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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 fun in the sun

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

Dancers along the route of the Disneyland parade.

From Tomorrowland to Avengers, this is everything coming to Disneyland as announced at D23

Posted by Megan duBois Megan duBois
Concept art for repaired yeti Audio-Animatronic on Expedition Everest at Walt Disney World

Disney’s biggest news from D23 2026: From Villains Land to new cruise ships

Posted by Carly Neil, The World of Spark Carly Neil, The World of Spark
Kids running on a path through the woods during the fall

From long weekends to full-fledged vacations, these are the best family getaways for fall 2026

Posted by Beth Luberecki Beth Luberecki
Costumed characters at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (Photo: Disney)

The ultimate guide to fall and Halloween at Walt Disney World (2026 edition)

Posted by Carly Neil, The World of Spark Carly Neil, The World of Spark
A family running toward the water's edge in Torrance, CA

For a beach vacation on a budget, try these affordable U.S. destinations

Posted by Beth Luberecki Beth Luberecki
Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire (Photo: @kayp via Twenty20)

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

Posted by Courtney Elko Courtney Elko

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