“Statistically, 100 percent of the shots you don’t take, don’t go in.”
Wayne Gretzky
From Casual Chat to Big Leap: The Birth of the Wanderers Compass Podcast
You know how people often say, “You’re living the dream?” Well, for us, this whole adventure has been less of a “dream” and more of a series of delightful, unexpected turns. And it all started in a way we never even imagined.
As proud members of the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we were given the opportunity to apply for a chance to share our story on the monthly IFWTWA Podcast. This wasn’t a personal invite, but rather an open call for all members to submit their experiences. We eagerly applied, excited about the prospect of sharing our journey as CastleHunters, a journey that has taken us to 448 castles (and counting) across the globe.
When the moment finally arrived to record the podcast, we were a bit nervous, after all, we’d never been in the podcasting world before. But from the moment Lisa, host of Big Blend Radio & TV, began chatting with us, all our nerves faded. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine curiosity about our story made the whole experience feel more like a conversation with a friend than a formal recording. We had so much fun that we were honored to have had the opportunity.
Then Something Happened
And then, as we wrapped up the recording, something unexpected happened. The conversation between us and Lisa continued, and suddenly, the idea of creating our own podcast was born. It was one of those moments where a crazy idea sparks something bigger. A podcast? Us? We’d never even thought of it before, but we realized, why not? The entire travel blog journey has been about stepping outside our comfort zones, embracing adventure, and taking chances. Why stop now?
Fast forward to April 14, 2025, and our Wanderers Compass Podcast is officially up and running on Big Blend Radio and TV! What started as a simple chat about castles turned into the leap of starting our own show. We’re thrilled to connect with all of you in this exciting new format.
When and where?
Our podcast airs on the second Monday of every month, at 4:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM PST, and we’re so excited to share it with you. Whether you’re planning your next adventure, exploring new destinations, or love hearing about unique travel experiences, our episodes are packed with everything from castle stories to travel tips and inspiring adventures. We’re available on all major podcast platforms, so no matter where you listen, you’ll be able to find us. Here’s where you can catch the Wanderers Compass Podcast:
And more! Just search for “Wanderers Compass Podcast” and you’ll find us ready to take you along on this new journey.
We Invite You to Join Us on This New Journey
We can’t express enough how much it means to share this adventure with all of you. From the very first day we started our blog, you’ve been with us, supporting and encouraging us as we’ve wandered the world and uncovered hidden treasures. Now, with the podcast, we’re taking that connection to the next level. We’re excited to share stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and the real, unfiltered adventures that make this life so incredible.
So if you haven’t already, grab your headphones, fire up your favorite podcast platform, and join us on this exciting new chapter of the Wanderers Compass story. We’re beyond grateful to have you along for the ride, and we hope you’ll tune in each month to hear more about the castles, adventures, and life-changing experiences we encounter along the way.
Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support. Thank you to Lisa at Big Blend Radio for making this all possible; you have our heartfelt gratitude. Here’s to many more incredible journeys together!
Happy travels, from your favorite CastleHunters, travel bloggers, and now podcasters!
Wanderers Compass Podcast Lives on Podbean – check out our page here or click the image below.
Our Podcast Episodes to Date (These are from our YouTube Podcast Page and our podcast collabs)
August 28, 2025
August 11, 2025
July 31, 2025
July 14, 2025
June 9, 2025
May 26, 2025
May 12, 2025
April 14, 2025
April 6, 2025
Our first podcast on the IFWTWA podcast channel
March 14, 2025
Enjoy Our Wanderers Compass Podcasts
© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved
Check back often to see what new Wanderers Compass Podcasts we have to offer
Flights, 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?
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June 15, 2025Our 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!
