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
Touring Ancient Rome
Take a tour through Ancient Rome including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon.
Impressions of Rome
They say “all roads lead to Rome." Well, this idiom certainly held true for my mother and me last April. Our roads from Skopje, Macedonia, and Onarga, Illinois, USA, led us to rendezvous in Rome one cloudless Spring day. Eleven cities, nine train rides, eight...
A Warm Welcome to Prizren, Kosovo
I was welcomed to Kosovo in the warmest possible way. First, after arriving via furgon from Albania, I was dropped off on a street corner in a dusty, nondescript town. At a loss of how to begin the last leg of my journey toward Prizren and badly in need of...
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!
