“How strange and beautiful it looked in the late afternoon light! I can still recapture that first glimpse – see the sheer grey stone walls and towers against the pale yellow sky, the reflected castle stretching towards us on the brimming moat, the floating patches of emerald-green water-weed.”
Dodie smith on Castles
How We Became Castle Hunters
Our fascination and love of castles, in effect, started on our very first day in Ireland. It was the inspiration that led us to call ourselves Castle Hunters. Simply put, it was love at first sight. We have never wavered since on that energy and passion we found at our first castle, Trim Castle in Ireland.
The privilege of exploring these magnificent architectural wonders is truly a gift. They capture your imagination in ways that are difficult to put into words. For that reason, fairy tales are based on these whimsical structures. The mighty walls of these majestic fortifications have stood proudly for centuries.
These epic structures transport you back to a simpler yet harsher time. Life was cold, dark, and austere, even in the most elaborate medieval structures. These were the fortified residences of royalty and nobility. Existence was difficult for these castle residents. Nonetheless, there is something romantic and charming about them and their inhabitants.
Castle designs were about protecting their owners and kingdoms from their enemies. As a result, the Medieval castle was the core of military defense for a thousand years. They were fortresses that took horrific beatings; however, they remain standing today in all their glory.
So you ask, are they not all the same?
To our surprise, the answer is no. These massive structures did not have modern machinery or highly educated engineers with computer models. Yet they remain standing, always captivating. They are iconic, a testament to time, many in extraordinary settings.
They are high atop mountains, deep in a forest, on beaches, in the middle of a river, in the heart of a city, or on treacherous precipices. Even a tiny backpack can prevent you from visiting some locations, as the passages are extremely narrow. Despite this, our ancestors somehow built these structures without cranes, vehicles, or modern technology to carry the stones.
Each castle has a unique character, style, stone, architecture, and magic. You sense its soul and heartbeat, and you feel the life in it as you begin to hear the voices that once echoed through these vast stone chambers. Your imagination will transport you if you let it tell its story.
Even the simplest of ruins still capture our hearts. All of a sudden, in our minds, we can see it in all its glory.
Please make no mistake about it. We love everything castle. It is, without a doubt, a bit of an obsession.
Ed Sheeran’s song Castle on the Hill speaks to their presence to this day. There is nothing like spying on that castle on the Hill to make the heart happy.
To conclude, we hope our fascination with castles is contagious and you find the magic “within their walls” as well. Once in a while, give them a try. They will steal your heart and imagination in time, and you can become part of the Castle Hunters tribe. Join us on the hunt!
Let’s test your knowledge
© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved
Our Castle Posts
Castello Monteriggioni, Tuscany: A Visitor Guide
June 5, 2025
Exploring Trim Castle: History, Architecture, and Visitor Guide
November 13, 2024
Travel Through History at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
September 13, 2023
Obidos: Portugal Perfection
July 19, 2023
Edinburgh Castle: The Crown of Edinburgh
July 4, 2023Castle Hunters Gallery
Check out our newest blog posts
Sesame Capellini with Sweet Peppers and Scallions
A light and flavorful fusion, this Asian Capellini Salad combines delicate pasta with tamari,…
September 14, 2025
Lebanon Valley, PA: A Hidden Gem in Pennsylvania Farm Country
We went in knowing little, but left loving everything about Lebanon Valley. From spinning…
September 12, 2025
Pompeii: Exploring the Ruins of a Lost City
“When you walk through Pompeii, it feels like you’re walking through history itself. The…
September 9, 2025
Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona: A Retro-Cool Desert Escape
Discover the best things to do, eat, and see in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona.…
September 8, 2025
Rapa Nui Travel Guide: 5 Nights on Easter Island and Why You’ll Want More
Discover Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in this immersive 5-night travel guide. Explore moai, history,…
September 7, 2025
12 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye, Scotland
Explore the stunning Isle of Skye, known for its breathtaking landscapes and charming villages…
September 7, 2025
Croatia: Two-Week Itinerary of Adventure and Culture
Croatia is a gem of Europe on the gorgeous Adriatic Sea. Discover this enchanting…
August 5, 2025
The Colors of Crete: A Travel Enthusiast’s Dream
There is so much beauty in Crete but what is most striking are the…
August 3, 2025
Ghent Belgium: Top Attractions to Visit
Ghent, Belgium, is a cultural treasure in the Flemish region, boasting medieval architecture, a…
July 12, 2025Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place
Are you 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 a European company. 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.
Want to learn about Wanderers Compass?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Transportation
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
