School
Duquesne University, Humboldt University Berlin, Central European University
Expertise
National Parks, Foreign Travel, Hiking Trails
- Stephen has covered breaking travel news and major travel trends for top travel publications.
- An avid traveler, he has stepped foot on four different continents and more than two dozen countries.
- When not writing, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, and nature photography.
Experience
Stephen Hanson is an author, travel writer, and amateur photographer. A native of Pittsburgh, he has also lived in Berlin, Vienna, and Washington, D.C., where he currently resides. Steve has published both fiction and non-fiction in international publications. In addition to his published works, he has also studied cognitive science at the graduate level and worked in the educational field.
Education
Stephen has a bachelor's degree with a dual focus on English and philosophy, and is currently completing a graduate degree in the field of cognitive science.
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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Travel Guides
By Stephen Hanson
Ruins of some of most impressive buildings in ancient culture are situated in this remote canyon in the Southwest, where you can see the structures up close.
By Stephen Hanson
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Outdoor Adventure
By Stephen Hanson
Utah offers sprawling landscapes with rich and unique experiences, like those available in the state's largest national forest, a getaway with few crowds.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
This stunning trail in Michigan boasts some of the best views on the Upper Peninsula along with dazzling cliffs, pristine beaches, and rushing waterfalls.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
Leave the busy Adirondack towns behind. Instead, check out this underrated mountain range for stunning views, fun hikes, and a serene outdoorsy atmosphere.
By Stephen Hanson
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Outdoor Adventure
By Stephen Hanson
Visit this state park in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to see a towering natural bridge and stunning landscapes that rival those of the nearby national park.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
The hike to the top of this magnificent trail in Arizona is arguably the state's most challenging, but the views make it worth every drop of sweat.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
This stunning Big Sur trail is the best of coastal California with Pacific views, sweeping cliffs, and unique flora - it's a hike not to be missed.
By Stephen Hanson
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Outdoor Adventure
By Stephen Hanson
These stunning adjacent sandstone canyons in Utah are the perfect option for adventure-seekers looking for natural beauty and uncrowded scenery.
By Stephen Hanson
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Travel Guides
By Stephen Hanson
This stunning inland lake in Michigan proves you don't have to travel to a crowded destination to enjoy a world-class beach on your next vacation.
By Stephen Hanson
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Travel Guides
By Stephen Hanson
There might not be a better trail to explore than this stunning Nevada setting that offers adventurous travelers the chance to learn so much about the region.
By Stephen Hanson
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Outdoor Adventure
By Stephen Hanson
Enjoy the beauty of all four seasons and a region full of wine vineyards and national parks at this Washington landmark, the nation's third deepest lake.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
Hear the sounds of Mother Nature and enjoy a thrilling day of tackling one of Nevada's tallest sand dunes at this singing wonder outside Reno.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
For Big Sur views outside of California, visit this spot in Oregon known for its unique natural phenomena, miles of hiking trails, and stunning overlooks.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
If you're looking for large dunes on the Atlantic Coast, you won't find any more imposing than these spectacular sand structures in North Carolina.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
Get a glimpse into the nation's colorful and culturally fascinating history in New Mexico's "open book of human history" full of mesas and canyons.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
Avoid Yosemite crowds by hiking an under-the-radar trail with similar views of awe-inspiring granite rocks and towering sequoia trees in California.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
The highest point in Arkansas is accessible within a mountainous state park that offers gorgeous views of the surrounding nature and adventurous excursions.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
This state park in North Carolina can compete with bigger national parks nearby with its stunning views, well-maintained trails, and rock climbing spots.
By Stephen Hanson
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Outdoor Adventure
By Stephen Hanson
History buffs must check out a quaint homestead within Utah’s little-known Capitol Reef National Park. You can enjoy traditional pies and see gorgeous canyons.
By Stephen Hanson
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Outdoor Adventure
By Stephen Hanson
While South Dakota and Utah's badlands might be better known, New Mexico's colorful rock formations and remote badland wilderness is worth a visit.
By Stephen Hanson
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Travel Guides
By Stephen Hanson
An unexpected destination surrounded by natural beauty and home to a children's TV icon beloved by generations is situated in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands.
By Stephen Hanson
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Travel Guides
By Stephen Hanson
Within Olympic National Park’s sprawling Pacific Northwest landscape, one beach stands above the rest, offering views of the gorgeous forest and wildlife.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
Just an hour and a half's drive from San Francisco is the perfect combination of California's unspoiled natural grandeur, wineries, and unique camping options.
By Stephen Hanson
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Outdoor Adventure
By Stephen Hanson
When you think of Oregon, you may think of lush forests and mountains. But this state park protects a different part of the state: the high desert and a lake.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
There's no shortage of breathtaking outdoor adventures waiting to be enjoyed in California, and the Golden State's largest dunes are another to add to the list.
By Stephen Hanson
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Travel Guides
By Stephen Hanson
The most popular abandoned building in the world is a historic prison located in Philadelphia that offers tours, a haunted house, and a full museum experience.
By Stephen Hanson
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Destinations
By Stephen Hanson
One of Indiana's best-kept secrets is a towering rock formation and the nearby scenic trails that offer serenity amidst a rushing river and inviting greenery.
By Stephen Hanson
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