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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Train travel isn't what it used to be in America. In fact, these states don't have any Amtrak service at all. Luckily, Amtrak is expanding its service.
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One of the most breathtaking tourism experiences found near Kyoto, Japan is this highly-visited serene walk through a beautiful bamboo forest.
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German culture is different from American culture. If you don't want to be rude on your next trip to Germany, don't do this with your body when talking.
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Avoid the crowds by visiting this lesser-known cave in Texas Hill Country. With unique rock formations, the cave even hosts concerts in its Queen's Throne Room.
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Many travelers love to relax at hot springs, and this spot in Oregon, accessible by only a short hike,. provides scenic access to some great ones.
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Walking the wrong way might not seem like it should be a crime, but in this particular instance, doing it can land you a hefty fine in Paris.
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"Seat-squatting" is a emerging trend that is making airplane passengers extra frustrated. Here's what it means and how you can avoid it on your next flight.
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Spain boasts many wonderful destinations for travelers, but this incredibly walkable city is a well-preserved historical paradise of a location.
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There are quite a few rules that tourists should know before visiting Japan. While some may be obvious, others may starkly contradict certain American customs.
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The TSA is looking out for all kinds of suspicious behavior, and this includes what you're wearing. Here's one type of clothing item that might raise eyebrows.
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When visiting the Netherlands, you might be taken by surprise when heading to wash your hands. Here's what to expect while using a (quirky) Dutch sink.
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A visit to Italy is something most travelers crave, but while exploring the European country, there's an unspoken rule to keep in mind when walking.
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This vibrant California college town near Sacramento makes for the perfect weekend getaway and is a haven for walkers, cyclists, and art lovers alike.
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It's no secret that food is different in America compared to Italy. But what do Italians think of American cuisine? Rick Steves has some insight.
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You can encounter a beg bug infestation at any accommodation, regardless of how expensive it is. But it's not just the infestation you should be wary of.
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What's the worst hotel chain in America? A new survey reveals the one hotel chain you'll want to avoid at all costs, and it's not the only survey to say this.
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California is full of excellent hiking trails, but this one along a famous river has some of the most beautiful views in the state. Here's how to get there.
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If you're going to travel the globe, it's important to observe certain rules in the destinations you visit. Here's one rule for being a considerate tourist.
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This underrated island that's part of a major Caribbean destination is well known for its wild horses and bioluminescent bay. Here's what to expect.
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A woman on TikTok proclaimed that one of her shoes was stolen while she was going through security. Here's how often things go missing in airports.
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Hotel Anna & Bel is a boutique hotel in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, in a vintage brick building with hints of the Mediterranean decor.
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Riding or walking a bicycle is effectively banned in the most popular areas of Venice for many different reasons. Here's why cyclists should be aware.
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Travel expert Rick Steves suggests that travelers in Sweden buy a rail pass if they want to see the country. Here's how it can save you money.
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Tourists to Angkor Wat, one of the most famous temples in Cambodia, might see wild monkeys around the attraction. Here's why its best to steer clear of them.
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"Flying naked," despite how it may sound, is not an indecent act, but instead a travel hack with both notable upsides and notable downsides.
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There is a heated debate between two Pennsylvania convenience store brands: Wawa and Sheetz. But which is better? Here are their differences and similarities.