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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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
For a unique way to experience the tropical mountains of Hawaii, head to Kaua'i for a one-of-a-kind open-air tunnel tubing adventure through lush forests.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
While there's so much to do above ground in California, this phenomenal cave invites explorers to venture beneath for an experience unlike any other.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
A waterfall is an excellent end for a hike, but this trail in New York takes hikers to a fire phenomenon behind a waterfall that scientists can't explain.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
When your sweet tooth kicks in during your great Midwestern U.S. road trip, head to this Oklahoma spot loaded with unique treats and nostalgia.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
For a unique plantation experience, this unrefurbished house in North Carolina will educate you about southern America's Antebellum history.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
Take a break from driving through Pennsylvania and stop at this free outdoor art garden, filled with colorful metal sculptures situated right next to the road.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
Experience over a mile and a half of zipline, three skywalks, and a swinging bridge at this must-visit destination for adventurers in North Carolina.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
The "Venice of the Pacific" is an ancient stone city on a tiny island in Micronesia built atop a coral reef that you can only access by boat.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
Miami Beach in Florida has a hidden movie lover's paradise tucked away, screening contemporary indie gems and classics alike in a small, quaint theater.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
At St. Lucia’s first open-water sports park, the whole family will enjoy heart-racing adventures within gorgeous Caribbean scenery.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
If you are looking for a way to relax in Chicago, then head to the Windy City's only ancient Roman bathhouse for unmatched rejuvenation within historic walls.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
New York City has its own surfing destination, a sandy beach with consistent waves, beautiful views of the ocean, and a famously good food truck.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
Head to Florida's tallest lighthouse, brimming with history, to complement your vacation with panoramic views of the surrounding beach and gorgeous coast.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
You don't have to travel all the way to Peru to see something as amazing as the Nazca Lines. There is a similar ancient site in California.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
For a unique and exciting way to experience Dominica's nature and Indigenous culture, book a river tubing trip through the country's untouched jungle.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
If you're heading to New Hampshire, you should try to stop by this quaint little eatery that looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
If you're in Florida but wish you were visiting Japan, transport yourself to the Land of the Rising Sun with a trip to this local Japanese market.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
Monkey, parrots, and reptiles roam around this impressive Florida park which includes a five-acre rainforest sanctuary for endangered primates.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
You'll feel like Superman as you hit speeds in excess of 90 mph while hurtling through the mountains in the UAE on the world's longest zipline.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
Pennsylvania is a large state with many experiences, but one of the best is this city's incredible array of art that you can view for free just walking around.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
Some of America's most stunning attractions are natural, and this beautiful cavern is no exception, with ancient rock formations and fascinating history.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
San Francisco is known for its hills, and one of the best ways to experience them is by taking a ride down these free (and steep!) public slides.
By Judith Barnes
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Destinations
By Judith Barnes
To experience the effervescence of a beautifully bubbly natural hot tub, head to this stunning location in the picturesque British Virgin Islands.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
An artist unintentionally started the largest outdoor art gallery in the Northwest when he ducked into the doorway of a coffee shop and started drawing.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
County officials in Pennsylvania are expanding one of its most popular parks with free attractions designed to help its residents get outdoors.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
Visiting a major Midwest city doesn't mean you can't lounge by the pool, especially at this Chicago hotel that is home to a massive indoor recreational setting.
By Judith Barnes
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Travel Guides
By Judith Barnes
One of the most unique and fascinating attractions in Indianapolis is this creative art house that boasts myriad installations that blow guests' minds.
By Judith Barnes
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