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.
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Although Canada is known for its cold temps, this coastal area has a popular, warm saltwater beach with plenty of sand to lie on for the day or camp overnight.
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Illinois is so much more than just Chicago, and a two-hour drive from the Windy City to this cute little town will prove it.
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Home to a playground, splash pad, and scenic trails, this hidden gem of a park near Fort Wayne makes for a family-friendly escape during the warmer months.
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Travel Guides
By Joe Orovic
It should come as no surprise that rental cars are riddled with germs, so be sure to wipe down these five spots as soon as you get the keys.
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United Airlines has updated its contract of carriage, introducing a brand new rule that could influence your inflight experience and travel prep.
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Florida has thousands of beautiful lakes within its boundaries, but these are the deepest that the Sunshine State has to offer.
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This cozy town in Missouri where you'll find all sorts of historic charm, tons of local boutiques, and a statue honoring a famous canine resident.
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Mississippi
By Joe Orovic
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has no shortage of charming waterside towns to visit, so which ones should you check out? Here's out list of the five best.
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Travel Guides
By Joe Orovic
Looking for places to stop between Philadelphia and New York City? Reddit users recommend five memorable destinations for beaches, small towns, and nature.
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United States
By Joe Orovic
A city's past is what makes a place what it is today. Sadly, for some major urban centers, that past has left an indelible mark, for better and worse.
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Oprah travels extensively for work and pleasure, so picking the most notable adventures to inspire you means looking at why she travels where she does.
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a gorgeous beach town, and if you want to see the best views in the city, there's one place on the boardwalk you have to go.
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Tips and Hacks
By Joe Orovic
Before booking your winter getaway, here are some ski trip expenses beyond lift tickets that often surprise travelers at top mountain resorts.
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North Carolina
By Joe Orovic
North Carolina is a state packed with outdoor adventure, but there's something special about this wildlife-packed wetland refuge.
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Known for its massive bass, along with other species of fish, this lake near Orlando is the ideal place to cast a line, kayak, or hop in a boat.
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This island isn't a secret, but it impresses regulars and new visitors year after year with its miles of pristine beaches, white sand, and paddling options.
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Travel Guides
By Joe Orovic
Looking for a winter-free getaway? These four American cities have never logged measurable snowfall, according to historical weather records.
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Planning a Wisconsin getaway? These charming and scenic beach towns offer freshwater beaches, coastal trails, marinas, and vibrant lakefront history.
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These five American ski resorts promise an epic day with ample slopes for less than $200 a day, guaranteeing an epic day on snow for skiers and snowboarders.
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Water Sports
By Joe Orovic
Not every lake is safe to swim in, and it's worth learning the warning signs of unsafe conditions before stepping into water that could make you sick.
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This city park is hidden away but still convenient to the downtown neighborhoods, and it's got shady oak trees, scenic lakes, pickleball, disk golf, and more.
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Not only is this ski area in Colorado affordable, but it's near one of the best ski towns in the state and has served as the stomping grounds for Olympians.
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Ohio is home to some of the most magnificent natural beauty in the U.S., and this lake is an underrated spot for fishing and outdoor adventures.
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If you're looking for the perfect beach vacation this spring but want to avoid the crowds that come with Myrtle Beach, here are five sunny options.
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Chicago has robust public transit, and CTA has a long-running campaign to encourage courtesy and that riders are on their best behavior when riding the bus.
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Travel Guides
By Joe Orovic
New years bring new rules, and these are the biggest changes travelers will face when it comes to increased and additional tourism fees in 2026.
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These destinations allow you to live well on modest savings and social security benefits, all while enjoying the spoils of a tropical paradise.
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