About Us

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” 

Walt Disney 

We Are Wanderers Compass

Welcome to our travel blog. Thank you for taking the time to learn about us and our story. We are pleased you have stopped by for a visit. Let us start by introducing ourselves. We are Joelle and Ryan, co-founders of Wanderers Compass Travel Blog.

As we embark on this blogging adventure, we do so with excitement and apprehension. We look forward to sharing the ride with you; it will likely be bumpy at times, but our goal is simple: to inspire and encourage you to make all your travel dreams a beautiful reality.

So, who are we, and how did we start our Wanderers Compass journey? Our unique story has taught us that our greatest gifts are when we live in the moment, follow our hearts, and think outside the box.

About Joelle

I am married to my high school sweetheart and am a proud mom to two adult children. My heart belongs to my four beautiful and charming grandchildren—three boys and one girl—who fill my life with joy and laughter. As a first-generation American born to French immigrants, I am bilingual and hold dual citizenship. French was my first language, and while I still speak it, my grammar may sometimes leave a little to be desired—but that’s part of the charm, right?

The wanderlust my parents passed down to me runs deep, and I proudly carry that tradition forward. My love for travel and adventure began when I was just a toddler, and it has never slowed down. Despite my fear of flying and several medical challenges that might deter others, I refuse to let anything hold me back from exploring the world. Travel has become a way of life for me—an essential part of my identity that continually fuels my curiosity and zest for life. I wholeheartedly believe that adventure should be embraced, even when fear and obstacles make the journey seem difficult. I find immense joy in discovering new places, experiencing diverse cultures, and cherishing each new experience that comes my way.

Medical background

In my previous career, I earned a BSN in Nursing and a BA in Behavioral Sciences, and my professional nursing career has focused primarily on oncology, both clinically and in research. This background also allows me to incorporate health-related content into my blog, where I share insights from my years in the medical field. Public speaking has also been a passion of mine, and I’ve had the privilege of speaking across the United States and contributing to various medical publications along the way. I am grateful to have been able to combine my love for healthcare with my desire to make a positive impact on others.

However, my greatest joy in life comes from my family, followed closely by my love for travel. When I’m not jet-setting around the globe, I enjoy photography, gardening, cooking, and savoring a good glass of wine. Volunteering with military service members is another cause close to my heart, as I have deep respect for those who serve our country.

I tend to burn the candle at both ends, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and I thrive on embracing all that comes my way—whether it’s a new adventure, a family moment, or a cause I care about.

“Live life by the needle of a compass, not by the hands of a clock.”

Ryan Slough

About Ryan

Thank you for the clarification! Here’s the revised version:

Ryan is a single dad to an incredibly joyful and sweet boy who is the absolute light of his life. His son is his world, and he takes immense pride in being an involved, hands-on father. Every moment with him is an opportunity to shape memories, and Ryan works tirelessly to engage fully in his son’s life, knowing that this precious time is irreplaceable.

However, Ryan’s journey goes far beyond his role as a dedicated dad. In 2024, he embarked on a new and exciting chapter as a full-time college student, determined to make a better future for himself and his family. Yet, that’s just one of many layers that define him. Ryan is also a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, having served on active duty for several years. Though he is now a disabled veteran, his commitment to service continues to run deep. Ryan’s military career is marked by courage and sacrifice, with three deployments to Afghanistan and a tour in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. With over two decades of service, he has given much for his country, though he would never consider himself a hero. His humility is part of what makes him so inspiring.

Travel transforms

Among his many passions, travel holds a special place in his heart. Travel has been transformative for Ryan, expanding his perspective and reshaping his life in ways he’s eager to share with others. He believes that everyone has the potential to experience the world in a meaningful way, and he is passionate about helping others find their own journeys. Travel isn’t just a hobby; it’s an integral part of his identity. He thrives on researching destinations, crafting intricate itineraries, and ensuring that every detail of a trip is thoughtfully planned. There’s a depth to his love for travel—one that has changed him profoundly—and he’s driven to help others experience the same joy and growth it has brought him.

