Lone Star Court is one of the most fun, retro-cool hotels in Austin. With a vintage mid-century motor court vibe — updated with a modern design aesthetic and Texas touch — this boutique hotel provides a slice of nostalgic Americana along with a community feel. Location The hotel is in The Domain, Austin’s premier multi-use […]
Tres belle! My Quebec City home for the next 10 days, doing a home exchange. Marie-Chantal is staying at my home in Austin. Selma and I can’t wait to explore this lovely city! This chic, three-story townhome is in an excellent location, only about a 15 minute walk from Vieux Quebec and in a lively […]
There is a reason that I named my blog “Trading Places.” When I travel somewhere, I like to try and experience what it would be to live life in that place, as much as possible. Yes, checking out the must-see spots and tourist attractions — there are certain sights and activities you just wouldn’t want to […]
How often do you get to actually live like royalty? I was fortunate to have that opportunity last week, when I was invited by HomeAway to spend a day and night at a Scottish castle, about an hour outside Edinburgh. I was already in Ireland, so it was a quick hop over — how could […]
Maybe you’re like me. Maybe you love nature. You love the “idea” of camping, if not particularly everything that comes with it. I am sort of an outdoors person. I like hiking, rafting, kayaking, wildlife … many outdoors adventures. But I also like to have a hot shower at the end of it. A comfy bed […]
After my visit last month to North and South Carolina, as part of my 50×50 travel initiative, I headed on down to Savannah, Georgia with my boyfriend Keith. How I dug Savannah. Somehow it resonated with me. I experienced it as a little like a slightly naughty debutante: beautiful, classic and polished on the surface; […]
I recently returned from a trip to North and South Carolina (and Georgia as well) — the first trip of my “50 by 50” initiative to complete seeing all of the 50 US states by the time I turn 50 in 2016. It was a fun journey steeped in history, which we were lucky to […]
There are places in India well-known for their beaches—Kerala and Goa spring to mind. But far off the coast, in the Andaman Sea much nearer to Thailand than mainland India, lies one of the country’s best-kept secrets: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Far removed from the rest of India, while still retaining the feel and […]
Panama has long been on my list of places to visit. While I have traveled to most other Central American countries, I finally made it to Panama this month, and experienced two of the most pristine, lush hideaways that make traveling here so rewarding. First, there was the Garden of Eden in Bocas del Toro […]
Sometimes, in the midst of my “normal” routine and life here in Austin, I still need to get away to find a little oasis of peace and tranquility. Call it recharging, centering, or just a little quality time with myself. Thursday, as I headed out to a perfect local spot to do that — Travaasa […]
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I'm Shelley, a journeyer and learner of the world, freelance journalist and author, yoga chick and dog lover. I pound the keyboard from home barefoot every day, and while my boss is demanding she also occasionally lets me have the early afternoon cocktail. I think not going into an office or collecting corporate paychecks are very good ideas, though not always profitable. I have written for National Geographic, USA Today, The Guardian, Texas Monthly and CNN, among others. Neither the New York Times nor Johnny Depp have answered my letters yet.
I love animals, yoga, indie movies, cooking, wine, books and chocolate, though not necessarily in that order. I believe in karma. Mean people suck. If I could have any dream job I would like to be a superhero. I have performed a catch on the flying trapeze, boarded down a live volcano, snorkeled with seals and was once robbed by a monkey in Nepal. But, I don't know how to whistle.
My mantra is "travel with a purpose."
See the world like a local!
A book I wrote with my partner Keith, that lays out how we travel as much as we do, for damn near free.
Trading Places 