for long romantic walks.
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South Carolina
By Judith Barnes
South Carolina has many beach communities where visitors can enjoy great entertainment and food. This village has boardwalk attractions with lively events.
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Pennsylvania
By Judith Barnes
This tranquil Great Lakes escape boasts pebbled, sandy shores for sunning and swimming. After a beach day, order a drink at the nearby vineyards and breweries.
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Spanning 3 acres of non-stop attractions, this year-round water park boasts 16 thrilling slides, wave pools, a beach club, adults-only jacuzzis, and tons more.
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Hosts aren't the only ones making mistakes at Airbnbs. Sometimes, guests make mistakes, too, and this is one blunder you better avoid for a pleasant stay.
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Experience a Wyoming escape where wild mustangs roam free, wide-open skies stretch endlessly, and overnight stays bring you closer to untamed beauty.
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Romantic Getaways
By Judith Barnes
Whether you're headed to Mexico or Fiji to watch your loved ones tie the knot, here's what to know (and avoid) when it comes to gifts at a destination wedding.
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Washington
By Judith Barnes
This charming farm near Seattle has fun for everyone — pick dahlias in summer or pumpkins in fall, followed by a glass of mead in the rustic tasting room.
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