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Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog

Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog

A Travel Blog for the Independent Traveler

Within all of us lies a Wanderer. There is a beautiful, fascinating world out there awaiting our exploration. The wonder it brings is limitless. Wanderers Compass Travel Blog will awaken the wanderer within you through storytelling, photography, destination info, and travel tips from our decades of experience. Whether your first trip or your 100th, no matter your budget. Wanderers Compass will provide the inspiration and tools you need to create your own independent, authentic, life-changing travel adventures.

“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”

Mary Anne Radmacher
Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog
Joelle and Ryan in Buenos Aires, Argentina

About Wanderers Compass travel style and blog

Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog

We are Joelle and Ryan, two ordinary people with families and busy lives. As a result, we need to make every moment count when traveling. Once off that plane, we hit the ground running. We plan every detail of our trips and often do all the driving. That allows us to go off the beaten path, which is a great way to gain authentic cultural experiences. We encourage you to turn down that single-lane dirt road, wander the tiniest villages, grab a brew at the local pub, sample the local cuisine, and walk down that ancient alley. When we explore beyond our comfort zone, extraordinary adventures occur. As a result, we create memories that we cherish for a lifetime.

As you get to know us, you will discover our passion for castles. We have visited 432 castles, and the list keeps growing. Apologies for the confusion! Our Castle Hunters page showcases our castle adventures and offers a place to learn more about these magnificent structures.”

Launching Wanderers Compass Travel Blog fulfills a dream, and we’re thrilled to have you join us on this journey. Our priority is to make the blog the best experience it can be for our readers. As our content grows, please check back often and subscribe to our travel community. Subscribers receive quarterly newsletters to update you on our new articles, where we are off to next, and other activities at Wanderers Compass.

Resources for all

Though we emphasize independent travel, we want this site to be a resource for all travelers. Our Country Travels Guides and Blog Posts provide a wealth of information to assist in your travel planning.

Above all, we will encourage you to be a respectful and responsible global citizen who travels with confidence, determination, a kind heart, and open eyes. Join us on our adventures as we explore this beautiful world.

Feedback is always welcome. Please click here to go to the Contact Us page to share your thoughts and suggestions for the blog.

May you Wander in Wonder and Live the Extraordinary.

Wanderers Compass Travel Stats

CountriesFlight Miles FlownContinentsStates/U.S. Territories
612,038,455652
Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog

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Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog
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Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog
Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog
Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog
Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog
Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog
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Wanderers Compass, Welcome to Wanderers Compass Travel Blog

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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!

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