Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Wander.

Climbing Mount Fuji
It’s been said, “He who climbs Mount Fuji once is a wise man; he who climbs it twice is a fool.” I am a wise man — who longs to be a fool.
By j.s.lamb6 years ago in Wander
Lucky Call
This particular day was BEAUTIFUL...all emphasis intended! It was my birthday weekend (I turned 22 in this picture) and I wanted to experience something memorable this weekend...oh did we 🤦🏽‍♂️.
By Lyrical Value 6 years ago in Wander
10 Things You Need To Know About The Portuguese Camino De Santiago.
For a thousand years, millions of people have walked the Camino de Santiago routes, a network of trails found all over Europe. While the most popular route is the French Way, the second most popular route is the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.
By Samantha Wilson6 years ago in Wander
The Road to Paradise is Paradise.
Red lights for miles, stuck in traffic. One of those lovely days. I’m tired, hungry, and the last ten hours were a complete regression of the last seven years. Seven years, time slips so fast and these moments only make it worse.
By Scott Carnahan6 years ago in Wander
Japan
Being born in Japan is interesting to most people as I live in the United States and most people were born here. At the age of 5 my mom moved my family to New Jersey, my extended family still lives in Japan as well as my dad. The opportunity to go back home and experience the culture and country is the one thing I wouldn’t give up for the world. This past year I was grateful enough to spend a month in Japan (the most time I’ve spent there since leaving) to see my country as I wasn’t able to before. My siblings (Nina, Hana, and Daichi) had joined me on this adventure where we were off to the Japanese Alps. Arriving early in the morning around 5am and checking into our hostel around 7am we were off to the Kamikochi trails. Luckily waiting outside was a taxi, hesitant to bring us to the trails as a big typhoon was about to hit and the trails were difficult and so high up we wouldn’t be safe. The taxi driver even called one of his friends to see if we should even attempt the hike, but as the friend said we were allowed to do whatever we wanted we were off. Still hesitant he drops us off at the entrance, before taken off he gives us his cab number so he would be able to pick us up after we were done. We walk towards the entrance of the trail and see the incline was steep. After 20 minutes into the hike it started to down pour like nothing I’ve seen before with wind blowing at high speed. We continued forward through the storm and even though it was summer we were all freezing and wet. A couple of monkey cross our paths with one following our journey and a bunch of other creatures like birds and insects. After a couple of hours we finally get to the top as the rain starts to slow down, we finally take a break and take in the view. Honestly I haven’t seen anything more beautiful in my life time and the torture we went through to get to the top was all worth it as it was breathtaking. The scenery was vibrant green with flowers of yellow and red breaking through the ground and the sky grey with white fog covering what was below us. We were so high up we could only see the mountain tops and valleys that ran down. We chowed down snacks of crackers, trail mix and a couple candies our grandma gave made us before leaving her house. After soaking in the view the rain and wind started to fall once again. The picture is of my brother as we made our way down the mountain. We finally get to the end of the trail we eventually made it to the main road freezing in the rain. We realized we wouldn’t be able to call the taxi driver from earlier so we made our way down the road. After about half an hour down the road a van with passengers had driven past us and noticed we gotten off the trail and were drenched asked if we needed a ride. We were so grateful we didn’t have to walk back the 5 mile long road and without question we jump in the back. The van had drop us to a bus station where we made it back to the hostel. The old ladies who ran the place gave us all hot tea to help warm up and told us about the dinner specials later that night.The experience of a beautiful country with amazing sights and amazing people who surprises you with the compassion they have for strangers. Being able to experience both worlds basically on the opposite ends you see the differences of cultures and makes you think of the world as a whole and how big this world is.
By M-E6 years ago in Wander
Lovely, Mellow, and Tranquil
She ran to the nearest bus terminal in hopes that her destination was listed for departure. Looking at the transit screen, the location she longed for wasn't there, but she craved adventure. Raising her finger in circular motion, she did what she knew best and that's leaving it to chance. 1,2,3 and point! Her finger lands on Houdini departing at 1:30 am. Houdini is a place of warmth, activities, and excitement. Not sure of what she'll experience, she purchases her ticket and is filled with happiness.
By Kia M6 years ago in Wander
Dating a Thai Girl
So you decide to travel to Thailand and you meet some girls. You hear all of the stories about bar girls and go-go dancers. I won't lie to you, a lot if not most of them are true. Let's face it these girls are looking to make money and when they work in a tourist area where they pull in as much as an educated person will in one of our more developed countries, plus get to party for free, why would they ever want to get away from that? Sure they may need a break but unless you want to party all the time and roll out some serious bank on a girl to keep her happy, they do not make an ideal housewife most of the time. Some of them are alright, don't get me wrong. I know a few that are actually more decent than 99% of the other Thai women I have had encounters with. But before you decide to even bother attempting anything that relates to commitment you should read what I have to tell you. This article obviously does not reflect every woman in Thailand. However if you consider who the girls I use as personal examples are and what their occupations are you will understand why I say a bar girl may not be so bad. At least you know whats going on with one of them. For discretion I will use the girls nick names as they are pretty common.
By LIOP6 years ago in Wander
Travel with me through my eyes of a fine city
You may wonder what Singapore is like. You may have heard the good and the bad of it. I believe that Singapore is one of the greatest cities in the world and everyone should at least visit once in their lifetime before your last breath. There are so many beautiful places to see and eat. No matter how small the country or the negative aspects you have been told. They are wrong. Even as a local, there are places to explore and places you have not been to.
By angel abergas6 years ago in Wander
Tips for Planning a Family Trip to Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful city located on Canada's Pacific coast in the province of British Columbia. Sandwiched between mountains on one side and beaches on the other, it offers visitors a wide variety of unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Vancouver is a few hours north of Seattle, Washington, and in many ways the cultures are similar. In other words, Vancouver is a haven for outdoorsy types as well as those who enjoy vibrant nightlife and an eclectic restaurant and shopping scene.
By Olivia Picton6 years ago in Wander
Durlston Castle to Anvil Point Lighthouse
As the crow flies, or given the location, as the seagull flies, the distance from Durlston Castle to Anvil Point Lighthouse is about 1000 metres. Without any foreknowledge the walker can see the lighthouse from the castle and, as in my case, set off in high expectation of a reasonable walk.
By Alan Russell6 years ago in Wander
Travel Burnout and How To Deal With Homesickness During Long-Term Travel
All photos featured in this story have been taken on my many travels during 2019 It’s been the experience of a lifetime. Visiting family in Japan for the New Year, exploring the Isle of Skye, moving between London and the Peak District, living in Russia and traveling through the winter months. Now, I’m about to leave on a six month placement in the Swiss Alps - and I don’t want to go.
By Grumble Bee6 years ago in Wander
My Bag Is on the Seat for a Reason
East Croydon. The bane of my entire life. The place where dread and anxiety begins to creep into my veins and intoxicate my blood.
By Amy Wildsmith6 years ago in Wander