Location
Durham, North Carolina
School
New York University
Expertise
Cruises, Airline policies, Asian travel destinations
- In 2013, Karla moved to South Korea, where she spent four years teaching English and learning the Korean language.
- She has visited over 15 cities in Asia, including Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Bangkok.
- At each destination she visits, Karla enjoys trying authentic cuisines and finding hidden gems that you won't find in a typical tourist guide.
Experience
Karla is a travel writer with over eight years of experience covering destination guides, industry news, and tips for an easy experience while vacationing. Her work has been featured in TheTravel, Trip101, and College Fashionista. As a journalist, Karla uses her extensive personal travel experience and expertise to help readers understand and properly research their next destinations, so they can confidently budget, pack, and prepare for all the exciting excursions that each exciting place has to offer.
Education
Karla has a bachelor's degree in film with a minor in entertainment business from New York 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.
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.
-
Just 15 minutes from downtown Savannah, this stunning wildlife sanctuary includes a 2-mile trail where visitors can get close to 100 of North America's animals.
Read More
-
South Carolina
By Karla Demery
Georgetown, South Carolina, has a pleasant park with plenty of recreational opportunities. People can play pickleball, tennis, and disc golf or go for walks.
Read More
-
Pennsylvania
By Karla Demery
It can sometimes be difficult to find truly wild wilderness in the developed parks across America, but one Pennsylvania nature preserve is stunning and rustic.
Read More
-
People in search of hiking and biking trails, eateries that serve Southern food, and fodder for history buffs can find them in this small Georgia city.
Read More
-
Florida features some of the most beautiful waterways and wilderness in the world, and one state park is a hidden gem for outdoorsy adventurers.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Karla Demery
Coastal states offer plenty of natural delights for fans of water and the great outdoors. This North Carolina lake park is an excellent example.
Read More
-
If you find yourself in the Augusta, Georgia area, there's another small town nearby that offers a fun day trip option with cute parks and tasty food.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Karla Demery
The Blue Ridge Mountains offer some of the most stunning nature in the country, and one campground offers anything outdoor adventurers could ask for.
Read More
-
Pennsylvania
By Karla Demery
This small community in Pennsylvania offers free or low-cost activities and attractions, from historical walking tours and concerts to budget-friendly meals.
Read More
-
Atlanta locals know where to go to find some of the city's best food, and this airport-adjacent community full of historic buildings is one such place.
Read More
-
This Acadian city in Canada is a designated Age-Friendly Community and offers a comfortable environment for retirees, plus a variety of shops and restaurants.
Read More
-
This stunning small town along Alaska's Kenai Peninsula can only be reached by boat and provides opportunities to spend the night surrounded by pristine nature.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Karla Demery
Forget the busy cities. This North Carolina county is perfect for retirees looking for a budget vacation full of outdoor activities, history, and great eats.
Read More
-
Festivals
By Karla Demery
Looking for that small-town feel with charming shops and food, but also want to experience a fun festival? You won't want to miss this North Carolina town.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Karla Demery
Explore a delightful North Carolina suburb with easy access to outdoor adventure to go with a historic downtown and charming community spirit.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Karla Demery
This underrated town in North Carolina is a short drive from Greensboro or Durham, with restaurants, shops, a historic museum, and a charming cinema.
Read More
-
Just an hour and a half from New York City, you'll find a criminally underrated destination loaded with historic sites and a buzzing local scene.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Karla Demery
Skip the major cities of Charlotte and Raleigh and instead explore this North Carolina town with a rich railroad history, delicious barbecue, and outdoor fun.
Read More
-
Less than an hour outside of Chicago, and easily reachable by public transportation, there's a quiet little town with great parks and surprisingly good food.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Karla Demery
A curious name, a charming community, and some of the best pottery in the United States? There's a lot to love about this corner of North Carolina.
Read More
-
Massachusetts
By Karla Demery
This East Coast city south of Boston offers scenic parks, history reaching to the American Revolution and beyond, and one of the largest malls in the state.
Read More
-
Atlanta, Georgia
By Karla Demery
This suburb of Atlanta, Georgia is a hidden gem that will delight lovers of sprawling parks featuring wooded trails as well as satisfy adventurous eaters.
Read More
-
Looking for uncrowded beaches in Southeast Asia? This remote Indonesian archipelago offers white sand, turquoise water, and a quieter alternative to Bali.
Read More
-
Imagine quiet beaches, fresh seafood, and world-class wine without the typical tourist crowds. This gorgeous Spanish region is a hidden coastal idyll.
Read More
-
Explore Arlington’s Clarendon-Courthouse neighborhood, a walkable Virginia destination with shopping, restaurants, bars, and easy Metro access to D.C.
Read More
-
The Big Apple might be all noise and energy, but there's a little slice of serenity nearby in the shape of an abandoned military fort turned charming beach.
Read More
-
Restaurants
By Karla Demery
Beyond Charlotte's skyline and banking towers, one Uptown destination offers a taste of the city's local food culture, from Southern staples to global cuisine.
Read More