I’m Ashley, your solo travel expert.
I’ll help you plan the trip of a lifetime so you can return home with memorable moments (instead of whoopsies & uh-ohs). I was traveling way before we had the conveniences of Booking.com, travel forums, social media and the internet. So, I’m a go-to resource for terrific tips and valuable advice!
Get started with my Travel Products and Resources page, chock full of the gear, products and the little things that make travel ‘oh so easy. Then, head to my blog for more tips and advice. Other questions? Reach out and ask!
72 Countries
6 Continents
Latest Posts
How to budget for South-East Asia Islands
How to Budget for South-East Asia Islands - South-East Asia is certainly considered an affordable travel destination, which helps make it so gosh-darn fun and wonderful. When I backpacked through Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos and Borneo, I often spent...
Orangutans and White Water Rafting in Sabah, Malaysia
Malaysian Borneo is one of my favorite travel spots. Sabah offers hiking, jungle safaris, orangutans, SCUBA diving, white water rafting, and more.
Mount Kinabalu Two Day Hike
Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, rises over 4,000 meters. The challenging two-day hike is an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience for any traveler.
SCUBA Diving in Sipadan, Borneo, Malaysia
Sipadan, in Malaysian Borneo, is world renowned for jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime diving. Seaventures Dive Resort offers close access to Sipadan, as well as micro-diving.
Dawn on the Kinabatangan River: Sakau, Malaysia
I’m roused from my slumber by the distant trumpeting of elephants and singing of thornbirds. It is morning on the Kinabatangan River and the animals announced the day's commencement. (Actually, it was the roosters outside my window that first awakened me, but I have...
Hiking Around Taupo, New Zealand
Taupo is surrounded by dozens of hiking trails leading into the hills or along the river. Avid walkers and hikers frequent these trails morning through dusk, and I just may have covered all of them during my stay in Taupo. My favorite hike followed a winding trail to...
The Beauty of Taupo, New Zealand
For the History Buffs - Since Captain Cook brought the first sheep into New Zealand in 1773, the sheep population has grown to over 40 million. That represents twelve sheep for every person living in tiny New Zealand. However, although a large percentage of New...
Seal Colony at Red Rocks Reserve, Wellington
The Wellington countryside was used in many scenes of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Easy to see why with all the rocky cliffsides and lush meadows. For keen LOTR fans, there are plenty of tours and activites for all levels of hobbit lovers, including a $150 tour...
Best of Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington is a beautiful city, and once you acclimate to the gale-force winds blowing in from the south pier, there are plenty of things to fill up your days. After catching up on some much needed Z's following my overnight bus ride from Auckland, I grabbed a map...
Overnight Bus Rides: Good, Bad, and Ugly
As a world-traveling vagabond, I'm accustomed to various types of transportation. Whether it's a tuk-tuk in downtown Bangkok, a friendly donkey in the countryside of Laos, a rickshaw in India's dusty streets, or a backseat on a rusty, squeaky moped. Whatever the type...
