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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Quebec is home to some of the most unique culture and natural beauty in Canada, and one small town offers visitors access to the best of the province.
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Looking for a place that offers historical sites to tour, covered bridges to walk under, and delicious food to eat? You won't want to pass this Ohio town by.
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Pennsylvania
By Madeleine Bee
Minutes from Allentown and Bethlehem is the historic Million Dollar Town with delicious eateries and a main street that's chockfull of interesting sites.
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Skip the crowds on the Yucatan Peninsula for this remote island getaway on Mexico's Pacific coast with snorkeling, wildlife, and beachfront restaurants.
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If you want a peaceful Florida escape that’s still close to Daytona Beach’s bustling shores, check out this historic riverside suburb with delicious eateries.
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Wisconsin
By Madeleine Bee
Perched on Geneva Lake, this Wisconsin village offers a sandy beach for swimming and boating and the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy for hiking and wildlife.
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A nature preserve in Indiana promotes tranquility in the outdoors, providing a peaceful place to wander past waterfalls and pristine forests.
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Massachusetts
By Madeleine Bee
Looking for a Boston day trip the entire family can enjoy? Escape the city and visit this park filled with fun activities, beautiful gardens, and wildlife.
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Tennessee
By Madeleine Bee
For lake days near Nashville, head to this Tennessee village with over 14,000 acres of water for boating and fishing, along with verdant trails and eateries.
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One of the Midwest's finest music venues sits in a charming Dayton suburb with good restaurants and fun for all the family.
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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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