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
Five things to do in Oahu, Hawaii.
From the shores of Waikiki Beach to the stunning history at the USS Arizona, Oahu, Hawaii, boasts sunshine and splendor at every turn. Here are my top five things to do in this island paradise.
Living on Tongan Time
Tonga is delightful. From the incredible stretches of uninhabited beaches to the huggable, lovable nature of the islanders, Tonga proves to be both a visual gem and cultural stunner of the South Pacific. (Of course, all of the South Pacific islands are beautiful...and...
Uoleva, Tonga—A South Pacific Paradise
Uoleva, Tonga, is a South Pacific paradise. Palm trees brim with coconuts, pink clouds skim cobalt skies, and soft waves kiss your toes. True island life!
Tongan Heilala Festival and Birthday Celebrations
The Heilala Festival celebrates the flowering of the heilala, Tonga’s national flower, and visitors come to Nuku’alofa to enjoy the festivities and music.
One Week in Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Allow one week in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, to fully explore the main island. Enjoy an island tour, sip kava, experience an umu, and relax with friendly locals.
Long Weekend in New York City
Spend a weekend exploring the best that Manhattan has to offer. Uptown, Downtown, Times Square, Central Park, and more.
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.













