Location
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
School
University of Mount Olive
Expertise
Digital nomadism, Adventure travel, Travel points and miles
- Steven has spent the past seven years traveling the world full-time, living and writing in over 50 countries across six continents.
- He's developed an expertise in the world of points and miles, saving up to $10,000 a year in flights and staying in world-class hotels for free by wrangling his credit cards.
- As an avid adventurer, he has tackled the Kilimanjaro Summit, hiked 30 miles of the untouched section of the Great Wall of China, completed the Inca Trail, lived with nomads in Mongolia, and taken a two-week road trip around Namibia.
Experience
Steven dropped his desk job in 2018 to teach English online and travel the world, before pivoting back to his originally intended career path of writing. Since then, he's been the voice of Dollar Flight Club's numerous newsletters, where he helped garner a one million-strong subscriber list, wrote hundreds of travel guides and loyalty program pieces, and built a successful points-and-miles course. His work has also featured across multiple mediums, with print features in Wired for Adventure, online content for TripAdvisor's Wanderlab, and travel news for Travel Off Path and The Cancun Sun. He's currently in the early stages of writing Bradt's Guide to Peninsular Malaysia, his first book.
Education
Steven has a bachelor's degree in English communication from the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina.
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.
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Air Travel
By Steven Cruse
An airport is more than just a place of entries and exits. It can also be a place to relax before a trip, cool down after a hectic vacation, and eat great food.
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Ready to fall in love with the wonderful world of whisky? Get yourself to Scotland and dive into one of the country's many magnificent whisky experiences.
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United States
By Steven Cruse
What is a perfect road trip without a perfect road trip playlist full of recognizable tunes? We found some amazing songs to play on the open road.
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Tips and Hacks
By Steven Cruse
Many people are understandably wary of diving into the murky world of travel reward redemptions, but we're here to clear up the confusion.
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Being a digital nomad and working from anywhere with an internet connection is easier than ever, especially in these countries that won't tax your income.
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North Carolina
By Steven Cruse
North Carolina’s craft beer scene is one of a kind. Here are the best cities for brewery hopping, great food and unforgettable weekend trips.
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Many tourists opt for Thailand or Indonesia when visiting Southeast Asia, but intrepid travelers know Malaysia has plenty to offer for island getaways.
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Destinations
By Steven Cruse
Tourism is an international phenomenon, but some destinations have perfected the art of welcoming visitors into their wonderful worlds.
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Travel Guides
By Steven Cruse
Thinking about their next trip? There are quite a few places around the world that are getting accolades for being the top destinations for 2026.
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Tips and Hacks
By Steven Cruse
Credit cards that offer thousands of points can be a great way to travel the world more often (and for less) — as long as you do the math first.
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The Balkan region of Europe is often overlooked compared to other powerhouse destinations like Italy, France, and Spain. Here's why you should plan a trip.
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Destinations
By Steven Cruse
Despite the statistics, these destinations will argue that they play second fiddle to nowhere, and they are well worth a place on your bucket list.
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Orlando, Florida
By Steven Cruse
Which Orlando theme park rides are worth the wait? A seasoned visitor ranks the best thrills at Disney and Universal — no fast passes required.
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The magic of Scotland is undeniable, and these gorgeous destinations allow you to enjoy everything the country has to offer without the crowds.
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Summiting the Roof of Africa isn't for the faint of heart, but these tips for climbing Kilimanjaro (from someone who has done it) will help you on your way.
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Destinations
By Steven Cruse
There are plenty of fantastic digital nomad destinations across the globe, and our resident expert has singled out some of the best spots to set up home.
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Tips and Hacks
By Steven Cruse
The digital nomad revolution is here to stay, but it isn't as simple as taking your laptop away and living the dream. Let's pull back the curtain.
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Think Vegas has no rules? From resort fees to casino etiquette and the best time of the year to visit, here’s how to enjoy Las Vegas the smart way.
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United States
By Steven Cruse
From St. Augustine to New York, explore America’s oldest cities where colonial history, architecture, and modern life intersect in unforgettable ways.
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Tips and Hacks
By Steven Cruse
Savvy travelers have found ways to use credit card travel point programs to their advantage and essentially travel for free. Here's what an expert says.
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Travel Guides
By Steven Cruse
From the Maldives to Corfu, over the years, the British royal family spent their vacations in destinations as far-flung as the old British Empire extended.
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Tips and Hacks
By Steven Cruse
Heading on your next vacation soon? Protect your phone, laptop, and data with these smart safety tips, from anti-theft bags to VPNs and insurance advice.
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Air Travel
By Steven Cruse
From inside jokes and terms flight used, to more serious codes for emergencies, here's how to decipher the secret language of flight attendants.
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Tips and Hacks
By Steven Cruse
Learn which gestures and cultural habits to avoid abroad — from head nods to common hand signs — so you don’t offend locals while traveling.
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Hotel loyalty programs often sound like the perfect way to gain a little extra from your trips, but how do these programs stack up? An expert has the lowdown.
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California
By Steven Cruse
This lesser-known city in California serves as the perfect base to explore some trails, go off-roading, and have outdoor adventures in the Mojave Desert.
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Air Travel
By Steven Cruse
From choosing the right outfit, to packing your belongings efficiently, these quick tips and tricks will help you breeze through security with ease.
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