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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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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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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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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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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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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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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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