Location
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
School
Appalachian State University
Expertise
Surfing, Budget Travel, International Destinations
- Kenan is an internationally published journalist, an intercontinental surf guide, and a dishwasher.
- He is a slowmad practitioner, setting up shop in one area for six months or more to become involved with the local community.
- Kenan's slow travel style has given him ample time to publish budget travel tips, natural guides, and hidden gem highlights of islands, beaches, and cities worldwide.
Experience
The day after Kenan finished college, he packed his bags and headed to the Island life, working as a journalist on the twin island nation St. Kitts and Nevis. The beach was calling, but there was no surf on Nevis, so he spent the next few years chasing surf around the world. His search led him from New Zealand to South America, where he picked up his pen again with a zealous purpose. Now, Kenan is laser-focused on covering sustainable tourism and encouraging people to find better ways to see the world.
Education
Kenan graduated with a degree in public relations from Appalachian State University. He loves the Appalachian mountain region, which he credits as the first place to nourish his passion for the outdoors.
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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Air Travel
By Kenan Dudley
Ninety years after reshaping air travel, this iconic aircraft continues to earn its keep, serving hard-to-reach destinations around the globe.
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North Carolina
By Kenan Dudley
While 2024 was a difficult year in North Carolina due to the damage wrought by Hurricane Helene, the Tar Heel State still saw record-breaking tourism numbers.
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Louisiana
By Kenan Dudley
Coconut creme, pecan, banana, oh my! This small town in Louisiana is bursting with charm, horse racing lore, and of course, delectable flaky pastries.
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Air Travel
By Kenan Dudley
Comfortable shoes will help get you through security lines and long terminals without pain. Here is the top style recommended by frequent fliers.
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Tips and Hacks
By Kenan Dudley
Travel can require thorough planning, but when possible, letting go and embracing spontaneity can result in a better, more memorable experience.
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Wisconsin
By Kenan Dudley
Cheese lovers should take a trip to Wisconsin in summer and fall for some of the best cheese festivals in the United States. Here's where to find them.
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You don't have to be deep in the suburbs to enjoy peace and quiet in Indiana. Check out this garden-lined neighborhood just outside Indianapolis.
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Minnesota is home to a small town that combines the best of city life with amenities and local culture to create the perfect retirement vibe.
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West Virginia
By Kenan Dudley
Fish, boat, and sleep under the stars at this West Virginia reservoir that's a short jaunt away from even more natural beauty, breweries, and good eats.
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Arts and Culture
By Kenan Dudley
In the heart of North Carolina lies a small town that's as progressive as any major metropolis, with gorgeous parks and trails and an amazing local marketplace.
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Visit this stunning mountain town in the Canadian Rockies for instant access to outdoor adventure, delicious food, and even good thrift shopping.
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A small area of Nevada with secluded mountain campsites and great fishing spots is a solitude lovers dream. You can also immerse yourself in cowboy culture.
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Pennsylvania
By Kenan Dudley
This former railroad hub now offers a charming downtown boasting a thriving arts scene with galleries and exciting events from Oktoberfest to baseball games.
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Air Travel
By Kenan Dudley
One of the most frustrating things that can happen at check-in is learning your bag is too heavy and you need to pay extra fees. Here's a way to avoid that.
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Explore Montreal's namesake peak with charming trails and panoramic views on this guided Viator tour for unique sightseeing and local recommendations.
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Beach bums will love this Costa Rican gem, boasting perfect waves, rich wildlife, and a host of top-notch restaurants for the ultimate pura vida getaway.
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This little-known town in Arkansas is a must-visit for wine lovers and makes for a relaxing weekend escape with plenty of local flavor from art to food.
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Pennsylvania
By Kenan Dudley
Avid outdoor adventurers must head to Pennsylvania to enjoy the many activities and attractions on offer at the country’s largest Cabela’s store.
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A festival centered on cheeseburgers might sound, well, cheesy, but also delicious. You'll get to experience that and more in this Michigan city.
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A European vacation may sound like the best way to use that designated time off, but it may be best to skip these five countries when deciding where to go.
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Budget Friendly
By Kenan Dudley
If you want to squeeze in a budget-friendly shopping trip somewhere in the U.S., it's best to avoid big cities like NYC and LA. Check out these states instead.
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This man-made whitewater river in Indiana has novice to professional levels and is surrounded by five miles of paved and lighted paths.
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California
By Kenan Dudley
One U.S. destination has been crowned the healthiest city in the country by multiple outlets, yet, surprisingly, it's also known as America's "worst-run" city.
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Tips and Hacks
By Kenan Dudley
This AI-powered startup, launched in 2020, will provide a full itinerary for your trip, cutting out the mind-boggling logistics that go into travel.
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As fun to visit as it is to live in, this emerging Utah city will wow visitors with its creativity before they even get to the stunning natural surroundings.
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Tips and Hacks
By Kenan Dudley
Samantha Brown knows a thing or two about how to travel on a budget, but this trick takes the cake for best way to visit U.S. cities at an affordable time.
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Planning to take a beautiful beach vacation and learn how to surf at the same time? Here are the five best spots in Central America to do both.
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