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.
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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
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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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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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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National and State Parks
By Joseph Richard Francis
There's one section of the beautiful Big Sur coastline that's less busy than other areas and offers truly outstanding beauty, rewarding hikes, and wild beaches.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Hike along the moorlands, visit bustling markets, and see scenic castles at England's northernmost county, located along the Scottish border.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Greece has thousands of beaches to choose from, but according to one research project, some of the country's coastlines are cleaner than others.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
This dazzling California state park has all the charm of Yosemite, from hikes past ancient redwoods to hidden swimming spots, without the massive crowds.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
Want to escape the crowds of Yosemite this summer? One campground just outside the park offers uncrowded serenity on the shores of an idyllic lake.
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California
By Joseph Richard Francis
A hike through miles of abandoned train tunnels along the Donner Pass near Lake Tahoe is like visiting a graffiti art gallery, but some say it defaces history.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Whether you're a wine lover or not, this Italian wine region is worth a visit for its picturesque landscape, delicious local ingredients, and varied trails.
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Europe
By Joseph Richard Francis
Dreaming of a beachy European getaway? This popular coastal country in Europe is home to hundreds of clean, sustainable Blue Flag-designated beaches.
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Washington
By Joseph Richard Francis
If you don't like crowded paths, skip Glacier National Park and head to this Washington mountain, where you'll find stunning views and a variety of trails.
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National and State Parks
By Joseph Richard Francis
In Northern California, a stone's throw from the Google offices and the coastline, there's a hidden gem state park with great hiking through wildflower fields.
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Hawaii
By Joseph Richard Francis
Don't leave Hawaii without trying this challenging hike on Kauai that takes you through gorgeous forest, up breathtaking cliffs, and to amazing vistas.
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