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
How to Stay Healthy While Traveling
Long-term travel can cause weight gain and unhealthy habits. Stay healthy while traveling by eating nutritiously and finding ways to include daily exercise.
San Francisco in Three Days
Experience the best of exciting San Francisco in three days. Enjoy Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and San Fran’s iconic cable cars.
Hiking in Sapa, Vietnam
Hiking in Sapa, Vietnam, blends the best of indigenous cultures, rolling rice paddies, and rugged vistas. Begin your journey with a night train from Hanoi.
Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
A visit to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, offers the charm of Vietnam’s Old City and the unique, striking cliffs and emerald waters of the bay.
Bus 502: Local Travel in India turns Dicey
Rumors along the backpacker trail foretold of the long, intolerable Hanoi to Vientiane bus ride. We found out just how crazy this route actually was!
Island in the Sun: Memories of the Captain
Through rain storms and seasickness to high winds and sunburns, we sailed and experienced the world that the captain had raved about for thirty years.
Two days in Hue, Vietnam
From the quaint riverside town of Hoi An, we traveled by bus to Hue, passing through some jaw dropping, big-skied country vistas. It is here that nature exists without airplanes droning overhead or blue skies cut into lanes by intrusive power lines. The...
Five Reasons to Visit Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is a beautiful UNESCO world heritage site. After five fabulous days, I whittled my favorite adventures down to 5 reasons to visit Hoi An.
The Popular Boat Trip of Nha Trang, Vietnam
The popular boat trip of Nha Trang, Vietnam, is legendary among backpackers. A dance party, alcohol, lunch, and karaoke equals a cheap, fun day trip.
Mui Ne Sand Sledding and on to Da Lat, Vietnam
Sand sledding in Mui Ne, Vietnam, is just fantastic! Rent a metal sheet for $1 and spend the day sand sledding down Mui Ne’s golden sand dunes. Trust me!













