Ellen is the co-founder and editor of Barefoot Backpackers. An outdoor enthusiast, world traveler, and Ayurvedic health coach, she is known for her strong planning and packing skills and for traveling with a well-stocked natural health apothecary when backpacking.
She lives and breathes holistic health and is most often found practicing yoga, reading adventure books, spending time in nature, or creating content inspired by her latest travels.
With over three years of experience in digital publishing, Ellen has worked as a senior health and wellness writer across a range of platforms, including Live For The Outdoors, Grazia, Closer, Heat, Spirit & Destiny, and A Modern Kitchen. She has covered topics spanning natural health, sustainable living, wellness, and spirituality. Her writing career began at university, where she contributed to the student newspaper and independent publications such as The Indiependent, focusing on music, film, and cultural topics.
Ellen has also worked extensively as a product writer, specializing in researching, testing, and cross-referencing products to find the best value across different categories. Her work required detailed analysis and careful comparison to ensure recommendations were accurate, high quality, and genuinely useful for readers.
After leaving her full-time role as a digital writer, Ellen traveled to India to study Ayurveda and yoga. She spent three months backpacking across the country, staying in ashrams and completing an Ayurveda course at the Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram in Kerala. She has continued her studies since returning and now works as an Ayurveda Lifestyle and Nutrition Coach.
Having lived in North America and Europe, and traveled extensively, Ellen enjoys everything from camping trips in Canada and skiing in the Alps to backpacking through Thailand and Vietnam and spending time in Indian ashrams. She believes in staying connected to nature and prioritizing wellbeing wherever her travels take her. She is passionate about travel that supports personal growth and getting outside.
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Instagram: @ellenelemental
