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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Europe
By Sam Scott 1 hour ago
Escape England's busy cities for a charming market town where a fascinating past, early Gothic ruins, and scenic countryside make for a memorable getaway.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 1 day ago
Home to a miraculous well linked to a saint, a centuries-old market, and pubs and boutiques, this Norfolk town offers local flavors and history.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 2 days ago
This idyllic, walkable town in the English countryside offers its visitors a historic ride, with tons of quaint shops and a national park with gorgeous views.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 3 days ago
Complete with enchanting woodland trails, this cliffside escape in the northeast of England is described as quiet and uncrowded by past visitors.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 3 days ago
Home to famous residents throughout its history, including beloved Scottish poet Robert Burns, this town is full of fascinating sights worthy of a day trip.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 5 days ago
With a skyline defined by cottage chimneys instead of high-rise buildings, this quaint village is a worthy escape from the city for nature and history lovers.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 10 days ago
This English market town has vintage treasures, stalls selling fresh produce and treats, and red-brick lanes, alongside inventive restaurants and an old pub.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 11 days ago
Step back in time among ancient stone turrets, a storied castle, and a military canal, all framed by peaceful seaside scenery and adorable cottages.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 11 days ago
Famous for its one-of-a-kind Roman fortress, this village is worth the jaunt from Portsmouth — you can even get there on foot by walking along the coast.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 13 days ago
A beloved British holiday destination for generations, this vibrant seaside town is known for its dramatic beauty and divine restaurant scene.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 15 days ago
Explore a circular fort and the Mayflower captain’s former home in this estuary town in Essex, which also has beaches, indie stores, and fish restaurants.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 17 days ago
All the delights of England's south coast can be enjoyed at this gorgeous seaside town, from tasty seafood to some of the best beaches around.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 17 days ago
Seals and puffins, seafood, and a 15th-century ruined castle are some of the highlights of a visit to this seaside town near Newcastle in Northumberland.
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Florida
By Sam Scott 17 days ago
Along Florida's Atlantic coast, travelers can find a quieter beach escape with waterfront parks, casual dining, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 17 days ago
Flanked by Eastbourne and Hastings, this town has fossilized dinosaur footprints on the beach, indie stores, and restaurants serving fish, crab, and lobster.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 19 days ago
This scenic town has a seafaring history dating back to the 17th century, with opportunities to hit the beach and set sail on an iconic replica tall ship.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 21 days ago
A Victorian railroad put this Lancashire town on the map — which travelers now visit to learn about its past, dine in its restaurants, and hike in forests.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 24 days ago
History buffs and nature lovers should definitely check out this idyllic village near Edinburgh, Scotland, especially if they love to tour medieval ruins.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 26 days ago
An English seaside town offers pebbly shores, promenade walks, afternoon tea over the water, and grand hotels recalling the glamour of an earlier era.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 27 days ago
Discover an idyllic lighthouse, a solitary castle on an island surrounded by sea, and a crumbling abbey in this small North West England town.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 30 days ago
This delightful haven in the English countryside, filled with important cultural and historical sites and excellent dining options, is your next rural getaway.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 1 month ago
This charming English town in the Surrey Hills is tucked just an hour from London and offers global cuisine, nearby walking trails, and easy train access.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 1 month ago
Excellent spots for retail therapy aren't just found in big cities — you'll also find them sprawled across the countryside, including in this English gem.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 1 month ago
England is full of little market towns. But few offer so many amenities while being a stone's throw from the country's most dramatic cliffside.
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Missouri
By Sam Scott 1 month ago
This lovely Missouri city invites visitors to browse boutiques and antique shops, admire historic architecture, and try tasty meals around its downtown square.
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Europe
By Sam Scott 1 month ago
This traditional English village is a storybook escape packed with history. Visit for its 13th-century abbey, cozy eateries, and fishing pond.
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Kansas
By Sam Scott 1 month ago
Once a key stop on the Chisholm Trail, this vibrant city is now home to unique museums and a historic downtown with an array of delicious eateries.
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