Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
What Makes Bali the Greatest Destination on Earth?
Take a look into the photo-journal of Daron Bandeira as he ventures into Bali – the greatest destination on Earth. When someone says 'Bali,' what do you see? The Indonesian province has become synonymous with mile-long stretches of white sand, thick hills of lush green jungle, and rugged volcanic hillsides – all together crafting some of the most breathtaking views that the Earth has to offer. With sights like these and a reputation so high, it is easy to understand why Bali walked away as the most popular holiday destination in 2017, and was even crowned the 'greatest destination on Earth' by TripAdvisor.
By Daron Bandeira7 years ago in Wander
Quest of the Phoenix 2017 (3)
The clock in my room had not been adjusted for Daylight Savings Time and I forgot to correct it, so I thought I was getting up at like 6:30 but actually it was 5:30. So when I went out for continental breakfast 15 minutes later (they’d said that breakfast started at 6:30), I was actually 45 minutes early instead of within the proper range. The Spanish speaking guys were hanging around the lobby ignoring me and talking to each other as I wondered why the bread products were still half-frozen and why I could smell eggs but not see any yet. At least I got a bagel and some coffee.
By Nathan Sturm7 years ago in Wander
Two Weeks Relaxing in the Spanish Lake District
We have just returned home from a relaxing two weeks in the Spanish Lake District, feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world again. After working in Iceland (and loving it) we decided that we would like to have some summer sunshine and chose to go back to the place we have spent a lot of time over the past few European winters. We have made some great friends there and we also wanted to see the area in a different season. We went on a number of day trips and wanted to share these experiences with you.
By Ruth Gibson7 years ago in Wander
Senior Single Female Alone in Iceland
My solo travels have mostly taken me throughout North America; but this last trip stretched my independence and my endurance. I was originally intrigued when several months ago I saw an online mention of airfare to Reykjavik from Los Angeles for $200. Wow, I cannot fly anywhere in the US for that price, so I made a mental note. Of course, by the time I had decided that I would venture to Iceland, the price had doubled; but it was still an unbelievable deal. I booked one week in Iceland at the Radisson Blu Saga Hotel including airfare for $1500.
By Maryann Virack7 years ago in Wander
What It Means to be Canadian. Top Story - August 2017.
What do you think makes you a Canadian? Is it about just living in the country? Owning a passport that declares so? Root for the Maple Leaf’s next game? Even being a fan of hockey for that matter? Does embracing the cold weather or surviving it make you any more Canadian than the next guy? How about all those “Eh’s” at the end of each sentence? Or perhaps, it is something much more relevant than some sort of physical or arbitrary element? Truth is, identifying as Canadian means more than those preconceived ideas that one assumes. It is a personal belief defined by your own pride, love, and appreciation of this country’s ethics.
By Jose Gabriel7 years ago in Wander
Japanese Wonders
Japan is either hot or cold with one comfortable day in between. That is what I've found in my experience of living in Japan so far. About a three-hour bullet train ride north of Tokyo sits the lovely mountain town of Yamagata City situated perfectly within Yamagata Prefecture. When July comes into season in Yamagata it is a time of vibrant activity within the town. July marks the season of the Sakuronbo Cherry and the Hanagasa Festival, which celebrates the harvest and the cherries. The cherries are ripe for the picking at this time and it's quite difficult to not eat them as they are exceedingly delicious. The region is famous for its rich abundance of fruits. The quaint town of Obanazawa lies just to the north and yields watermelons, which cannot be stored in any size refrigerator. Every town celebrates their signature fruits and this naturally creates weekly farmer's markets that celebrate cultural events rather than our American practice of simply providing a space for local vendors to sell their goods.
By Sound And The Messenger7 years ago in Wander
Beach Essentials!
If there’s one thing I hate to do on holiday, it’s forgetting to bring something with me! What with the stress of last minute packing (which is often experienced by procrastinators like me), the rush to the airport and the awful feeling of "I feel like I’m missing something," sometimes, forgetting something is inevitable! So today, in an attempt to help stop that dreaded moment of realisation from ever occurring again, I thought I’d share with you my top essentials for the beach!
By Beccandbeyond7 years ago in Wander
The Man Who Never Returned
Into the darkest untamed jungles of Amazon went Percy Fawcett, the man who never returned. The Enigma of Col. Percy Fawcett has fascinated the media and explorers ever since he vanished in the Amazon rain forest some 90 years ago. He was considered the greatest explorer of his day. Like Amelia Earhart a decade later, both leave a lasting legacy of mystery surrounding their disappearances. To first find out what motivated Percy Fawcett to undertake such perilous journeys only to vanish without a trace is to closely identify with the man himself.
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in Wander
Leaving
Summer is my favorite season. Even here, in Norfolk, when the humidity and heat become oppressive. Some days I walk down to the ocean in the early morning as the sun rises to watch the mist rise off the Chesapeake Bay. The haze disappears by the time the sun has peaked over the horizon, fading into blue sky like cigarette smoke from Poseidon.
By Gary Jacob7 years ago in Wander
Best Party Cities For Backpackers
Backpacking is often called one of the best ways to see the world, primarily because it allows people to enjoy the full spectrum of the local color. Backpacking allows you to meet new people, try new foods, and get a real up-close look at how life is abroad.
By Skunk Uzeki7 years ago in Wander