Natalie Rushing, Author at Outsider Odyssey

21 Fun Things to Do Alone in Austin

October 21, 2024

Austin is a fabulous city for the solo traveler or digital nomad. It's easy to meet new people, but there are also a lot of fun things to do alone in Austin. The people are friendly, there's a sense of community, there are numerous coffee shops to work from, and there's no shortage of fun activities. Plus, it's known for being a "weird" city, which I'm all about. So without further ado, here's a list of my favorite things to do alone in Austin! Patsy the chicken 1. Spend a Sunday at Chicken Shit Bingo[...]

Eating Alone in Restaurants: A Solo Traveler’s How-To Guide

October 13, 2024

A guide to overcoming that awkward feeling of dining solo. Tips for solo travelers, digital nomads, and anyone else who's going out to eat alone.

The 3 Worst Dates I’ve Ever Been on as a Digital Nomad

October 5, 2024

Be careful out there, folks. I’m about to tell you about the 3 worst dates I’ve been on since I began my digital nomadic odyssey. These stories are funny to me now, but at the time I was less amused. Don't worry--nothing terrible happened, but still, look out. The last one is the absolute kicker. Ready? Let's get to it. Part of the Cathedral of Junk in Austin. It's kind of similar to dating--lots of junk out there, but you might find something good. Bad date #1: Rat Boy I met Chuck (not his[...]

Dating as a Digital Nomad: 8 Tips for Success

September 29, 2024

You don’t need me to tell you that dating is hard. But if you’re a digital nomad who’s permanently traveling and moving every few months, it’s much harder. It’s easy to get swept up in some fantasy that you’ll meet the perfect person for you, and the two of you can nomad together, happily ever after. After all, we’ve all heard those stories of couples who met while on vacation, did long distance for a while, and then one or both moved and it all worked out. If you’re a single nomad r[...]

17 Disadvantages of Nomadic Life

September 10, 2024

I told you about the benefits of being a digital nomad. Now for the less glamorous parts. I’m talking about the disadvantages of nomadic life. You see a lot of highlight reels on digital nomad life but not too much on the negative aspects. If considering this lifestyle, there are many pros and cons, but you have to decide if the negative outweighs the positive for you, or vice versa. So I’ve made a list of some disadvantages you may not have thought about so you can make the decision that’s best for yo[...]

Great Sand dunes National Park with snow-covered sand dune as the sun sets.

19 Benefits of Being a Digital Nomad

August 19, 2024

Trying to decide if digital nomad life is right for you? I’m breaking down the benefits. Though there are many pros and cons, in this post, we're putting on our rose-colored glasses and only talking about the advantages. Don’t worry, I’ll address the disadvantages separately. But right now we’re eating dessert for dinner, so to speak. So pack your bags and let’s hit the road! I’ve got all the good stuff about nomadic life for ya. 1. No more post-vacation blues You know that sad feeling[...]

Woman drenched in rain water posing by Mt. Mitchell sign at the summit of the trail.

How to Hike Mount Mitchell: A Simple Guide for Beginners

June 25, 2024

When I visited Asheville, North Carolina, I did something I never thought I’d do. I decided, pretty much on a whim, to hike the Mount Mitchell trail. If you know anything about hiking in the Asheville area, you know that this hike has a reputation. At 6,684 ft. Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Locals refer to it as "the big one." And I was an absolute beginner. I was going to hike roughly 6 steep, quad-burning miles to the summit and 6 miles back down, knowing next to nothi[...]

Woman crossing the street. Famous pink building with decorated balcony on Royal Street is in the background. One of many things to do alone in New Orleans

10 Can’t-Miss Things to do alone in New Orleans

June 21, 2024

Though it has an infamous reputation as a party city, there are so many things to do alone in New Orleans besides party. The first time I visited was the last weekend of Mardi Gras, "Deep Gras," as it's called. And I had a blast all by myself. I had so much fun that I had to come back next Mardi Gras! If you enjoy music, food, culture, and a little cheekiness thrown in, you'll love New Orleans. For the best solo trip to New Orleans, don't overthink it. Pick a few "must-do" things, but otherwise, just explo[...]

Street performer man wearing crown and dress posing with woman attending Mari Gras

New Orleans Mardi Gras Story by a Solo Female Traveler

February 6, 2024

Howdy, folks, it's story time today! I went to Mardi Gras alone in New Orleans and lived to tell the tale. At first, I was nervous. Part of me was dreading it. All the crime you hear about on the news can get to you. And there I was--a solo female traveler going into the middle of it all for one of the biggest festivals in the world. What was I thinking? But I wanted the experience. And I'm glad I had it because it was an absolute blast! And now I'll tell you my story in a series of photos. Oh, and it's not[...]

Woman posing with green feather boa at Mardi Gras

How to Travel Solo to Mardi Gras: a Comprehensive Guide

January 25, 2024

Ahhh, Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Generally thought of as a party destination with friends, Mardi Gras is also fun for solo travelers. Wait, what? Solo? Isn't that dangerous?! No, not when done smartly! We'll get to the safety tips in a second. First--when you think of Mardi Gras, what comes to mind? Maybe you imagine drunken debauchery, neon-colored drinks, and shiny beads adorning the necks of topless women. Maybe you imagine exclusive Mardi Gras balls or elaborate parades with riders (who are drinking,[...]