Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Wander.

Big, Bad Boston
Boston conjures up so many thoughts as to its history, architecture, sports teams, and more. When I think of Bean Town, I have memories of a different sort. There came a time when my parents went to Europe and left me alone with my younger sister. Big mistake. The house became party central. We didn't drink or do drugs. Instead, we hosted all night games of dictionary, charades, and Broadway musicals. There were people staying in the basement and wall-to-wall bodies sleeping everywhere else. We had lasagna for thirty people one night. In the midst of this mayhem, I suggested to my friend Joanne that we go to Boston for a few days. The last thing my dad said to me was "Don't use the car for anything other than going to and from work." So we packed up dad's old Skylark, filled up the tank with Jo's father's credit card and split. I quit my job, left my sister with a houseful, and disappeared with Jo. Responsibility was not my strong suit.
By Monica Bennett8 years ago in Wander
Into East Africa
I traveled to Bujumbura, Burundi during my senior year of undergrad and stayed there for about a month. The journey took one three hour car ride, and three separate flights over the course of 28 hours but we made it. I traveled with my boyfriend whose family is from Burundi and who had only visited, himself, every so often. To say I felt grateful would be an understatement. And before I get into the rest of this piece, I think it is important to note that I am no expert on Burundi. I was born lower middle class and white in Upstate New York and therefore can only translate this experience through my own lens.
By Kristen F8 years ago in Wander
Between Real-Life and Dream-Walking
Not very many children, or most people for that matter, are aware of that fact that one of Sun Prairie’s own parks is home to one of the most beautiful spring-fed ponds in the area. So many people pass the entrance to this piece of paradise on a daily basis, completely oblivious to the treasure that lies a little way down the water. Approaching the tattered old bridge over the stream, one would never guess that a magical world lives beyond the rugged pine trees and moss-covered rocks. However, if one dares to venture down the path less traveled, they may find a breathtaking experience waiting to greet them.
By Sati Ewers-Kubly8 years ago in Wander
A Vision of Long Island
It's a funny thing, life on an island. To get anywhere off it, you have to go over a bridge, through a tunnel or float away on the ferry. Here, it will most likely get you to another island. This part of New York is full of islands large and small. You can get on to the continental US by taking the Throgs Neck bridge over to the Bronx. Nobody is going to the Bronx, no, they go straight through the Bronx. My Island, how do you relay what it is to someone who doesn't live here? Well, I have already had to explain it and show it to people who do live here. For several years, I taught a class called "Long Island's Natural Environment." It was an elective. I was floored by how little they knew about where they live.
By Monica Bennett8 years ago in Wander
Kelowna: Canada’s Paradise
On the west coast of Canada exists one of the most beautiful and mysterious cities—Kelowna. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also one of the warmest places in its country. If you are looking for a beautiful destination surrounded by nature, Kelowna would be a good place to visit. Furthermore, you might even see Ogopogo, the wild beast living in Okanagan lake. It is merely a legend nowadays, but a lot of citizens through history have testified to have seen the monster. I have not encountered that beast while in Kelowna, but I sure had a lot of adventures.
By Twinkle8 years ago in Wander
5 Tips for a More Relaxing Vacation
From the incredible California coast to the beautiful and enticing District of Columbia, my time as a hospitality manager has led to many exciting opportunities to explore. Each experience has given me a piece of truth to bring back home with me. I encourage you to get out and see the world from as many perspectives a s possible. During your travels, you will find so much more than just a photo opportunity.
By Bryan Richardson8 years ago in Wander
Burgundy: The Place to Travel To
Among the wine areas in France, Burgundy stands out as one of the best places to visit. The region has some of the best winemaking areas in the country, consisting of top winemakers that give it its popularity. Traveling to Burgundy any time of the year will present visitors with a fine example of splendor and captivating beauty.
By Lancelot Tucker8 years ago in Wander
Bangkok 101
Two years ago, I decided that winter in Toronto was too damned cold for too damned long, and I scratched an itch that I had long had and spent two months traveling around Southeast Asia. Of all the places I visited in those two months—and there were a lot of them—Bangkok was my favourite (I'm a city mouse, not a beach bunny, what can I say). And so I have come back every year since, and will continue to do so. I can't count how many times I did something that made me feel (and probably look) a complete and utter fool when I first got here. So I am sharing with you here a few tips, in no particular order, for navigating this huge, smelly, dirty, cool, amazing city. To date, I have never seen any of these covered in any guide book.
By Betsy Cyberpixie8 years ago in Wander
Australia: A Place That Inspires You to Be Strong and Hopeful
Are you discouraged and need some encouragement in your life? Visit Australia and you will encounter the strength and hope you need to get on with your life. Once you land in Australia you will begin to breathe freely because of the wonderful and unique things the country has to offer everyone. Traveling to this part of the world will bring out the adventurer in you.
By Lancelot Tucker8 years ago in Wander
Road Trip Safety With Kids
If you are a little crazy like me, you constantly have the worst case scenario in your head at all times. Just yesterday I thought to myself, I need to go check on Anson, he may have climbed the stool again and turned on the water and then got interested in a knife and then stabbed himself and now he’s gushing from a belly wound on the floor in the kitchen, Oh God, why am I still sitting here, how fast can I run to the kitchen? He was sitting on his bed playing with a ball. In all reality, I think all moms have a little bit of that in them. On the road, I feel like a basket case most days because I am surrounded by people and places we are not used to and there are four kids to keep track of at all times. Obviously there are ways to combat this fear. Let me lay out some ideas for you. You may know some of these already, but wait until you read our special family trick that helps me sleep at night.
By Hannah Mitchell8 years ago in Wander
10 of the Most Luxurious Glamping Gear
For us who can't actually rely on nature, camping to us sounds like torture. We have to sleep in a small, weak tent surrounded by animals, eat food out of cans, use water from the pond to bathe ourselves, and the bush is our toilet. Sounds like a nightmare to those who can't stand nature, right? But if you've ever wanted to go camping, you don't entirely have to depend on nature! In fact, there's a ton of gear you can use for glamping!
By Penny Newton8 years ago in Wander
10 of the Funnest Camping Games for Kids
These ten camping games for kids will occupy the children for hours on end, and who knows, maybe even the adults will get in on the fun. These range from plenty of physical games that provide accessories and tools, to simple games that require nothing but imagination and your body for affordable camping.
By Sherry Campbell8 years ago in Wander