Natalie Rushing, Author at Outsider Odyssey

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

Updated January 12, 2025 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 wit[...]

Snuba divers in the ocean in Florida Keys

12 Amazing Things to Do When Visiting Key West

January 10, 2024

Photo by Mike, Underwater Exploring I love Key West. Well, I love all the Florida Keys, really. But Key West has its own unique flavor… think chickens wandering around, six-toed cats, alcohol, key lime pie, and unusual, vibrant, very “Florida” art galleries. It’s 90 miles from Cuba and surrounded by ocean, yet doesn't feel “beachy.” Plus, it’s known for having a drinking and partying culture. I know, I know. This blog is an “introvert channel.” And Key West, the party city, doesn’t really[...]

How to Travel as an Introvert: 10 Things I’ve Learned

January 2, 2024

If you’re an introvert, you may be wondering if the whole “travel thing” is for you. For me, personally, before I became a digital nomad nearly 2 years ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d make it. After all, the majority of solo nomads seem to be extroverted and outgoing. But I'm introverted and... in-staying? I have my outgoing moments, sure, but most nights, you can find me working at home (wherever "home" is at the time), running errands, or going to the gym. But despite my propensity for staying in, I[...]

14 Unusual Reasons Why the Florida Keys Are Worth Visiting

November 26, 2023

Ahhh, the Keys. Just thinking about them makes me want to put my swimsuit on with a pair of shorts and stroll around outside. But I'm in Denver right now, where that's neither practical nor socially acceptable. The Keys were recommended to me by a friend, who described them as "something else." That friend went on to say that he didn't care much for Florida, but "there's something about the Keys." Intrigued, I wanted to know what that "something" was. I knew I wanted to spend a good chunk of my time as a no[...]

Stepping Way the F* Out of my Comfort Zone: Boudoir Photoshoot

October 31, 2023

A Story All photos on this page were taken by Mina Rosenberg https://www.boudoirbymina.com I pulled into a parking lot on a sunny October evening somewhere near Littleton, CO, already feeling like I was about to break out in hives. I'd been nervous on the hour-long drive from Idaho Springs, alternating between questioning all my life choices thus far and trying to convince myself that I was some sort of badass stepping into her empowerment. All while the radio blasted rock music, of course. What I didn't[...]

Blue Ridge Mountains - why you should visit Asheville

8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Asheville This Fall

October 27, 2023

When I visited Asheville, NC last fall, I was completely blown away by the mountains, the art, and of course, the beautiful fall foliage. It’s where I really fell in love with hiking. An ideal balance of city and country life, Asheville is perfect for introverts and solo travelers who want to be alone in nature all day and then go to a brewery at night. And if you’ve ever imagined yourself to be the mysterious, quirky main character that many people don't understand, but the ones who get you, get you, Ashevill[...]

Picture of goat wearing dress during goat yoga

10 Ways to Make Friends in a New City as a Digital Nomad

September 22, 2023

The digital nomad life is a solitary one, and I love that about it. Most of the time I'm perfectly content to spend my days working, nights curled up with my dog, and weekends solo exploring. But every now and then I get the urge to hose off the slop, put on real clothes, and have a night out on the town, damn it! Here are some methods that have worked for me to meet people and make friends in a new city as a digital nomad (and keep my social muscles from completely atrophying). 1.) Meetup.com The picture ab[...]

Solo Dry Tortugas Day Trip: a Guide to one of the Least-Visited U.S. National Parks

January 30, 2023

Updated 12/26/2024 Does napping on a remote beach 70 miles from civilization in front of gorgeous turquoise water sound like paradise to you? That was my experience during my solo Dry Tortugas day trip! When I visited the Florida Keys, I was lucky enough to get a ferry ticket to Dry Tortugas National Park. I had been checking for days, and it was all booked up, but I kept checking anyway, and lo and behold, a cancellation popped up! On a Sunday at that. So without thinking twice, I grabbed a ticket, and I'm[...]