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
Discovering Hong Kong
Discovering Hong Kong, where clean streets, culinary treats, real toilets and western-themed stores are the norm, offered a dose of western culture.
Night buses in China
Night buses in China are an adventurous—and affordable—mode of transportation. Just be aware that the beds are a bit smaller than typical Westerners are use to!
Cobblestones of Yangshou, China
Yangshou, though a lovely cobblestone village, soon came to remind us too much of the China version based in Disneyland.
Adjusting to Chinese Culture
Heading south from Beijing, China, to Xian was an adventure. Along the way, we taste-tested local cuisine, experienced the local toilets and gave our best efforts at adjusting to fascinating Chinese culture.
Songpan’s Ice mountain in Sichuan, China
Camping and horse trekking in the Sichuan province was an uncommon adventure. For three days, we rode across mountain landscapes to Ice Mountain.
Mama Naxi’s Guesthouse in Lijiang, China
After weeks of nonstop travel, we settled in Lijiang at Mama Naxi’s Guesthouse. Genuine and full of life, she’s a true gem along the backpacker trail.
Exploring Shanghai, China
After a multi-day train ride across China, we arrived into Shanghai and set off to explore the Old Town, downtown and of course, the shopping!
Hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge, China
An overnight trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge in China’s Yunnan province offers spectacular scenery, brisk winds and a peaceful respite from the usual hum of backpacking.
Leaving Shanghai
After many nights in Shanghai, we bid China farewell. I left with mixed feelings about China, particularly about the government’s horrid treatment of Tibet.
Visiting Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China
Tiananmen Square, Mao’s creation in central Beijing, evokes feelings of awe-inspiring wonder and heart-sickening memories of extreme government brutality.
