Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Wander.

Sleeping Under the Stars
Escape to your backyard this summer with at-home glamping Camping can be incredibly rewarding when tents and sleeping-bags are set up in a stunning location beneath a sea of stars. However, there are a few downsides to a difficult trek up a mountain to the perfect clearing or a long drive on winding roads to the right campsite. Many of us — if not the majority — forget something either essential or greatly wanted when venturing far from home on camping trips. Whether that forgotten thing is a lantern for night hikes or a favorite food for breakfast the next day, something inevitably gets left behind. Furthermore, bugs abound, nights grow cold and all food must be elevated after dinner to protect it from bears and other wildlife. Though many of us enjoy “roughing it” for a few days in the wilderness, campsites and park passes can be expensive, carrying heavy packs can be exhausting and missing items cannot easily be replaced or replenished. Thankfully, a charming outdoor alternative exists — often at a lower financial, physical and stress-related cost than true camping. “Glamping” — an adorable portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping” — combines all the joy of sleeping under the stars with all the comforts of home — or even of luxury accommodations. Save money otherwise spent on an expensive hotel and time and energy otherwise spent on trekking to your campsite by glamping in your own backyard this summer. Gather around a fire pit with friends or family for s’mores and cocktails in the evening and wake up fresh for a champagne brunch in the morning. Follow below for five design and entertaining tips on how to glamp in your own backyard this summer.
By Elita Vob5 years ago in Wander
Galápagos
After years and years of fangirling over nature documentaries, volunteering at the local wildlife sanctuaries, and a zoology degree later I realized I needed a bigger change. And that change was a trip farther than I had ever gone before, solo that is. Freshly out of undergrad, I made the best decision of my life: to go volunteer abroad on the Galápagos Islands, with none other than my favorite animal, giant tortoises.
By Holly Cook5 years ago in Wander
Diarist: John Ashbery
I discovered John Ashbery at Barnes and Noble in Ala Moana Mall. Of course, I had heard his name and wasn't the first person to "discover" Ashbery. But I had only heard his name in the genre of poets I should have already known, poets who were so important my ignorance was unheard of. I walked the two miles from my ship to the closest bookstore along Nimitz Highway, losing myself in the bright Hawaiian heat and my thoughts. The industrial, dusty ports turned into downtown blocks turned into the border between old and new: Kaka'ako, Ala Moana Beach, and the mall opened into new beginnings. When I arrived at the air-conditioned entrance to the bookstore I felt a marked difference between where I had come from and where I'd arrived.
By Joe Nasta | Seattle foodie poet5 years ago in Wander
A Road Trip - Part 1
It was December of 2020. The last month of the worst year in a long time. I always figured something terrible would happen in the year of perfect vision. Then again, I’m one of those who always assumes something terrible is going to happen.
By Jaybird 5 years ago in Wander
Places You Must Visit in India:
India is a land of temples, monuments and well known for its culture. The most versatile country you have ever visit. From mighty mountains to deep lakes, from palaces to war zones, from heaven on earth to world heritage buildings. being a traveler it's to explain in India in one word. India has millions of places to visit and each one does justice to your interest and demand. however, I have made a list of some places that you must visit if you fly to India for travel. Let's get started!
By Ritik5 years ago in Wander
That Damn Raccoon
Raccoons have a bad reputation, especially among campers. In my experience the ones living in the Florida state parks deserve it. They will raid your camp, steal your food or any shiny object they decide should be theirs, like some kind of forest pirates. I may seem a little bitter, well I'll tell you a tale that might explain some of it.
By Billy Knight5 years ago in Wander
Jerseyville Hill
Every summer they held the 'Strawberry Social' here at Jerseyville United Church. I think it was $2 or less to get in for the supper. All you could eat turkey, potato salad, mini-marshmallows In Jell-O etc...and huge amounts of Strawberry shortcake with whip cream for dessert. There were games and hayrides... Mr. Calder would fire up his steam tractor to pull a hay-wagon for us kids to ride around the village and up Fields road. We'd know he was ready to start on his way to the church from up Sunnyridge road, because we could hear the whistle blasting loud and clear.
By Jim E. Beer - Story writer of fact and fiction. 5 years ago in Wander
NURTURING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
My first exposure to a different culture was when I first visited the Island of Cyprus back in the 1980s. Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean that was divided into a Greek southern side and a Turkish northern side. This happened after a coup, instigated by the dictatorship ruling Greece in 1974, and a subsequent Turkish military aggression. The island is close to Turkey, Syria, and Egypt, but both Greek and Turkish Cypriots prefer to think of themselves as living close to Europe rather than Africa and the Middle East. Greek Cypriots are taught at schools standard modern Greek, and Turkish Cypriots, speak and write, standard modern Turkish. For informal oral exchanges, each community employs what could be called the Cypriot dialect. Cyprus has a high degree of literacy, and much of the population can communicate in English, especially the younger generation(1).
By Grace Kusta Nasralla5 years ago in Wander
Trip To Dubai - Explore Glorious Attractions
I love taking international trips at least once or twice a year. This time I planned on visiting Dubai for my trip. Dubai is the most famous tourist destination. There are a number of airlines I was familiar with. While I was looking for the airlines to book my flights I got really fascinated by the services and the fare deals of American Airlines. . There was a deal going on which saved my money and I got my business class tickets booked for American Airlines at a 30% discount for my Dubai trip.
By David Clarx5 years ago in Wander
Amazing visit to South Africa
South Africa has all the features that travelers look forward to in a vacation destination: the beautiful climate, beautiful scenery, beautiful beaches, modern accommodations, and well-cooked meals. The tip of southern Africa also offers an exotic for one-in-a-lifetime adventures, from road trips on safari to deaths with large white sharks. It’s hard to name another destination for the holidays that offer so much variety. Here are some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in South Africa.
By prashant sapkota5 years ago in Wander
Aruba
Every year, Aruba welcomes tourists to their happy little island. Some of them dream of walking on white sandy beaches with a drink in their hand. Others want to explore a new land. And some of them just want to spend time with their family. Regardless of who you are, Aruba will welcome you with a smile. And before you know it, you may think it's paradise.
By Jimmy Sanchez5 years ago in Wander
Quiz — Which South American City Would You Live in as a Digital Nomad?
Introduction South America is a digital Nomad hotspot for a reason, well, not just a reason, a lot of reasons! For nomads who want their fix of unique landscapes from the Atacama Desert in Chile to Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia and, of course, who could forget the Inca Trail in Peru. For nomads who want to dive into the culture, try some fantastic dishes and go to world-famous festivals like the Rio Carnival in Brazil. There are too many reasons to list. South America is one hell of a continent.
By Sh*t Happens - Lost Girl Travel5 years ago in Wander