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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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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Destinations
By Mina Elwell
Though reaching the place can be a challenge, hidden within Antarctica is a phenomenon and haunting sight as red liquid from a glacier stains the land.
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Feeling safe while traveling is important. Luckily, four out of five of the safest states in the U.S. are in one region that is famous for great fall foliage.
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Tips and Hacks
By Mina Elwell
If you're worried about navigating the public transit system in a new place, prepare by knowing where to sit. On a bus, here are the safest seats to choose.
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Air Travel
By Mina Elwell
Make traveling with kids smoother with a smart solution designed to simplify flights, cut hassles at security, and keep parents moving with ease.
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South Carolina
By Mina Elwell
Avid birdwatchers will be delighted to experience this Southern gem, but even if you don't know a robin from a sparrow, you'll enjoy the beauty in this area.
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Legends echo through this Connecticut park, where a short but exciting trail reveals circular stone formations and a striking 60-foot waterfall.
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From northern watersnakes gliding through the waters of the lake to the cautionary shake of a timber rattlesnake's tail, this state park has snakes galore.
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Washington
By Mina Elwell
This easy trail in North Cascades National Park is the perfect hike for visitors who are short on time but still want the benefits of Washington's scenery.
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It's getting harder and harder to find places where you can see the stars clearly in the night sky, thanks to light pollution. This spot in Iowa shines.
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