School
Texas A&M University, University of Utah
Expertise
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations, Airline Points and Miles, Impactful Travel
- Dave has worked, volunteered, and studied in six countries on four continents.
- He has a personal goal to run at least one 10k race every year and finish faster than the year before, preferably on a different course.
- A lover of languages, Dave self-published his first book, Secrets of a Polyglot: How to Transform Your Life through Learning Foreign Languages, to help people worldwide improve their interpersonal relationships.
Experience
Dave professionally taught English abroad for 8 years, exploring the world during his school vacations by leveraging both complex travel itineraries and points and miles. During that period, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Indonesia, where he lived like a local for two years in rural West Java. While earning his master's degree, he participated in the State Department's Critical Language Scholarship Program in South Korea and crafted his own Russian language immersion program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. After graduation, he founded GuideMie LLC to enable sustainable development through tourism by crafting foreign language courses, guidebooks, and life-changing travel itineraries.
Education
Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Utah with an emphasis on Japan and Japanese, as well as a Master of International Affairs degree from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University.
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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Get way (way) off the beaten track at this alpine lake where you can take a dip in its cool waters, embark on some magnificent hikes, and try local glamping.
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Tips and Hacks
By Dave Bowling
Sick of paying extra hidden baggage fees every time you fly? Skip the hassle and make moving through the airport a breeze with this brilliant luggage service.
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If you're a golf enthusiast, you can't miss this "trail" in Indiana that brings you to seven golf courses designed by a legendary architect.
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Escape bustling Taipei with a romantic weekend getaway to one of these charming small towns just a short trip from the city where you can relax and reconnect.
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Air Travel
By Dave Bowling
Each of the largest airlines in the U.S. offers a frequent flyer mileage program, and it might surprise you to learn which program is the best for 2025.
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Air Travel
By Dave Bowling
When going through airport security, you can skip long lines at some airports by taking this online step that will speed up the lengthy TSA process.
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Bundle up and get your appetite ready when you visit this coldest capital in the world, which boasts memorable attractions and a culture driven by the youth.
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Escape for a weekend full of breathtaking outdoor scenery and hours of fun activities in this Idaho resort town. Here's where you can find this lakeside gem.
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Air Travel
By Dave Bowling
If you're flying to Asia, you may need to pack your power bank a little differently than you're used to. Here are the rules to know before your trip.
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One of the United States' longest-lived roadside attractions is "Little America," a rest stop that was established as the result of a near-death experience.
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Walk across the longest covered bridge in America in the Midwestern state of Indiana while enjoying the structure’s architecture and history.
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You don't need to be a tech entrepreneur to make the most of your time in India's Silicon Valley, a gorgeously green city packed with delicious eats.
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This Wyoming town is known as the "Gateway to the American West," with its proximity to Salt Lake City and Yellowstone, not to mention its railroad history.
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Stroll through lush parks blooming with life. Explore a downtown district brimming with art and history. Find it all in this fun and fascinating Indiana city.
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It takes some effort to get to the lake in Indonesia that earned the nickname, the "mirror of the sky," a place that foreigners rarely visit.
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Family Friendly
By Dave Bowling
It's not as big as other cities, but this Indiana destination has plenty of charm, fantastic food, and family friendly activities to keep you entertained.
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Hike through a gorgeous wooded forest to reach some of Idaho’s most popular hot springs, complete with magical waterfalls and enchanting rock pools.
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Minnesota
By Dave Bowling
The North Star State is packed with fascinating cities and villages, and this charming spot on a river serves up a downtown straight out of the history books.
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Escape Japan’s more popular tourist hubs and head to a less-visited, mountainous region with festivals and delicious food offerings throughout the year.
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If you want to see a new side of Idaho, head to this city with a charming historic district and town square that is surrounded by world-class outdoor adventure.
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Air Travel
By Dave Bowling
For a budget-friendly flight that is about the same price as a train, check out this upbeat airline that offers delicious meals and free cabin baggage.
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This hidden treasure tucked away in Northern Indiana converted an early 20th-century relic into a beautiful oasis complete with koi ponds and rock bridges.
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Air Travel
By Dave Bowling
While it might seem like airfare is only getting more expensive, at least you’re not regularly flying in and out of this incredibly pricy and popular U.S. city.
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Within Southern Idaho’s gorgeous, otherworldly scenery, there is a hidden gorge off the Interstate with waterfalls, canyons, and cliffs to explore.
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Tips and Hacks
By Dave Bowling
If you are anxiously waiting for your passport renewal to make your international travel plans, there’s a simple way to check the status of your application.
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Washington
By Dave Bowling
Take a family trip to an incredible coastal Washington city with idyllic beaches perfect for flying kites and plenty of Pacific Northwest charm.
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This Maryland city's roots as a railroad hub laid the groundwork for some of the best biking trails on the East Coast, as well as an artsy downtown district.
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