Location
Providence, Rhode Island
School
University of Pittsburgh, Chatham University
Expertise
Bicycle Touring, Ecotourism, Backpacking
- Robert worked as a journalist for two years in Costa Rica, penning nearly 500 articles about local people and institutions for The Tico Times.
- He once rode buses through the former Yugoslavia in search of a Bosnian refugee he'd known in high school, a journey he documented in his first published book, "The Archipelago: A Balkan Passage."
- His first feature-length documentary, "The Trail," was about cycling the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. It has aired several times on the public television station WQED.
Experience
Robert has worked as a freelance writer and multimedia producer for more than two decades. He grew up in rural Vermont and spent 16 years in Pittsburgh, where he served as a contributing editor for Pittsburgh Magazine and a regular art critic for City Paper. Robert honed his backpacking skills as a student on Semester at Sea, and he has since written about travel for a wide range of outlets, including BBC Travel, Longreads, Trivago, and Lonely Planet guidebooks. An avid bikepacker, Robert has written about bicycle journeys for Momentum Magazine and Adventure Cyclist. His films have been screened all over the world, and his proudest honor was an award for Best Documentary Director from the Block Island Film Festival. He now lives in Rhode Island, where he contributes lifestyle stories to Providence Monthly and community profiles for Jewish Rhode Island.
Education
Robert earned his B.A. in creative writing from the University of Pittsburgh and an MFA in nonfiction writing from Chatham University, where he served as Whitford Fellow, the program's highest honor.
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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Mexico
By Robert Isenberg
Learning a new language is hard enough at the best of times, but now you have to worry about accidentally offending local people by misusing a Spanish term.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
While camping is a great way to escape the chaos of every day life, it's important to prepare for cold weather. Here's a tip for staying warm at night.
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Tips And Hacks
By Robert Isenberg
Next time you're traveling abroad, remember this top tip to avoid accidentally saddling yourself with a wad of cash you can't spend at home.
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Water Adventures
By Robert Isenberg
With as many islands as comprise the state of Hawaii, most would probably assume an easily accessible ferry system exists between them, but they would be wrong.
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Travel Etiquette
By Robert Isenberg
Chopsticks are tough tools to learn for many Westerners, and they come with a lot of unspoken rules of etiquette. Mastering them is tricky but rewarding.
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Travel Etiquette
By Robert Isenberg
If you visit Belgium, think carefully about clothes — the country's unique climate and dress codes at some attractions can make packing tricky.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
If you're camping in your car, space can be a premium, and this one handy tool that other car campers swear by is compact enough that it won't take much space.
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Attractions
By Robert Isenberg
If you're a thrill-seeker looking for your next adventure, consider flying into this airport with a super short runway before exploring the French Alps.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
Driving in New York City can be overwhelming for visitors, but knowing one local traffic rule can help you avoid fines and keep your trip running smoothly.
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Luggage
By Robert Isenberg
Backpacks are the perfect portable luggage that you can take almost everywhere, but do you need a top-loading pack, or a front-loading option?
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Europe
By Robert Isenberg
This cult classic turned a fairytale European city into a travel bucket-list destination for film lovers and is still highly recommended on Reddit threads.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
The East Coast has many things going for it, but the fact there's a functioning railway system ready to take you on a winter weekend getaway is underrated.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
From road trips to mountain climbs to overnight camping trips, this multitool has earned its place in the pockets of outdoor adventurers from around the world.
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Weekend Getaways
By Robert Isenberg
Explore this charming Pennsylvania town to wander its historic streets, visit quirky museums, and enjoy small-town warmth just a short drive from Philadelphia.
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Caribbean
By Robert Isenberg
Considering a trip to the Caribbean? The "Island of Enchantment" is an aptly-named travel destination that is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
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Shopping
By Robert Isenberg
Forget souvenir shops filled with prefab T-shirts — there's a certain kind of clothing store that reveals more about local culture than any postcard ever could.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
Rhode Island is packed with underrated destinations and beautiful hidden gems, and you can add this secret beach to your Ocean State bucket list.
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Attractions
By Robert Isenberg
Hop on this magical winter train ride where snowy landscapes and vintage charm create an unforgettable journey to one of Arizona's most iconic landmarks.
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Water Adventures
By Robert Isenberg
New Hampshire boasts some of New England's best scenic landscapes, and that's definitely true for this delightful county primed for outdoor fun.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
There’s no better way to experience the gorgeous foliage and red-rock landscapes of Arizona than on this cool, four-hour train ride with spectacular views.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
The usual tourist rules don't really apply at major destinations like Niagara Falls, and one traditionally useful service proves utterly pointless there.
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Safety
By Robert Isenberg
Climbing the world's highest mountain is no easy task, but you might be surprised to learn about the most dangerous part of conquering Mount Everest.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
Tired on the trail? The secret to a comfortable night's sleep isn’t a fancy piece of gear — it’s something you may already have hiding in your home.
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Tips And Hacks
By Robert Isenberg
It is always good to plan for every eventuality on the road, but explorers headed to Japan can save themselves some hassle by leaving this common item behind.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
Stay warm while camping, even if you get wet, with this genius tip that will save you from frigid temperatures and ever life-threatening conditions.
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Tips And Hacks
By Robert Isenberg
You can never be too prepared when you are out exploring the great outdoors, and one particular item will ensure that you are never caught short on the trail.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
This form of outdoor travel lets adventurers combine serene waterways with peaceful overnight stays in nature, offering a refreshing twist on classic camping.
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