About my Adventure

Welcome

Thank you for joining me on my adventure.

My name is Ashley and I am the Thoughtful Traveller.

2024 brought a big shift in my life. I went from an always busy, home schooling Mom to suddenly asking myself “Is it time for my career to begin?”

So, to help me answer that question I started The Thoughtful Thicket, a blog focused on self care for Moms. As I looked into my future, I could not see who I was outside of being “just a Mom”. My kids were heading into high school, becoming more and more independent every day, and I was suddenly left with the very real possibility of a life without purpose.

My self discovery journey began with a trip. A solo trip. Just me. No kids. No partner. And no cell service. I was heading into Algonquin Park to join a group of strangers who were also on a journey of self discovery. If that sounds a bit scary to you, I completely agree. This was so far outside my comfort zone, I might as well have said I was joining the next Space X launch (I’m not a billionaire btw-a trip into space is not happening in my lifetime). Read more about my Wellness Retreat trip at The Thoughtful Thicket.

Little did I know, that that step outside of my comfort zone was going to bring me here. To my new career – helping other wanderers discover parts of themselves while exploring the places they always dreamed to go.

A Career in Travel Was Inevitable

Even though I credit that solo adventure for setting me on this course, I was not a stranger to travel.

First, I grew up with wanderlust parents who were eager to take us on road trips all over North America. Now, in their retirement, they share with me their globe-trotting adventures.

And, after having kids of my own, I wanted to give them the same kind of opportunities. So, we joined the many families who made trips to Walt Disney World an annual tradition.

Then, when I came up with the somewhat “hair-brained” idea of fulltime RV travel as an affordable way to see more of North America, my family jumped onboard.

If you would like to read more about just what my travel life has looked like up until now, read these articles below.

Today…

So that brings me to what I am doing here today. My mission is to bring you helpful advice and planning help to get you started on your own journey – whatever that may mean to you.

Even though, I am not licensed to book travel the way a travel agent would be, you can find great DIY travel booking tips and advice here. Travel booking is in my future however, so stick with me while I gain the certifications and licenses required to being a full fledged travel advisor.

Right now, you are joining me in the infancy of my new career and I hope you will get as much out of what I share with you as I hope you will. It is a labour of love and I hope it comes through in the pages of this blog.

Let the Adventure Begin!