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 in 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 you with the inspiration and tools you need to create your own independent and 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
A bit more about our travel style and blog
We are two ordinary people with families and jobs. 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 ourselves and often do our own 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 make memories that are cherished for a lifetime.
As you get to know us, you will discover we have quite a passion for castles. We have visited over 300 castles, and the list keeps growing. Our Castle Hunters page is dedicated to our castle adventures. It is a place to learn more about these magnificent structures.
Launching a travel blog is a dream come true, and we are happy to have you join us on this journey. It is still a young blog, and we are learning as we go. Our first 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 via email to update you on our new articles and happenings at Wanderers Compass.
Travel Resource for Everyone
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 responsible and respectful global citizen that travels with confidence, determination, a kind heart, and open eyes. We also will address sustainability issues in travel and our role as travelers to reduce its impact on these beautiful places we are privileged to visit.
Feedback is always welcome and encouraged. Please click here to go to the Contact Us page to share your thoughts and suggestions for the blog.
Welcome everyone to Wanderers Compass. May you Wander in Wonder and live the extraordinary.
A Proud Veteran Owned Blog

Our Travel Stats
Countries | Flight Miles Flown | Continents | States/US Territories |
---|---|---|---|
43 | 1,783,094 | 4 | 52 |
Our Latest Posts
Mdina Malta “Silent City” Travel Guide 2022
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Best things to do and see in Kosovo
Kosovo Visitor Guide and Photo Gallery Kosovo is a small country but it also…
Antwerp Belgium Things to Know Before You Visit
An Antwerp Visitor Guide and Photo Gallery Belgium is such a beautiful place with…
Want to travel for free? Let us show you how
A guide to making your travel dreams a beautiful reality “We travel not to…
Zadar Croatia: Reasons Why You Should Visit in 2022
“Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world……… applauded at every evening” Alfred…
Ghent Belgium – The History Book of Europe
The Ultimate Ghent Visitor Guide and Photo Gallery ‘Nie pleuje!’ – Don’t give up!…
Grand Marnier: Exquisite Elegance
Our February Featured Libation of the World comes from stunning Italy. The drink that…
Cinque Terre Visitor Guide and Photo Gallery
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect Cinque Terre visit “Italy is…
Tired of Long TSA Airport security lines? Here is how to avoid them
Learn how TSA Precheck, Clear, and/or Global Entry can get you through the airport…
To view all our Wanderers Compass posts, click here
Want to learn about Wanderers Compass?
Our Recommended Travel Resources
Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!
If you are booking a trip, don’t forget to get travel insurance within 14 days of your first booking. We could not be stronger advocates of being well insured. Not for the little stuff but the big stuff like medical emergencies. We never leave home without it. Over the years, we have used many sites but have now found our go-to place. Squaremouth.com does a fantastic job; it has a user-friendly interface, they use top-rated and reputable insurance carriers, and most policies cover Covid medical issues and cancellations. They also mediate on your behalf if you have problems with your policy.
MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world
They are the premier global air medical transport. One caveat to travel insurance is that medical evacuation usually gets you to the closest facility to care for you. Medjet gets you back to the US to the hospital of your choice once you are stable enough to fly. They cover Covid-related transports as well.
Medjet carries its own policies. The policy is only for transport and no other aspects of travel insurance. They have individual trip policies starting at $99 and annual policies for $295. Most of their policies limit the age to 74 and younger. Prices are not based on age below that.
Expedia.com
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a US-based company whose mission is to power global travel for everyone and everywhere. Whether planning a family vacation, booking for business, or organizing the trip of a lifetime, they are a fantastic resource. Wanderers Compass focuses on independent travel, and using sites like Expedia makes that possible. Every aspect of travel you would need, from airfare, accommodations, rental car, cruises, to activities to do at your destination, can be booked on Expedia.
Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours
Booking.com connects millions of travelers to memorable experiences, various transportation options, and incredible places to stay – from homes to hotels and much more. It is one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes.
We always start with Expedia to check prices, but it sometimes says it is sold out. We then try Booking.com, and we find it lists plenty of rooms. It could be they are a Europe-based company. Try both before booking accommodations.
Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO)
Are you traveling with a family or having an extended stay at your destination?
With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, VRBO connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The VRBO community offers families or groups various rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, etc.
VRBO is under the Expedia group ownership now, which many were worried about, but it hasn’t panned out to be a concern. It is a massive network that also has access to all forms of lodging should issues arise. Joelle has used VRBO for many years with her family, with no problems to date.
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers around the world use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before.
With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions from nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places to see nearby. We use them for guidance and research on every trip, it is a valuable app for the independent traveler.
Rail Europe
Discover Europe by Train
Rail Europe sells train and bus tickets for travel across Europe. They cover 24 countries, 105 rail operations, and 20,000 stations. They are the official rail and bus operations agents in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Rail Europe continues to add coverage all the time.
It is a fast, easy and economical way to purchase train and bus tickets for Europe. Eurail passes are also available to buy through their site.
Amazon.com
An excellent source for travel essentials and guides
Amazon is one of the most extensive shopping online sources in the world. On behalf of their customers, teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery. They offer a vast inventory, and it is their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com that provide extensive options for customers.
We buy most of our travel books, accessories, and luggage from Amazon. We have ordered up to two days before travel and get what we need.
Travelpro Luggage
Thoughtfully Designed | Meticulously Constructed | Quality Guaranteed.
We have used this luggage for years, left briefly to try others, and returned to Travelpro. Travelpro luggage is carried by crews from over 90 airlines worldwide.
Travelpro takes the time to learn what travelers want and need, then builds it. The key factor for us is that it must be lightweight upfront and very resistant to rough handling. Their luggage is the best, and we could not recommend it enough. It is our go-to luggage.
iVisa
Travel documentation made more accessible
iVisa.com is dedicated to providing customers with a simple, fast, and reliable way to get travel documentation for their journey. Their online application process makes getting visas, health declarations, or passport photos a breeze, all from your home’s comfort. As a leading independent company in the travel documentation industry, they take pride in making global travel more accessible for everyone. In the end, it is a simple and affordable travel resource to get the necessary entry documents complete for your international travel.
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