School
University Of Madison-Wisconsin
Expertise
Istanbul, The Turkish Aegean, Avoiding Crowds
- In 2013, Eric had a near-death experience while hitchhiking through the snowcapped mountains of northeastern Turkey.
- He once ate so much baklava while overseas that he had to go to the hospital for treatment.
- While Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia are some of his favorite places to travel, he most enjoys exploring hidden bays along the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara and traipsing through the mountains in the Black Sea.
Experience
Eric moved to Turkey in 2011 and has been exploring every corner of its geography, culture, and history ever since. A student of human nature, he loves telling stories about what people do in various corners of the world and why they do it. Throughout his writing career, Eric has been fortunate enough to interview a wide variety of individuals, including Anthony Hopkins, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, David Maisel, and a slew of incredible researchers and scientists who contribute more to the world in a day than he likely will in a lifetime. When he's not writing, he usually can be found listening to the latest Anderson Paak album and petting all the street cats and dogs he possibly can.
Education
Eric holds a degree in anthropology from 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.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Eric James Beyer
This gorgeous area just outside of Detroit is a lovely area where you can take a canopy walk, hike or drive some trails, and take in some educational workshops.
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Destinations
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Travel Guides
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A fairytale destination with an iconic landscape backdropped by the Alps awaits along this charming Swiss lake that may remind visitors of a storybook.
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Travel Guides
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It takes a lot for one lake to stand out from the rest in Minnesota, but this exceptional body of water is as fun for all types of travelers as it is beautiful.
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Destinations
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Beach bums and history buffs alike will be enchanted by the secluded Greek island of Kythera, with its quiet sites and dialed down pace of life.
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Travel Guides
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For the perfect road trip full of things to see and experience, you don't have to look any further than this scenic stretch of Wisconsin highway.
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Travel Guides
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If you enjoy taking trips where clothing is optional, then travel guru Rick Steves points out the perfect outdoor park in Munich, Germany.
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Outdoor Adventure
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For spectacular natural beauty that will light up your Instagram feed, head to this phenomenal lake in Switzerland for some of the best views in Europe.
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Travel Guides
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Travelers have come to expect amazing beaches, rich culture, and deep history from Turkey, but it also allows for an affordable Mediterranean escape.
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Destinations
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European travel is practically synonymous with Rick Steves, yet his favorite country lies far from Europe and offers quite the culture shock.
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Travel Guides
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If your goal for an Italian vacation is to see some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, ditch the crowded cities for this stunning part of the country.
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Destinations
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The United States is notoriously car-dependent, but this city in the Midwest is built for bikes -- and there's plenty there for cyclists to see.
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Destinations
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Adventurous travelers and animal lovers will want to flock to one of Costa Rica's most beautiful national parks for its incredible opportunities to explore.
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Destinations
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Greece's thousands of islands offer an unforgettable dream vacation, but many of them can be crowded -- it's third largest, however, is far less crowded.
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Destinations
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If you want to experience Switzerland-like mountains but don't want to deal with crowds, this city on the Japanese island of Hokkaido has you covered.
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Destinations
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You've probably never heard of it, but this Caribbean bay hidden in the U.S. Virgin Islands is ranked among the most beautiful in the world.
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Travel Guides
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Mexico boasts a variety of destinations for people who love various spirits, and this seaside spot is the ideal choice for anyone who prefers wine.
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Travel Guides
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One of Italy's most popular places, the Amalfi Coast, has its share of crowds. Fortunately, Turkey boasts a similar, quieter, and more affordable paradise.
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Travel Guides
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Grand Teton National Park is great, but the crowds ... not so much. Head to this lesser-known mountain range instead for plenty of outdoor fun.
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