“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 over 500 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 Media House, 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 such a great time that we were honored to have the opportunity.
Then Something Happened
As we wrapped up the recording, something unexpected happened. The conversation between Lisa and us 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 Media House! What started as a simple chat about castles became the leap that led us to start our own show. We’re thrilled to connect with all of you in this exciting new format.
When and Where?
The Wanderers Compass Podcast airs on the second Monday of every month, taking listeners deeper into the destinations we explore. We share the history, culture, castles, people, and experiences that have shaped our travels, along with practical insights we’ve learned along the way. 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.
A New Podcast Adventure: Table & Compass
We’re excited to introduce Table & Compass, a new podcast from Wanderers Compass created in partnership with Big Blend Media House. While the Wanderers Compass Podcast continues to bring you travel stories, destinations, and adventures from around the world, Table & Compass explores the conversations behind the journeys—featuring inspiring people, ideas, and experiences that connect us all. Explore our internal Table & Compass page to see all the podcasts to date.
We invite you to join us for this new chapter and discover a different side of the stories we love to share.
We Invite You to Join Us on This Journey
One of the things we have enjoyed most about growing Wanderers Compass is finding new ways to tell the stories we bring home from our travels. Our podcasts have given us the chance to go beyond the written word and talk about the moments, people, history, food, and unexpected experiences that don’t always fit into an article.
The Wanderers Compass Podcast takes listeners along on the journeys we explore, while Table & Compass looks at travel through food, culinary traditions, and the people behind them. Both have become an important part of how we share the world with our audience.
We are especially grateful to Lisa and Big Blend Media House for believing in what we were creating and helping us bring these ideas to life. What began with a podcast has grown into a collaboration that now includes our digital magazine and opportunities we never imagined when Wanderers Compass began.
To everyone who reads, listens, comments, shares, or simply follows along, thank you. We hope you’ll continue exploring with us, whether that’s through an article, a photograph, a podcast conversation, or wherever Wanderers Compass takes us next.
Our Podcast Episodes to Date (These are from our YouTube podcast page and our podcast collabs)
September 14, 2026
August 10, 2028
July 13, 2026
June 8, 2026
May 11, 2026
April 20, 2026, Our Return to the IFWTWA Podcast
April 13, 2026
March 9, 2026
February 9, 2026
January 12, 2026
December 8, 2025
November 10, 2025
October 13, 2025
September 8, 2025
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
© 2026 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 best to check both. 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 the Story Behind Wanderers Compass?
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July 27, 2026Our Top Recommended Travel Products
Travel Insurance
Squaremouth.com
Our Favorite Travel Insurance Site!
We strongly advocate comprehensive travel insurance, not only for minor inconveniences but also for major, unexpected events such as 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, offering comfortable, stress-free travel with 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 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 its flexible cancellation policy, which provides peace of mind with every booking.
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 its global fulfillment network.
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