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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United States
By Robert Isenberg
Ghost towns are creepy, fun, and educational. This one in Colorado is one of the most well-preserved ghost towns in the country, with 43 surviving buildings.
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Hiking
By Robert Isenberg
If you’re planning a hiking trip in the forest or mountains, remember to be careful of these kinds of trails — unless you want to get lost very quickly.
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Safety
By Robert Isenberg
It's scary to leave your home unattended when on vacation. That's why we asked a travel safety expert to learn the best ways to deter burglars while away.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
Massachusetts has no shortage of charming college cities, so this creative town is often overlooked — even though it’s one of the best in America.
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This bizarre flight route connecting two islands proves you don’t need a Tardis to know that air travel can be timey wimey: It lands before it takes off.
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Hiking
By Robert Isenberg
If you're planning to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) into Canada, that last stretch just became a little more complicated. Here's what hikers need to know.
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Beach Vacations
By Robert Isenberg
Beach vacations are great, but they are too crowded. Skip the Caribbean and other obvious destinations for this remote island in Scotland with the best beaches.
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Flying with your pet can be complicated in some cases, but fortunately, carrying this animal through security is actually easier than you might think.
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International
By Robert Isenberg
As a traveler, you want to connect with the local culture and people. But that's easier said than done. This is an easy tip to help you connect to the locals.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Robert Isenberg
You always want the best and most appropriate gear when you're hiking, camping, or both. This one particular item is arguably the most important to get right.
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Culinary Vacations
By Robert Isenberg
Ordering food in a foreign country can be stressful. With different languages and cultures, how do you get it right? Luckily, Rick Steves has some advice.
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Canada has its own stretch of the Rocky Mountains, and this acclaimed train journey enables passengers to view them up close in a comfortable way.
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International
By Robert Isenberg
A language translation app that's better than Google Translate? That's the word from a recent study. Here's what to know about the German app that beat Google.
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Cruises
By Robert Isenberg
Cruise ships are meant to be fun and rejuvenating. But if you don't prioritize this one thing, you could end up hurting your entire trip and your state of mind.
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Culinary Vacations
By Robert Isenberg
Revolving restaurants are a fun novelty that seem to be making a comeback. But revolving restaurants have a dangerous and disturbing history we can't ignore.
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Attractions
By Robert Isenberg
Visit this expansive and well-preserved fort for amazing views of Lake Champlain and to learn about the role this building played in America's history.
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Here's why Singapore Airlines will no longer be operating its record-breaking single-stop flight route connecting passengers to the United States.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
Learn what it means to use a "deadman" when camping, when and where it's most essential, and why it might not always be the perfect solution.
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Safety
By Robert Isenberg
Florida and alligators go hand-in-hand, and that can cause some problems. Before you jump in Florida waters, learn this disturbing fact to keep yourself safe.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, but bringing a CPAP machine can be a little difficult, especially if you're camping in a remote location.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
Many travelers enjoy a relaxing camping trip into the inviting embrace of nature, but unfortunately, having rowdy neighbors can interfere with that.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
This trail that runs from Mexico to Canada will mimic the Pacific Crest Trail, except it will be specifically for cyclists and bikepackers. Here's what we know.
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A lot of people flock to wineries and vineyards for a luxurious vacation, but how can you tell the difference between the two places? Here's what to know.
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Tips And Hacks
By Robert Isenberg
No one likes spending time ironing when they're on vacation. Use this brilliant type of clothing to stay wrinkle-free throughout your journey.
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Solo Travel
By Robert Isenberg
Solo travel is becoming more and more common of a thing to do, but here's why eating out while traveling alone might lead to feeling unwelcome.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
Don't forget this essential yet intangible part of your RV journey the next time you head out on the road to ensure a more memorable and fulfilling trip.
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Imagine a terrifying train ride that winds through narrow mountain passes, on the edge of falling off. That's what you can expect on this train ride in Ecuador.
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