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
Tasmania: Snow, Rain, and Gale Force Winds
There's a Gale in Tasy! - Well, I'm being a bit dramatic, but it certainly felt that we were in the middle of a full blown gale at times!! Welcome to life in Tasmania. The island is beautiful, a sprawling terrain of rugged mountains, jutting snow peaks, yellow and...
Discover Hobart: A Whimsical Village
Our Tasmanian adventure actually started off on a spectacular path in whimsical Hobart. I met up with Gwenda who had arrived at the Pickled Frog hostel the previous evening whereas I caught the earliest flight available the next morning. My Melbourne hostel had a...
Cosmopolitan Melbourne and Coffee Culture
Farewell to the Games - Melbourne's atmosphere is addictive! There are so many different people from around the world supporting one another, chatting in the streets, and hanging out in pubs long into the early morning hours. One of my favorite parts about the...
Melbourne -City festivities galore
It's time for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne! The city is decked out in glitz and glitter, complete with dozens of huge television screens throughout the parks and town squares. The atmosphere here is fun! There are so many people from so many different...
Great Ocean Road – Day trip from Melbourne
Great Ocean Road - Love it, love it, love it. I'm currently lying on a glorious beach in Lorne, one of the many small towns along the Great Ocean Road. I've stunned. These types of crashing waves and roaring seas only existed in my imagination and the scene is truly...
Blue Mountains- Day trip from Sydney
After I sufficiently explored Sydney Harbour and had my fill of snorkeling and adventuring around Bondi Beach, I felt it was time to stretch my legs and see what the fuss was about the Blue Mountains. I wanted to see if a) were they really blue? b) what was this...
Sydney, Australia – G’Day Mate!
Hello from Australia!! I had a wonderful, restful break in traveling at home, in central Illinois. I caught up with friends, cuddled some babies that arrived while I was away, and indulged in some foods I missed while on the road (Dunkin' Donuts coffee, salty...
Cameron Highlands – Enjoy Tea and Strawberries Fields
Cameron Highlands, a fabulous oasis boasting lush, tea plantations, and strawberry fields, is a respite respite. Enjoy cooler nights and Indo-Malay food.
Taman Negara, Malaysia — Trekking through history
Malaysia’s Taman Negara jungle is nature in it’s purest form. Arrive by the “Jungle Train,” and enjoy hiking, canopy walks, parrots, monkeys, and jungle life.
Perhentian Islands – SCUBA diving Perhentian Kecil
Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands thrive with beach dwellers and water lovers. Kecil’s incredible reefs and beaches offer prime SCUBA diving and relaxation time.
