School
Arizona State University
Expertise
Digital Nomad Lifestyle, Arts & Culture, Natural Hidden Gems
- Originally from Phoenix, Shannon moved to Spain in 2021 after graduation, allowing her to explore European settings and ways of life.
- She considers a solo trip to be a self-defining pilgrimage, although she discovers more about herself while traveling with others.
- Her iCloud storage is constantly filled with images of coastal overlooks, furry creatures, and intimate cultural snapshots.
Experience
Shannon joined Static Media in 2022, where she worked as an editor for the Google Stories team for brands like Islands, Explore, Tasting Table, and Daily Meal. Certified as a TEFL teacher, she taught English in Spain while living in Madrid for two years. She developed a fascination with how cultural landscapes affect language and the use of English globally while traversing the world. While she has experience writing dance criticism and artistic grants, Shannon turned her interests to travel writing, lightheartedly creating a digital journal for her personal experiences and ever-changing philosophies. She plans to get certified in yoga and scuba diving in Southeast Asia.
Education
Shannon has a bachelor's degree in English and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance, with a minor concentration in Spanish from Arizona State University. She is currently working on a master's in English Linguistics: New Applications and International Communication at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid.
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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News
By Shannon Smith 27 days ago
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet? Plan a trip to the spectacular mountain landscapes and crowd-free spots in the world's quietest country.
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Asia
By Shannon Smith 1 month ago
This slightly salty lake tucked between Europe and Asia was once one of the most important caviar sources in the world but is now coveted for oil reserves.
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New York City, New York
By Shannon Smith 2 months ago
This NYC subway station, dating back to 1905, got a makeover in 2026, with new elevators, cleaner tiles and bricks, and even a name adjustment.
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Air Travel
By Shannon Smith 2 months ago
If you rely on in-flight Wi-Fi to get work done or stay connected with loved ones, try to reserve a seat in this part of the plane for the best connection.
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Colorado
By Shannon Smith 3 months ago
Along with a charming downtown, this rapidly growing Colorado community offers easy access to all sorts of outdoor adventures, including multiple state parks.
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Central and South America
By Shannon Smith 3 months ago
The beach town has been recognized as one of South America's best eco-friendly destinations, with easy breaks and welcoming surf camps perfect for hanging 10.
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Canada
By Shannon Smith 3 months ago
Canada is loaded with stunning natural scenery, from glistening lakes to lush forests, and you can find lots of it in a single protected park in Quebec.
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News
By Shannon Smith 3 months ago
This Midwest city, home to both a big university and smaller private colleges, was called the most educated city in the country based on multiple factors.
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Europe
By Shannon Smith 3 months ago
It turns out Stonehenge, the ancient rock formation that has perplexed historians for thousands of years, still has a couple secrets up its sleeve.
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Canada
By Shannon Smith 3 months ago
If you're on the lookout for a peaceful waterfront getaway and want to avoid the heat and crowds of the beach, Canada has just the spot for you to check out.
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California
By Shannon Smith 4 months ago
California is loaded with popular beaches made famous by songs and movies, but the coastline does have a few stunning little secrets if you know where to look.
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Florida
By Shannon Smith 4 months ago
If you're looking for a tropical getaway without getting on a plane or booking a pricey resort, there's a place in the Florida Keys that has you covered.
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News
By Shannon Smith 4 months ago
The city is well-known for its multicultural influences, lively events, unique local dishes and cuisine, and famously eclectic architecture.
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Camping
By Shannon Smith 4 months ago
It is a great way for lovers of camping and the outdoors to make the absolute best of some of America's coolest and most scenic cycling routes.
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Travel Gear
By Shannon Smith 5 months ago
It's always nice when the best quality comes at the best price, and this one is especially good for parents on the move with the young ones.
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Canada
By Shannon Smith 5 months ago
On the Caribbean side of Puerto Rico you'll find a serene reservoir lake surrounded by a lush tropical forest, an ideal destination for fishing and hiking.
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Arizona
By Shannon Smith 7 months ago
These towns are easy to get to from the big cities, and have a panache all their own, with mountain scenery, luxury resorts, and wellness retreats.
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