Wander
Where to go, where to stay, what to do. The ultimate site for travelers and wanderers.
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Top Stories
Stories in Wander that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
The Meeting
READ "PART I" HERE: My third adventure outside the United States was to Putian, China (the second was with a college friend to London for Spring Break—a unique choice that I'll write about later). It wasn't exactly a study abroad opportunity, but I was still in college, and a philosophy professor recommended the experience to me. She knew I was interested in Eastern philosophy, focusing on Daoism, and thought a trip to a Buddhist temple in China might be up my alley. She was right.
A Siberian Story: Tag, You’re It
Snow shimmers in -24 degrees. Trees that usually wear their forest green coats are dusted by frost, looming tall and piercing the pastel coloured sky like sentinels for a citadel of silence. Finland is made of frozen moments, standing so still in between breaths of icy air. It’s serene. It’s like a dream. It’s the most enchanting thing I’ve ever seen.
Inshallah
Istanbul is a city bristling with life, a place where past and present, sacred and profane, intertwine under the watchful gaze of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. As I explore this crossroads of cultures with Maya, my nine-year-old niece and the daughter of my late brother-in-law Frank, and my wife Nadia, Frank's sister, I find myself on a journey not just through Istanbul's history, but also into the depths of my own beliefs. Staying with Maya and her mother Elvan, my sister-in-law, I begin to see the city anew through their eyes, and to understand why James Baldwin said it "revived" him.
Geoffrey PhilpPublished 4 days ago in WanderWas I a Model in Japan?
During my time in Nagoya I worked and lived at the strangely famous hostel and café Nagonoya. With its chequered floors and florescent lighting it felt quite dated, but I think that was supposed to be part of the charm. The dorms were always fully booked on weekends with domestic tourists and there was always a buzz in the downstairs café. Camera crews were constantly in and out of the place interviewing the Japanese staff members who worked the café. I think it had something to do with the egg sandwiches. At least that was what was on most of the merchandise, except for that one dishcloth with the owner’s face on it. Was I being employed by a local celebrity?
Susanna KiernanPublished 27 days ago in WanderA Wander Round York
Introduction I'm not so sure how to do this as this was just a weekend wandering round York, taking pictures, talking to people making new friends and luckily having great weather for it.
Mike Singleton - MikeydredPublished about a month ago in WanderTurkish Delight
Firstly, shout out to my girlfriend Hannah for pointing out that the pun-based title of this blog was definitely going to be “Turkish Delight,” thus giving me the idea for a brilliant pun-based title for this blog. Couldn’t have come up with one better myself.
Matty LongPublished 2 months ago in WanderWhat It’s Really Like to Catch Covid While Traveling
I was so excited to go to the little village of San Marcos, on Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. It’s a cute hippy enclave, and I was excited to let my hippy flag fly! I’d planned to go to some yoga classes, get a massage, a sound bath, and maybe do some fun workshops. I wanted to swim and go walking every day we were there.
Sh*t Happens - Lost Girl TravelPublished 3 months ago in WanderEveryone Is Tired of Christmas Stories, Nevertheless I Share This Sweet Moment From Bali
Christmas is exceedingly different living in a country outside the States. For me, it translates to unembellished, meaningful introspection sans the massive commercialism that commences on day one post-Halloween.
Victoria KjosPublished 4 months ago in Wander
Collections
Themed story collections curated by the Vocal moderators.
Travel Do's and Dont's
Walk a mile, or a thousand, in someone else's shoes. Travel Do's and Dont's from those who have been there, done that.
Guides
Wander smarter, and talk shop with those who've been down that road before.
Beginner Backpacker
The world is yours for the taking. Where will you backpack to next?
Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
A Gneiss View
It was a bright day in early March, the sun was shining and a substantial fall of fresh snow lay pristine under an arching blue sky. I stepped off the train at Lairg, midway along the branch line that winds its way from Inverness to Wick in the far north of Scotland and wondered whether the postbus would be in the station car park or somewhere between where I stood and Lochinver, lodged up to its headlights in snow.
Italy: My Solo Adventure In Florence
Italy had been on my list forever. It was like that crush you can’t help but daydream about. So, last year in May, I finally decided that it was time to turn those daydreams into reality and I booked my first solo trip to Italy. There were going to be a lot of firsts including this one being my first time to a new country altogether by myself. I had already booked my tickets to Milan while I was on a trip to Wales during Easter. So, that meant that I couldn’t back out now. I wasn’t going to anyway because I was too excited to go there!
Isha AroraPublished 44 minutes ago in WanderWanderlust on a budget
The world beckons with its diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. But travel doesn't have to be synonymous with breaking the bank. With a little planning and resourcefulness, you can embark on incredible adventures without burning a hole in your wallet. Here are 5 top tips to transform your travel dreams into budget-friendly realities:
Morgan ElizabethPublished about 20 hours ago in WanderMountain Magic for Pennies
West Virginia, aptly nicknamed "Almost Heaven," beckons travelers with its dramatic landscapes, charming towns bursting with history, and a unique cultural heritage. But fear not, budget-conscious adventurer! Contrary to popular belief, a West Virginia vacation doesn't have to cost a fortune. This state is brimming with hidden gems that offer an unforgettable escape without emptying your wallet.
Morgan ElizabethPublished about 20 hours ago in WanderAndersonville, Georgia
I took a journey to see a POW camp in America. I wanted to be an Army soldier. I wanted to be a pilot…an Apache pilot to be specific.
Alisha WilkinsPublished about 20 hours ago in WanderThe Magic Bus
Words and photographs by Christy Munson. ______________ Choosing Happiness By May of 2013, my love and I need adventure. We need to heal our hearts and soothe our souls. We trust intuition and take a bit of a gamble.
Christy MunsonPublished about 21 hours ago in WanderSitting in DNA Soup
I am sitting in “DNA soup”- actually, a Jacuzzi at the Melia Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas. It might as well be a soup though, from the amount of people sitting in it. I’d wager that if you were to take a ladle from that hot tub and send it to a DNA testing facility, you’d have genetics from every corner of the planet.
Kelley SteadPublished about 22 hours ago in WanderChristiania: City Within a City
Nestled in the center of Denmark, surrounded by an old brick wall covered in graffiti, is the free-town of Christiania. I was fascinated with its history- created in the 1970’s when a group of anarchists, artists, and hippies took over an old military base and proclaimed it separate from Denmark. With blatant disregard for Danish marijuana laws and building codes, it remains it's own thing to this day. I had to see Christiania for myself, so I went in the dead of winter, and walked all 85-acres of the walled city within the city. I’ll tell you the ins-and-outs of this little Freetown and the best place to grab some grub.
Kelley SteadPublished about 23 hours ago in Wander
Creators We’re Loving
The creative faces behind your favorite stories.
em
112 published stories
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Rose
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sara burdick
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