School
The Art Institute of Portland
Expertise
Road Trips, Exotic Culinary Travel, Cruises
- Jonathan has been traveling internationally since the 7th grade when he took a trip to Costa Rica.
- He has done a cross-country trip across the United States five times in the last five years.
- He has written for multiple travel blogs and websites, including Boardwalk Travel and the Parking Spot.
Experience
Jonathan has been a professional copywriter since 2014, doing freelance work for countless clients across different industries. His first travel article was about a trip to San Francisco, and he has been writing about travel (among other topics) ever since. Over the last two years, he has written extensively about theme parks and cruise vacations.
Education
Jonathan has a bachelor's degree in media arts and animation from the Art Institute of Portland.
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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Just outside Cleveland is a lakeside city with Ohio's longest sandy beach, charming local shops, and scenic outdoor escapes that make for an affordable getaway.
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Maine
By Jonathan Houston
Escape to Maine's coast and uncover a town with pristine beaches, a playful waterpark, and charming streets perfect for a relaxing seaside retreat.
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Texas
By Jonathan Houston
Between the bustling Texas cities of Austin and Houston is a historic town that offers lakeside activities, great food, and clean, small-town hospitality.
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Oregon
By Jonathan Houston
Sited near the deepest canyon in North America and a 2.4 million-acre national forest, this small city is a charming base camp for year-round adventures.
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Georgia
By Jonathan Houston
Georgia has plenty of beautiful natural areas to explore, but if you're skittish about snakes, it might be best to avoid these bodies of water.
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Washington
By Jonathan Houston
This iconic Seattle-area resort has just unveiled its new luxury hotel, concert venue, and world-class restaurants — needless to say, now's the time to visit.
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North Carolina
By Jonathan Houston
Dive deep into cryptology, seafaring history, and more when you visit these interesting and off-the-wall museums in North Carolina.
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Missouri
By Jonathan Houston
Discover the thrilling experiences that await you at Missouri's snake-filled rivers and lakes, along with essential tips for handling any snake encounters.
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Arkansas
By Jonathan Houston
Discover a hidden Arkansas gem where small-town charm, nostalgic flavors, and laid-back family fun capture the heart of the Natural State's sweetest escape.
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Maine
By Jonathan Houston
For a seaside getaway that feels truly authentic, head to the northern coastal reaches of Maine, where fresh seafood and rugged coastlines abound.
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Arizona
By Jonathan Houston
If you're big on gaming (and not much else) while you travel, a hidden gem outside of Phoenix, Arizona, may be the place for you. Bring your checkbook.
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Hotels and Resorts
By Jonathan Houston
With thrilling table games, countless slot machines, a top-tier golf course, and excellent restaurants, this resort near Duluth is the place to stay and play.
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Georgia
By Jonathan Houston
A Georgia byway invites travelers on a 65-mile loop, driving past farmland, historic towns, and timeless Southern scenery steeped in small-town charm.
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Tennessee
By Jonathan Houston
Planning an trip into the Great Smoky Mountains? These gateway towns offer thrills, frills, and stunning views — just a short hop away from the national park.
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Wyoming
By Jonathan Houston
Discover a Wyoming town that blends artsy charm, great dining, and outdoor adventure, making it the perfect stop for travelers seeking culture and wilderness.
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Hotels and Resorts
By Jonathan Houston
Not all hotel loyalty programs are created equal. Here are the brands that don't stack up, whether due to lack of options, low point value, or service hassles.
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Florida
By Jonathan Houston
A chain of scenic barrier islands, this unspoiled paradise is home to all kinds of wildlife amid its mangrove forests that visitors can see up-close by kayak.
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Tips and Hacks
By Jonathan Houston
Whether you're away for two weeks or two months, dirty clothes can start to stink up a suitcase. Keep you luggage smelling fresh with these tips.
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Louisiana
By Jonathan Houston
Discover a Louisiana riverside town where seafood restaurants, lively boat parades, and a rich maritime heritage create the perfect weekend getaway.
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Oregon
By Jonathan Houston
Visit this underrated Oregon town where rugged landscapes, river adventures, and small-town charm come together in a lesser-visited corner of the state.
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New York
By Jonathan Houston
From haunted cemetery tours to a spooky street fair, this familiar sleepy New York town is the place to visit for all the Halloween festivities.
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Kentucky
By Jonathan Houston
This small Kentucky city offers bluegrass shows, historic landmarks, and cozy eateries serving comfort food at the heart of bourbon country.
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Texas
By Jonathan Houston
Set to open in 2026, Texas' newest thrill ride is the world's tallest, longest, and fastest dive coaster, with record-breaking speed at Six Flags Over Texas.
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Texas
By Jonathan Houston
If you've never been, it's easy to imagine all of Texas as the desert land of cowboys, but there's a lot of life even in the smaller cities like this one.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Jonathan Houston
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure any time of the year, there is a real hidden "gem" in North Carolina. It is ideal for hiking and viewing waterfalls.
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Texas
By Jonathan Houston
Does it get any better than a Texas road trip? We'll let you decide, but this exciting adventure showcases the best of the Lone Star State's Gulf Coast.
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If you're looking for a quiet, family-friendly destination, plan a trip to this coastal Cleveland suburb with beautiful beaches and small town vibes.
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