I’m Ashley, your solo travel expert.
I’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime—with more “wow!” moments and considerably fewer “whoopsies” and “uh-ohs.”
I’ve been traveling since way before Booking.com, Instagram, travel forums, Google Maps, and the internet made it possible to research every last detail from your couch. Back then, you actually had to figure things out as you went—and believe me, I’ve figured out a lot of things the hard way.
Over the years, I’ve learned what’s worth packing, what’s definitely not worth packing, which travel “must-dos” actually live up to the hype, and how a little advance planning can save you time, money, and the occasional meltdown.
Think of me as your well-traveled friend who has already made the mistakes, tested the gear, gotten lost, overpacked, underplanned, and lived to tell the tale.
Start with my Travel Products and Resources page, where I’ve rounded up the gear, gadgets, products, and little travel helpers that make life on the road oh-so-much easier.
Then, stick around the blog for destination inspiration, travel tips, itineraries, lessons learned, and plenty of stories from my adventures.
Have a question? Ask away. If I don’t know the answer, I probably know someone who does—or I’ll figure it out!
84 Countries
6 Continents
Latest Posts
10 things to do in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Heading to the Balkans? Check out 10 of my favorite sight-seeing recommendations and things to do in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Backpacking in Argentina
There is a particular romance to traveling, a tingly excitement and sensory rush to beginning a new trip. The evolution of a random idea as it spawns into an ironclad decision, followed by the struggle of packing, planning, and finally cracking open that obscenely new...
We Should Pay More Attention to Slovenia
Slovenia is a beautiful little country. Spend a day in cosmopolitan Ljubljana and then out to magical Lake Bled for hiking and alpine views.
Intoxicating Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary, is an intoxicating city. See the stunning Parliament, stroll through Castle Hill, soak in Turkish Baths, or walk along the Danube River.
Weekend in Bratislava, Slovakia
Spend a few days in sleepy Bratislava, Slovakia, a city full of culture, delicious halusky, and beautiful Danube views.
What I Love About Eastern Europe
Food, trains, coffee, and culture: here are a few of the traits that I simply love about Eastern Europe.
Two Days in Vienna, Austria
Two days in Vienna are plenty to explore the capital of classical music, the home to Gustav Klimt, and a city full of rich and interesting Hofburg heritage.
Enchanting Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
I spent three nights in enchanting Cesky Krumlov, a medieval village in the Czech Republic. Hike the countryside and explore the Round Tower and Castle Town.
Romantic Prague
Romantic Prague is captured by its architecture, nightlife, and culture, and this old city should be a top spot on any European adventure.
Touring and remembering Auschwitz
Touring Auschwitz and Birkenau can be done via an organized tour or on your own from Krakow. Though incredibly moving, spend a day to remember the Holocaust.












