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
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.
Traveling in Beijing, China
Our foray into China began amid the hubbub of Beijing. We visited the Summer Palace, Donghuamen Night Market, hutongs, Great Wall and so much more.
Overnight trains in China
Taking overnight trains in a common part of travel in China. Adjusting to the therapeutic rocking motion during a night’s sleep as well as sharing a bunk with strangers adds a special note to the travel experience.
Meeting China’s Giant Pandas
Meeting China’s famous giant pandas was an inspiring travel experience. Cuddly, lovable, and oh so cute, these black-and-white bears live nowhere else in the world outside captivity.
Discovering Yangshou, China
This quaint little town of Yangshou keep us occupied for a few days before we traveled further south to Hong Kong. While here, we shopped in the town’s many boutiques and markets and drank plenty of tea while waiting for the rain to stop.
