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 […]
Springtime in the Texas Hill Country is pretty spectacular — temperatures are mildly warm, the gorgeous wildflowers are out in full bloom, and everything is green (before our crazy-hot summers turn everything brown). What better way to experience the Hill Country than by glamping in a very cool treehouse, in Spicewood — about 45 minutes […]
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 […]
When people arrive in Laos, the land-locked, slow-moving, peaceful country in Southeast Asia, they generally gravitate toward Luang Prabang as far as cities. But while a different vibe, the capital city of Vientiane has a lot to offer. It’s much larger, and more crowded and busy, than Luang Prabang to be sure. But it is […]
Just where is La Isla Ometepe, you might ask? I myself had never heard of it until I began planning a trip to Nicaragua in mid 2011, with my boyfriend Keith. After setting up a home exchange in Granada, our exchange host there, Peta, strongly suggested we consider a visit to Ometepe. La Isla Ometepe […]
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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 