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 2 days ago
After being hit hard by Hurricane Helene in 2024, this North Carolina lake has finally reopened to the public as it continues to regain its former beauty.
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Caribbean
By Jen Ottolino 4 days ago
The Dominican Republic isn't exactly short on stunning beaches, but if you're looking for a watery adventure, head to this lush water park instead.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 4 days ago
Given the fact that Pennsylvania has more than 150 state parks, it's not surprising some are more popular than others. This underrated park is worth a look.
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Camping
By Jen Ottolino 5 days ago
An age-old dilemma that all campers face when dealing with cold weather is how to stay warm at night. This simple and natural hack solves the issue.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 5 days ago
This beautiful New York state park features miles of trails that pass by geological wonders, including one of the few meromictic lakes in the world.
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Road Trips
By Jen Ottolino 2 days ago
A road that claims the top spot for the highest-elevation drive in the country has some stiff competition, but this drive earns its title in style.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 8 days ago
Michigan just opened its 104th state park right in the heart of a city, connecting five existing parks along a river for ample outdoor recreation.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 2 days ago
The state of American rail travel isn't what it once was. But thankfully, you can take advantage of the longest rail trail in the country.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 10 days ago
There's a reason this wild and raw state goes by the name of "The Last Frontier." And if you're looking for pure, adrenaline-fueled adventures, this is it.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 11 days ago
It's a common assumption that state parks are the less-grand cousins of national parks. But this state park in Alaska turns that idea on its head.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 11 days ago
Visit one of the largest urban parks in the United States with trails, wildlife, and an interesting history that make it more than just a city green space.
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Outdoor Adventures
By Jen Ottolino 13 days ago
Minnesota has thousands of lakes, but this unique cluster sits inside a former granite quarry, making it a unique place for an outdoorsy getaway.
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Safety
By Jen Ottolino 17 days ago
This recent study crowned a quiet but thriving Midwestern city as the safest in the United States. Here's what makes it so safe and how it compares.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 29 days ago
You may be surprised to learn that this beautiful park with a beach, a recreation center, and a dog run is actually the largest public park in New York City.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 1 month ago
Indiana’s largest artificial lake is a beautiful outdoor gem featuring swimming, fishing, boating, jet skiing, hiking, camping, and so much more.
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Hiking
By Jen Ottolino 1 month ago
Yosemite's most famous viewpoints are more crowded than ever, but this quieter, underrated eastern lookout delivers spectacular Half Dome views.
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United States
By Jen Ottolino 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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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