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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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
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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
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Water Adventures
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Travel Guides
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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
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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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Visit this stunning and historic port city in Albania for a Mediterranean escape with affordable prices, great beaches, and lively outdoor activities.
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Just as a place can be known for its gastronomy or partying scene, there's also a miracle capital in France. Here's your quick guide to this charming town.
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Social media trends can be a lot of fun, but when it comes to climbing mountains, safety should always take precedence over bragging rights.
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The Grand Canyon is a natural wonder boasting many incredible hiking trails, but this one is a particularly dangerous trek not everyone should attempt.
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Water Adventures
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Wild horses are a welcome, if not always common, sight to see, but a great place to find them is this scenic river in the great state of Arizona.
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Beach Vacations
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Make sure you know about this surprising beach rule in Spain to avoid an unexpected and hefty fine. Here's what to avoid and why it was implemented.
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Here's the disappointing reason hiking the Pacific Crest Trail will be more challenging in 2025, and how you can make the most of your adventure anyway.
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Here’s why this major mistake beginner skiers often make can be dangerous and how avoiding it will keep you safe and confident on the mountain.
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Atop the tallest peak in Ireland, hikers can soak in some of the country's most incredible views. Here's how travelers can reach this sky-high destination.
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Travel Guides
By Jen Ottolino
When you think of Arizona, unrelenting heat probably comes to mind. But this northern region is the perfect forested escape full of outdoor activities.
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The Grand Canyon gets hot. Really hot. How do you plan for the sun and the heat to stay safe? Check out this online planning tool that helps you track the sun.
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Travel expert Rick Steves is rarely without advice to give, but this rule he suggests applying to your European trip could improve how mishaps are dealt with.
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Travel Etiquette
By Jen Ottolino
Bathing in the comfort of hot springs is a popular activity in Japan, but it's important to follow the proper rules of hot spring etiquette.
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The Arizona desert features some of the most breathtaking geological formations and scenic vistas on Earth. And nowhere is that truer than this gorgeous park.
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Not everyone is a fan of artificial intelligence. Rick Steves’ protégé uses one particular word to describe a trip planned through AI — and it’s not good.
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This picturesque lakeside town in Italy has long been a retreat for the rich and famous, offering stunning waterfront views, luxury villas, and timeless charm.
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There are plenty of great scenic hiking trails in the American southwest, but when doing so, travelers should be sure not to make this big mistake.
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This massive walking trail in Canada allows you to see lush forests and colorful seaside towns as well as savor some of the best seafood in the country.
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This luggage brand may cost a pretty penny, but those who love the products would argue that the high price is more than worth it for the quality.
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Want to retreat to the beauty of the mountains, while also enjoying the amenities at a world-class resort complex? Check out this place in New Hampshire.
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