School
New College of Florida
Expertise
Sustainable travel, Latin America, The Caribbean
- Mariana has over ten years of experience as a travel writer.
- She was a staff writer at Far & Wide, where she regularly covered hotels, food, culture, and all things travel.
- She has lived in several countries and speaks English, Spanish, French fluently, and Korean at a basic level.
Experience
Mariana was born in Colombia before moving to the U.S. at the age of 10. She's lived in France and South Korea and has traveled to over 45 countries. Before 2020, she was a digital nomad for several years. She mostly looks for off-the-beaten path destinations and experiences and focuses on sustainable travel and food. She's also an avid hiker and a certified scuba diver. Her work has been published by the BBC, Travel + Leisure, Atlas Obscura, Thrillist, and more.
Education
Mariana has a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from New College of Florida. She also completed a semester at the Institut Catholique de Paris, where she studied French and sociology.
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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Virginia
By Mariana Zapata
This exciting, scenic route through Virginia pairs historic landmarks with some of the best whiskey, rum, and vodka tastings the state has to offer.
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Washington
By Mariana Zapata
It may surprise you, but Seattle isn't especially rainy by U.S. standards. Still, it feels perpetually gray, and the reason isn't just precipitation.
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Air Travel
By Mariana Zapata
A major credit card company just made airport lounges less accessible. Here's what travelers need to know about the costly new restrictions.
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Enjoy an under-the-radar Caribbean destination with little to no crowds and incredible adventure activities, like volcanic hikes and reef diving.
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Looking for a beach getaway with a twist? This remote spot blends quiet hikes, epic coastal views, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.
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Tennessee
By Mariana Zapata
Known for its musical legacy and rich cultural heritage, this city offers great grub, historic landmarks, and a deeply moving museum experience.
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Florida
By Mariana Zapata
For the perfect boozy day trip from Orlando, head to the Wine, Ale, and Spirits Trail that is hidden on Florida's gorgeous Treasure Coast.
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If you want your hotel to feel larger than life, consider booking a trip to this Western state, home to the majority of the world's biggest hotels.
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Away from America's coasts, one unexpected state is challenging Florida's reputation as the number one retirement haven. See what makes this region so special.
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Cruises
By Mariana Zapata
MSC Cruises is taking on the U.S. market with a new ship. World America features tons of thrills, relaxation spots, and a diverse assortment of dining options.
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Florida
By Mariana Zapata
This hotel in Florida is on the top 50 in the world, and began as a 1930s social club where celebrities could let off steam and have some privacy.
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Travelers who love history and nature should make sure to check out this hiking and biking trail that goes through Texas' only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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To enjoy the Dominican Republic’s beautiful beaches and crystalline water without hordes of crowds or high price tags, head to this under-the-radar destination.
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Florida
By Mariana Zapata
If you are on your way to Key West, make sure to stop in this stylish art boutique in Islamorada that has a gorgeous garden and sells fun and unique goods.
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Wisconsin
By Mariana Zapata
Embark on a scenic drive that stops at some of America's most intriguing architectural landmarks. This Midwestern trail will show you the way to adventure.
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Florida
By Mariana Zapata
This unexpected activity park close to South Beach is a fun and challenging experience with ziplines and obstacles, and may be the area's best kept secret.
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Florida
By Mariana Zapata
When visiting Palm Beach, Florida, you don't have to go far to have a top-tier snorkeling experience. Head to this park for family-friendly water fun.
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Colombia's secret Guape Canyon offers an exhilarating tubing adventure through clear waters, but its lush views make the experience even more unforgettable.
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If you're looking for a hearty meal with some PNW logging history built in, keep an eye out for the log cabin restaurant along U.S. Highway 26.
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Florida
By Mariana Zapata
For hiking, kayaking, camping, bird-watching, fishing, and everything in between, this state park with rare ecosystems is the hidden gem of Southwest Florida.
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Florida
By Mariana Zapata
Florida’s dining scene features high-quality, diverse cuisines, including five restaurants recently added to the state’s list of Michelin-starred eateries.
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Camping
By Mariana Zapata
Rooftop tents might seem like a cool way to lounge in comfort during your next camping trip. However, there are some unique drawbacks campers should consider.
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Outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to explore the best of Panama should check out this province on the country's Pacific coast. Here's what you'll find.
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Virginia
By Mariana Zapata
This Virginia destination is the ideal small-town getaway, offering a historic downtown, art galleries and green spaces, and upscale farm-to-table dining.
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Planning a European getaway? Travel expert Rick Steves says this country ticks all the boxes as the best place to start your vacation across the pond.
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California
By Mariana Zapata
Explore one of Northern California’s most spectacular hidden gem waterfalls, deemed “the eighth wonder of the world,” on a newly refurbished trail.
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New York
By Mariana Zapata
Although most people try to avoid tourist traps, you shouldn’t miss out on this delicious and popular restaurant serving New York’s best cheesecake.
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