Nicole Findlay
Expertise
Family Travel, Hiking Adventures, Luxury Hotels
- Nicole first boarded a plane at 10 days old, unknowingly igniting her passion for travel!
- A two-time All-American collegiate soccer player who grew up in California, Nicole traveled to Scotland to play for professional club Glasgow Celtic in their inaugural season.
- As a volunteer blog writer for Havserve in Haiti, Nicole was invited to the White House in Washington D.C. for a forum, "A Billion Plus Change," a campaign promoting skills-based volunteering to help communities around the globe meet economic, environmental, and social challenges.
Experience
Nicole has worked as a professional writer for the past five years. She's written about parenting, entertainment, art, technology and law, but her passion has always been travel. With dual citizenship (U.S. and U.K.) and family across the Atlantic, Nicole spends as much time in Europe as possible. Her favorite vacations include hiking in the Scottish Highlands, swimming in Kauai with her son, and indulging in luxury hotels (her favorite is the Palace Hotel in San Francisco). As a former paralegal, Nicole is a stickler for research and small details. Her recent articles have appeared in The Travel, Wealth of Geeks, Tinybeans, Mommy Poppins, Game of Nerds, Medium, and more.
Education
Nicole has a bachelor's degree from San Diego State and a master's degree from the University of Stirling in Scotland.
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.
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Stories By Nicole Findlay
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Not far from Highway 1 lies McWay Falls, an incredibly majestic 80-foot waterfall in Big Sur's Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, about 26 miles from Carmel.
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With over 100 beaches and several islands, how do you know which Hawaiian town to visit? Here's the perfect beach destination to add to your Hawaii bucket list.
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Living up to its accolades as one of the best hotels in the world, this elegant luxury hotel rests on the shores of beautiful Lake Como and is full of history.
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Whether you're just getting started surfing or are a seasoned pro, this Northern California beach is a must-visit. Half Moon Bay is where the waves are.
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Hawaii is full of beautiful beaches and has plenty of great water for surfing. However, this beach is a standout for water activities, sun, and sand.
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Every wine lover is familiar with the world-famous Napa Valley. But one small community in this region, with a population of only 164, is sometimes overlooked.
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California is home to a vibrant food and winery scene, and this particular drive is well worth it for the culinary connoisseur.
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Looking for more warm days by the water in the fall season? Keep the summer vibes going by visiting this highly ranked beach on the West Coast.
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Pack up the car and take a roadtrip along California's famous Highway 1. Whether you're starting up north or from the south, here are the must-see spots.
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The holiday season can be a great time to get away. If you are feeling adventurous, here the the most budget-friendly Hawaiian island to visit in those months.
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Fans of the show "Gilmore Girls" won't want to miss the East Coast town that served as the inspiration for Stars Hollow, which is also a great fall getaway.
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While you may think of places like Hawaii or the Caribbean for a beach vacation, Italy has beaches just as beautiful. Just travel to the island of Chia.
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Tucked away from bustling tourist spots, discover the hidden gem of Northern California's coastline -- where serene shores meet your solo escape dreams.
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While the U.K. is not known as a beach destination, one region of England benefits from abundant sunshine. Discover the beaches of this charming coastal region.
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Plan a hiking adventure along the stunning, rugged coastline of Wales, exploring historic forts, fishing villages, Norman castles and churches along the way.
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Many people look forward to visiting New York City. However, those looking to stay in the city may have a harder time finding a vacation rental.
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We make a case why tourists, and even locals, should add the Golden Gate Bridge to their California bucket list. You might want to make time for this!
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Love is in the air in California! This town is a perfect retreat for you and your partner to relax, eat delicious food, and fall in love all over again.
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Located on the scenic CA-1, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cambria is the perfect spot for a stop along the California coast.
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Piazza Unità d'Italia, located in Trieste, Italy, is the largest waterfront square in Europe and truly a sight to see due to its notable architecture.
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Situated off Ireland's wild west coast, County Kerry offers easy access to stunning natural beauty as well as world-class dining and historical landmarks.
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If you're looking for the feel of the Swiss Alps in the United States, the city of Ouray, Colorado, might be perfect when it comes to mountainside vibes.
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Edinburgh is a great place to travel if you're a bibliophile. There's plenty for book lovers to enjoy in the city that celebrates famous authors of Scotland.
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Hot sand can ruin a good beach day. Luckily, this Florida beach has unique sand that keeps it cool no matter how hot it is. Find out all there is to do here.
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Can you imagine dining at a restaurant that's been open since before the American Revolution? Well now you can at the oldest restaurant in America.
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Traveling with young children is always worth it, but it can be challenging. Make your long train trips more fun for you and your children with this simple tip.
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This UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth checking out! You'll have a blast exploring the charming village streets and admiring the stunning castle.