Location
Azores, Portugal
School
Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Expertise
Outdoor adventures, Exotic destinations, Sustainable travel
- Jen is a dual American-Italian citizen who hails from Chicago and has spent the past 15 years living in Africa and Europe.
- An accomplished outdoor adventurer, Jen has worked as a rafting guide and a rock climbing instructor, backpacked through Alaska, trekked to Everest Base Camp, and summited high peaks like Rainier and Kilimanjaro.
- Her experience buying a farmhouse on the island of Faial in the Azores, Portugal was featured in an episode of "House Hunters International."
Experience
Following a decade of work in global development, Jen transitioned to full-time communications strategy and travel writing. As a content creator for Tempest from 2021 to 2022, she developed articles and blogs for destination marketing organizations across North America. In 2023, she began freelancing for Explore and Islands, and two years later, she founded Nine Islands Azores, an independent travel publication focused on Portugal's wild archipelago.
Education
Jen has a master's degree in international public policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Bologna, Italy.
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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United States
By Jen Ottolino 5 hours ago
Wisconsin is dotted with thousands of beautiful lakes, but the artificial Petenwell Lake takes the cake, with tons of activities for outdoor lovers.
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Camping
By Jen Ottolino 3 days ago
You can make this easy DIY fire starter at home with ingredients you already have and pack it away for your next camping trip to stay warm, dry, and bug-free.
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International
By Jen Ottolino 5 days ago
You may be surprised to learn that any country would ban American tourists from visiting in 2026, yet these nations have, for a specific reason.
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Caribbean
By Jen Ottolino 6 days ago
This oceanfront resort is equal parts luxury and family-friendly, with sleek rooms and a lively water park open to both resort guests and day visitors.
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Caribbean
By Jen Ottolino 6 days ago
The largest and most underrated of the U.S. Virgin Islands offers a quiet and uncrowded Caribbean experience with lots of outdoor adventure.
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Hiking
By Jen Ottolino 8 days ago
This Glacier National Park trail offers alpine scenery, wildlife spotting, and a spectacular waterfall on mostly flat terrain suitable for all types of hikers.
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Canada
By Jen Ottolino 12 days ago
One of the most popular national parks in Canada is a gorgeous Pacific Northwest wonderland full of scenic beaches, epic hiking, and great kayaking.
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Air travel has changed exponentially since the first flights, and especially since the 1990s. Here are some major reasons we’re glad it’s different now.
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Camping
By Jen Ottolino 14 days ago
Not all hi-tech camping gear is worth the extra money, but this portable gadget is sure to make you more comfortable on your next outdoor adventure.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 15 days ago
As if Southern California didn’t have enough to offer, you can jump, slide, and bounce in this fun floating inflatable water park between LA and San Diego.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 20 days ago
Isle Royale and Indiana Dunes National Parks are two lovely Midwest gems to visit, but this national park gets more annual visitors than both of them.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 21 days ago
If you want incredible mountain views, lots of wildlife, and gorgeous wildflowers, don’t miss this premiere hiking trail in Grand Teton National Park.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 27 days ago
Alaska may be the best place to see the northern lights in North America, but you can stay in the contiguous U.S. by visiting this Midwest national park.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 28 days ago
This stunning, ultra-remote national park is hard to reach. But those that do can enjoy a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure without any tourist crowds.
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Canada
By Jen Ottolino 1 month ago
Hiking in this remote destination is not easy, so it sees fewer than 15 visitors a year, making it one of the least-visited national parks in North America.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 1 month ago
With more than 40 water features, cabana rentals, and character meet and greets, the largest indoor water park in North America is definitely worth a visit.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 1 month ago
This stunning national park is home to 2,000 natural stone arches, the highest concentration anywhere in the world, and you can hike to see them up close.
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Tips And Hacks
By Jen Ottolino 1 month ago
When choosing what to pack for your travels, Rick Steves’ tour guide says to skip this hi-tech clothing item that can cost almost five times as much.
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Amusement Parks
By Jen Ottolino 1 month ago
Visit this family favorite amusement park for a budget-friendly summer escape with access to iconic rollercoasters and an extensive water park.
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All-Inclusive Resorts
By Jen Ottolino 1 month ago
Here's why you won't find any all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii like the ones all over Mexico or the Caribbean, and why it's not such a bad thing.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 2 months ago
Lake Tahoe gets all the attention in northern California, but this lesser-known alpine lake nearby offers the same Sierra views without any of the crowds.
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Travel Etiquette
By Jen Ottolino 2 months ago
Italy is one of the world's culinary capitals and it pays to know the ins and outs of dining. Here are rules to avoid breaking at Italian restaurants.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 2 months ago
This underrated national park has over 9,000 lakes, making it home to the most in the U.S., and boasts dramatic landscapes begging to be explored.
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Luxury Travel
By Jen Ottolino 2 months ago
Luxury travelers are eagerly awaiting the new terminal at this California airport, with perks like private security, a VIP lounge, and chauffeur service.
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Water Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 2 months ago
Northern California is home to the largest inflatable water park in North America, and it makes for a perfect family-friendly summer escape.
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Travel Guides
By Jen Ottolino June 2nd, 2025
Visit this lesser-known town near Venice to explore its incredible architectural marvels and learn how its aesthetic design poised it as a Utopia in its day.
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Road Trips
By Jen Ottolino June 1st, 2025
Arizona is widely renowned as a state boasting unique scenic beauty, but this particular quirky road trip almost doubles as a form of time travel.
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