Inspiring Your Journey

with travel tips, stories + resources
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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

Italy’s Magnificent Lake District

Italy’s Magnificent Lake District

The secrets of Italy's Magnificent Lake District are out: snowcapped mountains, trees dripping with blossoms, cerulean water and sweet jasmine breezes. From our little balcony, we saw the peaks of the Swiss Alps rising in the north and the grand villas and tiny...

What to do in Venice, Italy

So, you made it to Venice (or are planning to visit Venice soon) and you are wondering what there to do in this stunning, floating city? Hopefully, you have a few days to thoroughly explore Venice and all of its treasures. My mother and I stayed two nights, and we...

Taking a Gondola in Venice, Italy

Taking a Gondola in Venice, Italy

Gliding along the maze of twists and curves is one of the best ways to truly see Venice and get a different perspective on parts of the city where your feet cannot take you.

Getting lost in Venice, Italy

Getting lost in Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy is heralded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Gondolas, canals, foot bridges and lavish palaces adorn winding alleys. But to truly experience Venice, it is essential to get a little lost.

The hill towns of Tuscany

The hill towns of Tuscany

Tuscany boasts myriad hill towns, and each is special, captivating and unique. From Pienza and Siena to Montepulciano and Lucca, which is the favorite?

Six things to do in Florence

Six things to do in Florence

Florence simply drips with a romantic ambience that grips your soul. Here are the six things that I enjoyed the most during my time in this magical city.

The Colorful Amalfi Coast

The Colorful Amalfi Coast

The colorful Amalfi Coast: Pastel villages nearly plunge into the azure Med. Heralded by poets and playboys, this jewel certainly boasts unmarred beauty.

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