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, 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 university research groups and health and humanitarian organizations. She continues to share her passion for adventure with others as a freelance travel writer for Explore and Islands.
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.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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This canyon in the Nevada desert is one of the best places to enjoy hiking, hot springs, and natural desert beauty. However, it's also a remote location.
By Jen Ottolino
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Destinations
By Jen Ottolino
The Grand Canyon is more than just a big, gaping stretch. It's a prime spot for river adventures that can last from a day to weeks as there's so much to see.
By Jen Ottolino
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Destinations
By Jen Ottolino
This epic outdoor recreation center boasts the largest man-made whitewater river in the world, plus tons of other activities like climbing and mountain biking.
By Jen Ottolino
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This iconic climbing destination in Washington boasts rugged peaks, breathtaking views, and epic routes that every outdoor adventurer should experience.
By Jen Ottolino
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Travel Guides
By Jen Ottolino
Called Mexico's "most beautiful city," this underrated gem is a place where tourists can avoid the crowds found at many of the country's more travelled cities.
By Jen Ottolino
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