Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

North Carolina's Former Military Fort Is Now A Scenic State Historic Site With An Eerie But Beautiful Ghost Town

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:45:00 +0000

Walk along the ruins of an abandoned colonial town, which was later used as a Civil War fort, in this active archaeological site in North Carolina.

Forget Lake Tahoe — Visit One Of California's Largest Artificial Lakes Perfect For Fishing And Boating

staff@islands.com (Hillary Louise Johnson) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:45:00 +0000

Instead of Lake Tahoe, head to this artificial lake surrounded by hills in the Central Valley that is perfect for fishing, boating, windsurfing, and camping.

France's Newest National Park Is A Forest Getaway With Trails And Rare Wildlife Just A Few Hours From Paris

staff@islands.com (Jen Theriault) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:45:00 +0000

This enormous park was created in 2019 to protect swaths of medieval forests and rare wildlife, and is criss-crossed with hundreds of miles of trails.

Ignoring The Airport Liquid Rule With This Common Food Is A Red Flag For TSA

staff@islands.com (Kirtana Menon) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:45:00 +0000

This common pantry item may seem innocent enough, but TSA agents will count it as a liquid and flag it if it's packed in your carry-on luggage.

Nevada's Wildlife Refuge 90 Minutes From Las Vegas Has Hiking, Camping, And Acres Of Lakes And Lush Wetlands

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:45:00 +0000

This easy trip from Las Vegas leads to a quieter side of Nevada, with lakeside campsites, hiking trails, lush wetlands, wildlife, and scenic desert views.

11 Remote Retirement Lake Towns In The US You've Never Heard Of

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Retirement often means a slower pace of life, and what better place to find that than in one of the many charming lake towns dotted around the U.S.?

Pennsylvania's Once-Thriving Artificial Pittsburgh Lake Is Now Ideal For Idyllic Nature Walks

staff@islands.com (Robert Isenberg) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:45:00 +0000

This lake in Pittsburgh was once used for boating and ice skating, but today, it makes for a special stop during a walk in a local urban park.

Florida's Unsung Campground Under 2 Hours From Gainesville Has Crystal-Clear Waters, Wildlife, And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Carrie Back) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:15:00 +0000

Whether you're looking for a peaceful hideaway or a nature retreat with modern amenities, this campsite in the Sunshine State offers it all.

One Of The Best Counties To Retire In America's Northeast Is A Pennsylvania County With A Big City And Outdoor Adventures

staff@islands.com (Jess Simms) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:45:00 +0000

While Pennsylvania may not have been on your retirement list, this county offers the perks of a big city, with lots of adventure for retirees to enjoy.

Los Angeles' Affordable Suburb Is A Vibrant California City With Diverse Dining And A Future Olympic Site

staff@islands.com (Leslie Veliz) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:45:00 +0000

Explore all Southern California has to offer without breaking the bank in this perfectly located suburb. Home to the 2028 Summer Olympics, there's plenty to do.

Outside Orlando Is Florida's Former Cattle Land That's Now A Wetland Nature Park With Scenic Trails And Wildlife

staff@islands.com (Audrey Simons) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:45:00 +0000

This peaceful slice of Florida preserves wetlands, woodland paths, wildlife, colorful gardens, and fascinating reminders of the state's cattle-ranching past.

Not California, Not Hawaii — This East Coast Gem Is The Most Environmentally-Friendly State In 2026

staff@islands.com (Kirtana Menon) — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:25:00 +0000

WalletHub ranked US states based on their environmental quality, eco-friendly behaviors, and climate change contributions, and this state shines in those areas.

The Closest State Park To New Orleans Is A Nature Retreat With A Wetland Trail, Wave Pool, And Fishing

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:45:00 +0000

This spot offers a NOLA stay unlike any place else, with cabin rentals that float on the bayou while alligators swim around, and a welcoming campground.

One Of Idaho's Most Vibrant Parks Is A Riverside Tree-Lined Pathway That Cuts Through The Heart Of Boise

staff@islands.com (Jen Theriault) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:45:00 +0000

Boise combines riverside trails for walking and biking with wildlife, museums, and dining, offering travelers an easy way to explore the Idaho capital.

Not Delta, Not Southwest: This Budget Airline Has The Best Frequent Flyer Program In 2026

staff@islands.com (Ben M Stower) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:45:00 +0000

A low-cost airline is earning attention for its frequent flyer program in 2026, with flexible rewards and perks that could make domestic travel more affordable.

Between Branson And Springfield Is Missouri's Peaceful Ozark River With Camping, Fishing, And Boating

staff@islands.com (Grae Gleason) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:45:00 +0000

Outdoor adventures abound on and around this peaceful Ozark river that snakes through magnificent Missouri from Springfield to south of Branson.

The 'Home Of The Killer Whale' Is A Historic Canadian Island Village With Incredible Wildlife Watching

staff@islands.com (Rebecca High) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 17:25:00 +0000

Off British Columbia's coast, a tiny Canadian island village offers exceptional whale watching, Indigenous culture, historic waterfronts, and nature trails.

Not California, Not New York: This Is The Most Popular State With International Travelers In 2026

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:45:00 +0000

International travelers favored one sunny U.S. state over California and New York in 2026, drawn by beaches, attractions, nightlife, shopping, and warm weather.

America's Cleanest Lake For 2026 Is A Pacific Northwest Beauty With Fishing, Swimming, And Boating

staff@islands.com (Ben M Stower) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:45:00 +0000

America's cleanest lake is a Washington escape that offers pristine waters, inviting beaches, abundant fish, and endless opportunities for boating and swimming.

Georgia's State Park Just Half An Hour From Atlanta Is A Recreation Hub With Camping And Scenic Lakes

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of ATL sits a delightful state park with gorgeous lakes and camping as it was meant to be.