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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California
By Kelley Dukat
Enjoy live music while admiring the work of dozens of artists at this annual California festival, which takes place in a charming park with mountain views.
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Discover the best of the Wild West in this central Arizona town, including countless sunny days, gorgeous hiking trails, and historic saloons with live music.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
This unique resort offers relaxation, fun, and beautiful views, all amidst fresh invigorating nature environments!
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This rustic lodge on Route 66 near Flagstaff features extra-spacious rooms, a general store, a game room, and a Nordic spa with a pool, sauna, and hot tub.
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The vast landscapes of Oregon offer a variety of ways to enjoy the state, but this state park opens up the great outdoors for travelers who love adventure.
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Discover the abandoned mine and ghost town located in the Verde Valley that has been transformed into what has been called 'Arizona's Strangest Museum.'
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This town in Colorado has so many opportunities to learn about the area's history and immerse yourself in some art or music.
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Who says you have to go to Vegas to get in a show? This SoCal resort offers guests world-class golf and a theater, and was founded by a legendary entertainer.
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This beautifully scenic byway is a great option to drive through the landscape around the Grand Canyon National Park.
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Located south of the nation's capital is a historic city that allows you to reconnect with history and enjoy various festivals and a massive farmer's market.
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This Oregon hidden hotspot is a must-visit for those looking to connect with nature or look back at the area's history.
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Escape Arizona’s hot desert landscape in a cool high-elevation town with easy access to forest trails, lakeside attractions, and outdoor recreation.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
This national seashore in California offers visitors a wide array of beaches, cliffs, lagoons, and wildlife reserves to choose from. Here's how you can explore.
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There are countless natural wonders to see in Arizona, and if you want something a little off the beaten path, Apache Lake is the perfect destination for you.
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An entire community came together to create a collective colorful work of art at this unusual Oregon beach. Stop by for the photo op and add to the display.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
For Urban explorers and outdoor adventurers, this city that played a role in the history of the Hollywood movie industry offers the best of both worlds.
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Travelers looking to experience Colorado hot springs and beautiful Rocky Mountain hikes should visit this small town with a slower pace of life.
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For a laid-back vacation that combines enjoying a nice hike with incredible food and some U.S. history, this small Virginia town has you covered.
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Friendliness might not always be the first thing that you look for when choosing a travel destination, but maybe it should be. Here's Nevada's friendliest spot.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Step back in time with a visit to this living ghost town off of Highway 395 boasting buildings straight from the Wild West and tantalizing phosphate sodas.
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While Trillium Lake and Lost Lake offer spectacular views and hiking trails, there's another Oregon location that has all of that, plus fewer fellow visitors.
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This coastal city in Oregon takes pride in its fishing village atmosphere with plenty of boating, fresh seafood, and the state's longest pier.
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This incredible Oregon byway is known as the 'Highway of Waterfalls' for its breath-taking natural landscapes, cascading falls, and riverside hikes.
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Washington
By Kelley Dukat
One Washington state park boasts loads of camping, hiking, and swimming, with rich historic landmarks to take in along the way -- here's how to visit.
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The "Heart of the Rogue Valley" in southern Oregon is full of sunshine and plenty of wineries, not to mention more art and history than you could ever want.
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Cruise along a stunning road with plenty of incredible stops and views of the Potomac River. This parkway is a gem you need to experience at least once.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Lose yourself in the luxuries of this chic Southern Californian resort, which boasts stunning ocean views, high-class dining, and lavish amenities.
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