 
                
            
    School
    Colorado State University
 
    Expertise
    Budget Travel Hacks, Traveling Accessibility, Traveling With Pets
  
     
            
                - Nina lives in Colorado, where she spends her summers hiking, camping, and exploring.
- Having a brother with Cerebral Palsy, she is always on the lookout for accessible travel destinations.
- She's been a professional writer since 2020, focusing on travel, the great outdoors, and animals.
Experience
Though Nina traveled much of the United States in her youth, she never had an opportunity to travel much internationally until she reached adulthood. Instead, she traveled vicariously through others while reading blogs and novels. Since then, she's fallen in love with exploring the world and writing about her own life experiences. Nina has two dogs that go everywhere with her, even when exploring.
Education
Nina went to college at Colorado State University, where she earned a degree in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology. Deciding that wasn't enough education for her, she also minored in global environmental sustainability.
             
         	    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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                            Colorado
                By Nina Phillips 
             For a scenic adventure full of places to hike, fish, and enjoy history, visit this small town known for its marble in the mountains of Colorado. Read More
 
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                            Oklahoma
                By Nina Phillips 
             You certainly won't be roughing it here. This resort combines luxury with RV living, with swim spas for soaking, waterfront views, and two on-site restaurants. Read More
 
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                            Virginia
                By Nina Phillips 
             For an escape from D.C., head to this small Virginia town that is just an hour away and is full of serene campgrounds, a Buddhist temple, and a lavender farm. Read More
 
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            The North Florida community is home to festivals, a popular state park, and plenty of outdoor activities thanks to its location on the Suwannee River. Read More
 
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            One hike on the border of New Jersey and New York is part of the Appalachian Trail and yields one of New Jersey's most beautiful viewpoints. Read More
 
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            Head down to Louisiana to explore the swamps and waterways of this beautiful state park! Read More
 
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                            Colorado
                By Nina Phillips 
             Let out your inner paleontologist at this hotel in Denver, Colorado, which features numerous dinosaur decorations and activities for all ages. Read More
 
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            This part near Atlanta offers a great location for adventures on the river and lake, including kayak rentals, walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas. Read More
 
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                            Illinois
                By Nina Phillips 
             This small Midwestern city may not often make it into the evening news, but it has the highest violent crime rate in the U.S. according to the FBI. Read More
 
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            Trade the heat for adventure in Europe's coolest getaway, offering dramatic views, mild weather, and endless opportunities to explore nature. Read More
 
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            If you're heading to Spain, you'll want to know how the recent flooding in parts of the country could impact your travel plans. Here are the key details. Read More
 
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            For a few years, Florida law protected beachfront property owners rights, but a new law could reopen more public access. Here's what it means for beachgoers. Read More
 
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            Going through TSA security check at the airport is about to get a little (or a lot) less annoying. Here's the big change that's being rolled out. Read More
 
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                            Nebraska
                By Nina Phillips 
             This one-of-a-kind festival in Nebraska offers up a huge amount of one-of-a-kind treasures; check out this annual late-September activity! Read More
 
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            Overtourism is a concern in popular destinations, leading to this European city to implement a significant limitation on larger cruise ships. Read More
 
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                            Colorado
                By Nina Phillips 
             You don't need to head to the coast to find beautiful beaches surrounded by nature views -- head to this landlocked beach for fun and sun! Read More
 
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            Whether you're looking to pitch a tent under the stars or hike epic landscapes, your camping trip in Oregon's state parks may cost you a bit more these days. Read More
 
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                            California
                By Nina Phillips 
             These popular beaches in California have warnings not to swim in their waters from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health as of June 24, 2025 Read More
 
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                            California
                By Nina Phillips 
             If you love garlic (or even if you don't but are into finding fresh produce), this small town in California is a charming place you should check out! Read More
 
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                            Tips and Hacks
                By Nina Phillips 
             During your RV trip you may need to find a last-minute place to park for the night; as long as you follow these rules, Cracker Barrel could be a good option. Read More
 
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                            Pennsylvania
                By Nina Phillips 
             For the perfect outdoor adventure getaway in the Pennsylvania Wilds, head to this charming small city that is surrounded by forests, state parks, and streams. Read More
 
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                            Colorado
                By Nina Phillips 
             The Million Dollar Highway is home to some incredible scenic views that earned the area the nickname the "Switzerland of Colorado." Here's where to camp. Read More
 
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                            Missouri
                By Nina Phillips 
             This Missouri waterpark near Kansas City is home to America's longest stand-up slide and plenty of other exciting rides that set it apart from the rest. Read More
 
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                            Colorado
                By Nina Phillips 
             This small town between Denver and Colorado Springs is an incredible spot to enjoy nature in the many parks where travelers can hike, bike, and more all year. Read More
 
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            Journey on the 'Hobbit Trail,' a beautiful forest hike along Oregon's coast that leads to a hidden beach perfect for fans of nature and Middle-earth. Read More
 
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            Bike rideshare programs can the take the stress of traveling on vacation off of you -- and biking is the perfect way to sightsee around these Indiana towns! Read More
 
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            This popular tropical destination in the Caribbean has received a downgraded, safer travel advisory as of May 2025, but you should still travel with caution. Read More