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FamilyVacationist
FamilyVacationist
FamilyVacationist
  • Destinations
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FamilyVacationist
  • Destinations
  • Advice
  • Hotels & All-Inclusives
  • Theme Parks
  • Cruises
Courtney Elko

Courtney Elko

Courtney Elko has been a writer, traveler, former editor at Tripadvisor’s FamilyVacationCritic website, and a journalist in both print and digital media for more than 15 years. She's had a passion for travel since she roadtripped the California coast with her family at a young age. Courtney has hiked the Faroe Islands, climbed Machu Picchu, skied in Switzerland, gone dogsledding in Alaska, and spent many summers jumping waves with her young nephews on the Jersey Shore. Her travel expertise has been featured in USA Today, SmarterTravel, and What To Pack. Courtney lives outside of Philadelphia and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and puggle, Shelby. Email Courtney with story ideas at courtney.elko [at] gmail [dot] com, and follow her on Instagram @goliveyourstory for travel inspiration and advice.
Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire (Photo: @kayp via Twenty20)
Destinations

Summer at the lake? These New England lakes are best for summer fun

From the lakes and ponds of Maine to the shores New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee, these are the best New England lakes for summer fun.

Posted by Courtney Elko Courtney Elko
Girl with headphones (Photo: @amyhilbrand via Twenty20)
Gear

10 Best Headphones for Traveling Babies, Kids, and Tweens

Wherever your next family vacation takes you, don't leave home without a good pair of headphones for the kids.

Posted by Courtney Elko Courtney Elko
large backyard at dusk
Advice

How to Plan a Family Staycation on a Limited Budget

You can make any staycation memorable with some creativity and a few key items.

Posted by Courtney Elko Courtney Elko

Latest Posts

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Posted by Amanda Norcross Amanda Norcross
Two little girls running through a meadow with flowers with mountains in the distance

10 trendy spring break destinations for families (updated for 2026)

Posted by Linsay Evans Linsay Evans
Universal Mardi Gras Parade

The secrets behind the glitter and beads of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras parade

Posted by Megan duBois Megan duBois
Artist rendering for Olaf Draws! at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Theme park news: new Disney World discount and upcoming attraction details revealed

Posted by Carly Neil, The World of Spark Carly Neil, The World of Spark
Artist rendering for the exterior of The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Amid ride reimaginings, a new animation experience might be Disney World’s biggest hit in 2026

Posted by Carly Neil, The World of Spark Carly Neil, The World of Spark

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