Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Expertise
budget travel, points & miles programs, outdoor adventures
- Allie is an outdoor enthusiast, avid runner, and certified scuba diver and most of her travels revolve around Type II fun.
- While studying abroad in 2014, she completed the infamous W-Trek in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and visited Machu Picchu in Peru.
- After booking her first business-class flight using credit card points, she now leverages points and miles to fly all over the world cheaply and is passionate about teaching others how to do the same.
Experience
Allie is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content strategist with more than a decade of professional experience. She started her journalism career in local television news in Madison, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis. She has also worked as a senior editor at Thrifty Traveler, a travel and flight deal website. She's written extensively about the travel industry. Living in the Midwest for most of her life, she's hiked, biked, and paddled all over and has a particular affinity for the Great Lakes region.
Education
Allie has a B.A. in journalism and international studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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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Air Travel
By Allie Johnson
If you are looking for an airport that makes long layovers a breeze, head to this Midwestern airport with a state-of-the-art movie theater running 24/7.
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Utah is full of incredibly scenic canyons, but this one, nestled in the San Rafael Swell, is a sandstone marvel with vibrant towering walls and a fun trail.
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Illinois
By Allie Johnson
Illinois has much more to see than just Chicago. In fact, there's plenty of nature to explore including this quiet state park filled with caves and wild trails.
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Minnesota
By Allie Johnson
You probably never thought about scuba diving in Minnesota, but this deep lake may change your mind as it's a great diving spot with clear and calm water.
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Michigan
By Allie Johnson
With over 200 miles of shoreline, this Lake Michigan town is a prime beach getaway destination known for its historic lighthouses and Friday fish fries.
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If you love Narnia, stunning cloudswept views, and mythical stones steeped in ancient folklore, check out this secret hike in Northern Ireland.
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