Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
The Power of Faith
I am remembering back to the time this photo was taken in November 2016. I had spent the past few weeks like a rolling stone, backpacking by myself through Oregon where I found a job working on a legal cannabis farm. Although I had decided I was ready to start heading home, I wasn't ready for the adventures to stop. I started in a rest stop in Southern Oregon. The first person I saw was an older man having lunch in his truck. "I am heading south," I said, "Can I have a ride?" He kindly agreed and off we went crossing the border lines into Northern California. After getting acquainted and exchanging a few stories, I had remembered that it was Election Day! I quickly realized how bold I really was!... Not only for hitchhiking across states but doing during the most controversial election day in history.
By Jan Contreras8 years ago in Wander
6 Must-See Imperial Sights in Beijing, China
As Beijing springs into the 21st century, the city’s grandiose ancient architecture could at times be easily forgotten. However, when it comes to its stunning historical panorama, few cities or even countries on this planet could even remotely compete with the Chinese capital.
By Stephanie M8 years ago in Wander
Most LGBTQ Unfriendly Locations in the World
Despite signs of progress on the home front, there are still several LGBTQ unfriendly locations both in the US and around the world. Traveling has its fair share of headaches for everyone, but for LGBTQ travelers, there’s also the possibility of harassment, discrimination, and even legal trouble. Vacation research extends far beyond hotels, museums, and nightlife. However, there are amazing LGBTQ resorts out there. But, LGBTQ travelers must also check laws about homosexuality and the frequency of anti-gay violence at their destination. And, even with thorough research, there’s still the potential for scary run-ins upon arrival.
By Jefferey Spivey8 years ago in Wander
Please Pass the Salt
On the state line between Nevada and Utah lies the Bonneville Salt Flats. Recently, Mike and I had the pleasure of visiting this amazing place. From things I have read, I could only fathom the expanse of this place but to feel it in person is unbelievable.
By Michele James8 years ago in Wander
Let Us Learn: 32 Things My Solo Travels Taught Me
After I graduated high school, I made the decision to take a gap year to travel, gain clarity for my future, and learn more about the world around me. I had never stepped out of my comfort zone to such an extreme before. I was a straight A student, I followed all of the rules, and I was on track to go straight to college on a full tuition scholarship, because that’s the track that society has set in place for high school graduates. Taking a gap year is normal in other countries, but in America it’s rather unconventional, and yet so important. I learned more about myself in four months than I had in four years of high school, and I returned home more changed than I could have ever imagined. As I sat in a coffee shop in Cusco, Peru on my last day in South America, I reflected on all of the people I had met, the times I had been forced into, situations outside of my comfort zone, and what it looked like for me to return home and interact with people whom I hadn’t spoken to in months. I began writing a list of everything I had learned, and everything I wanted to continue learning in the coming months and years.
By Aria Levin8 years ago in Wander
The Tragedy of the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is known worldwide for its beauty and incredible wildlife, however it isn’t doing so well anymore. There have been posts on very popular social media sites claiming the reef is dead but these articles are incorrect; it is dying, but it’s not quite dead yet. The point of this piece of writing is to try and inform others of some of the reef's biggest threats and to inspire others to spread their knowledge of the world.
By Sophie Turner8 years ago in Wander
5 Ways to Get Through a Long Haul Flight. Top Story - October 2017.
It will not be wrong to claim that only a few people enjoy long-haul international flights, if any. Being confined to an airborne, metal carrier for hours on end can take a toll on even the most patient person. Unless you are travelling in the lap of luxury, long haul flights can be uncomfortable and boring.
By Mohammed Khan8 years ago in Wander
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Korea
South Korea is my favourite country out of all the places I have been travelling so far. Korean culture is so different to anything I had experienced and give me such unique experiences. This is the country that made me fall in love with travelling and ready to branch out to try new locations. Here are my reasons why, in no particular order...
By Alice Sullivan8 years ago in Wander
Discovering Florence
It’s hard to imagine Italy without amore — and harder still to imagine Florence, the epicenter of Italian romance, without its legendary backdrops. Indeed, with all her many charms and beguiling ways, Firenze has a way of taking hold of your heart and never letting go.
By Gina Samarotto8 years ago in Wander
The Comeback City
We all know about the wonderful cities around the world, New York, London, Tokyo, and L.A., but who ever thought Detroit, MI would be the place to visit? Well, I'm here to tell you it's on an upswing, and now is the time! Don't be afraid. Over the past five years, crime in the major downtown area of Detroit has gone dramatically down as new businesses flourish. Metro-Detroiters are already enjoying the new gem that is Downtown, and now it's your time, too, so here are four reasons to visit the beautiful and historic Motor City.
By Sarah Stokes8 years ago in Wander
A Slow Tempo - Bike Tours in Madrid
When time happens to be on your side in un-explored cities, then there just so happens to be a world of possibilities that follow. And that's not to say that less time is a bad thing necessarily, as you can still find enjoyment from what you see in a smaller window; the point we're trying to convey is the longer you have, the more comfortable one can be in carving out the day ahead.
By Uly Spitts8 years ago in Wander
My First Mountain
If you look far to the right you can see the start of Mount Rainier, the mountain that ascends 14,410 feet above sea level. Rainier is an active volcano and is also the most glaciated mountain in the US. If it were a more clear day you could see the great city of Seattle. Who doesn't love Seattle? Before the morning fog came in I was able to see the space needle and the ferries going from port to port. The views were breathtaking on this mountain.
By Cheyenne S8 years ago in Wander
