School
Stony Brook University
Expertise
Solo Travel, Film/TV-Inspired Getaways, Event-Centric Travels
- In 2017, Rachael wrote a personal essay for Bustle that went viral after creating and traveling on a European vacation based on Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movies.
- She's one tournament shy of completing her own version of the tennis Grand Slam, having traveled to attend three of the four major worldwide tournaments.
- She's adventured all over the country to conduct celebrity interviews and travel research.
Experience
With more than a decade of experience in the lifestyle and entertainment journalism spaces, Rachael has found a way to turn her passions into a career. She often combines her two expertises to craft entertainment-related travel pieces, touching on topics like celebrity-loved destinations, trips based on nostalgic movies and shows, and hotels frequented by A-listers. When she's not doing her own trip-planning and traveling, Rachael has written on these subjects (and beyond!) for International Business Times, The US Sun, ABC News, Bustle, and Business Insider, among others.
Education
Rachael earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Stony Brook University.
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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Michigan
By Rachael Ellenbogen
Here are some of the many things you can do and interesting places you can go when visiting Owosso, a highly underrated riverfront city in Michigan.
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New Hampshire
By Rachael Ellenbogen
Tasty craft brews, delicious food, and live music go hand in hand, and this picturesque riverside town in New Hampshire offers all of that and more.
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North Carolina
By Rachael Ellenbogen
Find fun in this suburban North Carolina town with plenty of family activities, shopping, parks, and the birthplace of a former U.S. president.
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Illinois
By Rachael Ellenbogen
Looking for all the perks of Chicago but with a smaller feel? There is one Illinois village that you just have to visit — and it's not far.
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Tennessee
By Rachael Ellenbogen
Vacationers to Memphis can find a Tennessee gem an hour's drive away with a historic downtown, good food, and calm vibes, ideal for an escape from the city.
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Kentucky
By Rachael Ellenbogen
Looking for a quaint river retreat with a healthy dose of nightlife and local culture? Check out this Kentucky city that's renowned for its friendliness.
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North Carolina
By Rachael Ellenbogen
In a state full of foodie destinations, this North Carolina city is known as the Barbecue Capital. It celebrates its take on the fare with an annual festival.
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Connecticut
By Rachael Ellenbogen
This fabulous little town in Connecticut is a microcosm of everything that makes the Nutmeg State such a tremendous (and delicious) destination.
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Hotels and Resorts
By Rachael Ellenbogen
In the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania is the ultimate family-friendly adventure resort with a rollercoaster, an arcade, skiing, and an indoor waterpark.
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Iowa
By Rachael Ellenbogen
If you like drinking good wine with gorgeous views of iconic rivers, this underrated destination in the Hawkeye State is calling out your name.
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Ohio
By Rachael Ellenbogen
A town just outside of Columbus brimming with history is home to novelty museums, craft breweries and a vineyard, plus some scenic canals that gave it its name.
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New Mexico
By Rachael Ellenbogen
A historic train ride ventures through the Southern Rockies near the border of New Mexico and Colorado, where local artisans are honored with a festival.
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New York
By Rachael Ellenbogen
There is a lot to love about New York's spectacular Catskill Mountains, and this charming town with a very famous name is another addition to the list.
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