Location
Redondo Beach, CA
School
California State University - Long Beach, El Camino College
Expertise
Southern California, Dark Tourism, European Destinations
- Leslie launched her blog about travel and living in Los Angeles, "The Leslie Life," in 2019.
- She has traveled to various dark tourism destinations, including the Paris Catacombs and Eastern State Penitentiary.
- She spends her free time exploring Southern California.
Experience
Leslie wrote about domestic and international travel destinations for Explore and now writes for another Static Media travel site Islands. As a history and dark tourism enthusiast, she enjoys incorporating those topics into her work. When she's not writing, you'll find her reading or planning her next big trip. Her hobbies include learning about weird history and visiting historical or paranormal places. Leslie previously wrote about Southern California for BlueDot Living Los Angeles and LB Living.
Education
Leslie has a bachelor's degree in journalism from California State University, Long Beach, and an associate degree in social sciences from El Camino College.
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.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process available here.
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Amusement Parks
By Leslie Veliz
Bring the whole family out for a weekend camping trip to give the newest roller coaster in Texas a whirl and take in stunning view of hill country from the top.
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Adults Only
By Leslie Veliz
Those looking for an adult-only vacation should consider checking out one particular luxurious cruise. After all, it promises a unique getaway.
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Attractions
By Leslie Veliz
For those interested in dark tourism, consider checking out this museum in the west coast. It's perfectly morbid compared to your standard museums.
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Attractions
By Leslie Veliz
This family-friendly attraction allows visitors to view an array of animals from the safety of their vehicles. It's a drive-through experience like no other.
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Travel Guides
By Leslie Veliz
At the age of 14, Steve visited this country for the first time, which profoundly impacted his life and, perhaps, influenced his career path.
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Budget Travel
By Leslie Veliz
Beach vacations are often very expensive. For an amazing, family-friendly beach vacation that won't drain your bank account, head to this wonderful destination.
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Treat yourselves to a little luxury and book a cozy, romantic beachside vacation with your significant other at this adults-only B&B.
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Travelers with a penchant for history will want to visit this European city that, despite its history as a war-ravaged region, remains a beautiful destination.
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New England might be cold in February, but that only adds to the romantic vibe. This Connecticut town is bursting with romantic things to do on Valentine's Day.
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Attractions
By Leslie Veliz
Avoid the lines and busy pools at Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon and head to this lesser-known alternative that's just as beautiful for a relaxing spa vacation.
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Upgrade your Valentine's Day plans with a cruise! These cruises will take you to faraway places, with tons of romantic things for you and your partner.
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If you're going to the Midwest, you'll want to be aware of the city that continues to rank at the top of the charts for the most bed bug-infested in the U.S.
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Inspired by the story of Pinocchio, you'll want to take a trip with your family to a unique magical tree located at one particular European destination.
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You've probably heard of the fictional Tunnel of Love, but this terrifying tunnel in Asia known as the tunnel of death and fear really exists.
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Bathing in beer might sound like a bad idea, but actually has therapeutic benefits. Indulge yourself at Karlovy Vary, or Carlsbad, in the Czech Republic.
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Bring your partner on a luxurious weekend away this Valentine's Day where you can taste wine, relax at the spa, and unwind by the fire in a historic building.
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International
By Leslie Veliz
Exploring different cuisine is one of the best parts of international travel, but bringing food back can be a pain. We dive into the complex rules.
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Attractions
By Leslie Veliz
As one of England's most well-known attractions, Stonehenge can come with a steep cost in terms of money and crowds. Try this nearby stone circle instead.
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United States
By Leslie Veliz
Saratoga, Wyoming offers some of the most beautiful sights in America - and some of the best hot springs destinations. Here's the lowdown on the Cowboy State.
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Attractions
By Leslie Veliz
If you happen to find yourself exploring the city of Amsterdam, steer clear of one common tourist trap destination. Instead, consider going somewhere else.
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Middle East
By Leslie Veliz
Forget bustling, crowded Dubai and head to the eastern side of the UAE for a quiet vacation with stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and a great food scene.
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Beautiful and perilous, this mountain range in Arizona has lured more than one hiker to an unknown fate, either through its natural charms or the rumor of gold.
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The "time traveling" plans United Airlines had for passengers on New Year's Eve were not met. Here's why the airline couldn't meet the expected plan.
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Attractions
By Leslie Veliz
Looking for ideas when you explore a new city? We tried the GetYourGuide app to book a foodie experience -- and here's what we thought of the platform.
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Attractions
By Leslie Veliz
Explore this off-the-beaten-track attraction in Paris for a unique look at French history and skip the long lines that accumulate outside the Catacombs.
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Inspiration
By Leslie Veliz
This warm year-round beach town on the East Coast of Florida doubles as a space-lover's paradise with it's proximity to NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
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Luxury Travel
By Leslie Veliz
Newport Beach, California, is home to millionaires, mansions, and the ultra-luxurious The Resort at Pelican Hill, featuring a huge, unique circular pool.
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