School
Central Oregon Community College, Portland Community College
Expertise
Solo Traveling, Road Trips, Themed Adventures
- Lauren is an Oregon-grown writer and musician who boldly moved to Los Angeles in 2023.
- A passionate traveler, she often embarks on solo journeys, such as a summer adventure driving the entirety of Historic Route 66, and a Halloween trip to Transylvania, Romania.
- She loves road trips and is a sucker for roadside attractions, classic diners, and haunted destinations.
Experience
Lauren has been a freelance writer for the past decade, covering an array of topics from pop culture to travel. Her bylines have been featured in a number of publications, including Portland Monthly Magazine, Travel Portland, Willamette Week, Cascade Arts & Entertainment, World Atlas, and Ranker. A natural-born explorer, Lauren loves to see and experience new things by traveling. She documents her life adventures in writing, and finds joy in inspiring others to fill the pages of their own lives with extraordinary stories.
Education
Lauren earned her associate's degree from Portland Community College with a major in journalism and a minor in English literature. After graduating, she completed internships at two prominent publications in Portland, Oregon.
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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Las Vegas, Nevada
By Lauren Kershner
These retro hotels in Sin City offer bold design, vintage casino history, and strong traveler ratings, plus convenient locations near classic attractions.
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California
By Lauren Kershner
A Guinness World Records breakdown highlights which U.S. states lead the nation in record holders, showcasing feats both legendary and delightfully odd.
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Europe
By Lauren Kershner
Sip on one of the best cocktails in The Big Smoke at this swanky lounge that Stanley Tucci himself frequents when he's in search of an elevated libation.
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Travel Guides
By Lauren Kershner
Planning a trip to Los Angeles? These glamorous shopping hubs combine designer stores, iconic streets, and frequent celebrity sightings in a single itinerary.
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Hotels and Resorts
By Lauren Kershner
Planning a Central Park trip on a budget? These highly rated hotels are within walking distance of the park, with convenient locations and low nightly rates.
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California
By Lauren Kershner
Transport yourself to the Golden Age of Hollywood at these five iconic, old-school Los Angeles steakhouses, once frequented by silver screen stars.
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Europe
By Lauren Kershner
England's villages are nothing if not charming, but these five are the ones you have to visit to fully experience the cottagecore vibes you're craving.
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Maryland
By Lauren Kershner
There is perhaps nothing more iconic than a road trip down America's roads, and these five destinations make up some of the oldest ones you can drive on.
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Restaurants
By Lauren Kershner
If you want to see celebrities in Los Angeles, a good place to look is some of the city's favorite restaurants. Even famous people have to eat.
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Maryland
By Lauren Kershner
New York and New Jersey may be where your mind goes when you picture a classic diner, but this great Baltimore spot could give them a run for their money.
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Tips and Hacks
By Lauren Kershner
Getting into the Louvre in Paris can take two hours on some days, but this simple (yet underrated) hack will help you skip the line and save time.
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United States
By Lauren Kershner
Old-school diners are a great way to enjoy a piece of history while having a delicious meal. Here five of our favorites in the Appalachian Mountains.
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Tips and Hacks
By Lauren Kershner
Exploring London in one day is easier with a bundled attraction pass that streamlines entry, transportation, and planning across the city's top sights.
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Travel Guides
By Lauren Kershner
You don't need a time machine to experience the '70s - just visit these famous American towns and cities for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
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Portland, Oregon
By Lauren Kershner
In 2026, Oregon’s iconic city of Portland will open a long-awaited market, complete with delicious restaurants, artisan vendors, and foodie events.
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Nightlife
By Lauren Kershner
Seattle certainly has its fair share of bars, though some are harder to find than others. If you plan on hunting for speakeasies, make sure you find these five.
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Dining
By Lauren Kershner
LA features a huge number of coffee shops throughout its trendy neighborhoods. Among the many options, here are five of the best places to sip caffeine in LA.
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Portland, Oregon
By Lauren Kershner
Portland, Oregon, is full of places to visit during a vacation, but these five excellent spots are secrets some locals might wish remain off your radar.
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Chicago, Illinois
By Lauren Kershner
If you find yourself stuck at one of Chicago's airports for a significant amount of time, don't just wait it out. The magic of the Windy City awaits.
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Don't let the Bay Area's tourist traps suck you in during your next visit to its star city. Instead, follow this guide to learn which spots are worth skipping.
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Florida
By Lauren Kershner
Expect glowing palm trees, boat parades, trolley tours, and Victorian streetscapes in these warm-weather holiday destinations across the Sunshine State.
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California
By Lauren Kershner
This unexpected neighborhood in the heart of "The City by the Bay" is a quirky haven with unique architecture, lush parks, miles of trails, and fun events.
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Oregon
By Lauren Kershner
On the Oregon Coast, you'll discover a rare ocean‑front retreat where mid‑century style meets rustic charm, complete with sweeping sea views and amenities.
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Discover unparalleled viewpoints, hidden gem parks, foodie hot spots, and more on this inner-city tromp through the winding streets of San Francisco.
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Missouri
By Lauren Kershner
Just north of St. Louis lies a charming suburb where you'll find a 24‑hour bakery that recently won a national competition for the best donuts in America.
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This legendary American metropolis is one of the best places to spend Thanksgiving, with plenty of restaurant options for classic dishes and fall foliage.
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In a study of the most searched-for beach destinations in each state, this East Coast city with its famous boardwalk and 60 miles of beaches came out on top.
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