Beyond his love for travel, Ryan also has a diverse set of interests. Whether he’s riding his customized Harley or Indian motorcycles, expressing himself through pottery and woodworking, or writing poetry and exploring music, Ryan finds ways to immerse himself in creativity and adventure. Despite all that he juggles—being a devoted dad, a dedicated student, a military veteran, and someone who has an unquenchable thirst for new experiences—Ryan’s resilience and passion for life are truly inspiring. He is a living example of what it means to balance hard work, love, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth.

In everything he does, Ryan teaches those around him that no matter the challenges, anyone has the potential to make an impact, explore new horizons, and grow into the person they aspire to be.

Ryan wrote an article about how transformative travel has been in his life. It is a powerful read; check it out here.

How We Met

You might be wondering how we arrived at this point. The truth is, we are the most unlikely of business and travel partners. We live on opposite coasts of the United States and are in completely different life stages. Our paths first crossed in 2007 when I joined an organization called Soldiers Angels. At the time, I was working full-time in Oncology and caring for a parent with advanced cancer. Seeking a way to step away from the heavy emotional toll of my daily life, I started looking for new opportunities to volunteer. Having always been in awe of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military, I decided to adopt a deployed soldier—committing to send them regular letters and care packages.

It didn’t take long to guess who my first “adopted” soldier was: Ryan. He was stationed in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Our connection was life-changing for both of us. Over the next decade, I continued to adopt soldiers through Soldiers Angels, and several of them have since become cherished members of my family. I feel incredibly proud of them and deeply honored to be a part of their lives.

Travel Inspiration

After Ryan left active duty, we stayed in close touch. Fortunately, I often had business trips to his area, and over time, what started as a friendship grew into something deeper—family. Ryan joined us on a few family vacations, and with each trip, our bond strengthened. I traveled extensively around the U.S. and Europe during this time, sometimes solo, sometimes with family and friends. Ryan was always captivated by the stories and photos I shared from my adventures.

After he left the military, Ryan faced some difficult times. To lift his spirits, I suggested he join me on one of my future trips to Europe.

Ryan has always had a deep fascination with history and culture. Though his childhood travel experiences were limited to local trips and military deployments, he often dreamed of visiting the places he’d admired from afar. As a young man, he spent countless hours watching Rick Steves’ travel and history programs on PBS. He dreamed big but never believed it could actually become a reality. So, when I suggested that he travel to Europe with me, his eyes lit up—and in that moment, I knew I had to make it happen for him.

Our First Overseas Trip

In 2014, that long-awaited “maybe one day” finally became a reality. Ryan was at a turning point in his life—he had just purchased a house with a GI loan and had the financial means to take the leap. I took care of the flights and accommodations while Ryan dove into planning the day-to-day itinerary. Together, we meticulously arranged every detail of our trip. It was a big one—21 days across Ireland, England, France, and Italy. I knew this would likely be Ryan’s first and only exposure to Europe, so it had to be unforgettable. Plus, it would be his 30th birthday during the trip—his most memorable one yet.

And it was beyond our wildest expectations.

From the moment we arrived in Ireland, it was as though a new energy had sparked in Ryan. He came alive in a way I had never seen before. This once shy, often unsure young man was suddenly animated, bold, and full of excitement. Every moment, every sight, and especially every castle left him in awe. He was captivated by the culture, the people, the winding roads, the bustling schedule, the food, and the drinks. He even found joy in getting lost. Fearless, he embraced a spirit of adventure that I hadn’t seen in him before.

For me, someone who had traveled extensively, it felt like seeing the world for the first time through Ryan’s eyes. His genuine gratitude, infectious energy, and pure, childlike joy made every experience even more special.

The trip was extraordinary. To my surprise, traveling with Ryan was effortless and enjoyable. We shared a similar travel style, which made each moment uniquely fun. Finding a travel companion who can make every experience feel like an adventure is rare, and Ryan’s boundless enthusiasm was genuinely exhilarating. On our flight home, we were already planning our next journey, and at that moment, our travel team was officially born. Ryan developed a deep love for castles, and we christened ourselves Castle Hunters, determined to explore as many as we could on our future adventures.

