We answer your most frequently asked questions
1. How did you decide to start a blog?
Several years ago, after their third trip to Europe, Ryan came up with an idea. Joelle was initially skeptical, but Ryan’s persistence slowly wore her down.
For Ryan, travel had always been a dream—one he never imagined would come true. It became a life-changing experience, one of his greatest joys, second only to his son.
Joelle, a first-generation American born to French immigrants, had been traveling her entire life. Travel was her passion, and she never seemed to get enough. For years, she’d planned to fly somewhere at least once a month, with most trips being business-related within the U.S. and at least one overseas trip annually.
Over time, Ryan had joined Joelle on family vacations or local trips when business took her to his side of the country. Their first trip to Europe was meant to be a one-time adventure. After leaving active-duty Army service, Ryan struggled but eventually turned his life around. He’d saved for the trip, and Joelle, eager to return to Europe, found that the timing was perfect.
An Unlikely Travel Duo
An unlikely travel duo was born during that trip as we discovered how much we shared in our travel styles and interests. Ryan, with his youthful energy, unbridled curiosity, and enthusiasm, brought a fresh perspective. His deep appreciation for history and culture added depth to every journey. Joelle, seasoned from years of travel, had a natural ease about her—travel seemed effortless in her hands. Her love for adventure and embracing the unexpected made each destination feel like an exciting challenge. We soon realized we also shared an obsession with castles, each of us bringing our strengths and weaknesses to the table. Together, we balanced each other perfectly. The trip taught us to think outside the box and open our hearts to unexpected gifts—both for ourselves and others.
As a disabled veteran still serving as an Army Reservist, Ryan had a bold idea: a blog to help other veterans like him discover the joys of travel. He wanted to show them how traveling could have a meaningful, positive impact on their lives. That was the hook that got Joelle on board—he found her weak spot.
The process wasn’t easy. Neither of us had experience with blogging or technology, and the learning curve was steep. There were moments of doubt, frustration, and even anger, but we persevered. We believed in our dream, and with determination, we committed to making it a reality.
Time to Launch
A launch date was set for March 2020, but fate had other plans. The very same month, the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, and our hearts broke as we watched the world change. With heavy hearts, we paused the blog launch. But this unexpected delay gave us precious time to immerse ourselves in learning the ins and outs of our platform. We discovered invaluable resources for new bloggers and took the opportunity to take classes, read extensively, and study hard. We would be ready when the world was ready to travel again.
As 2021 began, the world started to see a glimmer of hope after a challenging year. People began to make travel plans once more, and it felt like the perfect moment to offer a helpful resource to guide them.
In March 2021, we proudly launched Wanderers Compass.
This time, we were prepared. The learning process will never end as our blog continues to grow, but we now have the tools to adapt.
Welcome to our journey—we’re thrilled to have you along with us.
To read more about our story and learn more about us beyond the Frequently Asked Questions, click here to continue About Us page.
2. How did you come up with that name, and does it have a special meaning?
Finding a name for our blog was a months-long challenge. Every time we thought we had the perfect idea, it was already taken—whether the website, Facebook, or Instagram handle. Then, one Christmas, Joelle gave Ryan a quote to hang on his wall, and it led us to “Wanderers Compass.”
We’d always loved the word wanderlust, and its definition resonated with us: “A very strong or irresistible impulse to travel or wander.” It spoke to our approach to travel—we plan our days but always leave room for spontaneity and wandering. Some of our most memorable experiences have been off the beaten path, where few tourists go.
With two of us co-founding the blog, Wanderers seemed a perfect fit. And the compass—well, it naturally followed. Just as a compass guides us on our travels, we aim to guide you on yours. We are the Wanderers who will help you use your compass to explore exciting destinations and open your heart to life-changing adventures.
3. What is your favorite place to travel?
Choosing a favorite country is nearly impossible, as our travels have only deepened our love for new destinations. For Joelle, France will always have a special place in her heart. With French parents, French as her first language, and much of her family still there, it feels like home.
There’s rarely a country we don’t fall in love with for some reason. Recent trips to Portugal and Croatia quickly rose to the top of our list. Ireland was love at first sight and remains a favorite, while Italy’s charm is unforgettable. Spain captivates, Scotland is breathtaking, and Hungary is full of surprises. The Nordic countries, especially Iceland, are striking. Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany are all delightful, and England—oh, the castles! Morocco was mind-blowing, the Faroe Islands showed nature in its rawest form, and Easter Island blew our minds. Buenos Aires bewitched us, Japan stole our hearts, and Andorra was stunning.
