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
Ho Chi Minh City Day Tours: MeKong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels
Eager to see the countryside and historical side of Vietnam, we booked a few Ho Chi Minh City Day tours to explore the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.
Skiing on Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand
Skiing on Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand’s magnificent snow country offers a refreshing break from the day-to-day humdrum of backing life.
Tongariro Crossing: Best One Day Hike in New Zealand
The Tongariro Crossing, a 19.4 km hike in New Zealand, is a spectacular tramping track. Go alone, take a shuttle, or enjoy a full-day tour.
Those days when you hate traveling
Traveling is a huge part of my past and my experiences shaped me into the person I am today. But – there are those days when everything seems to go wrong, days when I’m almost ready to throw in my travel towel and scream that I hate traveling. Sometimes, traveling just kind of sucks.
Farewell to Tongatapu, Tonga
Tongatapu, Tonga, offered the perfect laid back, no television or Wifi atmosphere before heading back to Auckland, New Zealand.
Relaxing in ‘Eua, Tonga
The Tongan island of ‘Eua boasts hills, rain forests, dramatic coastlines, caves, giant banyan trees, and ancient quarries—a Lost World in the Pacific.
Exploring Hawaii’s Big Island
Exploring Hawaii’s Big Island offers a plethora of to-dos: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a Waimeo road trip, a Kohala coast snorkel, and local Kona coffee, of course .
Road to Hana: Hawaii’s Famous Road Trip
Welcome to the Road to Hana, the crown-jewel of Hawaiian driving tours! Enjoy 56 bridges, 600 tight turns, waterfalls, beaches, and drop-your-jaw vistas.
Sunrise at Haleakala National Park, Hawaii
One of my most memorable adventures in Maui, Hawaii, was sunrise at Haleakala National Park. 1.5 hours, 38 miles, 10,023 ft, and one incredible sunrise.
The Best of Paradise in Maui, Hawaii
Whether you’re a honeymooner, adventure-seeker, or budgeting backpacker, Maui, Hawaiis, offers unparalleled natural beauty and plenty to suit every travel persona.















