Natalie Rushing, Author at Outsider Odyssey

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 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 explore and[...]

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

My Unforgettable New Orleans Mardi Gras Experience: A Story

February 6, 2024

Howdy, folks, it's story time today! I traveled solo to New Orleans for a Mardi Gras experience 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.[...]

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 Fun Things to Do in 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 to Visit the Florida Keys

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

I’m Dreaming of an Asheville NC Fall: 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit During This Incredible Season

October 27, 2023

Updated 4/10/25. During my very first Asheville NC 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 solo travelers who want to be alone in nature all day and then go to a brewery or a show 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 yo[...]

Picture of goat wearing dress during goat yoga

11 Tips on How to Make Friends 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 take my hair out of the bun, put on my nice 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 as a digital nomad (and keep my social muscles from completely atrophying). 1.) Meetup.com The picture abo[...]