Location
Redondo Beach, CA
School
California State University - Long Beach, El Camino College
Expertise
Dangerous Travel Destinations, Southern California, Underrated Destinations
- Leslie travels multiple times a year, with her favorite destinations being Seattle, Paris, and London.
- She spends her free time exploring Southern California and its many beaches.
- She has documented her travels on her blog, "The Leslie Life," since 2019.
Experience
Before writing for Islands, Leslie wrote about domestic and international travel destinations for Explore. As a history and dark tourism enthusiast, she enjoys incorporating these facets into her articles. When she's not writing, you'll find Leslie at the beach or planning her next big trip. Her hobbies include reading and visiting historical (often creepy) sites.
Education
Leslie has a bachelor's degree in journalism from California State University, Long Beach, and an associate degree in social sciences from El Camino College.
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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Europe
By Leslie Veliz 7 hours ago
A lesser-known Kent coast getaway near London offers pebbly beaches, a historic pier, quirky shops, retro amusements, and scenic coastal walks by the sea.
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News
By Leslie Veliz 19 hours ago
A 2026 study from U-Haul shows that boomers are leaving Chicago behind and settling just three hours away in an iconic, beer-rich Midwest city.
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Canada
By Leslie Veliz 4 days ago
This tiny town has been featured in several high-profile TV shows, and it's home to several cozy parks, popular shops, and well-reviewed restaurants.
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Idaho
By Leslie Veliz 5 days ago
While California and Florida have optimal weather and vibrant coastal cities, the best U.S. state to live in for 2026 is an affordable, safe option.
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California
By Leslie Veliz 6 days ago
Explore all Southern California has to offer without breaking the bank in this perfectly located suburb. Home to the 2028 Summer Olympics, there's plenty to do.
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News
By Leslie Veliz 7 days ago
This sleek, fine-dining Japanese restaurant hiding in a casino on the Jersey Shore has just been named the Best Hotel Restaurant in the U.S. for 2026.
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Oklahoma
By Leslie Veliz 7 days ago
Some folks think Tulsa, Oklahoma is a boring city. But look a bit deeper, and you'll find an assortment of destinations that appeal to all types of visitors.
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Michigan
By Leslie Veliz 8 days ago
There are plenty of affordable places to live in Michigan, but we're taking a look at the 10 places in the Great Lakes State with the most expensive homes.
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California
By Leslie Veliz 14 days ago
For an idyllic escape near Stockton, head to this lake park with fishing and paddling that is so beautiful it is a popular site for romantic photoshoots.
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Texas
By Leslie Veliz 14 days ago
On a road trip between Austin and Waco, make a stop for lunch at an underrated city with delicious eateries and lakeside parks to explore.
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Iowa
By Leslie Veliz 15 days ago
Instead of spending your golden years in Florida, consider retiring to a charming county in the Midwest, boasting small-town vibes and access to the outdoors.
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Europe
By Leslie Veliz 15 days ago
Escape London's bustle and explore these dreamy rose gardens, hidden hedges, peaceful parks, and storybook surprises nestled throughout the capital.
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Europe
By Leslie Veliz 17 days ago
Get away to a shoreside destination filled with gorgeous beaches, sky-high views, delicious seafood, and so much more to explore in this charming UK town.
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Illinois
By Leslie Veliz 22 days ago
This charming village in Illinois near Rockford is a family-friendly spot with a scenic park trail, local restaurants, and a large water park.
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Alabama
By Leslie Veliz 22 days ago
Historic storefronts, creative workshops, local art, and Southern cooking make one charming city a worthwhile addition to your Alabama itinerary.
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Nebraska
By Leslie Veliz 25 days ago
Discover historical buildings, numerous antique shops, and lakeside camping in this Nebraska city highly regarded for its small-town atmosphere.
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Europe
By Leslie Veliz 27 days ago
This charming English town is just a few miles from Stonehenge and offers historic sites of its own, along with the scenic Lord's Walk beside the River Avon.
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Oklahoma
By Leslie Veliz 26 days ago
Every state has under-the-radar spots worth visiting. One such spot lies in Oklahoma, just two hours from a pair of city centers. Here's what you'll find there.
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News
By Leslie Veliz 1 month ago
This unexpected airline is highly rated by travel publications and known for its business class, which features world-class cuisine and a luxe amenity kit.
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Canada
By Leslie Veliz 1 month ago
This mining town in British Columbia was named after the Colorado town of the same name and features stunning alpine views and nearby parks to explore.
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Michigan
By Leslie Veliz 1 month ago
Golf courses and pristine green spaces are just the tip of the iceberg, as this unique Midwest city is home to all sorts of fun, family-friendly amenities.
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Iowa
By Leslie Veliz 1 month ago
This Iowa city offers a charming downtown lined with old-school storefronts and a wealth of antique stores, along with annual antique festivals.
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Wisconsin
By Leslie Veliz 1 month ago
If you want to have some outdoor adventure in Wisconsin, you can head to this small town that offers miles of scenic hiking trails, as well as fishing.
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Iowa
By Leslie Veliz 1 month ago
This museum in Elk Horn, Iowa, is home to a giant wooden troll, historic buildings, artifacts from early Danish immigrants, and a sprawling prairie park.
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California
By Leslie Veliz 1 month ago
With a bunch of excellent local restaurants, a festive farmers market, and plenty of parks to unwind, this California town is a great spot for foodies.
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California
By Leslie Veliz 1 month ago
Less than 10 minutes from Modesto is a family friendly spot that offers fishing, boating, trail walking with wildlife, community events, local shops, and art.
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Massachusetts
By Leslie Veliz 1 month ago
Visitors will find endless green spaces and preserves to explore in and around this small town that's just an hour and a half from Boston, Massachusetts.
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