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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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
If you love train travel, you're in luck: The longest train ride in the U.S. delivers an amazing days-long ride from the West Coast to Chicago.
By Kelley Dukat
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Travel Guides
By Kelley Dukat
Visitors to California typically want beautiful beaches and breathtaking national parks, but this special town also offers unique history and fun shopping.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
A mountain town in Virginia is the ideal getaway for foodies. Stop by award-winning wineries, breweries, and restaurants, including the oldest bar in the state.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
If you are looking for a stateside getaway with the mountain views of Switzerland, head to this quaint Oregon town filled with artsy shops and good food.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
With so many bustling hubs, it can be hard to remember that California is a large state brimming with natural beauty. Check it out for yourself at this lake.
By Kelley Dukat
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If you want a vacation destination with plenty of hiking, scenic views, and a cute downtown, head to this spot in Virginia, known as "Trail Town U.S.A."
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
California is chock full of memorable parks, but this secreted beauty in the heart of Malibu may be one of the best. There's plenty here for everyone.
By Kelley Dukat
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Travel Guides
By Kelley Dukat
No summer vacation in Oregon is complete without a visit to this fun-filled, family-friendly coastal city, where you'll find beach views, games, and more.
By Kelley Dukat
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Travel Guides
By Kelley Dukat
Be close to nature, without roughing it outdoors, during a stay at this stylish resort. Sleep in a sleek cabin and take advantage of the wellness amenities.
By Kelley Dukat
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Travel Guides
By Kelley Dukat
Within this unique, historic Virginia city, you can visit numerous boutiques and art galleries while easily hopping between two different states.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
Known as the 'Switzerland of California,' this mountain town and its surrounding natural areas offer unparalleled views and activities all year round.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
Bristol is known all over Rhode Island for its massive Fourth of July celebration. But there's far more to this little East Bay town than a parade.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
If you're planning a trip to Arizona's Grand Canyon, don't forget to check out this nifty little pool in its depths. But be warned! The water within is toxic.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
This Southern city is bustling with urban culture. From museums to historic buildings, there's plenty to explore in this iconic destination.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
To avoid Lake Tahoe crowds within a California alpine paradise, visit this year-round destination that has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
By Kelley Dukat
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Travel Guides
By Kelley Dukat
Rich with history and primed for epic adventure, this low-key setting in the Sierra Nevada mountains boasts a side of California that is unparalleled.
By Kelley Dukat
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Travel Guides
By Kelley Dukat
For stunning scenery, mouth-watering farm-to-table cuisine, and some incredible movie history, head to this Virginia property any time of year.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
This small town in Colorado was once an important railroad junction. Today, it's full of affordable attractions, nature spots, and fascinating wildlife.
By Kelley Dukat
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Travel Guides
By Kelley Dukat
One large town in California's Fresno County is known as the "Gateway to the Sierras" and offers small-town charm with a relatively low cost of living.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
Enjoy first-class resorts, spas, and luxury hotels at this town in California's Coachella Valley, which has been a haven for celebrities for decades.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
Unlike many falls which you should only admire from a distance, Stoddard Canyon Falls is one you can swim in after completing a challenging hike.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
The Mustang Mountain Coaster opened in 2021 on Sombrero Ranch, a horse ranch in Estes Park. Here's what you need to know about this family-friendly attraction.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
If you love year-round outdoor activities like hiking and bird-watching, you'll need to check out this breathtaking California wildlife refuge.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
Hidden on California's coast, this quaint New England–style beach town is a gorgeous getaway and offers premiere access to the nearby redwoods.
By Kelley Dukat
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Travel Guides
By Kelley Dukat
Washington D.C. is home to a host of amazing historical attractions and delicious eateries, but there's one museum that in itself is a work of art.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
There are interesting and beautiful things to see all over California, inclucing this under-the-radar canyon that offers scenic vistas and a strange history.
By Kelley Dukat
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Destinations
By Kelley Dukat
The Shenandoah Valley is full of vacation hot spots, and this small Virginia town has plenty of shopping, eating, and singular natural attractions.
By Kelley Dukat
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