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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This walkable Alabama city, which is conveniently located between two major metropolises, is an excellent weekend getaway for shopping and hiking enthusiasts.
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Oklahoma
By Madeleine Bee
This suburb in Oklahoma City often flies under the radar, but with its eateries and community spirit, it should definitely be on your bucket list.
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Tennessee
By Madeleine Bee
This charming Tennessee town located between Chattanooga and Tennessee is home to great shopping, a fun weekly concert series, as well as tasty bites.
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New York
By Madeleine Bee
If you're looking for a budget-friendly getaway sandwiched between the idyllic Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario, head for this quaint, countryside New York town.
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When you want out of a busy city like Dallas, this lakeside community offers plenty of outdoor fun activities like camping, boating, and fishing.
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Tennessee
By Madeleine Bee
Just a short drive from Knoxville gets you family-friendly outdoor activities, great antiquing, and storefronts you won't find anywhere else.
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This underrated Ohio getaway offers historic architecture, independent shops, guided tours, and a thriving local food scene between Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
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Michigan
By Madeleine Bee
One unassuming Michigan town blends historic character, easy walkability, and a surprisingly convenient setting for exploring the surrounding area.
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California
By Madeleine Bee
Skip the crowded lakes and head to this quieter Northern California escape with kayaking, fishing, riverside trails, sandy beaches, and scenic views.
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Michigan
By Madeleine Bee
This lake's clear water makes it a perfect spot for watersports. And when you get hungry, there's a pizza spot whose housemade sauce has customers raving.
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North Carolina
By Madeleine Bee
If you love charming small Southern towns with delicious local cuisine, Bladenboro, North Carolina, is an underrated location you need to visit.
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Louisiana
By Madeleine Bee
This charming Louisiana suburb near Baton Rouge has railroad history, local food, and excellent museums, making it perfect for a day adventure.
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This unique waterfall may not be the kind you are used to, but it's definitely worth a visit to Canada to see it up close along with the rest of the scenery.
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Tennessee
By Madeleine Bee
Close to Memphis, this charming suburb is home to all sorts of unique shops and acres of pristine green space, making it a fun escape from the city.
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This town is surrounded by water, and its more remote location makes it a fantastic getaway if you're looking for coastal charm and fresh seafood.
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Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, this rustic spot gives visitors access to various swimming holes, charming cabins, and other recreation opportunities.
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On a Canadian road trip from Detroit to Buffalo, make a stop at this quaint town just outside Point Pelee National Park, boasting restaurants and an art hub.
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This Eastern Wyoming haven is on the doorstep of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest & Thunder Basin National Grassland and offers idyllic stays in nature.
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North Carolina
By Madeleine Bee
Though it may be tiny, this charming North Carolina town is home to a few popular diners and a cozy Main Street with plenty of unique shops.
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Missouri
By Madeleine Bee
St. Louis is a great city to visit, but there a suburb that is well worth a trip. It has historic buildings and good shops in a small-town atmosphere.
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Massachusetts
By Madeleine Bee
Where can you find both a bookstore owned by the writer of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and a harness-racing track/casino? In this Massachusetts town.
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Pitch a tent and spend a night under the stars or hike along trails through marshland, keeping an eye out for heron and deer at this Florida nature area.
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This remote fishing lodge has wide-ranging of reviews, proving it's not for everyone. But for those looking for a fishing getaway, it has a lot to offer.
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Wisconsin
By Madeleine Bee
Just outside of Green Bay, this fast-growing Wisconsin village is home to a fun outdoor adventure park and a handful of popular local eateries.
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New Hampshire
By Madeleine Bee
New Hampshire is full of charming little towns, including this one, where you can spot wildlife on a hike or cast a line from the riverbanks.
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Wisconsin
By Madeleine Bee
Looking for a scenic Midwest escape? Don't sleep on this charming river city between Minneapolis and Madison, offering great camping and views of the water.
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Named after a famous historical figure who set out searching for gold, these falls make for an excellent quick hike into Georgia's natural beauty.
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