School
University of St Andrews, University of Cape Town
Expertise
Arts & Culture, Hiking, Budget Friendly Travel
- Madeleine has traveled to five continents and lived in three.
- She speaks good French, okay Spanish, basic Afrikaans, and would like to learn isiXhosa.
- She is passionate about supporting ethical, responsible travel that is respectful toward people, cultures, and the natural world.
Experience
Madeleine has been a professional writer for 10 years. In the travel space, she has written for outlets including but not limited to The Culture Trip, What's On in Cape Town, and Matador Network. More broadly, her bylines appear in Icarus Complex Magazine, Where the Leaves Fall, and elsewhere.
Education
She holds an M.A. in English literature from the University of St Andrews and an M.A. in documentary arts from the University of Cape Town.
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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Missouri
By Madeleine Bee
For a great spot to spend a day exploring just outside of St. Louis, head to this charming city with historic streets, holiday markets, and craft breweries.
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Illinois
By Madeleine Bee
For a taste of beautiful Southern Illinois, head to this laid-back hippie village that is full of artsy charm and is within Shawnee National Forest.
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Louisiana
By Madeleine Bee
This small town is conveniently located along I-10 but feels a world away from the big city; it's the perfect spot to cast a line or grab a delicious meal.
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New Jersey
By Madeleine Bee
This NYC suburb offers stunning riverfront views of Manhattan, walking trails through beautiful parks, and a plethora of delicious restaurants.
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Tucked away in northern Indiana is a small town that's home to a serene lake, a walkable downtown, and plenty of local restuarants when it's time to refuel.
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Louisiana
By Madeleine Bee
For a great day trip destination from New Orleans, check out this riverfront Louisiana city that has calm, artsy vibes and a historic and walkable downtown.
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Those looking for a laid-back Caribbean getaway will love hiking to the top of this island's highest peak and diving in its waters to see more natural wonders.
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North Carolina
By Madeleine Bee
If you're in or around Wilmington, NC, check out this hidden Carolina gem offering all the natural beauty the state offers.
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South Florida gets most of the attention from travelers but for those looking for a quieter, off the beaten track spot this charming town is well worth a visit.
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Wisconsin
By Madeleine Bee
Home to a few cozy campgrounds and several fantastic restaurants, this destination in Wisconsin blends picturesque landscapes with hearty meals.
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This Myrtle Beach destination attracts millions of visitors every year with its amusement park rides, distinct "villages," and lake activities.
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Nebraska
By Madeleine Bee
This hidden Nebraska village offers a quiet Sandhills escape with sweeping dunes, clear lakes, abundant wildlife to explore, and many activities.
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Nebraska
By Madeleine Bee
Featuring a sprawling lake, cozy campsites, and easy access to some of the best bass fishing in Nebraska, this recreation area is an outdoor paradise.
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If you're looking to relax where you can enjoy the outdoors in a beautiful park or golf amongst the wildlife, this San Antonio suburb fits the bill.
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If you're looking for a vacation that offers a mix of wine tasting, outdoor adventures, and even a little kayaking, you won't want to miss this spot in Quebec.
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Feel like you've been transported to the Old Country in this Ohio neighborhood that's the ultimate destination for Italophiles dreaming of a trip to Rome.
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Hankerin' for a change in pace? Wish you could worry about nothing but shopping and relaxing? Take in the friendly, laid-back vibes of this charming Texan city.
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Colorado
By Madeleine Bee
Big cities like Denver, Colorado, get all the attention, but sometimes when you go on vacation, you want something quiet and peaceful, especially in fall.
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When visiting Kansas City, don't miss out on this nearby suburb that offers quieter fun with quirky shops, a walkable downtown, and a Renaissance festival.
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West Virginia
By Madeleine Bee
Considered West Virginia's wealthiest suburb in 2025, this destination is surprisingly down-to-earth with great fishing opportunities and a rural atmosphere.
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Orlando, Florida
By Madeleine Bee
Orlando might not be the most walkable city in the United States, but one gorgeous lakeside neighborhood stands tall as a pedestrian-friendly paradise.
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New Jersey
By Madeleine Bee
For outdoor adventure in New Jersey, we recommend going to a North Jersey destination along the Pennsylvania border, where there are ample hiking spots.
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North Carolina
By Madeleine Bee
If you're seeking a relaxing place to unwind in retirement, this charming North Carolina community by Lake Norman offers direct access to watersports and golf.
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Discover this Montana town, nestled on the Blackfeet Reservation, where visitors will be in close proximity to one of the most beautiful national parks.
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Whether you're traveling with family or organizing an adults-only getaway, this Alabama town and its stunning lake offer plenty of fun and relaxation.
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Virginia
By Madeleine Bee
If you haven't put Virginia on your travel list yet, reconsider. Not only is the state reinventing its diverse wine scene, it's got views to match the pours.
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North Carolina
By Madeleine Bee
Along with an excellent golf course and quick access to several beaches, this North Carolina community is near the Intracoastal Waterway and its many amenities.
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