Location
Charlotte, North Carolina
Expertise
European and U.S. trip itineraries, National park adventures, Budget traveling
- Rachel is the founder and author of Means to Explore, a travel website helping would-be travelers learn how to plan, save, and enjoy their next vacation without breaking the bank. Inspiring others to travel, no matter their budget or PTO, is one of her favorite pastimes.
- While she has lived in several states, the Carolinas keep calling her back. Morning runs across the Ravenel in Charleston and watching the sunset at Kiawah are some of her favorite experiences to share with visiting friends and family.
- An engineer-turned-travel writer, Rachel has visited 42 US states and 19 countries, visiting and writing about every castle, national park, and historic site she could along the way.
Experience
Rachel worked as an engineer for a decade before turning to travel writing full-time in 2021. She has been published in Salute, Family, and Static Media's travel vertical, Islands. Her adventures have taken her all around the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe, where she has honed her itinerary planning skills and travel savviness. She's equally content planning a multi-city sightseeing extravaganza or a relaxing weekend getaway, but she could talk all day about the UK's historic sights or North Cascades National Park's stunning views. Her writing aims to inspire readers to just go, to make travel work for their schedule, budget, and lifestyle.
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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Europe
By Rachel Means 3 hours ago
This Lancashire market town offers independent shops, local food, historic sights, and countryside views for an easy escape from nearby cities and towns.
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Caribbean and Bahamas
By Rachel Means 11 days ago
Skip the Caribbean's busiest beaches for this quieter escape with gorgeous pale pink sands, clear blue waters, and miles of uncrowded shoreline.
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North Dakota
By Rachel Means 12 days ago
Escape to rolling hills and endless grasslands in North Dakota, where you can witness migratory and mating birds, explore nature, and get away from it all.
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Connecticut
By Rachel Means 13 days ago
Connecticut may be small, but it is home to a lot of natural beauty, including this state forest which features a wide variety of landscapes.
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Travel Guides
By Rachel Means 14 days ago
Indianapolis has more to explore beyond its biggest attractions, with museums and historic sites offering travelers a deeper look at the city's culture.
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Indiana
By Rachel Means 15 days ago
As one of the first state parks in Indiana, Turkey Run boasts idyllic walks through gulches and forests, and these are the best routes to explore.
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Indiana
By Rachel Means 24 days ago
Indiana's low cost of living makes it an appealing retirement option, and one county offers a more luxurious slice of life just outside of Indianapolis.
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Iowa
By Rachel Means 25 days ago
With a restaurant on an island and numerous bays for swimming or casting a line for bass and musky, this Wisconsin lake has plenty of waterfront recreation.
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Oklahoma
By Rachel Means 1 month ago
Known as the "Heart of Route 66," this iconic city makes for a fun detour from Tulsa, with nostalgic attractions, festivals, and funky shops to explore.
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Arizona
By Rachel Means 2 months ago
Feel like you're in the Wild West while still enjoying relaxation and fun adventure at this all-inclusive ranch that will leave you riding high in the saddle.
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New Jersey
By Rachel Means 2 months ago
Named after a mythological deep-sea creature, this gravity-defying roller coaster is set to be the fastest and tallest of its kind in the world.
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Indiana
By Rachel Means 2 months ago
Splash with the kids at the park, paddle or walk your way along the Ohio River, or take some time to enjoy a glass of whiskey at this great Indiana location.
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Charlotte, North Carolina
By Rachel Means 2 months ago
There's plenty to love about Charlotte, but its museum scene flies under the radar for most visitors. Our local expert breaks down which to visit and why.
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Ohio
By Rachel Means 2 months ago
There's an adorable little town just off the route from Columbus to Indianapolis. The charming spot offers fun shops and a variety of dining options to explore.
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National and State Parks
By Rachel Means 2 months ago
The West Coast is home to some of America's most iconic national parks, with plenty of fantastic cities and towns that serve as bases for your explorations.
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Indiana
By Rachel Means 2 months ago
Nestled between apartment complexes and city life sits a riverfront park that gives Indianapolis residents the ability to explore, kayak, and take a break.
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Ohio
By Rachel Means 2 months ago
Travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure will want to check out this pristine hiking spot with beautiful views that sits just outside the city.
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South Carolina
By Rachel Means 3 months ago
From delicious chicken sandwiches to outdoor spaces that feel remote, you can't really go wrong with a 30-minute drive across the Carolina border to this gem.
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South Carolina
By Rachel Means 3 months ago
South Carolina is full of history, including this plantation that offers tours of its historic buildings and grounds, along with educational exhibits.
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Tennessee
By Rachel Means 3 months ago
A small, rural town in Tennessee is the "Gateway to Fall Creek Falls." It has quiet charm and a rich history, and is surrounded by several other state parks.
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Arkansas
By Rachel Means 3 months ago
Relax in a riverside cabin, explore your surroundings during a relaxing paddling trip, or try your hand at snagging massive trout in this corner of Arkansas.
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Beaches
By Rachel Means 3 months ago
Want the excitement of going to the beach despite being landlocked in Indiana? Luckily, these lakeside beaches offer everything you could want for a day out.
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Indiana
By Rachel Means 3 months ago
Make a day trip from Fort Wayne or Indianapolis to explore a small Indiana city with a historic downtown and access to a rail trail in the woods.
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Indiana
By Rachel Means 4 months ago
You can simply admire Treasure Island’s idyllic scenery while having a picnic, or you can have a little more exciting outdoor adventures in the Indiana park.
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Texas
By Rachel Means 4 months ago
Despite its eerie name, this U.S. Army outpost is a great addition to any Texas road trip and is open for free public visits as part of the Texas Forts Trail.
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North Carolina
By Rachel Means 4 months ago
If you're looking for a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains but don't want to deal with the crowds of the Blue Ridge Parkway, this route is for you.
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Ohio
By Rachel Means 4 months ago
Looking for a unique spot to visit in the heart of the Midwest? This Ohio town offers a day-trip experience including historical sites, eateries, and murals.
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