Natalie Rushing, Author at Outsider Odyssey

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[...]

The Best 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[...]