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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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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Road Trips
By Robert Isenberg
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most stunning road trips in America. But if you're planning to drive an RV, there is one important thing to consider.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
This Northeastern destination is a quick trip from a major city and is the perfect place for a summer vacation full of beachy fun and amazing food.
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Luggage
By Robert Isenberg
There are a lot of unexpected items that might not make it through the TSA checkpoint, but this seemingly suspicious item surprisingly passes inspection.
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Europe
By Robert Isenberg
Diners in France have one rule that you may not see in the United States. But it can truly impact your meal, and many people around the world agree with it.
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Solo Travel
By Robert Isenberg
There are many things to be mindful of when you're traveling solo, but there is one rule that you should know, or it could spell disaster for your trip.
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Here's how new airline policy changes could affect your ability to bring this useful travel gadget, and what you need to know before your next flight.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
One of the most popular things visitors like to do in Arches National Park in Utah is to go rock climbing. However, there is one major rule you need to follow.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
Starting a fire to keep yourself warm and cook your food is an essential skill to master when camping. There's one method that may be better than others.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Robert Isenberg
The weather can make or break hiking adventures in the Swiss Alps, but this handy trick will help you assess the conditions before you hit the trails.
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Photographers in Japan should be aware of the different rules that can affect how they capture the country in photos. Here's one thing you might need to avoid.
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Hiking
By Robert Isenberg
There's one piece of hiking gear that many hikers try to avoid (if they can help it), but it actually can make your hikes easier and has a variety of uses.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
Every destination has its dangers, and New York City is no different. Here is what tourists should know about waiting on subway platforms in NYC.
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Safety
By Robert Isenberg
Mountaineers who are setting their sights on Mt. Everest should be aware of certain new rules that will keep them safe on the climb. Here's what to know.
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The TSA is known for its strict rules about what you can take on a plane. But this one item is shockingly allowed, despite its ability to be a weapon.
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Road Trips
By Robert Isenberg
If you're taking a road trip on the East Coast or the Midwest, this well-traveled Pennsylvania highway may cause quite a few headaches along the way.
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Safety
By Robert Isenberg
If Nepal (or even climbing Mount Everest) is on your travel bucket list, keep in mind that the country is home to the world's most dangerous airport.
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Planning
By Robert Isenberg
Biking in a new city offers freedom, flexibility, and can save you money. But if you plan to rent a Bluebike in Boston, you should consider a few things first.
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Airports have their own little culture. There are many unspoken etiquettes and rules you're expected to follow. If you have to make a phone call, don't do this.
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United States
By Robert Isenberg
Embark on a simple, stunning hike to a gorgeous natural water slide nestled within the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It's an adventure you'll never forget.
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Europe
By Robert Isenberg
Cash is king, except when it isn't. If you're traveling in the U.K., make sure you avoid this unspoken cash rule or else you might not be able to use it.
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Don't spend your next flight worrying over your carry-on bag's safety. This expert-approved storage tip can help keep your bag safe from potential thieves.
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Passports
By Robert Isenberg
Don't leave for your next cruise without packing your passport. For a few key reasons, this essential travel item could be more important than you'd think.
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Beach Vacations
By Robert Isenberg
Sardinia is known for its laid-back lifestyle, but it does take some things seriously. If you take this from Sardinia beaches, you can be fined or even jailed!
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Hiking
By Robert Isenberg
This trail in the Catskill Mountains offers unparalleled views. Along the way, you'll get to see a Buddhist temple, the ruins of an old hotel, and more.
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Safety
By Robert Isenberg
Hiking the Grand Canyon is a bucket list item for a lot of outdoor enthusiasts, but be forewarned that these trails are dangerous even in spring and fall.
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Camping
By Robert Isenberg
Camping is meant to be simple so you can enjoy the beauty of nature, but it gets complicated if you're bringing the kids. Here's the best tent for a comfy trip.
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