School
Colorado State University
Expertise
Budget Travel Hacks, Traveling Accessibility, Traveling With Pets
- Nina lives in Colorado, where she spends her summers hiking, camping, and exploring.
- Having a brother with Cerebral Palsy, she is always on the lookout for accessible travel destinations.
- She's been a professional writer since 2020, focusing on travel, the great outdoors, and animals.
Experience
Though Nina traveled much of the United States in her youth, she never had an opportunity to travel much internationally until she reached adulthood. Instead, she traveled vicariously through others while reading blogs and novels. Since then, she's fallen in love with exploring the world and writing about her own life experiences. Nina has two dogs that go everywhere with her, even when exploring.
Education
Nina went to college at Colorado State University, where she earned a degree in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology. Deciding that wasn't enough education for her, she also minored in global environmental sustainability.
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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Wisconsin
By Nina Phillips
Guarded by a massive sunfish statue, this Wisconsin city boasts a man-made lake perfect for anglers and hiking or biking along the Great River State Trail.
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Washington
By Nina Phillips
Explore an under-the-radar city in southern Washington. Enjoy a scenic riverside stroll or dig into the area’s delicious wine region and local restaurants.
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Pennsylvania
By Nina Phillips
If you're hoping to check out what Pennsylvania has to offer but don't want the bustle of Philadelphia, this town is just a short drive and offers plenty.
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New Hampshire
By Nina Phillips
This gorgeous state park in New Hampshire has plenty of trails to hike, bike, and camp along -- here's what to know about it before you go.
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Colorado
By Nina Phillips
For a scenic adventure full of places to hike, fish, and enjoy history, visit this small town known for its marble in the mountains of Colorado.
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Oklahoma
By Nina Phillips
You certainly won't be roughing it here. This resort combines luxury with RV living, with swim spas for soaking, waterfront views, and two on-site restaurants.
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Virginia
By Nina Phillips
For an escape from D.C., head to this small Virginia town that is just an hour away and is full of serene campgrounds, a Buddhist temple, and a lavender farm.
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The North Florida community is home to festivals, a popular state park, and plenty of outdoor activities thanks to its location on the Suwannee River.
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One hike on the border of New Jersey and New York is part of the Appalachian Trail and yields one of New Jersey's most beautiful viewpoints.
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Head down to Louisiana to explore the swamps and waterways of this beautiful state park!
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Colorado
By Nina Phillips
Let out your inner paleontologist at this hotel in Denver, Colorado, which features numerous dinosaur decorations and activities for all ages.
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This part near Atlanta offers a great location for adventures on the river and lake, including kayak rentals, walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas.
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Illinois
By Nina Phillips
This small Midwestern city may not often make it into the evening news, but it has the highest violent crime rate in the U.S. according to the FBI.
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Trade the heat for adventure in Europe's coolest getaway, offering dramatic views, mild weather, and endless opportunities to explore nature.
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If you're heading to Spain, you'll want to know how the recent flooding in parts of the country could impact your travel plans. Here are the key details.
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For a few years, Florida law protected beachfront property owners rights, but a new law could reopen more public access. Here's what it means for beachgoers.
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Going through TSA security check at the airport is about to get a little (or a lot) less annoying. Here's the big change that's being rolled out.
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Nebraska
By Nina Phillips
This one-of-a-kind festival in Nebraska offers up a huge amount of one-of-a-kind treasures; check out this annual late-September activity!
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Overtourism is a concern in popular destinations, leading to this European city to implement a significant limitation on larger cruise ships.
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Colorado
By Nina Phillips
You don't need to head to the coast to find beautiful beaches surrounded by nature views -- head to this landlocked beach for fun and sun!
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Whether you're looking to pitch a tent under the stars or hike epic landscapes, your camping trip in Oregon's state parks may cost you a bit more these days.
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California
By Nina Phillips
These popular beaches in California have warnings not to swim in their waters from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health as of June 24, 2025
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California
By Nina Phillips
If you love garlic (or even if you don't but are into finding fresh produce), this small town in California is a charming place you should check out!
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Tips and Hacks
By Nina Phillips
During your RV trip you may need to find a last-minute place to park for the night; as long as you follow these rules, Cracker Barrel could be a good option.
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Pennsylvania
By Nina Phillips
For the perfect outdoor adventure getaway in the Pennsylvania Wilds, head to this charming small city that is surrounded by forests, state parks, and streams.
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Colorado
By Nina Phillips
The Million Dollar Highway is home to some incredible scenic views that earned the area the nickname the "Switzerland of Colorado." Here's where to camp.
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Missouri
By Nina Phillips
This Missouri waterpark near Kansas City is home to America's longest stand-up slide and plenty of other exciting rides that set it apart from the rest.
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