Jen Ottolino
Location
Norte Pequeno, Azores, Portugal
School
Johns Hopkins School Of Advanced International Studies
Expertise
Outdoor Adventures, Exotic Destinations, Sustainable Travel
- Jen is a global citizen who speaks four languages and has lived and worked on three continents, including the midwestern and western US, a medieval city in Italy, a rural village in Tanzania, and a volcanic island in Portugal.
- An accomplished outdoor adventurer, Jen has worked as a rafting guide and taught rock climbing in Arizona, summited Mt. Rainier and Mt. Kilimanjaro, backpacked through remote parts of Alaska, and trekked to Everest Base Camp.
- Her experience buying a tiny farmhouse on the island of Faial in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores was recently featured in an episode of "House Hunters International."
Experience
Following a decade of work in the global development sector, Jen recently transitioned into full time writing and editing. As a content creator for Tempest from 2021 to 2022, she wrote travel blogs and created website content for destination management organizations throughout North America. In 2022, she founded Bright Island Communications to provide writing, editing, and digital storytelling services for organizations in the health and humanitarian sectors. She continues to share her passion for exploration with others through freelance travel writing.
Education
Jen has several degrees, the most recent being a Master of 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.
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Stories By Jen Ottolino
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Looking to have some family fun in the great outdoors? This Maine state park has a beautiful lake, winding footpaths, and picnic tables among tall, shady trees.
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You can tick this elusive animal off your great wildlife of the world bucket list by going on an intrepid adventure through a rainforest in rural Canada.
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Escape the crowds and get your fill of mystical redwood trees, beautiful flowers and berry bushes, and adorable wildlife at this awe-inspiring California park.
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If you love beer, Rick Steves says this city is a must-visit destination in Europe, where you can find traditional beer styles and a world-famous festival.
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Packed with amenities and in the most perfect spot, this RV park is a brilliant base for exploring Yellowstone National Park without breaking the bank.
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If you like your hiking accentuated by jaw-dropping encounters with magnificent beasts, this stunning jaunt through Glacier National Park is calling your name.
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You won't want to pass over this underrated beach in Europe, where you can escape the crowds and relax after a challenging yet rewarding clifftop hike.
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Colorado is know for its scenic beauty, and there's no better way to experience it than on this paved path that's especially good for cyclists.
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If you think fire and water are opposites that can't survive together, you're in for a surprise at this Caribbean spring known for its healing qualities.
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Lots of media outlets say this island in Italy has a ban on flip-flops. But is it true? We dug deep (including calling the tourist office!) to find the truth.
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Think about places you visit often. Do you still get excited? Familiarity doesn't have to remove the sparkle. We explore how to keep the excitement alive.
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The ruins of this incredible attraction are a must-see. They showcase the impressive engineering and architectural achievements of the ancient Romans.
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With breathtakingly clear waters that reflect the stunning surrounding scenery, this hidden treasure is ideal for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
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Discover the best way to explore a city like a local for an authentic culinary experience with these helpful tips from travel expert Rick Steves.
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Lions, elephants, and hippos, oh my! This national park in Zimbabwe will get you up close and personal to tons of safari wildlife that will leave you in awe.
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While this particular western state is known for its epic national parks and high desert, it’s also home to one of the U.S.’s deadliest rural roads.
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If you want to blend in when you travel to Italy, you'll want to avoid ordering this drink at certain times. Find out how to vacation in Italy like a local.
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If you'd like to see gorgeous waterfalls and other natural wonders in an untapped area, follow Rick Steves' advice for this lesser-known destination.
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An alternative to the famed Antelope Canyon, this secret slot canyon in Arizona offers visitors a breathtaking experience with guaranteed thinner crowds.
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This alpine lake may be stunningly beautiful, but its surrounding geography makes it potentially life-threatening for visitors and locals in a nearby town.
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According to Rick Steves, this underrated region in Greece offers thinner crowds and lower prices without sacrificing beautiful beaches or cultural charms.
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For a little slice of paradise, follow a scenic trail to this desert oasis to explore caves and play the crystal clear pools beneath a small waterfall.
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The prospect of seeing a waterfall in the desert might seem unlikely, but that's exactly what you can experience in this arid yet beautiful Southwestern state.
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The Grand Canyon is a top Arizona destination. If you're open to tough hiking and rafting, you can venture to this little-known spring that's sure to impress.
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Giada De Laurentiis recommends a budget-friendly restaurant serving exceptional meals that foodies will love. Here is what you need to know.
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Relax and unwind in these quirky hot springs just a short drive from Phoenix, where you can stay the night at the resort or camp for an outdoor adventure.
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Only a short ferry ride from Sicily, this remote Italian island is ideal for those who may appreciate a bit of scenic solitude during a Mediterranean adventure.