Expertise
Urban Travel, Solo Female Travel, Asia
- Judith joined Islands in 2024 as a travel news writer.
- She hails from NYC but has been living abroad for 10 years. She is an endlessly curious traveler who has been to 20 countries so far.
- She is a coffee shop connoisseur and urbanite who gets her kicks from gazing out cafe windows while writing and sampling the culture of different cities around the world.
Experience
Judith began her writing journey as a travel blogger in 2011. She has since become a published article writer, both digital and in print, a content writer, and writes short stories in her free time. She has interviewed the Who's Who of expat communities, written profiles of rising and established artists, and written opinion pieces. She has contributed articles to Urbanist Magazine, Chao Hanoi, and The Tay Ho Times.
Education
Judith holds a bachelor's degree in geography with a concentration in cultural studies and a minor in Spanish. She is TEFL certified and completed an independent studies certificate in dance from The Alvin Ailey School of Dance.
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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Tips and Hacks
By Judith Barnes
A country steeped in tradition, Japan can be intimidating for first-time tourists. Keep this etiquette rule in mind to show respect when traveling in Japan.
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Elevate your swimming hole experience by visiting this stunning waterfall paradise in Maine. Flanked by colorful rocks and trees, it's a sight to behold.
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Tennessee
By Judith Barnes
Lit up with beautiful lighting and accessible by a glass-fronted elevator, this Tennessee underground waterfall has the beauty of what dreams are made of.
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Take an adventurous drive from Punta Cana to this lesser-known slice of paradise, with miles of pristine white sand, swaying palm trees, and minimal crowds.
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Tennessee
By Judith Barnes
What's more fun than hitting the river for some thrilling whitewater rafting? This Georgia river is sure to provide a wild time with great views and rapids.
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If you're headed to Alabama's underrated stretch of the Gulf Coast, make sure to check out this beach bar that provides plenty of entertainment and fun.
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California
By Judith Barnes
California is a U.S. state with no shortage of natural splendor, but this stunning beach not far from San Francisco offers its own special beauty.
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Enjoy traditional drumming and dancing while catching some incredible waves at a popular surf school at one of West Africa’s most gorgeous beaches.
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Tennessee
By Judith Barnes
There's plenty to bring travelers to Tennessee, but this crystal-clear lake is an attractive retreat best known for its fantastic swimming opportunities.
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New Hampshire
By Judith Barnes
Enjoy the outdoors at one of New Hampshire's many lakes, where you can experience its natural beauty, peaceful small-town charm, and scenic hikes.
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You've never seen the Atlantic Ocean like this before! A unique viewing area in Acadia National Park allows you to get up close and personal with huge waves.
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Visit this off-the-beaten-track destination in Costa Rica for a slice of local life in a tropical paradise. Here's how to get there and what to do.
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Page, Arizona may not be a household name, but visitors to the town will find opportunities to visit a beautiful hidden sand cave and other natural wonders.
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Nestled in Portugal’s Alentejo region, this secluded beach has earned the title of World’s Leading Beach Destination three times, and for good reason.
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California
By Judith Barnes
California is known for playing host to many beautiful nature showcases, but this dazzling urban lagoon inside Oakland is one that shouldn't be overlooked.
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Washington
By Judith Barnes
Tucked away in the back of a neighborhood is where you'll find this hidden gem of a beach, a serene spot to spend a sunny Seattle afternoon.
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If you're looking for a truly tight squeeze in Utah, this slot canyon has just the place to go and all it takes to get there is an easy mile hike.
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Those seeking some wet and wild fun in the sun should head to Texas' largest lagoon and experience the blue waters and endless sandy beaches.
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Florida is known for being the Sunshine State, but that's especially true when experiencing this crystal blue lagoon complete with swim-up bars.
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If you're ready for a real-life Nintendo adventure, visit this go-karting track in southern Vietnam for epic thrills, laughs, and scenic views.
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Nestled in a beautiful region featured in famous Hollywood films, this uninhabited tropical island is a slice of paradise with a strange nickname.
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Restaurants
By Judith Barnes
With produce so fresh it's grown in the backyard and locally sourced ingredients, this bistro in the Adirondacks is a foodie's dream come true.
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Theme Parks
By Judith Barnes
This whimsical amusement park in New Hampshire, complete with fairytale characters and thrilling rides, is the perfect outing for the whole family!
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This celebrated stretch of white sand expanse in St. Lucia is the place to go for thrilling water sports, beachside massages, shopping, and dining.
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South Carolina
By Judith Barnes
Charleston, South Carolina is full of unique experiences that you can book throughout the city, including this authentic tour that allows you to go crabbing.
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Theme Parks
By Judith Barnes
Canada's largest shopping mall has an amazing indoor theme park and indoor waterpark as well as plenty of shops and restaurants for the whole family.
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Pennsylvania
By Judith Barnes
If you want fresh ingredients or traditional Amish pastries, canned goods, and furniture, head to an under-the-radar market in Pennsylvania.
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