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
Tasmania: It’s Still Raining, Gwenda.
After leaving Launceston, I felt we were thrown into the Tasmanian twilight zone. Brunie, Wynyard, Rosebery, and Zeehan were but specs on the map, and tiny "sweet" restroom stops along the drive. I was struck by how much the area reminded me The towns villages grew...
Tasmania: Bay of Fires and Beach Camping
Our brilliant idea of sleeping in the back of Deedee wasn't gong so well. While camping in Mt. Field, we awoke to ice covered windows and frozen toes. I'm not sure what we were thinking for we attempted to drive to the top of the mountain that morning. I got us about...
Tasmania Road trip: Discover Port Arthur and Wineglass Bay
Tasmania Roadtrip begins - After a few days in Hobart where we visited the local markets, strolled along the docks, and ate our share of fish 'n ships, we were all set to start our adventure of driving around Tasmania island. Renting a car was no problem, and on...
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...














