School
University of Southern California
Expertise
LGBTQ+ Travel, Solo Female Travel, Greece
- Olivia has, according to her Greek friends, seen more of Greece than anyone else, thanks to her love of driving, hiking, and solo traveling that takes her to places many people have never heard of. Upon graduating from college, 22-year-old she decided to walk the Camino de Santiago on her own, crossing over 500 miles in a month, which was the catalyst for her sense of adventure and exploration of travel writing. As a former documentary researcher, Olivia has honed her skills to be able to find the most interesting, unexpected places to visit and to discover their histories as well.
Experience
Olivia is a writer and screenwriter living in Athens, Greece, where she spends half her time writing and the other half traveling. She spent four years writing and editing for the travel site kimkim, where she focused primarily on Greece, as well as Spain, Portugal, and Iceland, and she spent several weeks visiting and writing about hotels in Crete and Athens. She has become the go-to travel expert in Greece for family, friends, and friends of friends, and has helped guide and enhance many trips to Greece thanks to her Taurus sun's well-rounded taste and her Virgo rising's organizational skills. She is currently writing her first novel, a queer historical fiction book about the Greek Civil War and intergenerational family trauma.
Education
Olivia graduated magna cum laude from the critical studies program at USC's School of Cinematic Arts.
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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Oregon
By Olivia Typaldos
This Oregon lake is the perfect late summer escape, featuring dazzling turquoise waters, huckleberry patches for a sweet treat, and secluded campsites.
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Arizona
By Olivia Typaldos
In Arizona’s surprisingly snowy landscapes, an alpine forest near Flagstaff boasts rigorous trails through lava fields, reaching the highest peak in the state.
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California
By Olivia Typaldos
A historically diverse neighborhood is fighting extreme heat with colorful, innovative design, transforming streets into cooler, livelier spaces.
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California
By Olivia Typaldos
Although Hollywood is the most iconic movie city, this beautiful destination in the Mojave Desert has a long history in the film industry.
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Tennessee
By Olivia Typaldos
Beloved by fans but slammed by tourists, this Southern attraction draws millions, but reviews call it overpriced, overcrowded, and underwhelming.
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Arizona
By Olivia Typaldos
The story of the discovery of these caverns near Tucson, Arizona is as fascinating as the caverns themselves, which house strange, striking cave formations.
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Kentucky
By Olivia Typaldos
This quiet Kentucky town serves up legendary fried chicken and front-row views of a moonbow, a natural marvel found in just a few places on earth.
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Alaska
By Olivia Typaldos
River runners seeking peak adventure flock to Alaska's mightiest river, where bears and moose roam the shores and cliffs tower 1,000 feet above the water.
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Hiking
By Olivia Typaldos
Hike, hunt for waterfowl, or see the miraculous quantity of bird species at this underrated, under-the-radar wildlife area in Northeastern California.
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Arizona
By Olivia Typaldos
This charming Arizona town nestled between forest and mountains has a fascinating history behind it, which gave rise to its peculiar name.
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Arizona
By Olivia Typaldos
This Arizona canyon near Tucson and Phoenix has colorful canyon walls, crystal-clear water, lush greenery, abundant wildlife, and surprisingly few visitors.
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Michigan
By Olivia Typaldos
Explore historic homes of Detroit's wealthiest families in this old neighborhood that also hosts a Victorian garden and exudes timeless charm.
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Tennessee
By Olivia Typaldos
America's most scenic road runs from Tennessee to North Carolina, guiding travelers through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the way.
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Tennessee
By Olivia Typaldos
This system of caves near Townsend offers visitors an underground tour of one of the largest and most beautiful caverns in the United States.
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Colorado
By Olivia Typaldos
This road trip winds its way through a valley surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, passing through historic towns and natural wonders.
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Mississippi
By Olivia Typaldos
Explore America’s ancient history by walking through trees that are millions of years old, preserved throughout time in a unique fossilization process.
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Missouri
By Olivia Typaldos
Slide through billion-year-old volcanic chutes, swim in turquoise pools, and camp under the stars at arguably Missouri's wildest natural waterpark.
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Arizona
By Olivia Typaldos
While hiking through Arizona’s mystical red rock landscapes, you’ll find one of the state’s top swimming areas, perfect for cooling off from the summer heat.
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Discover the otherworldly-looking state park in Utah that will make you feel like you're on Mars, complete with magnificent landscapes and outdoor activities.
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Europe
By Olivia Typaldos
Away from the tourist crowds of the Greek islands, this adults-only resort is made for friends and couples looking for a luxury escape with top amenities.
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California
By Olivia Typaldos
Discover the town near Los Angeles that has a delightful vineyard close to a popular movie and TV show filming location, particularly for sci-fi and westerns.
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Japan is filled with awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and one island features incredible hiking trails that traverse unique geological wonders.
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Oregon
By Olivia Typaldos
This beautiful river is a must-visit swimming spot -- if not for the hue of the water, then for the unique animalesque rock!
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Alaska
By Olivia Typaldos
Take a scenic trip exploring Alaska’s pristine, wild landscapes while navigating the state’s backcountry roads just a short drive from Anchorage.
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California
By Olivia Typaldos
A Joshua Tree National Park hiking trail hides a secret abandoned shelter that offers visitors who can find it a glimpse of California's mining history.
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For those who want an unconventional outdoor adventure, this small town in Texas has an eerie and mysterious hiking trail through a long-abandoned zoo.
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Alaska
By Olivia Typaldos
Stand in awe while admiring the constantly changing, absolutely stunning Alaskan landscape, which includes the largest tidewater glacier in the country.
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