School
University of Colorado at Boulder
Expertise
Budget travel, Road trips, Western USA travel
- Kelley was a part of the inaugural travel writing team at Wealth of Geeks.
- Her favorite travel articles so far have allowed her to share her knowledge on the sights of San Diego, "America's Finest City," and surrounding areas.
- She has traveled extensively around the United States and aims to visit all 50 states within the next three years.
Experience
Kelley has more than 20 years of writing and editing experience. She served as both assistant and associate editor at Mortgage Originator magazine, a former trade magazine servicing the mortgage brokerage industry. She's also written about dog-friendly travel for Examiner.com and her alumni publication, The Coloradan. For the last three years, she has been a full-time nomad living as a house sitter and can provide knowledge on budget travel and road trips. She is also an event planner and scenic photographer, working on a memoir and a series of personal essays.
Education
Kelley has a bachelor's degree in news-editorial journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
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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This charming lodge with 25 retro-style rooms is a mid-century modern stay in New Glarus, Wisconson, also known as "America's Little Switzerland."
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North Carolina’s best coffee shop, per Chowhound, pairs in-house roasted coffee with Japanese-inspired dishes and natural wines in Camp North End.
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These Beaver State hot springs make incredible winter destinations, but you'll need to come prepared for long, snowy hikes and potentially dangerous conditions.
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For the perfect festive location this holiday season, plan a visit to the Oregon city battling for the title of the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World."
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Settle into this little town in Southern Virginia that's rich with history, gentle seasons, and budget-friendly comfort for your golden years.
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This small and affordable Arizona town has a prime location right next to Phoenix and a vibrant and diverse community with rich traditions and festivals.
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Portland, Oregon
By Kelley Dukat
This affluent Portland-area suburb is known for forested trails, scenic parks, and strong community ties, blending luxury with Oregon's natural beauty.
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A ski-in luxury chalet in Utah offers a Forbes-recognized spa, gourmet restaurants, and direct access to Deer Valley slopes in a scenic alpine setting.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Hikers in the San Diego area should check out this hidden waterfall that was previously on private property but is now accessible through canyon trails.
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The riverside promenade lets you stroll through the best parts of the city, with over 3 miles of scenic views, welcoming streets, and great food and drink.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Napa Valley understandably gets a lot of attention from California wine-goers, but this small, grape-growing community in Ramona Valley is just as charming.
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Phoenix, Arizona
By Kelley Dukat
Located right next to downtown Phoenix is an adorable neighborhood that is worth exploring for its art, historic homes, and affordable living values.
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If you're looking for a quaint destination where you can enjoy all of the history and beauty that Virginia has to offer, consider stopping by this small town.
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Nestled in the Rocky Mountain foothills, this famously laid-back college city is a quick journey from Denver by car or transit, and well worth the trip.
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Find your own slice of peaceful camping paradise along the Oregon Coast, an area that highlights windswept beaches, dramatic sea stacks, and dense forest.
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If you're looking for a fun time in Oregon, this spot can provide you with a splendid gaming and entertainment experience, along with a room with a view.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Hidden inland in Southern California is a scenic Lake town boasting incredible outdoor sports and a walkable, quaint downtown full of history.
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Tucked inside the June Lake Loop, this secret hideaway ideal for RV travelers offers easy creekside hikes, crisp alpine air, and unbeatable access to nature.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Northern California's Big Sur features some otherworldly scenery, and you can experience it yourself at this unique state park full of redwoods and waterfalls.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Not too far outside of Los Angeles sits a beautiful desert community that will give you a taste of Hollywood history and stunning nature at the same time.
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This affordable suburb in Maryland is the perfect travel spot near D.C. and the Chesapeake Bay, complete with farms, nature trails, and local eats.
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Travel Guides
By Kelley Dukat
All aboard — this Amtrak route spans 12 states between New York and New Orleans, passing historic sites and stunning landscapes along the way.
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Once a bustling copper town, this rural Arizona community near Tucson now draws attention for its low costs, desert scenery, and rich history.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
A budget-friendly California city that serves up vibrant culture and a unique blend of desert beauty and border-town flavor needs a spot on your travel radar.
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An old mining town in Arizona boasts an underrated state park close to the state's "Haunted City." Take in the Panoramic desert views at this historical site.
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There's a recreational reservoir that Colorado residents know well, as it's open all year and offers plenty of trails, beaches, and sights to see.
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Oregon is a beautiful state with a coastlines, mountains, and forests. There is a little-known spot for visitors with spectacular mountain views.
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