Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
Everything About the Finnish Sauna Culture
As the destination of my first ever Erasmus experience, I chose Finland. I was aware of all the stereotypes about Finns and the country in general. The stereotype of the people being cold and not so talkative, the world-famous Finnish humor, and I was even warned not to sit down on the bus next to anyone if it is possible to avoid that as Finns might feel annoyed by sitting next to a stranger. These are, of course, only stereotypes. The locals I got to know are the most welcoming and warm-hearted people I have ever met—altough there is something to the point that they are usually not that chit-chatting type of guys when they meet strangers. But what I did not know is that all those ideas I gained about Finnish people go totally invalid when it’s sauna time.
Noémi ÁrkiPublished 7 years ago in WanderPost-travel Blues: Coping After Coming Home
Travelling abroad is one of the only things money can buy that truly makes you happier: it broadens your mind, opens you up to new experiences, allows you to meet new people and lets you learn new languages. But one of the unexpected consequences of these adventures is returning home, and finding that the only thing that has changed is you!
Hannah CollinsPublished 7 years ago in WanderThe Sweetness of Triviality
I love getting lost in the crowd. By getting lost I do not mean to lose the sense of directions, but the evaporation of self-consciousness and the inability to identify yourself as a separate entity from the crowd. You become only what you see: all that was left of me was my pair of eyes. There are many ways to it. It doesn’t have to be that you jostle your way through a hunger strike; neither does it have to be that you sit on the always-packed Piazza Navona, licking off gelato as different people pass you by.
Emily WongPublished 7 years ago in WanderBeing Home After 5 Months of Living Abroad
How My Conversations About Being Home from Exchange Start and End “Hey Kate! How are you?”“Yeah, I’m still adjusting to being home.”“Oh yeah, jet lag must really suck.”“No, I’m not jet lagged everything is just different here and it’s weird.”“Oh that’s cool, you know I went to Europe once! I went to Italy for a few days, it was awesome!”
Kate KortePublished 7 years ago in WanderI Was Never Meant to Go Traveling.
I was never meant to go traveling. I was happy. Contented. Sat in my home in rural England where 95% of the population called themselves white British. I didn’t see culture and I didn’t need it. A recent graduate, I, like everyone else my age, was struggling to find work. But that was normal. I didn’t help myself by trying to work in media of course but that was my own choice and I was sticking to it. I didn’t help myself by trying to work in the media in the South West of England of course but that was my own choice and I was sticking to that too.
Adam WhitePublished 7 years ago in WanderHow To Travel the World on a Budget
Most people will tell you that traveling the world is supposed to be an expensive venture. It's supposed to be one of those things that only can happen to trust fund kids and similar. But, if you look online, it's possible to travel around the globe on a shoestring budget.
Ossiana TepfenhartPublished 7 years ago in WanderClimbing
So I guess I’m selling out, or giving in, whichever is less pathetic. Starting a blog; I think I’ve fought it for a good while. I’m not sure why I decided to make one. I honestly don’t believe many people will read, so this can’t lead anywhere significant, and maybe I just don’t think I’m talented enough to put my writing out into the world. But I guess I decided to quote Josh Ramsay, singer and songwriter of the band Marianas Trench: “Hey, might as well say fuck it”. So that’s what I’m doing, I’m saying fuck it.
Anna EisenbergPublished 7 years ago in WanderGirl at the Edge of Death
Fear turns you inside out. Like an invisible, open hand, it reaches out towards you from the unknown. We all have fears, and most of us hide them as far away as possible. Our fears are so defining and embedded in our character and our past, that it isn’t until we know someone well that we even dare to approach the question. No one ever asks about fears as an icebreaker, or during small talk (but why the hell not?).
Carlota MauraPublished 7 years ago in Wander- Top Story - July 2017
Top Vacation Spots for History Nerds
Everyone has different preferences when they travel. Some people need to be able to relax on the beach and get some sun. Others love to camp in the woods and be one with nature. And some people live for visiting museums and landmarks to learn about the history of a place. If you love to get lost in the past, this list is for you. The following destinations are rich with history, and will make for an amazing vacation. Visiting these places is about as close as you can get to time traveling.
Madeline BasiricoPublished 7 years ago in Wander Skiing
I've been spoiled my whole life when it comes to the availability of outdoor sports that have always been at my fingertips. Growing up in the mountains of Colorado let me experience everything from the rich mountain rivers to the high mountain peaks. In the summer it was kayaking and in the winter it was skiing. That being said I would say that there is a whole dimension added to skiing when partaking in the activity in Japan.
Sound And The MessengerPublished 7 years ago in WanderVegas Isn't The Ideal Family Place
Of course, don't get me wrong! Las Vegas is filled with opportunity, fortunes, and entertainment as far as the eyes can see. In the year of 2016, Las Vegas had OVER 42 Million visitors and made approx. over $11 Trillion off of visitors alone! But, the overall crime rate in Las Vegas is 37% higher than the national average. Also, anyone in Las Vegas has a 1 in 27 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Not to mention, Nevada as a whole was officially ranked the lowest in education and Nevada students are proven to be less likely to succeed than any other state in the United States. Besides, this place is just barely any fun for anyone under 21 who obeys the laws. For a "young, wild, and free" teenager, who likes to enjoy their weekends, such limited options for fun eventually become, well... not so fun anymore after being a resident for many long years. As for the weather, that no one has any control over. Summers reach nearly 120° F during the day and most times only cool to and an average of 80° F during the nights. Now I don't know about you, but this doesn't scream "home sweet home" to me.
Niy TheGeminiPublished 7 years ago in WanderThe Pilgrimage
On my last day of travel in Italy, as our group journeyed back to Rome where our adventure had begun, Fabi our tour director shared a story. She directed our attention out the bus windows to a bell tower in the distance.
Cindy MoorePublished 7 years ago in Wander