0
  • Destinations
  • Advice
  • Hotels & All-Inclusives
  • Theme Parks
  • Cruises
FamilyVacationist
FamilyVacationist
FamilyVacationist
  • Destinations
  • Advice
  • Hotels & All-Inclusives
  • Theme Parks
  • Cruises
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

A view of the Rocky Mountains from a vantage point on Trail Ridge Road near Estes Park, Colorado

What to see and do in Estes Park, Colorado, at any time of year

Posted by Beth Luberecki Beth Luberecki
Chairs and umbrellas set up on the lake beach at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

16 best lake resorts and hotels in the U.S. for families (updated for 2026)

Posted by Beth Luberecki Beth Luberecki
Hiker at Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska (Photo: Shutterstock)

These 11 national parks are at their very best during summer vacation (and some are virtually crowd-free)

Posted by Dave Parfitt Dave Parfitt
Cruise ship docked in bay alongside a bluff with a train going by and mountains in the background

9 tips for making the most of your time on a cruise to Alaska

Posted by Megan duBois Megan duBois
The Electric Mayhem as seen on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

Disney theme park and cruising news: Disney World launches 2027 vacation packages, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster reopening date revealed

Posted by Carly Neil, The World of Spark Carly Neil, The World of Spark
A girl and a boy running down a boardwalk to the beach

More than just sun and sand, these 12 U.S. beach resorts are uniquely built for family fun

Posted by Beth Luberecki Beth Luberecki

Go Together!

  • Destinations
  • Advice
  • Gear
  • Hotels & All-Inclusives

FamilyVacationist

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Email Newsletter

Socialize with Us

No matter where you go, there's family.

© 2026 Vacationist Media | Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy