School
Chapman University, University Of Oklahoma, Harvard University, Birmingham City University
Expertise
New England Regional Travel, Travel To The UK, Seoul, South Korea Experiences
- Sharon is a regular contributor to publications like Yahoo Lifestyle and TheTravel.com, and her work is syndicated to MSN and Flipboard.
- She has worked with several national tourist agencies, including the tourist offices in Curacao, Saint Martin, and Barbados, to spotlight unique cultural experiences.
- Sharon routinely crafts social media content for publications and collaborators to highlight experiences, accommodations, and new additions to destination offerings.
Experience
With travel to 30 countries and 41 states/US territories under her belt, Sharon has embraced travel writing as a way to share her experiences with others. A contributor to half a dozen publications, Sharon also writes for Islands' sister brand, House Digest. An avid foodie and enthusiast for cultural experiences, she frequently writes about restaurants, adventure travel, and cultural tours available at some of the world's most exciting destinations.
Education
Sharon is a media and cultural studies doctoral candidate completing her final Ph.D. year at Birmingham City University in the U.K. She has an M.A. in museum studies from the University of Oklahoma and two post-graduate certifications from Harvard University (in museum studies) and Birmingham City University (research). She received a B.A. in history and anthropology from Chapman University in Orange County, California.
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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Destinations
By Sharon Kong Perring
It’s no secret that Boston is one of the most historic places in America. One trail will take you past the city’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
Flight attendants have to follow many complicated guidelines, and one of those is a requirement known as the 35-7 Rule. Here's what it really means.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
Regardless of what letter the airport name actually starts with, most airport codes in Canada begin with a "Y." Here's how that practice came about.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Outdoor Adventure
By Sharon Kong Perring
Altitude sickness can put a real damper on an adventure, or even cause serious health concerns. But there are foods to help ward it off and fight symptoms.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Outdoor Adventure
By Sharon Kong Perring
Oregon is filled with awe-inspiring Pacific Northwest nature, and a charming waterfall is accessible on a gorgeous, easy hike within a national forest.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
Travel days don't always go according to plan, but it's a good idea to try to avoid being dubbed a "runner" by the flight attendants on your plane.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Cruises
By Sharon Kong Perring
This stressful problem on a cruise can be avoided simply by printing your luggage tags and attaching them to your bags before embarkation day.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Cruises
By Sharon Kong Perring
Ignoring this safety drill on a cruise might seem harmless but it could lead to serious consequences, including being removed from the ship. Here’s why.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
While most people are familiar with red-eye flights, you might not know much about the “pink-eye” option, which offers many benefits while flying.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Destinations
By Sharon Kong Perring
It can be tough to decide whether to visit a destination impacted by natural disasters. However, these spots have recovered and are ready to welcome visitors.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
Along California’s rugged coastline and awe-inspiring cliffs is a preserved community that embraces a futuristic yet historic sustainable way of life.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Destinations
By Sharon Kong Perring
It's probably not surprising, but Los Angeles is a hotspot for celebrity hair stylists, and we've compiled five of the best for souvenir celebrity haircuts.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
Unexpected weather may ruin your meticulously planned family trip to Disneyland, but you might find that visiting the theme park on a rainy day has some perks.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Destinations
By Sharon Kong Perring
Here are five cities that, according to Reddit users who've been to those places, offer similar quirky vibes and experiences to Portland, Oregon.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
Visit the "Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World" at this mining museum in New Jersey, filled with glow-in-the-dark rocks and other fascinating artifacts.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
Winter flight delays may be associated with snowy locales, but surprisingly, this warm and sunny airport has some of the worst delays in the United States.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
With the best variety, prices, and reviews, this state's hotels far outshine the options available in some of the country's bigger tourist destinations.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
For an extra magical Disney World vacation, visit during this season, when the crowds are surprisingly thin and the weather is nice and warm.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Destinations
By Sharon Kong Perring
You can leave your cash at home while exploring this European country’s historic cities and awe-inspiring landscapes, as it’s virtually a cashless society.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
Farmland meets Chinese culture in this small California town. Discover where early 20th-century Chinese immigrants lived in this well-preserved destination.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Destinations
By Sharon Kong Perring
Don't let its nickname fool you. This town isn't just bustling with cowboy vibes, it's also a vibrant spot for those looking for good eats and shopping.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
Hundreds of thousands of travelers head to this Southwest U.S. destination annually to worship at this holy site in a marvelously beautiful setting.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
You'll find plenty of museums in Southern California, but few offer a nostalgic blast from the past like this Los Angeles spot, given a "Best of LA" award.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Destinations
By Sharon Kong Perring
Dinosaurs may have died out long before humans ever lived, but at this incredible site in New England you can walk in their footprints -- literally.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Destinations
By Sharon Kong Perring
In one California national park, an awe-inspiring hike through redwood forest is limited to just 50 visitors per day. Here's why the trek is so exclusive.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Travel Guides
By Sharon Kong Perring
The oldest concrete street in the country can be found in a small town outside Columbus, Ohio, a Midwest gem that offers quality cafés and shops.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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Cruises
By Sharon Kong Perring
From exploring the rolling hills and red barns of the Midwest to sailing down to gorgeous, gothic New Orleans, these river cruises explore America's center.
By Sharon Kong Perring
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