School
CUNY Graduate School of Journalism
Expertise
Nautical adventure, road trips, Mediterranean lifestyle
- Joe very briefly dressed like Jon Snow while working on a story about set-jetting "Game of Thrones" tourists flooding Dubrovnik.
- His first big-time, fancy glossy magazine article was in Islands over a decade ago, a feature about his love for making traditional Dalmatian olive oil.
- He once underestimated a wave's height, sending a speedboat too quickly into the oncoming crests and nearly launching The New York Times's 52 Places writer into the Adriatic Sea.
Experience
Joe's nearly two-decade career in journalism started as a founding member of Lukewarm Off the Press, the first student newspaper at St. Joseph's Grammar School in Astoria, NY. Joe's first decade as a paid journalist involved covering the ins and outs of life in New York for the local press, culminating in a "News Story of the Year" award from the New York Press Association in 2013. He then shifted gears by moving across the Atlantic Ocean to his ancestral home, a small island off the Croatian coast, and continuing as a freelance journalist. Since then, his work has appeared in a wide range of publications, from Popular Science to The New York Times.
Education
Joe has a master's degree in journalism from the City University of New York.
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.
-
This Utah locale is a must-visit to experience beautiful sights and exciting water activities -- and don't be fooled by its misleading name!
Read More
-
Meander through the lush forest of a Louisiana wilderness, keeping your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife while you're admiring waterfalls and fall foliage.
Read More
-
This charming Idaho oasis is the perfect place to spend some free time -- and makes for an amazing retirement locale!
Read More
-
Hawaii is a place of epic adventures, and the less-visited island of Kauai is home to one of the wettest mountains on Earth, creating a treacherous climb.
Read More
-
New York's Catskill Mountains are home to an amazing canyon full of jaw-dropping waterfalls, incredible cliffside views, and breathtaking foliage.
Read More
-
South Carolina
By Joe Orovic
Many college towns offer walkable areas and shopping, but you can root for a local football team and explore the mountains in this scenic South Carolina city.
Read More
-
Sedona’s stunning red rock landscape is a hiker’s playground. One of the most popular trails is easily accessible for trekkers and four-wheelers alike.
Read More
-
In the middle of Utah lies a national forest known for its beautiful scenery and incredible lake that offers visitors a top-tier fishing experience.
Read More
-
Anglers seeking a relaxing vacation with plenty of options to cast out their lines should check out a hidden beach town in Texas that is a fishing paradise.
Read More
-
Spanning 170,000 acres, this vast territory is the ultimate paradise for camping under the stars, exploring by kayak, and watching animals roam in the wild.
Read More
-
Peruse quirky antiques and local art while strolling alongside a river at a historic small town in Virginia, hidden within the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Read More
-
While Washington State probably isn't where you think of when it comes to beaches, you might change your mind after visiting this one full of wild beauty.
Read More
-
This small town in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, offers beaches without crowds, stunning ocean views, and that quintessential New England vibe.
Read More
-
Admire some of the towering redwoods of California in this hidden grove, where lakeside trails promise scenic views of the Orange County retreat.
Read More
-
Swim in crystal-clear waters while exploring a fairytale-like marine landscape and snorkeling among manatees in a gorgeous basin in Florida.
Read More
-
There are many historic places in America, but there aren't many as bursting with history and natural splendor as this Montana city along the Missouri River.
Read More
-
Stay alongside an incredible blue lake in the depths of Glacier National Park at one of three incredible campgrounds with unmatched beauty.
Read More
-
West Virginia
By Joe Orovic
Whitewater river rafting through the gorges and scenic valleys of this diverse landscape in West Virginia offers the perfect outdoor adventure.
Read More
-
If you are willing to lace up your boots and slog up miles of wild trail, this Colorado hot spring rewards you with warm soaks and breathtaking views.
Read More
-
This unexploited beach in Puerto Rico offers beachgoers year-round opportunities to catch some waves, enjoy top-tier snorkeling, and more.
Read More
-
South Dakota
By Joe Orovic
This short and winding mountain road trip will add a little excitement to your next trip to South Dakota's Mount Rushmore.
Read More
-
For one of the most tranquil vacations you'll find anywhere, this incredibly silent river in Nebraska is the perfect destination for a lazy, quiet getaway.
Read More
-
This imposing mountain shared by Canada and Alaska is not only beautiful but deadly, so it's best to explore it from the base and not attempt to climb it.
Read More
-
One enormous lake located in Missouri is the best place for boating, water sports, secluded beaches, and all sorts of other marine activities.
Read More
-
South Dakota
By Joe Orovic
One iconic South Dakota city boasts a bustling hub of arts, culture, and good eats, along with access to stunning natural wonders all around it.
Read More
-
Pennsylvania
By Joe Orovic
The highest point in Pennsylvania is a place of rolling hills, in the middle of a state forest that offers panoramic views from high above sea level.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Joe Orovic
This North Carolina mountain town is the place to go for gorgeous trails, relaxing lake days, art galleries, and a postcard-worthy waterfall.
Read More