Castle Focused

Our next adventure came in 2015. This time, our travels took us through England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland—an epic journey we dubbed our Castle Hunters. It was a mind-blowing trip, and no matter how much we packed into each day, there was never enough time to see it all. We visited over 100 castles, with a few stops at whiskey distilleries along the famous whiskey trail. After all, when in Rome…

You might think that visiting 100 castles could start to feel repetitive, but we were never once bored by these magnificent structures. Each castle had its own unique character and story, sparking our imaginations as we tried to picture what life must have been like in those ancient times. We discovered magic in each one’s walls.

Beyond the castles, the stunning countryside, breathtaking scenery, and the warmth of the locals only deepened our love for travel. Every moment of this journey confirmed our shared belief: we had to keep exploring and continue experiencing the world in all its beauty and diversity.

Want to see all the castles we have visited? Check out our Master Castle List page here.

The Birth of Wanderers Compass

In the years that followed, life became busier for Ryan, especially with a deployment on his plate. Meanwhile, I kept traveling whenever I had the chance, both in the U.S. and internationally, often with friends and family. Some of my grandest adventures included a trip to France’s Provence region with my gourmet cooking club and a sister bonding getaway to Greece. I love traveling with people who share my passion for exploring the world.

After a few years away, Ryan was finally able to travel again. The experience gave him a sense of fulfillment and control over his life. He loved sharing stories of his travels with others and encouraging them to embrace the adventure themselves.

Then, Ryan had a wild idea.

He suggested that we start a travel blog. He wanted to help others find the magic he had experienced, especially people with dreams they thought could never come true. His vision was to inspire and encourage others, particularly disabled veterans who struggle after service. He was determined to show that travel could be transformative and affordable, sharing the tips and tools that had made our own adventures possible.

At first, I wasn’t entirely on board with the idea, and it stayed on the back burner for a while.

Interested in how to start a blog? Learn more about us and our blogging journey here.

The Adventures Continue

In 2019, we embarked on two remarkably successful European trips. After these adventures, Ryan’s idea took on a life of its own, and we decided to take the plunge and start a travel blog. That’s when Wanderers Compass was “born” in the fall of 2019. Naturally, the journey hasn’t been without its ups and downs. There have been moments of feeling overwhelmed, plenty of frustration, and many challenges. Neither of us is particularly tech-savvy, and we had never done anything like this before. The learning curve was steep.

But we had something even more powerful driving us: the support of our loved ones. It made everything possible. There were times we questioned ourselves—“Are we completely nuts?”—those moments when it felt like we were jumping off a precipice. But despite all the doubts, we persisted.

This wasn’t just about starting a blog—it was about making a dream a reality. Giving up was never an option.

We answered some of the most common questions on our FAQ page.

Best Laid Plans

Wanderers Compass was set to launch in April 2020, coinciding with our next European adventure. I was in Norway with my husband when COVID-19 began to spread rapidly, and it wasn’t long before it abruptly ended our trip. Soon after, Ryan and I had to cancel our April Europe plans. We watched, hearts heavy, as the virus took hold of the world, bringing international travel to a halt for an indefinite period.

In the beginning, we weren’t sure how to move forward with the blog. But we both knew deep down that pushing ahead was essential. We recognized that once the world reopened and people could once again explore this beautiful, fascinating planet, they would need inspiration and practical tools to make it happen. We also saw that the travel industry, which had been brought to its knees, would need to rebuild, and we believed we could play a role in helping that process.

So, we made the most of our lockdown time. Instead of sitting idle, we focused on learning everything we could about travel blogging and worked hard to build the Wanderers Compass brand. In hindsight, it was the best decision we could have made.

The Rest is History

And here we are today. The amount of work has been immense. Life, as it always does, has a way of getting in the way sometimes—funny how that works.

