Location
Salem, Massachusetts
School
Emerson College, University Of Vermont
Expertise
Central/Eastern Europe & Turkey, Hotels & Resorts, The Expat Experience
- Mike has written for dozens of print and online travel publications.
- He has reviewed more than 50 hotels.
- He's also written and edited more than a dozen guidebooks.
Experience
Mike discovered journalism while living in Istanbul. From there he returned to USA and earned a master's degree in publishing and writing at Emerson College. Since then he has served as writer and editor at dozens of print and online travel publications. He also teaches travel writing at Gotham Writers Workshop.
Education
Mike has an MA in publishing and writing from Emerson College and a BA in English from University of Vermont. Mike also won a scholarship to study a year at the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK.
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.
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
America is home to countless stunning public parks, and this New England gem boasts the title of being the very first. Visit to see where history was made.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Waterbury, Vermont is much more than its often-noted Ben & Jerry's Factory. It's home to a hip scene of cafes, breweries and boutiques, too.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
History buffs will get their fix in the Croatian city of Split. A Roman emperor's palace is not just a site to see but rather the Old Town itself.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
With layers of history, this waterfront walkway along the Bosphorus Strait is central to the culture and lifestyle in modern-day Istanbul, Turkey.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Prague is teeming with life. Venturing off the tourist path is the surest way to experience the abundance of culture in the Czech Republic's capital city.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
Salem, Massachusetts, is a top Halloween destination owing to its witch trials of the 1690s. For that reason, it's also the filming location for "Hocus Pocus."
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
A 200,000 gallon, 23-foot deep aquarium filled with sea creatures creates an unforgettable experience to add to your family friendly itinerary in New England.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
If you're looking for a New England beach getaway this fall, you could do far worse than this little Rhode Island town with scenic views and seafood galore.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Though the internet has made many aspects of travel easier, there are things we lost when we traded our own explorations for algorithms and influencers' tips.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Italy is full of renowned cities with gorgeous tourist attractions, but travel expert Rick Steves vouches for an underrated place to check out.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
If you're attracted to European history with its knights and barbarians, you can immerse yourself in this underrated capital city hidden behind medieval walls.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
Bled, Slovenia is tiny island town and one of the country's top attraction for tourists. A trip there will transport you back to medieval times.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia are these stunning islands that allow travelers and locals to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Destinations
By Mike Dunphy
You may think visiting historical attractions is a day thing, but Rick Steves says this city's spots are best seen by night -- and it has even more to offer.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
A cozy and quiet town in New Hampshire is a lowkey luxury vacation destination complete with several beaches, quality restaurants, and much more!
By Mike Dunphy
Read More
-
Travel Guides
By Mike Dunphy
Vermont is one of the most romantic states, and this gorgeous island is jam-packed with picturesque outdoor experiences perfect for lovers of all kinds.
By Mike Dunphy
Read More