We are excited to share our July issue of Wanderers Compass Magazine on Substack. Each month, we will publish a new issue and share a dedicated WordPress post highlighting our newest article. This one is special as we detail our 5-country adventure with Ryan’s young son.
From Podcast to Digital Pages
Wanderers Compass began as a podcast and storytelling platform dedicated to exploring travel beyond the typical checklist. From the very beginning, we prioritized meaningful conversations, destination features, and cultural deep dives. As a result, our focus has remained on the stories behind the places, the history, the people, and the experiences that make travel truly meaningful.
Over time, with the launch of our digital Wanderers Compass magazine, that mission expanded into a format that brings together narrative, photography, and curated travel insights. As a result, these elements create an immersive experience designed for modern wanderers seeking depth, connection, and perspective. The magazine is produced in conjunction with Big Blend Media House.
July’s Cover Story:
Travel changes us at every age.
Our latest feature with Big Blend Media House, “Five Countries, One Boy, and 500 Castles: Traveling Europe with a Child,” shares what we learned while exploring France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands through the eyes of an eight-year-old. From medieval castles and world-class museums to unexpected moments of curiosity and connection, this journey reminded us that children don’t simply travel alongside us—they often change the way we experience the world ourselves.
If you’ve ever wondered whether international travel with a child is worth it, or if you’re looking for inspiration for your own family adventure, we hope you’ll enjoy reading the story. Be sure to listen to the companion Wanderers Compass podcast with Big Blend Radio, where we dive even deeper into the experience, and stay through the end to hear Ryan’s son make his podcast debut as he shares his favorite memories from the trip. Below is an excerpt from that article.
Five Countries, One Boy, and 500 Castles: Traveling Europe with a Child
Jul 13, 2026
What an 8-year-old’s first trip through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg taught us about curiosity, connection, and the benefits of travel.
TRAVELING EUROPE WITH A CHILD
By Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough from Wanderers Compass
Standing on the summit of the Eiffel Tower on a beautiful June afternoon, we watched Ryan’s son take in the view stretching across Paris.
Below us, the Seine wound through the city. Historic buildings stretched toward the horizon. Famous landmarks that had existed only in photographs, books, and videos suddenly became real. For a few moments, he simply stood there taking it all in.
As travel writers, we’ve been fortunate to experience remarkable destinations around the world. We’ve explored more than 65 countries, visited over 160 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and wandered through hundreds of castles, cathedrals, and historic cities. Yet watching a young traveler see Paris from atop the Eiffel Tower reminds us of something easy to forget.
The world feels different when everything is new.
That moment would set the tone for the next two weeks as the three of us traveled through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. Along the way, we would celebrate a major Wanderers Compass milestone, discover a few unexpected favorites, and witness something even more meaningful than the destinations themselves. We would watch curiosity grow with every castle, cathedral, border crossing, and conversation.
By the time we boarded our flight home, the Eiffel Tower would no longer be the only thing Ryan’s son was talking about.
Paris: Where the Adventure Began
Paris felt like the perfect place to begin.
Long before we boarded our flight, the Eiffel Tower had become the symbol of the trip. It was the attraction Ryan’s son talked about most often and the one he wanted to see more than anything else. Fortunately, Paris delivered in every possible way.
The city seemed to reveal the tower constantly. It appeared between buildings, at the end of streets, and above rooftops. Every sighting generated excitement. When we finally reached the summit, the moment lived up to every expectation. The weather was beautiful, visibility stretched for miles, and Paris unfolded beneath us in every direction. It wasn’t simply about seeing a famous landmark. It was about seeing a dream become reality.
Yet the Eiffel Tower was only part of our introduction to Paris.
Over several days, we explored some of the city’s most iconic sites, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Palace of Versailles. Each offered something different. Notre-Dame connected us to nearly a thousand years of history and showcased the remarkable restoration efforts underway in the wake of the devastating fire. Standing before the Arc de Triomphe provided an opportunity to discuss French history, remembrance, and the significance of monuments. Versailles, with its immense scale, elaborate gardens, and Hall of Mirrors, offered a glimpse into the power and grandeur of the French monarchy.
………………………………………………Excerpt from Wanderers Compass Substack in collaboration with Big Blend Media House
To experience the full article, visit Wanderers Compass Magazine on Substack.
Thank you for being part of our magazine family. Each month, we look forward to sharing a new issue and podcast with you, and we remain committed to bringing you thoughtful stories and fresh perspectives from around the world. As we continue exploring one destination at a time, we are grateful to have you traveling alongside us.
You can also listen to our July podcast on European travel.
© 2026 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved
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