I am sitting in a tiny airport in Puerto Rico, called Ceiba, awaiting what is to be the shortest flight of my life. The gate agents have recorded all of our weight– from checked luggage to carry-on bags and even our persons – for the small charter plane that will take us over to Vieques […]
Recently I was musing on all the incredible things I’ve seen and people I’ve met around the world — and how many amazing things still await me, as the more I travel the longer that bucket list gets. Many of the fondest memories I have from my life have been when traveling, so I thought […]
One of the best things about staying in a home vs a hotel when traveling — whether it’s a home exchange as I’m doing now or a vacation rental — is the ability to prepare your own meals. I cooked pasta last night, and lunch today is a pear and brie sandwich with spinach salad […]
For a taste of a European city in North America, you need not go further than Quebec. The lovely and historic City of Quebec has a feeling unlike anywhere else in North America — far more like that of Paris. I’ve been spending the week here (and coming up week) Trading Places at a home […]
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 […]
Over the new year, I made my first ever trip to Brazil. It’s been near the top of the list for me and my SO, Keith, for quite a while. We flew into São Paulo on Christmas evening and stayed a couple of nights. Most of our time was spent in the Vila Madalena neighborhood, a bohemian […]
In late August, I headed to my 50th state for my 50th birthday: Alaska. It was a gorgeous, amazing trip exploring via train from Anchorage up to Denali National Park; then a week on a small boat with UnCruise Adventures, exploring John Muir’s Wilderness and Glacier Bay National Park. There was stunning natural beauty at […]
I just returned from Alaska yesterday — my 50th state, which was the culmination of my #50by50 quest to visit all 50 states by my 50th birthday. Well, my birthday was last week on September 7, and on that day I was on a small ship in the Inside Passage of Alaska, watching pods of whales […]
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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 