Magic is everywhere if you travel with an open heart, mind, and eyes—absorbing the culture and connecting with the people. It might not always be what you expect, but that’s part of the beauty. You’re entering their world, and it’s yours to discover.
4. What are some aspects of your partnership that surprise you?
It still surprises us that, despite being the most unlikely of business and travel partners, it works so well. We live on different coasts, which presents its challenges, especially with the time zone difference and Ryan’s busy schedule. Yet, we make it work. What helps is that Joelle no longer works full-time and can come East as needed. Ryan visits the West Coast once a year with his son to see Joelle and her family, and as we expand into the western parts of the world, Ryan will be out West even more.
We’re also astonished that we share identical travel styles despite our different travel histories and age gap. Neither of us expected that, but here we are—living it and loving every moment. It’s been an absolute joy and has taught us to remain open to new experiences.
Beyond travel, we share other hobbies and interests. We both enjoy wine and microbrews, which we constantly seek out during our trips. Our families are the center of our lives, and we both love Rick Steves’ travel series. Music is another common bond, with many of our tastes aligning.
Of course, we differ in many ways, too. For example, Ryan’s driving tends to be a bit fast for Joelle’s liking, and her tendency to get injured permanently adds a little nervousness to every trip (she’s a walking accident waiting to happen!). Somehow, though, we balance the bad with the mostly good. That’s what teamwork is all about.
We differ a lot, too
In other aspects, we differ a lot. Ryan is passionate about his Harley and Indian motorcycles, and you will never find Joelle on a motorcycle in her life. Ryan is very artistic, with many talents, such as ceramics, woodwork, drawing, photography, and mosaics. He makes Mead and writes poetry, short stories, and music lyrics. Ryan worked as an engineer on active duty, resulting in some impressive construction projects. His dream is to own a fully restored Old-style Wagoneer. He has one sitting in the garage that needs a lot of love, but the time or the funds are not there.
Joelle loves photography, but other than that can barely draw a stick figure. She loves cooking due to her French roots and has belonged to a gourmet cooking club for over 30 years. Landscaping and home design have always been fun hobbies. She and her husband built the home where they raised their family. Having worked as a Registered Nurse, she is passionate about healthcare issues, patient advocacy, and education. Joelle did extensive public speaking during her career. Her career was primarily focused on oncology in clinical and research settings. She keeps her hands in it, volunteering on committees and auditing.
5. Is the photography on this site your own?
Joelle was initially the photographer on this blog team. Ryan, though, has grown to be a great photographer and often now takes more photos with Joelle’s Nikon than she does. Mostly, all the photos on the blog are our own. In some countries we visited long ago, the images were lost (Australia) or are not useable anymore (Bermuda). We will credit the source of the pictures if we use stock photos.
We are passionate about photography and spend a lot of time on it. An average trip might have 10,000 images on the Nikon or Canon and iPhone; after all, it is said and done. The tedious part is processing all of them. It is an art and pure enjoyment in the end. We hope you enjoy our photography, and as we enhance the site and write posts, many more photos will come. Joelle’s collection from travel is over 750,000 photos.
6. How do you juggle travel and life at home?
That answer looks very different for each of us. Joelle is married and a proud grandma to four sweet grandbabies. She spent her entire career as an RN in the Oncology field, retiring earlier than planned due to health reasons. Despite retiring, Joelle stays engaged by volunteering on various committees, both locally and nationally, which keeps her mind active. She’s fortunate to have both of her children living nearby, along with her four grandchildren, and she and her husband help care for them whenever they can.
Throughout her career, Joelle traveled often for business, and now, she continues to visit friends and family across the U.S. and hold business meetings with Ryan. International travel is a regular part of her life, with at least three trips a year, and she hopes to travel even more. Thanks to her flexibility, Joelle manages to juggle it all pretty efficiently.
Lots on his plate
Ryan is a single dad to a sweet and active young son. He keeps Ryan on his toes but adores every moment with him. In 2024, Ryan returned to full-time school. He is also a Master Sgt in the Army Reserves. He is a very busy man!
On top of that, maintaining his home, property, art projects, and finding time to ride his Harley and Indian motorcycles, he doesn’t get much downtime. Due to some of his disabilities from his military service, he has some days that can be painful. He is juggling lots of balls in the air. His vacation time is reserved for our blog trips or to visit family in nearby states.
Shared Efforts and Teamwork
The blog is a very shared effort, and since some parts can be challenging, we each take on specific tasks that suit us best. As we live on different coasts, many work conversations are on the phone or by text. We try to meet in person every two months. There is a lot of team effort and unique challenges due to distance, time zone differences, and being in very different life stages. We make it work, and we have lots of support as well.
