Expertise
Hiking, Sailboat Racing, International Travel
- Hillary's earliest memories are of living with her hippie parents on a tugboat moored on an island in the Columbia River.
- In 2014, she was part of a sailing team that won the women's trophy at Antigua Sailing Week.
- She is a world traveler and outdoor adventurer who joined the Islands writing team in 2024.
Experience
Hillary has earned her living as an author and journalist for the past three decades. As a magazine writer, she has won multiple awards for long-form storytelling. She has been nominated for the City and Regional Magazine Association's award for best profile five years running and has won twice. Hillary loves to immerse herself in other people's words to understand them better, whether shadowing a climate change author on a boat or learning to cast from a master of Tenkara fly fishing.
Education
Hillary studied English and psychology at Antioch University.
Explore's content is created by qualified and experienced writers and editors, bolstered by outside field experts. Our mission is to provide readers with well-rounded and accurate information by way of entertaining and engaging articles that deliver a diversity of content, including everything from detailed guides for exotic locales to easily accessible information on domestic travel.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process available here.
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Planning
By Hillary Louise Johnson
The Grand Canyon can get so crowded, it'll take you hours just to get inside. Luckily, this nearby lodge has a shuttle bus and a trail directly connecting it.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Destinations
By Hillary Louise Johnson
The most magical way to explore Florida is by paddling along its coast, which you can do on this 1,500-mile trail that'll take you from cities to remote areas.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Learn how to decide whether TSA PreCheck or Global Entry suits your needs. Explore spoke to an expert to compare the price, perks, and convenience of each.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Packing
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Never untangle a necklace on vacation again. Samantha Brown shares her no-buy jewelry packing tip for perfect organization while you're on the go.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Inspiration
By Hillary Louise Johnson
What's the best way to get around London? According to Rick Steves, it's definitely not costly taxis. Instead, this is how he recommends you travel in London.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Destinations
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Learn why travel expert Rick Steves loves this charming town in France and explore what makes the the perfect relaxed destination for your next trip.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Inspiration
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Looking for the ultimate hiking challenge but don't want to risk your life summiting the world's tallest mountain? "Everesting" may be for you.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Looking for a physical challenge and think you're ready to summit some of the country's steepest mountains? Here are some routes to consider.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Destinations
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Seoul is known for its heavy rains, and one cafe in the South Korean capital has made the weather its actual theme -- complete with a chance of showers.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
For a truly Texas experience, visit this state park home to hundreds of 'gators where you can embark on stunning hikes and spot lots of local wildlife.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Planning
By Hillary Louise Johnson
If you discover on arrival that your nonsmoking hotel room actually reeks of smoke, what’s the best thing to do? We spoke to a travel agent to find out.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Inspiration
By Hillary Louise Johnson
The extra effort it takes to reach this charming lakeside town is well-worth it to learn firsthand why it's known as Washington's "Little Alaska."
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Want to conquer one of the highest peaks in the U.S.? Here are the easiest and most accessible routes that take you 14,000 feet or higher above sea level.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Packing
By Hillary Louise Johnson
If you’re hoping to reduce the stress of air travel by flying when TSA PreCheck lines are short, a TSA spokesperson says to be sure to avoid this time of day.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
No boat? No problem. You can still join one of the world's many yacht clubs and enjoy perks from social gatherings and vacation rentals to youth programs.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Learn why this area has earned its nickname as the Swiss Alps of Nevada, and explore different outdoor adventures you can enjoy in its lakes to forests.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
If you want to scale a gorgeous mountainside and think rock climbing is too hard, this trendy new craze might be for you - if you’ve got the nerve.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Skip the busy Grand Canyon Trail and head to this underrated and less-traveled trail instead, where you'll find epic views that few get to enjoy.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
This dangerous and historic stretch of Route 66 is not for the faint of heart, but the stunning views make every twist and turn worth the knots in your stomach!
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
If you're camping and dangerous tornado weather rolls in, you may not be able to "go to a basement" like the alert suggests. Here's how you can stay safe.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Packing
By Hillary Louise Johnson
In the unlikely event that you need to travel with a firearm, the kind people at TSA have gone to great lengths to explain exactly what you need to do.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Inspiration
By Hillary Louise Johnson
Pike's Peak, perhaps more well-known as "America's Mountain," is a must-visit in Colorado for outdoor adventures. The best way to get there? Via Jeep.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
This beautiful lake may be a popular spot for water activities, but it's also the most dangerous in America. Learn about its dark history and how to stay safe.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Inspiration
By Hillary Louise Johnson
This secret canyon hike isn't for the faint of heart, but the hot springs that await make every drop of sweat worth it. Don't forget to hydrate properly.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
It might feel like there's nothing more suitable than French onion soup when you're visiting France, but Rick Steves says that isn't always the case.
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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Travel Guides
By Hillary Louise Johnson
There's still time for one last mega hike before the weather completely turns, so why not make it one of the most spectacular adventures in the Beaver State?
By Hillary Louise Johnson
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