This journey has been both fun and engaging, and there’s still so much more to learn. We’re excited for what’s ahead.

There have been nerve-wracking moments, too. At times, it feels like putting your child out into the world. In many ways, Wanderers Compass is no longer just about us. Will it be OK? Did we give it everything it needed to succeed? Will it stumble? Will we?

It’s hard to believe, but here we are, years into this journey, and it’s still growing and evolving. In 2024, we expanded beyond the blog and ventured into freelance travel journalism. Publishing in magazines has taken us to a place we never imagined we’d reach.

Thank you for joining us on this adventure and taking the time to learn more about our story. We’re grateful to each of you.

We would sincerely appreciate it if you shared our Wanderers Compass Travel Blog with your friends and family.

May you always wander in wonder!

© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

Check out our Travel Tips and Resources Page to optimize your travel

---

Our Travel Stats

Countries	Flight Miles Flown	Continents	States/U.S. Territories
61	2,038,455	6	52

So Much Magic Out there…….Where is Your Next Trip?

Our Top Recommended Travel Products

Travel Insurance

Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!

We strongly advocate for comprehensive travel insurance, not only for minor inconveniences but also for major, unexpected events like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Our go-to resource is Squaremouth.com. which offers a user-friendly platform that connects you with top-rated, reputable insurance carriers. Plus, they’ll mediate on your behalf if you run into any issues.

To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.

buy now

MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world

Medjet is a leading provider of global air medical transport. Unlike traditional travel insurance, which typically covers medical evacuation to the nearest facility, Medjet goes further by ensuring you’re transported back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you’re stable enough to fly. Medjet offers membership plans that focus on medical transport, while Medjet Horizon provides expanded coverage for broader protection. Individual trip policies start at just $99, and annual policies are available for around $300. Most policies have an age limit of 74.

To learn more about how Medical Evacuation membership with Medjet Assist works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Buy now

Accommodations and Airfare

Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours 

Booking.com connects millions of travelers to unforgettable experiences, a wide range of transportation options, and incredible places to stay—from homes to hotels and beyond. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces, it supports well-known brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes. For its convenience, variety, and reliability, it’s our preferred booking platform.

Book now

Transportation

Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours 

Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

Book now

Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service

Daytrip provides an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers worldwide, and we absolutely love their service. It’s a cost-effective alternative to renting a car, providing comfortable, stress-free travel with the bonus of scenic stops along the way. For example, we used Daytrip for travel between Budapest and Vienna, enjoying some fantastic detours to local attractions. With professional drivers and customizable routes, Daytrip ensures a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and unique sights along your journey.

To learn more about how Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.  

Book now

Travel Experiences

Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences

Viator believes that travel is all about creating unforgettable memories. With over 300,000 experiences to choose from—ranging from simple tours to extreme adventures, plus a wide array of unique, niche activities—it’s never been easier to make lasting memories. We frequently use Viator during our travels and especially appreciate their flexible cancellation policy, which adds peace of mind to every booking.

Explore now

Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas

GigSky International eSIM Data Plans
Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks.

GigSky eSIM effortlessly connects travelers around the globe, eliminating the need to swap physical SIM cards or deal with surprise roaming charges. With affordable data plans and instant activation, you can enjoy reliable internet access in over 190 countries, making your travel experience more convenient than ever. Plus, they offer a fantastic deal: a free 100 MB data plan with no credit card required. They are so confident that you will love their service!

Enjoy 10% off all GigSky Plans (except cruise and inflight) with our discount code WCOMPASS10.

To learn more about how GigSky works, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.

SHOP NOW

Shopping

Wanderers Compass Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves

Amazon is one of the world’s most comprehensive online shopping platforms, offering lower prices, a wide selection, and fast delivery through teams worldwide.

Shop now

This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place

Planning a vacation this year? Start your research early to explore your options and find what fits your budget. By booking your own travel, you’ll uncover great deals and have complete control over your itinerary. The links below can be used for all elements of your trip, not just accommodations.

It is essential to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.

About Us About Us About Us