7. Do either of you have any travel phobias that would astonish us?
Joelle hates flying, as in she hates flying. She has a long history of being a terrified flier. Add some claustrophobia to that to add to the misery. Over 1.6 million miles later, it remains a love-hate relationship. Ultimately, her love of travel has won out her fear of flying. It was a battle hard fought. A worthy opponent that lost in the end.
The flight that broke the camel’s back was to San Francisco. Due to severe weather, the plane had to circle for an hour in severe turbulence. It was terrifying. It was the closest to an anxiety attack Joelle had ever experienced, and an hour later, her heart rate was still 180. Her physician recommended Ativan for flight anxiety. It was magic. The medication assists the mind and body to disconnect; she fully knows that flying sucks, but the body feels calm. It is never far from her reach when flying but acts more like a security blanket as she hasn’t taken any in a long while. Knowing alone that she has that option is all that is needed now.
Each Of Us Has Issues.
Ryan is fearful and anxious in situations he can’t control. He doesn’t like the unknown, big cities, and large crowds. A visit to New York City once triggered symptoms of an anxiety attack. Going to a foreign country where you don’t speak or read the language, you would expect it to be accentuated tenfold. Add to that the fact that people often drive the roads with different traffic rules and signs that don’t make sense, and they even go on the other side of the road. His first overseas trip was overwhelming, but he was okay with patience and sensitivity. He handled Paris as if he wandered it daily. He drove on the left side of the UK road and learned to drive a stick shift in France. Before you knew it, he was a natural; nothing overwhelmed him anymore.
Conquering barriers
Fear of the unknown scares many travelers from taking the trip, planning their journey, or traveling independently. Taking ownership of the trip and planning puts you back in control and removes much of the unknown. Ryan does all our itinerary and planning. It also adds to the adventure and provides confidence in areas he felt vulnerable. The excitement that comes with planning. Reduces those vulnerabilities. Ryan thrives when traveling. His stature, confidence, demeanor, and smile are much greater overseas. It remains with him long after he returns home.
How did we overcome these barriers to travel? Refuse to let it win and not be afraid to ask for help. We are learning ways to recognize and manage problems when they arise. Everyone can overcome their travel phobias with determination and sometimes a little help from a friend. It might not be easy, and there will be bumps in the road, but we are fully confident of your ability to do so.
Joelle will write more on this and other health barriers when traveling.
8. Has starting a travel blog gone as expected?
Has starting a travel blog gone as expected?
We never expected our travel blog to evolve into anything more than a hobby. When we first started, it was simply a way to share our love for travel, document our adventures, and connect with others who had the same passion. We didn’t anticipate making money from it or treating it like a business—it was just content for the blog, an outlet for creativity and exploration. But as time went on, something unexpected happened. What started as a fun project gradually morphed into something much bigger, taking on a life of its own.
The blog went from being a casual hobby to a full-fledged professional venture, and it’s been a wild ride. While we’re not yet making substantial income from it, we’re happy to say that we do manage to cover our expenses. This journey has been more challenging than we ever imagined. It’s complicated, frustrating, and, at times, stressful. But it’s also exciting, stimulating, and rewarding in ways we never anticipated. Each day brings something new—whether it’s a technical challenge, an inspiring conversation with a fellow traveler, or the thrill of seeing our work resonate with others.
One of the most unexpected aspects has been the growth of our social media presence. What began as a modest following has grown beyond anything we could have imagined, and the interactions with our followers have become one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. It’s a reminder that this blog isn’t just about us; it’s about the community we’ve built and the conversations we’re having with people who share the same wanderlust.
New adventures
The biggest surprise of all came in 2024 when we started expanding beyond just writing content. We began delving into freelance travel journalism, something we never imagined we’d be doing when we first started. We also started attending national conferences, connecting with other travel professionals, and even going on FAM (Familiarization) trips, which have been invaluable in terms of networking and discovering new destinations. This shift marked a turning point, where our blog began to open doors to exciting new opportunities we hadn’t even considered before.
Looking ahead, the future is full of potential. We’re thrilled by where the blog has taken us and where it’s going. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our followers, who have made all of this possible. Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Your encouragement, comments, and engagement keep us motivated, and we’re excited to continue this journey together. Thank you for being part of our adventure!
Do you have any questions you would like answered? Comment below, and we will add them to this page.
© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved
If you have any suggestions for our frequently asked questions page, please enter them below. You are always welcome to provide feedback, and content suggestions, introduce yourself, and share your personal travel stories with us.
Maybe you can inspire our next destination.
Check out our most recent blog posts
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.
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.
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!
Do you have a question for us or have a comment?
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.
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.
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!
