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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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.
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Travel Guides
By Nina Phillips
Florida skies may look orange and dusty due to a dust cloud crossing the Atlantic. Here's what you need to know about this phenomenon and its impact on travel.
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Pennsylvania
By Nina Phillips
This region of Pennsylvania remains wildly underrated but is home to some beautiful scenery, adorable towns with lively streets, and amazing wineries.
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Wisconsin
By Nina Phillips
Wisconsin is home to America's first rail-to-trail route, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, which is perfect for biking, hiking, and many more outdoor adventures.
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Colorado
By Nina Phillips
Much more than the gateway to Great Sand Dunes National Park, this Colorado city is home to museums, a theater, a UFO tower, and countless nature preserves.
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Pennsylvania
By Nina Phillips
If you love charming and walkable towns, head to this borough just outside of Philadelphia that boasts lively streets, fun shopping, and incredible food.
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North Carolina
By Nina Phillips
A mountain range straddling Tennessee and North Carolina is one of the most beautiful on the Appalachian Trail, where hikes cross flower-filled forests.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Nina Phillips
Discover one of the most far-flung destinations on Earth during this Antarctica adventure. Here's how travelers can snag a coveted spot on this stunning trip.
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A massive area in Idaho offers some of world's best night sky views, and it contains several scenic locations where travelers can stop and admire the Milky Way.
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Beyond the glistening lights of Las Vegas near the town of Laughlin sits a recreation area brimming with beachfront camping and cool waters.
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This Canadian province is the only place where you can witness polar bears, black bears, bison, moose, and beluga whales; also known as the Big Five.
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Colorado
By Nina Phillips
Bike through this awe-inspiring mountain region with a gorgeous valley in Colorado, made easy by a free program that facilitates accessible, carless travel.
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Air Travel
By Nina Phillips
If you've ever looked out a plane window, you probably noticed that much of the US seems to be made of a patchwork of squares. What are they?
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Near shimmering Floridian lakes sits a laidback and charming city that's on the cusp of the Sunshine State's history and the amusements of Orlando.
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Have the ultimate coastal getaway on a budget at this stylish hotel steps from Waikiki's best beaches, complete with a rooftop pool and Instagram-worthy decor.
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North Carolina
By Nina Phillips
If you're looking for a unique vacation experience, North Carolina has you covered with a remote island that comes complete with its own ghost town.
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Air Travel
By Nina Phillips
A pilot program will streamline the process for baggage on connecting flights with American Airlines, starting with flights from Sydney to Los Angeles.
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For the perfect summer getaway that is fun for the whole family, head to this Oregon city's river between Memorial and Labor Day for a floating adventure.
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Colorado
By Nina Phillips
One iconic alpine town in Colorado hides the most beautiful summer wildflowers, along with a variety of ways to relax and soak in the season.
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Are you a nature lover looking for an underrated gem to visit? This Alabama city offers a mix of charming Southern comfort and scenic outdoor experiences.
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Camping with kids is harder than it might seem, which is why taking a glamping road trip in Idaho might make for a more comfortable and convenient journey.
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Tennessee
By Nina Phillips
Scale the peaks outside of Chattanooga to explore a historic park that's full of important artifacts and offers some of the best views Tennessee has to offer.
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Theme Parks
By Nina Phillips
If you're an adrenaline junkie who loves a good theme park, there is one ultimate road trip that you should definitely try this summer. Here's what you need.
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Air Travel
By Nina Phillips
Flight tracker apps can be used to track your own flight, track a flight for a loved one, or aviation enthusiasts can use them as part of a hobby.
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United States
By Nina Phillips
For a charming, rural getaway, this artsy North Dakota town is just the ticket. Nicknamed the "City of Murals," the village is awash in colorful paintings.
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Travel Guides
By Nina Phillips
Amtrak trains have many rules and regulations regarding bringing dogs on board. Here is everything you need to know, from tickets and routes to weight limits.
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Colorado
By Nina Phillips
If you love mountain roads with tight turns, check out this scenic drive known as the "Oh-My-God Road" for its wiggy curves, steep drops, and rewarding views.
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