Location
Glasgow, Scotland
School
University of Aberdeen, University of Strathclyde
Expertise
Traveling Europe, Outdoor adventures, Pet-friendly travel
- Lois has worked in many fields of journalism, including SEO, fitness features, and local news.
- Her favorite travel experiences include running a marathon in Reykjavik, surfing in Palm Springs, and traveling across Europe with two dogs.
- Lois's work has appeared in many global publications, covering stories from Scottish islands to Californian hot spots.
Experience
Lois discovered travel journalism as a student many years ago. A wanderlust-hungry English student wanting to combine her two loves, writing and travel, is what led to her exciting career. During her studies, Lois completed a work placement in the editorial offices of Conde Nast Traveller London, where she fell even more in love with travel writing. From there, she graduated with honours and began work as an SEO journalist, before transitioning to her other love: writing about running. Since then, she has worked as a deputy editor for several lifestyle publications, including a global travel brand. Through this, she has been able to see even more of the world, visiting both Finland and California with the respective tourism boards.
Education
Lois has a master's degree in English Literature and a postgraduate degree in Digital Journalism.
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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Camping
By Lois Mackenzie
Costco's new snack box made for at-home munching is now getting a second identity as a camping hack thanks to its wide collection of easily carried foods.
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Camping
By Lois Mackenzie
Building a campfire is easy in theory but can be difficult in practice, depending on what kind of materials you can find. This Costco product makes things easy.
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This Milwaukee neighborhood blends Victorian architecture and a long legacy as a brewery suburb with open spaces and ample trails for hiking and biking.
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California
By Lois Mackenzie
If you're going to Joshua Tree, this nearby resort is the perfect basecamp while you plan your desert adventure through the beautiful landscape.
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Travel Gear
By Lois Mackenzie
For a designer-looking carry-on that costs just a fraction of its counterparts, head to Sam's Club and look for this stylish and functional weekender bag.
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Chicago, Illinois
By Lois Mackenzie
After exploring Chicago, take a break with some walkable trails and beautiful green space in the affordable suburb known as the "heart of Lake County."
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Kentucky
By Lois Mackenzie
There are plenty of well-known places to visit if you're a nature lover. Instead of those, head to this Midwest mountain town for a vacation to remember.
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Rhode Island
By Lois Mackenzie
It's easy to get back to nature in New England, and there is one stunning waterfall that's worth the hike in one lush Rhode Island state park.
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Air Travel
By Lois Mackenzie
This electronics mistake is easy to make and, for those on shorthaul or budget flights, it can mean that you miss out on in-flight entertainment options.
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Travel Gear
By Lois Mackenzie
Discover Walmart's viral 12-person camping tent, the budget-friendly essential. Enjoy spacious comfort with no crouching or crawling, and it's weather-friendly.
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The perfect basecamp for outdoor adventures like off-roading, camping, and rock climbing is located in this small town in Utah between Provo and Richfield.
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Chicago, Illinois
By Lois Mackenzie
Only an hour's drive from the center of Chicago, this rural getaway is safe, perfect for families, and full of charming farms and nature preserves.
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Tips and Hacks
By Lois Mackenzie
Mnemonic devices help you remember life skills that could come in handy while exploring the great outdoors. This one is essential if you’re camping or boating.
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The most appealing thing about scenic Sagamore Hills Township isn't necessarily that it's rated the safest place in Ohio, but it certainly doesn't hurt.
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Camping
By Lois Mackenzie
Worried about UV damage to your RV's windshield wipers? Banish the thought with this easy hack that only requires a few dollars and a pool noodle.
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Tips and Hacks
By Lois Mackenzie
If you're sick of your clothes always being wrinkled while on vacation, check out a packing method that can help you avoid creases for good.
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Travel Gear
By Lois Mackenzie
Staying clean can prove to be a problem when you're camping, a challenge that can ruin an otherwise ideal outdoor trip. Luckily, there's an affordable solution.
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Travel Gear
By Lois Mackenzie
You never want to bring too much stuff on your camping trips, but this versatile tool available at Sam's Club serves multiple purposes for food prep.
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Tips and Hacks
By Lois Mackenzie
If dishes inside your RV are breaking, the doors are banging, and your belongings keep sliding around, try this genius (and inexpensive) pool noodle hack.
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Tips and Hacks
By Lois Mackenzie
Your phone is a must when traveling, but if you're going to a different country, be aware of this mistake that could cost you hundreds or even thousands.
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Tips and Hacks
By Lois Mackenzie
You'll need to be extra cautious when swimming at Caribbean beaches, as there may not be any safety personnel in place for emergency situations.
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Hotels and Resorts
By Lois Mackenzie
Not every surface in a hotel room is cleaned equally. This item is probably last on the housekeeping list, if at all, and can carry week-old germs.
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Air Travel
By Lois Mackenzie
Excessive yawning is among the security red flags for TSA agents. Here's why and what's considered in the bounds of "normal" versus "suspicious" behavior.
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Air Travel
By Lois Mackenzie
The clothes you wear on your flight matter, but so does your underwear. For safety reasons and ultimate comfort, this is the type you should avoid on a plane.
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Hotels and Resorts
By Lois Mackenzie
A hotel that asks guests to check in past 4 p.m. and vacate the room before 10 a.m. could spell trouble. Here's everything you need to know about this red flag.
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Tips and Hacks
By Lois Mackenzie
Want to blend in while visiting Europe? If so, there are tons of big and small details to keep in mind. For Americans, that includes these handwriting quirks.
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Wisconsin
By Lois Mackenzie
Wisconsin is known for its craft beer culture, and if that's what you are looking for, head to this scenic gem full of trails and the oldest firemen's park.
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