School
VIT University, Vellore
Expertise
Immersive Travel Experiences, Local Culture, Hidden Gems
- Neha caught the travel bug in her teens on a family trip to Malaysia and has visited over 30 destinations since.
- She believes in immersive travel experiences and exploring on foot, far exceeding the recommended 10,000 steps per day on her trips.
- At Islands, she is relishing the opportunity to combine her two passions: travel and the written word.
Experience
Neha has worked as a professional writer since late 2017. Her journey began as a content writer for a digital marketing agency, where she explored different writing niches and eventually leaned towards lifestyle and travel writing. Her contributions are featured in several online publications like Bookmundi, Wedbook, and DNA Media. With a deep love for outdoors and local culture, she crafts engaging content that inspires readers to explore a destination's hidden gems besides the obvious highlights. She plans to get certified in yoga and meditation at a hilly retreat someday.
Education
Neha has a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from VIT University, Vellore, India. Although she pivoted from her educational background within a year of graduating, this degree gave her the analytical skills to help her establish a broad career as a freelance writer.
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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West Virginia
By Neha Maheshwari
Thinking of visiting the newest National Park for a serene vacation? Just two hours south, the Mountain State offers an underrated, less populated alternative.
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Michigan
By Neha Maheshwari
Lake Erie is the place to be if you want to visit Michigan’s only state park along the lake. It’s a bird lovers dream with more than 250 documented species.
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Illinois
By Neha Maheshwari
It's a hidden gem in Illinois' Rock River Valley with enchanting trails through rare white pine groves, a charming dinner theater lodge, and cozy cabins.
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Michigan
By Neha Maheshwari
Michigan has a lot of lakeside parks to visit, including this state recreation area, which offers 17 different lakes across its 8,000 acre-property.
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New York
By Neha Maheshwari
New York's largest wildlife refuge, located between Buffalo and Rochester, is definitely not as renowned as it should be, especially considering its beauty.
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You don't have to go too far outside of the big city to get back to nature, and this stunning Texas state park on the edge of Laredo proves it.
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Yosemite
By Neha Maheshwari
If you're looking for a short, easy hike through Yosemite while still soaking up some amazing views, you won't want to miss checking out this short trail.
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Colorado
By Neha Maheshwari
For your next trip to Colorado, skip out on crowded Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak and visit this nearby quiet spot with quintessential views instead.
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In the Great Smoky Mountains National park, between Knoxville and Columbia, is a scenic hiking loop you can take to see three gorgeous waterfalls.
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Georgia
By Neha Maheshwari
History and nature collide with spectacular results at this impactful and iconic mountain escape not far from Atlanta, Georgia.
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This scenic southern Minnesota destination offers waterfalls, bison sightings, riverside trails, and prairie landscapes less than two hours from Minneapolis.
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Yosemite
By Neha Maheshwari
For an easy stroll through a forest of giant sequoias, embark on this short but pleasant loop that visits some of Yosemite’s tallest trees.
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Skip crowded Big Bend this summer and instead explore the emerald waters and relaxing atmosphere of this small state park in the Lone State State.
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Georgia
By Neha Maheshwari
Known for its roaring waterfall, this state park has plenty more up its sleeve, from river trails to campsites, making it a worthy southern escape.
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New Hampshire
By Neha Maheshwari
This New Hampshire state park is an underrated gem with quiet beaches that makes a great alternative to the state's popular Mount Washington State Park.
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Oregon
By Neha Maheshwari
Oregon travelers looking for peaceful outdoor escapes will find hiking trails, birdwatching hotspots, wetlands, and wildlife in this hidden refuge.
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You really don't think Iowa when you think of hidden gems, but this state park in the hawkeye state is sure to change your mind.
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South Carolina
By Neha Maheshwari
Looking for a getaway with wooded views, fishing, trails, and much more? This lakeside park nestled in South Carolina along the Georgia border is a must-visit.
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South Carolina
By Neha Maheshwari
A lesser-known state park in South Carolina boasts tranquil lake waters for fishing and boating, along with scenic forests perfect for camping.
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Georgia
By Neha Maheshwari
This state park in the South is the perfect haven for those who are looking for scenic views, a chance to look at wildlife, and opportunities for bass fishing.
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Illinois
By Neha Maheshwari
Get in the RV and head to this little gem near the Illinois-Indiana border, with pretty views and lots of outdoor activities for the whole family.
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Missouri
By Neha Maheshwari
Tucked near Missouri's capital city, this lush state park features rolling hills, a section of the Big River, and the state's largest collection of petroglyphs.
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According to visitors, this Iowa gem is jam packed with nature and activities, from lakeside camping and fishing to scenic trails that keep you exploring.
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Wisconsin
By Neha Maheshwari
If you are looking for a lake vacation, there is a great state park between Wisconsin Dells and Dubuque. It has beaches, hiking trails, and a waterfall.
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Between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, this lakefront getaway features trophy fishing, miles of trails, peaceful camping, and wide-open water views.
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Utah is so much more than Salt Lake City, and a trip to this little waterfront gem is all you need to see to confirm that.
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Pennsylvania
By Neha Maheshwari
Pennsylvania isn't lacking for stunning views, but this undervisited park has some you simply have to see. Make sure to make a day (and night) of it.
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