Location
New York, New York
School
School of Visual Arts
Expertise
Budget Travel, Ecotourism, Exploring History Through Travel
- In 2024, Mina went on a multi-city tour of Japan exploring local coffee culture.
- Living just outside New York City, Mina often spends her weekdays in bustling Manhattan and her weekends exploring remote hiking trails.
- Mina enjoys traveling to see animals in their native environments, from birdwatching in Olympic National Park to spotting Philippine long-tailed macaques by the beach.
Experience
Since 2023, Mina Elwell has written guides on Static Media's travel brands Explore and Islands for other travelers looking to explore new destinations through those passions. She has also written articles focusing on history, folklore, and nature. Mina is the author of several graphic novels, including "InferNoct," published by Scout Comics, and "Hellicious," published by SBI Press. Her short fiction has been featured in independent anthologies like The Haunted Box and the Eisner-winning Puerto Rico Strong. Currently, she is working on several upcoming horror comics and a multiple-choice game.
Education
Mina Elwell graduated with a BFA from the School of Visual Arts.
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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Pennsylvania
By Mina Elwell
For a great outdoor adventure near Reading, Pennsylvania, head to this unique trail with stark cliffs, giant boulders, and incredible sweeping views.
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New York is anything but low-profile. Still, some regions of the state are home to hidden natural gems and outdoor adventure, like this park on the Hudson.
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This New York City local shares a less crowded neighborhood where you'll discover eclectic shops perfect for Halloween, or any other time of year.
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Spot wildlife, explore the vast prairie, camp, and enjoy the stars when you visit this wildlife refuge tucked away near the city streets of Amarillo, Texas.
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United States
By Mina Elwell
Yes, Florida is a prime spot for manatee watching, but it's not the only place in the U.S. where you can get a glimpse of these majestic creatures.
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This hike is easily accessed from the popular mountain resort town and provides a scenic and challenging day of hiking in the mountains to the stunning falls.
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California
By Mina Elwell
Take a stroll through California’s gorgeous woodland scenery near Nevada City while admiring the stunning hues of orange and red during the fall season.
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This state park is within easy reach of the city and offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, mountain views, scenic drives, and pristine mountain lakes.
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A hidden Texas hike near Alpine rewards adventurers with sweeping desert views, quirky history, and one unforgettable spot to sit and reflect.
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California
By Mina Elwell
A idyllic lagoon in California's Bay Area might sound like a great vacation destination, but an invasive wildlife horde can quickly sour the mood.
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Air Travel
By Mina Elwell
Airlines are required by law to accommodate travelers with disabilities, but sometimes things fall through the cracks -- here is what to do when that happens.
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For only $40 a night, you can sleep in a former lookout tower in Oregon with windows on all four sides and unbeatable views of nature. Here's what to know.
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This 2,100-acre park in New York hides a stunning 350-foot gorge with rock walls made of shale. Explore its quiet creeks, waterfalls, and gorgeous viewpoints.
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Hiking the wilderness comes with risks and, among America's stunning natural parks, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most dangerous.
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You can never really get enough of parks, and this gem between Memphis and Nashville offers unique sights and sounds you would want to experience.
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If you're hoping to spot a majestic wolf in the wild, head to these national parks in Montana, Minnesota, Wyoming, and Alaska for a chance encounter.
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Air Travel
By Mina Elwell
As if the logistics of travel weren't hard enough, the looming threat of a government shutdown might just make them worse. Find out how with this explainer.
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Air Travel
By Mina Elwell
When flying into New York State, consider landing in this underrated airport with some of the best customer reviews in America that is a gateway to adventure.
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If you're planning a visit to Yellowstone National Park, we recommend checking out some of the adorable species that live there. Here's where to look.
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South Carolina
By Mina Elwell
South Carolina may not be the first location that comes to mind when you think of Revolutionary War history, but there's a lot to explore here.
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New York is home to some absolutely stunning autumnal sights, and this new mode of transportation is a great way to see them -- and get in some exercise.
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This little-known Midwest wilderness is tucked between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers and hides breathtaking scenery and unique rock formations.
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For those brave enough to enter this wild and deep cave system in Illinois, a wondrous world of bats, bizarre rock formations, waterfalls, and more awaits.
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If you're traveling to Europe, there's a new process being implemented in place of passport stamps. Learn about the changes, and how you can prepare for them.
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A trip to the Pacific Northwest just isn't complete without camping and hiking, so this stunning Washington State park an hour East of Portland is for you.
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Air Travel
By Mina Elwell
There's more to in-flight safety than just buckling up. Learn what crews recommend passengers do to better protect themselves in rare emergencies.
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North Carolina
By Mina Elwell
Head to this ominously named hiking trail in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains to experience gorgeous scenery as you make your way to waterfalls.
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