Location
Redondo Beach, CA
School
California State University - Long Beach, El Camino College
Expertise
Dangerous Travel Destinations, Southern California, Underrated Destinations
- Leslie travels multiple times a year, with her favorite destinations being Seattle, Paris, and London.
- She spends her free time exploring Southern California and its many beaches.
- She has documented her travels on her blog, "The Leslie Life," since 2019.
Experience
Before writing for Islands, Leslie wrote about domestic and international travel destinations for Explore. As a history and dark tourism enthusiast, she enjoys incorporating these facets into her articles. When she's not writing, you'll find Leslie at the beach or planning her next big trip. Her hobbies include reading and visiting historical (often creepy) sites.
Education
Leslie has a bachelor's degree in journalism from California State University, Long Beach, and an associate degree in social sciences from El Camino College.
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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Oregon has a lot of gorgeous nature to explore, but this scenic coastal neighborhood takes the cake with a gorgeous state park, walking trail, and a shipwreck.
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Be cautious about what you eat on your next Caribbean vacation. You may contract ciguatera, a type of food poisoning exacerbated recently by climate change.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
Clydesdale horses are more than the stars of Super Bowl commercials. At a beautiful ranch location in California, you can ride one across a hilly landscape.
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South Carolina
By Leslie Veliz
Home to a bizarre festival honoring grits, a popular Southern dish, this charming South Carolina town makes for an excellent detour from Charleston.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
As of August 2025, the median home price in this California city is $350,000. Plus, it's close to national parks and home to Bravo Lake and a botanical garden.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
Just 15 minutes from downtown San Francisco, this cool California neighborhood has a 66-acre park, eclectic book shops, and one of the city's best pizzerias.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
Los Angeles County is the most populous in the U.S. and there is a lot to do. Here are four underrated, secret spots that you should visit according to a local.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
Sonoma County really loves its wine. To celebrate this, they have a whole fair with lots of high quality vendors, all there to help you sample the best stuff.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
Nothing beats the beauty of California, and experiencing it from an RV is a fun experience. This RV park in Southern California offers all the things you need.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
From fragrant thali meals to sari shops and sweet confections, this destination in Los Angeles County offers a rich taste of South Asian culture in one spot.
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Waiting in line to go through airport security is the worst part of air travel. Luckily, airports in Boston and Philly are thinking of new ways to prevent this.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
Surfing came to America from Hawaii in 1885, and it all started at this buzzing coastal town in California. Explore its beaches, attractions, and surfing past.
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Air Travel
By Leslie Veliz
Planning future travel to Northern California and its iconic wine country? Luckily, Southwest Airlines is coming to a "Peanuts" airport and people are elated.
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Washington
By Leslie Veliz
For a place with unmatched views of the Seattle skyline, head to this serene beach with plenty of wildlife and places to sit and eat while taking in the view.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
Enjoy an affordable retirement near San Francisco with easy ferry access, community programs, and scenic landscapes in this Bay Area hub.
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At 30 feet and 45 tons, the largest bull sculpture in the world hides in an Iowa town off U.S. Highway 71. Also, find a nearby campground and much more to do.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
For a scenic retirement destination in SoCal's San Gabriel Mountains, check out this town with charming shops, mountain views, and good amenities.
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Lovers of bubble tea and ice cream, rejoice! The world's biggest fast food chain with over 45,000 locations is opening its first U.S. storefront in New York.
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Travel Guides
By Leslie Veliz
The new high-speed train from Southern California to Las Vegas offers speed and convenience, though its potentially premium price tag raises eyebrows.
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Planning a Caribbean escape or island-hopping trip? This eSim makes it easy to stay connected without roaming fees, SIM swaps, or annoying dropped signals.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
A farmers market, historical museums, Oktoberfest, delectable local diners, Michelin restaurants, and so much more await in this walkable California city.
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A short drive from Chicago reveals a vibrant town filled with riverfront parks, year-round events, unique shops, and a historic hotel rich in 1920s charm.
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Washington
By Leslie Veliz
For a lakeside escape full of scenic trails, head to this charming Seattle suburb in the foothills of the Cascades that also has a farmer's market and food.
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United States
By Leslie Veliz
These three affordable autumn destinations promise colorful foliage, days by the water, and spooky festivities with record-low airfares for travelers.
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California
By Leslie Veliz
Fans of live music should head to this underrated college town that is a walkable gem with plenty to do including breweries, antique shops, and concerts.
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From celebrated wines and cowboy spirit to family farms, historic houses, and scenic trails, this Oregon town offers adventure in every season.
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This 30-acre hamlet with a population of 15 might seem tiny but it has plenty to do. Explore an antique general store, coal tipple, and nearby natural bounties.
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