Location
Phuket, Thailand
School
Appalachian State University
Expertise
Japan Destinations, European Culture, Solo Female Travel
- Sam has visited 12 countries and currently lives in Thailand, her birthplace.
- She has been studying Japanese since she was a child and has traveled to Japan eleven times.
- Sam speaks four languages (English and Thai fluently, Japanese and French conversationally), which has been an advantage for her adventures around Europe and Japan.
Experience
Sam has been a freelance illustrator, designer, and content creator for the past five years. She began a career in marketing and social media for a luxury hotel in Thailand, which sparked her interest in travel writing. After taking two years off to spend time traveling around Europe and Japan, Sam started her own personal travel blog to write about her experiences, offering tips and recommendations for other travelers to more easily plan their own trips. When she is not writing, Sam enjoys watching historical dramas like Downton Abbey, reading books, going to pub quizzes, and karaoke.
Education
Sam received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from Appalachian State University in North Carolina, with a minor in communications.
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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New Hampshire
By Sam Scott
Salem, Massachusetts is one of the most popular U.S. destinations near Halloween, but here are some other New England towns to visit if you're avoiding crowds.
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Hidden in the Blue Ridge foothills, this Virginia town charms with musical nights, artful traditions, and endless outdoor adventures along riverside trails.
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Tucked away in Italy's Apennines lies a storybook village, where a castle crowns the hilltop and winding alleys open to enchanting piazzas and mountain views.
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From sun-drenched beaches and dramatic cliffs to medieval charm and Catalan flavors, this Italian gem offers an unforgettable coastal escape.
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This western mountain county offers the perfect combination of outdoor adventure, local history, and romantic wineries far from crowded tourist traps.
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New Hampshire
By Sam Scott
An unusually named town in New Hampshire is home to a festival of the same name, held at a time when stunning fall colors decorate wooded hills.
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This small North Carolina city surprises visitors with mountain trails, serene lakes, cultural flair, and a food scene that makes this destination unforgettable.
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Just 30 minutes outside of Charlotte lies a perfect escape with walkable downtown streets, charming boutiques, and a thriving local music scene
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A picturesque European country topped this year's list of trending fall destinations with its dramatic mountains, crystal lakes, and fairy-tale villages.
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West Virginia
By Sam Scott
This delightful West Virginia town blends preserved historic architecture with outdoor adventures, a walkable downtown, and authentic Appalachian culture.
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This charming North Carolina town offers family-friendly adventures, waterfront activities, and peaceful beaches away from crowded tourist destinations.
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One of the most visited places in Japan has been called underwhelming by tourists. Here's why travelers are avoiding this city and where you can go instead.
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This crystal-clear lake, situated in the mountains just a few hours from Venice, is a gorgeous alpine wonderland for swimming and boating that's easy to reach.
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New Hampshire
By Sam Scott
This adorable college town in New Hampshire offers visitors plenty of New England charm as well as outdoor adventures in the White Mountains. Find out more.
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This city is called the "Beer Capital of Europe" thanks to its long brewing tradition, beer culture, and plenty of taverns and beer gardens to grab a pint.
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West Virginia
By Sam Scott
This West Virginia town steeped in Revolutionary War history draws visitors for its historic sites, river activities, and spine-chilling museum downtown.
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This adorable town near Charlotte, North Carolina is often overlooked despite its excellent eateries, picturesque winery, and plenty of amazing parks.
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This lovely suburb of Charlottesville, Virginia is also home to a sparkling lake, hiking trails, easy access to the city's downtown, and fantastic eateries.
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West Virginia
By Sam Scott
Step into America's past with a visit to this colonial town featuring historic sites, charming accommodations, and scenic outdoor activities.
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This once-pristine tropical paradise has been transformed into a crowded nightmare where speedboats outnumber fish and litter has replaced coral reefs.
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This charming lakeside town offers waterfront fun, nature trails, and outdoor adventures far away from Florida's most crowded tourist destinations.
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Escape crowded tourist traps for South Carolina's hidden coastal gems where pristine beaches meet charming villages and unforgettable seafood delights.
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There are gardens, and then there are lush, labyrinthine masterpieces that transport you to another world. This English tourist destination is the latter.
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This charming city in Illinois is an underrated destination with Dutch windmills, beautiful scenery, and historic architecture. Here's what you need to know.
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This windswept English coastal town features dramatic ruins, clifftop graveyards, haunting landscapes, and centuries of history just waiting to be explored.
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Hidden in the Appalachian foothills in North Carolina is a living museum with historic buildings, traditional activities, and folk music performances.
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This secluded destination along North Carolina’s glistening coastline features untamed beauty, fascinating history, and unforgettable natural wonders.
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