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.