School
Swansea University
Expertise
Surfing Destinations, Adventure Travel, Sri Lanka
- Joe lived in Krakow, Poland, for several years, where he wrote extensively about the city's nightlife and culture scenes.
- Surf destinations are his specialty — Joe has surfed in a kaleidoscope of destinations, from Mexico to Morocco, Indonesia to New Zealand.
- He's based in the UK but escapes to the tropics each winter, usually to Sri Lanka or Thailand.
Experience
Joe lived in Krakow, Poland, for several years, where he wrote extensively about the city's nightlife and culture scenes.
Surf destinations are his specialty — Joe has surfed in a kaleidoscope of destinations, from Mexico to Morocco, Indonesia to New Zealand.
He's based in the UK but escapes to the tropics each winter, usually to Sri Lanka or Thailand.
Education
Joseph has a first-class honors degree in English and ancient history from Swansea University. He graduated in 2010 and went into travel writing straight away.
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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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
This former industrial quarry in Poland has been transformed into an unexpected swimming paradise with floating decks and crystal-clear waters.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Forget overcrowded Lake Como. These two pristine alpine lakes in Italy's Julian Alps offer the same stunning beauty with a fraction of the tourists.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Framed by the Santa Ynez Mountains, this idyllic escape from the city offers an abundance of activities for wildlife lovers, hikers, and fishing enthusiasts.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Cross Central Europe and wake up to gorgeous views of the Adriatic Sea on a sleeper train route that passes through iconic cities rich in history and culture.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
The Sierra Nevada Mountains are accessible near this small town with plenty of outdoor adventures as well as excellent local eateries. Here's why you should go.
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Islands
By Joseph Richard Francis
Just a short hop from Athens, this stunning Greek island remains blissfully under the radar, with pristine beaches, incredible food, and a charming main town.
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Asia
By Joseph Richard Francis
This gorgous destination in Southern Sri Lanka is perfect for surfers at any level and offers lots of beachy vibes and delicious restaurants. Find out more.
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Washington
By Joseph Richard Francis
The Pacific Northwest is full of stunning beaches and place to explore the great outdoors, especially these particular beaches near the Olympic National Park.
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Caribbean and Bahamas
By Joseph Richard Francis
This vast protected jungle has hundreds of birds and exotic species within its borders, as well as thundering waterfalls and breathtaking hikes.
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Colorado
By Joseph Richard Francis
Get the most out of your time in Colorado by embarking on this epic drive that ventures past two sprawling canyons and offers glimpses of old mining towns.
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Montana
By Joseph Richard Francis
A visit to this remote Montana town is the very definition of a secluded adventure, with hiking, skiing, and enjoying true solitude as its primary activities.
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Canada
By Joseph Richard Francis
Ranked among the top mountain towns in the Rockies, this laid-back gem offers a mix of vintage architecture, legendary snowfall, and year-round adventure.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Forgo Croatia’s crowded beachside attractions for a quaint hilltop village with medieval charm and a laidback lifestyle boasting incredible overlooks.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
These sprawling canyons boast the largest reserve of majestic desert palm trees in the world, hikes amid stunning waterfalls, and endangered wildlife.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
For hikers who love waterfalls, there's no better trail than this popular and easy-to-get-to NorCal path through countless falls, groves of redwoods, and ferns.
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Asia
By Joseph Richard Francis
This underrated Indian locale offers a diverse array of beautifully lush and history-rich experiences, from tea gardens to intricate pyramids.
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Yosemite
By Joseph Richard Francis
Yosemite National Park in California is host to an array of beautiful treks, including this trail that has unbelievable views of the Half Dome.
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Oregon
By Joseph Richard Francis
Defined by miles upon miles of towering sand dunes, clear lakes, and Pacific Northwest rainforests, this state park deserves a top spot on your bucket list.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Head to this lesser-known region in Portugal to discover pristine landscapes, a recuperating wildlife population, and prehistoric art examples.
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Washington
By Joseph Richard Francis
Enjoy Washington’s pristine nature and hike on year-round trails at a preserve near Seattle that is home to a diverse range of habitats and animals.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Yosemite is one of the most beautiful national parks in America, and arguably its best hike doesn't even require braving crowds of tourists.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
This California beach is in the perfect spot for swimming in more tranquil waters and enjoying the great outdoors. Here's why you should go on your next trip.
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Washington
By Joseph Richard Francis
For lush rolling hills and incredibly quaint small towns, head to this corner of Eastern Washington that is a photographer's dream full of charming scenery.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Thanks to this short and easy-to-hike trail, travelers who want to experience California's incredible redwoods can do so without exerting themselves too much.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Joseph Richard Francis
California is famous for its incredible beaches and stunning vineyards, but this historic Gold Rush town is known for its incredible whitewater rafting.
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Colorado
By Joseph Richard Francis
Within the largest city in Western Colorado, you’ll find a delicious wine country surrounded by mountainous scenery and red rocks you can explore on trails.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
California’s nature is best explored via a road trip. On an underrated highway, you can relax in hot springs while exploring desert and mountain landscapes.
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