Robert Isenberg
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.
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Stories By Robert Isenberg
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What do you do when you have to blow your nose in public? You might think you can whip out a tissue, but if you're in these countries, it'll be a faux pas.
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Most people already know of the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence. But this nearby church is just a stunning, with smaller crowds.
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Are you feeling burnt out on travel? Tired of the hustle of visiting cities? Then take advice from Rick Steves and travel to this Central American country.
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Being prepared for a challenging hike will help you enjoy the journey. If you want to take on the Appalachian Trail, this is what experienced hikers suggest.
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No visit to Bali, the “Island of the Gods,” would be complete without experiencing this one-of-a-kind ancient cleansing ritual in a hidden waterfall cave.
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This charming Medieval village is a hidden gem in northern Italy, and a perfect destination for history buffs and hiking enthusiasts to visit year-round.
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We've all heard of Pompeii, which makes it a crowded place to visit. To avoid the crowds, visit this nearby town where the ruins are even better preserved!
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Skip the tourist-filled cities in France and discover the tiny hilltop towns in the Riviera. This small hidden village offers beautiful views and relaxation.
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Do you have the courage to enter a museum filled with serial killer memorabilia and graphic depictions of death and horror? Then check out this museum in LA.
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Learn how this destination in Europe has become one of the safest places in the world for cyclists and explore the positive effects this has had on the city.
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While other Caribbean islands are better known, Bonaire is a secret gem, with a capital city that's a hub of activity, culture, and food.
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West Virginia's Seneca Rocks might be beautiful, but it's too crowded. Instead, get your rock-climbing adrenaline at this private company just 10 minutes away.
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You've heard of Angkor Wat, but you've probably never heard of this stunning off-the-beaten-track alternative that's home to the country's largest pyramid.
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If you’ve always longed to see wild animals on safari and Africa is too far away and too expensive, consider this unique drive-through safari in Arizona.
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One of the best things to do in New York City, whether tourist or not, is to see a Broadway show. If you’re going, be sure to remember this clothing tip.
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There is something special about a Japanese garden, an aura that is intensified when the garden is discovered in the heart of a bustling Texas city.
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Sometimes, epic trails are right outside your door. Starting from 175th Street in Manhattan, this trail will take you all the way to Upstate New York.
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This unique hotel lets adventurous travelers sleep in a glassy capsule hanging from the side of a mountain, with stunning views of Peru's Sacred Valley.
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There's no reason to always go hiking alone. It can be a social event too, and this company offers adventurers a multi-day festival-like excursion.
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If you're looking for a budget-friendly beach vacation, this stunning and lesser-visited town in Mexico is the perfect place for an affordable getaway.
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Head to Arizona to explore one of America's most impressive urban forests, a landscape of mountains, canyons, desert wildlife, and exciting adventures.
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Why settle for one castle when you can have three right next to each other? This small town in Germany has three castles filled with history and architecture.
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Head to this lesser-visited lakeside destination in Florida to explore a charming small town considered one of the most walkable in the U.S.
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Copenhagen is known for its canals and its sustainability - and tourists can explore both with a free kayak rental, if they agree to two conditions.
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The weather might be cold, but you'll be in awe when you visit this national park in Argentina, also known as the "end of the world" and the Land of Fire.
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There's nowhere quite like this magical city in China, a fabulous reminder that we are lucky to live in a world that is incredibly beautiful.