solo travel

You've got somewhere to go, but no one to go with; solo travel is the nexus of independence and opportunity.

5 Things Reverse Culture Shock Taught me About Home
Everyone talks about culture shock when you move abroad. People warn you about the language barriers, different customs, unfamiliar food, and the challenges of living in a place that doesn't feel like home.
By Restless Wanderer3 months ago in Wander
Why Slow Travel Creates Better Memories. AI-Generated.
Slow travel was Pam’s idea, though she’d never admit to phrasing it that way. She’d called it “taking things properly this time,” like the last decade had been something they’d skim-read instead of lived. Dean called it a long weekend by the sea with extra steps, but he went along with it because arguing always cost more energy than it was worth.
By Evelyn Clede3 months ago in Wander
Italy Vacation Recap
Though my Italy vacation is behind me, here’s a recap of my trip. We started our vacation in Milan and continued to Venice before returning to Milan.
By Lynne Black3 months ago in Wander
Coolcation Destinations: Escaping Heat with Cold Weather Travel
In recent years, a new travel trend has been quietly taking over summer holiday plans: the “coolcation.” As global temperatures rise and popular tourist destinations become increasingly hot and crowded, more travellers are choosing to escape the heat altogether and head somewhere cold, crisp, and refreshing instead. Rather than chasing the sun, they are chasing cool air, mountain breezes, glacier views, and snow-dusted landscapes.
By Stories Today3 months ago in Wander
Adventures in Petsitting
Snowshoeing on Mount Rainer. Watching the sun rise over the water from a Bay Area houseboat. Spectating at an ice sculpture competition in Vermont.
By BK3 months ago in Wander
MEMORIAL DAY
MEMORIAL DAY I came home to find the toilet had exploded. Not metaphorically. Sewage across the bathroom, the kitchen, the entryway. The apartment uninhabitable. I took photos, filed a maintenance request through the online portal, the only option available on a holiday weekend, and left.
By Tom Demar4 months ago in Wander
Driving Home
I never imagined leaving the big city until I did. There was one problem, though: I had never driven that long by myself on a highway before. I was always the passenger princess or had someone to keep me entertained for the hours on the road.
By Adrianna M. Braun4 months ago in Wander
A Long Weekend in Montréal
I will try to start with the Saturday. Whether people here believe it or not, I had no idea that it was the start of a long weekend. Montréal was about to face Game Six of the playoffs and I had a stack of exams that needed attention. My mind was on other things, including several contests for my poetry and stories. Yes, I admit it: Vocal is not the only page where I get my work exposed or rejected. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has three separate contests for short stories, non-fiction, and at this time of the year, poetry. Along with them, I include the Montréal International Poetry Prize (they extended their deadline right after receiving my submission; such a nice touch) Peliplat and Reedsy. And, like the wise Dr. Johnson said:
By Kendall Defoe 4 months ago in Wander
Grund Finds Wonder
Grund’s arms hurt. Grund rowed across big water till Grun was blind and skin peeled. Grund washed up on shore. Grund woke in cave. Grund confused.
By Matthew J. Fromm4 months ago in Wander
Temple of Artemis at Euphesus Review
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) — “Impressive scale, gaping lack of technical clarity.” Last week, visited the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus with the explicit goal of studying construction methods and structural logic. Also, as a rising senior in an architectural school, hoped to land an internship. Left with admiration, a notebook full of unanswered questions, and no internship.
By Lana V Lynx4 months ago in Wander
Travel Essentials Every Frequent Flyer Needs in 2026. AI-Generated.
Frequent flying has changed significantly in 2026. Modern travelers are no longer focused only on packing light — they are focused on traveling smarter. With stricter airline policies, increased digital travel tools, and growing demand for comfort during long journeys, frequent flyers now rely on practical travel essentials that improve convenience, security, and efficiency.
By Stories Today4 months ago in Wander
What Should You Not Miss on Your First Trip to Paris?
A first trip to Paris can feel a bit overwhelming in the best way. There’s so much to see, do, and simply soak in that it’s easy to wonder what actually matters most. While everyone’s experience is a little different, there are a few things that consistently stand out for first-time visitors — not because they’re “must-dos” in a rigid sense, but because they capture the real feeling of the city.
By Pinerary4 months ago in Wander