Shelby’s love for travel began at age 18 when she toured Europe as a musician. The continent’s diverse cultures and historical landmarks captivated her and sparked a passion for exploration. After that transformative trip, her adventures stuck closer to home—camping trips and visits to family in Tennessee—but the desire to explore the world only increased. Travel became her goal, and she began shaping her life around it.

After marrying, Shelby and her husband moved to Colorado on a whim, living in the mountains, then the city and now in the countryside with their two daughters and two horses. In 2006, a serendipitous encounter with Natural Habitat Adventures changed her life. Hired as Nat Hab’s reservations and billing manager, she finally had the chance to pursue her travel dreams through company trips.

Scotland first stole her heart—watching sea lions, seabirds, and savoring Scotch with locals. Then came Southeast Asia: biking through rice fields, sailing Halong Bay, exploring Angkor Wat and even witnessing a water buffalo riding on a motorbike. Her most unforgettable journey? A sunrise hot air balloon ride over Tanzania’s Serengeti, surrounded by the thunder of wildebeest hooves below—a moment so surreal it left her speechless.