Expertise
Family Travel, Beach Vacations, Solo Travel
- Nola has traveled on tours and solo; she believes each has its own merits.
- She's cruised, backpacked, and gone hydrofoiling in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
- Nola still dreams about the breakfast buffets in Hong Kong and Positano.
Experience
A veteran journalist with nearly two decades of experience, Nola has written for such publications as WWD, Los Angeles Business Journal, Palm Springs Life, W, Los Angeles magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and more. Her work has also taken her everywhere, from Las Vegas and Miami to Hong Kong, covering fashions, trends, and designers pulsating in these communities. Traveling has imbued her with worldly street smarts to dodge those pesky pickpockets and ensure her wallet and camera are never stolen again.
Education
Nola studied broadcast journalism and political science at USC
She earned an MBA at Pepperdine University.
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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Air Travel
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Airports across the U.S. are upgrading pre-security areas with dining, shops, and faster security layouts — transforming the airport check-in experience.
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Tips and Hacks
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
If you're new to skiing, there are a lot of things that likely intimidate you, including the ski lift. We've got some tips to ease your mind.
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California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Los Angeles is not short on celebrities or hiking opportunities. This park has plenty of both, with one trail that stars frequent to escape the city’s bustle.
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Maine
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Martha Stewart loves to spend downtime at her vacation home in Maine, and she always makes sure to take a walk on this trail in Acadia National Park.
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Michigan
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
If you're traveling to Michigan and are in the mood for a round of golf, you will definitely want to check out the greens in this underrated village.
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California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
In addition to its famous metropolitan areas, California has plenty of charming smaller cities, like this one that has wonderful shopping and dining.
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Chicago, Illinois
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Take in views of Lake Michigan and downtown from an observation deck or rooftop bar and shop designer stores or retail malls in this Chicago neighborhood.
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Pennsylvania
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Just outside Philadelphia, this historic town offers strong retirement benefits, cultural programs, trails, and one of the state's largest malls nearby.
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California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
If you're taking a vacation to California, you won't want to miss out on this charming city that has all kinds of fun activities for your whole family.
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News
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
This country has exploded in popularity in recent years, and thankfully, you can feel safe and at ease navigating its public transportation system.
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San Francisco, California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
This chic San Francisco district between Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge is known for tasty eats, culture, and architectural and natural beauty.
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California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
This Sierras lake offers every water sport you might imagine, from fishing and tubing to simple lounging on a beach, all surrounded by stunning scenery.
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Hotels and Resorts
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
These U.S. ski destinations offer meaningful senior discounts on lift tickets and passes, making ski trips more accessible for active retirees.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
A top-rated London restaurant has opened a new location in Las Vegas, serving upscale Indian cuisine in a chic, cozy atmosphere along the Strip.
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San Francisco, California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Most people familiar with San Francisco have enjoyed a visit to Chinatown, but the city has a second Chinatown in the form of an underrated street with markets.
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Europe
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Few places offer a sense of wonder like those within the Arctic Circle. This frigid frontier town is home to iceberg-laden adventure unlike anywhere else.
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California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
California's Sierra Nevada mountains are beautiful to visit. There is a small town in the area with plenty of charm and outdoor nature activities.
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Tips and Hacks
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Costco is a beloved grocery store that's a crucial part of the weekly routine for many people, but it can also be the key to having a great trip.
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California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
This suburb south of Los Angeles is one of California's wealthiest communities in 2025, with small-town charm, a lively social scene, and a celebrity pedigree.
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California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Tucked away in Southern California, this planned suburb blends outdoor living, local culture, and everyday convenience without the coastal chaos.
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California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, this city offers amenities, stability, and everything else you need to raise a family — as long as you can afford it.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Travelers flying through Las Vegas are lining up for a new airport lounge experience with elevated dining, cocktails, limited capacity, and long waitlists.
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Sacramento, California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Get out on the ice when you visit California's capital. Only open in winter, this downtown skating hub offers family-friendly fun and great nearby restaurants.
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California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
The ski season in this top-rated California destination can last from November all the way to June with 400 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine each year.
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Washington
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
Washington isn't usually associated with retirees, but this river valley town made headlines when Travel & Leisure named it one of the best places to retire.
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Santa Cruz, California
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
This affluent yet laid-back section of Santa Cruz boasts a relaxed beach, numerous eateries and cafes, and a family-friendly natural history museum.
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Festivals
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller
The top U.S. Christmas market is held every year in northern California, and it wraps a giant market and a lively festival into one dazzling holiday event.
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