Location
Brooklyn, New York
Expertise
Solo travel, Arts and culture, European destinations
- Erika grew up in Michigan, attended college in Boston, and moved to New York at age 21, so she's a pro at suggesting Midwestern and Northeastern travel destinations.
- As a travel writer, she has visited countries including Egypt, Kenya, Italy, Spain, Iceland, Jamaica, and St. Lucia.
- As an experienced journalist, she has had her work recognized by the National Headliner Awards and New York Press Club Awards.
Experience
Erika is an experienced freelance writer, covering a variety of topics including travel, wellness, and sex & relationships. Her freelance bylines include Vogue, PopSugar, and VeryWellMind, and she previously held staff positions at Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, and BUST magazine. In 2021, she published her first book, Astrosex.
Education
Erika double majored in magazine journalism and English literature at Boston University. She spent a semester studying abroad in London.
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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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
Lake Michigan is home to many lakeside destinations and this little treat between Chicago and Grand Rapids has everything you want and then some.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
This 45-square-mile township in Antrim County is ideal for an outdoorsy getaway with opportunities for Lake Michigan water sports, bluffside picnics, and more.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
At the end of a hike through a forested wilderness area on the shore of this Michigan lake, you'll be rewarded with swimming surrounded by a stunning view.
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Check the cleanliness ratings at the eateries you explore in this state, as it’s recently made headlines for having the dirtiest restaurants in the U.S.
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New York
By Erika W. Smith
Nestled in the Hudson Valley, this laidback town has a hip downtown full of shops and eateries, while its trails take you through the gorgeous surroundings.
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Restaurants
By Erika W. Smith
According to a review of 882 Olive Garden restaurants across the U.S., one southern state emerged as the one with the most the highest-rated locations.
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Fresh seafood, craft breweries, international cuisine, and farm-to-table restaurants in one location? This street in Maine will give your taste buds a treat.
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Massachusetts
By Erika W. Smith
Massachusetts isn't as mountainous as some U.S. states, but one of its mountains is a beautiful hike surrounded by some quaint New England towns.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
This small town on Michigan's Upper Peninsula sits on the shoreline of the state's largest inland lake, close to rugged mountains, forests, and Lake Superior.
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Illinois
By Erika W. Smith
From nature preserves and scenic lakes to vintage drive-ins and cozy pizza spots, this community not too far from Chicago offers family fun in every season.
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Minnesota
By Erika W. Smith
The town has the perfect blend of shopping and dining in town and easy access to nearby forests, historic attractions, and other outdoorsy adventures.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
Explore this unique island near Michigan's Canadian border that's pure small-town Americana with delicious restaurants and miles of pristine shoreline.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
Mackinac Island is definitely a must-visit at least once in your life, but if you've already been there, you might want to skip the crowds for this hidden gem.
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Kentucky
By Erika W. Smith
A close-knit community spirit defines this Louisville neighborhood just a few miles east of downtown, with charming storefronts, galleries, and top-tier golf.
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Rhode Island
By Erika W. Smith
This spot contains a major technical college, a famed art school, and plenty more to keep students and visitors alike well-fed and entertained.
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Minnesota
By Erika W. Smith
For a charming day trip to a small Minnesota town, check out this city along the Root River State Trail, famed for its bike-friendly, sweet stop.
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Indiana
By Erika W. Smith
Just a half-hour drive from Evansville, this Indiana city with a population of 6,700 is home to historic buildings, two lake parks, and a friendly community.
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South Carolina
By Erika W. Smith
This quaint South Carolina town is home to Erskine College and a population of 1,200. Explore its historic streets and sample its tasty local restaurants.
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Connecticut
By Erika W. Smith
This Connecticut town is a history buffs haven with antique stores, art galleries, nearby hiking trails, and gorgeous autumnal foliage to delight in.
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New York
By Erika W. Smith
New York City might be the number one destination for tourists in the state, but there are plenty of hidden gems outside the city worth visiting, too.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
Taking its name from a 19th-century lunchtime history lesson, Michigan's Royal Oak, aka the "City of Trees," features great parks, boutiques, and eateries.
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Mississippi
By Erika W. Smith
Dive into a world of delicious barbecue and historic graveyards and battlefields in this Mississippi city, celebrated for its rich history and cuisine.
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Connecticut
By Erika W. Smith
This Hartford suburb boasts wallet-friendly housing prices, the nation's smallest waterfall, historic homes, and funky shops and restaurants.
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Pennsylvania
By Erika W. Smith
The Pocono mountains are a stunning Pennsylvania landmark full of quaint towns with a lot of history, and one village is worth the visit for its scenery.
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Among the most picturesque islands in France is this underrated beach paradise whose name literally translates to "beautiful island on the sea."
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The last flight on this American Airlines route from Texas to Oregon was on August 5, 2025. If you're affected, you'll be given a refund or a new itinerary.
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Michigan
By Erika W. Smith
This Michigan city on the Huron River is great for students, families, and anyone else who appreciates a combination of cultural richness and natural beauty.
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