Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
School
Arizona State University
Expertise
Sustainable tourism practices, Off-the-beaten-path destination research, Regional culture & folklore documentation
- Joshua has explored over 20 U.S. national parks and public lands, often combining backcountry hikes with storytelling projects that spotlight hidden gems and overlooked history.
- They worked on travel writing projects for major brands like GetYourGuide and Airbnb, crafting destination guides, itinerary content, and experience-based narratives tailored for digital platforms.
- A lifelong road trip enthusiast with a soft spot for dusty trailheads, scenic byways, and small-town diners, they have an ever-growing obsession with documenting America's weirdest roadside attractions.
Experience
Joshua began their writing career with a focus on lifestyle and culture before carving out a niche in travel content. As a copywriter and content strategist, they've developed editorial and branded travel pieces for global platforms, specializing in destination storytelling, local guides, and immersive itinerary content. Their work often blends practical travel advice with narrative elements, offering readers both inspiration and actionable insights. Whether crafting long-form articles on national park adventures or writing UX copy for booking platforms, they bring a deep understanding of what moves travelers.
Education
They earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Arizona State University, where they focused on media writing, digital storytelling, and audience engagement strategies — a foundation that continues to inform their copywriting today.
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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Pennsylvania
By Joshua Parle
For a place with artsy, small town charm that is near Pittsburgh, head to this Pennsylvania college town near a national scenic trail with lots of public art.
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For a Utah escape away from the typical tourist route, head to this town hidden in the mountains that enjoys water recreation, trails, and spring poppies.
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Theme Parks
By Joshua Parle
From coasters to mini golf and a massive arcade, this popular Phoenix destination promises thrills, games, and family fun for visitors of all ages.
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This Rocky Mountain town is near enough to the big cities for convenience but also provides outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking or rafting.
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Wisconsin
By Joshua Parle
This incredible part of Wisconsin is a 30-minute ferry ride away from the mainland on Lake Michigan and is home to a historically Icelandic community.
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This lake and state park offer everything you want in an outdoor adventure, including boating and fishing, hiking and beaches on the shore, and camping options.
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Louisiana
By Joshua Parle
Louisiana is the place to go for big flavors, and you'll find plenty of delicious dishes and graceful charm in the Pelican State's Prairie Cajun Capital.
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This mountain town only an hour from Denver, Colorado is a gorgeous gateway to many different trails, lakes, fishing spots, and canyons. Find out more.
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This hot springs in Colorado is considered to be one of the best in the nation and it's a picturesque resort with plenty of camping, soaking, and stargazing.
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If you're looking for an out-of-this-world experience, this small town in Nevada near Area 51 is filled with various alien-related sights and movie locations.
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This small city in Utah is wildly overlooked, beautiful place to base yourself while exploring some of the best state and national parks in the U.S.
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Tennessee
By Joshua Parle
To get a break from the Tennessee heat, head to this unsung state park near Chattanooga that has plenty of rafting thrills and one of the best swimming holes.
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This Michigan city earned its breakfast reputation over a century ago, but there's a lot more to discover beyond its famous morning meal legacy.
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Louisiana
By Joshua Parle
This amazing getaway on the Louisiana Bayou allows you to immerse yourself in Cajun culture, food, and see plenty of scenic views of boardwalks and swamps.
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Tennessee
By Joshua Parle
For a Tennessee state park that is easy to reach from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, head to this spot with plenty of hiking, camping, and swimming.
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Louisiana
By Joshua Parle
This hidden Louisiana lakeside park offers sandy freshwater beaches, world-class bass fishing, and camping adventures that'll take you away from the crowds.
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Tennessee
By Joshua Parle
In a hidden gem state park in Tennessee, you'll find a picturesque natural spring alongside stunning examples of 19th-century Cherokee history.
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It can be hard to decide what town to use as your basecamp for a trip to Utah. But if you like hiking, this spot is one of the best trail towns in the U.S.
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California
By Joshua Parle
This town in California is considered the "U-pick capital" thanks to its many farms dedicated to "U-pick" or pre-picked produce. Here's what you can get there.
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United States
By Joshua Parle
This iconic stretch of highway across the U.S. has no shortage of kitschy fun stops along its route that will surely feed any Americana nostalgia.
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While visiting this eerie, not-quite-deserted Colorado ghost town that once bigger than Denver, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for an actual ghost.
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For spectacular mountain views, hiking near wildlife, and unwinding on the shores of a tranquil lake, head to this scenic Arizona state park.
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California
By Joshua Parle
This Sacramento-area city is a safe and family-friendly getaway with endless shopping, fun events, and a walkable downtown perfect for exploring.
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Get ready for a wet and wild, adrenaline-filled adventure with a visit to this Utah canyon, home to world-class rapids and stunning landscapes.
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For a romantic trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, this adults-only resort brings the ultimate relaxation experience with gorgeous views on your doorstep.
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California
By Joshua Parle
Top up your EV in style at this charging station just outside of Joshua Tree, kitted out with modern amenities and desert aesthetic to match the landscape.
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California
By Joshua Parle
If you can't get enough of open-air art and music festivals, this revitalized city in Southern California is a must-visit any time of the year.
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