Where Wanderers Compass Has Been Featured and Recognized

“We are all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.”

jimmy Neil smith

Below is a list of all the publications, podcasts, freelance work, and television media appearances in which Wanderers Compass has been featured.

In 2023, a whole new, exciting, and transformative direction began for Wanderers Compass Travel Blog. We had the honor of being named one of the Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts by LA Weekly, which was a total surprise! At the time, we were still growing in the world of travel blogging, so to receive such recognition was both unexpected and incredibly humbling. Being featured on that list opened up numerous new opportunities, including media coverage that exceeded our expectations. In 2024, we expanded into freelance work, something we had not anticipated doing. We’re thrilled to share the milestones we’ve achieved and the progress we’ve made.

We are very active now in freelance writing, a new avenue for us to explore alongside our regular travel content. It’s a thrilling challenge that allows us to dive deeper into sharing our experiences, and we’re excited to continue this alongside our growing online presence. As we publish new articles, we’ll ensure that they are shared here for your enjoyment.

In 2025, we launched our own Podcast channel, Wanderers Compass. Our show airs on the second Monday of every month. Come check us out and hear about our travel adventures.

Throughout it all, our mission has remained the same: to create engaging content, inspire readers to embrace the joys of travel, and share our passion for exploring the world. We’re fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel when life allows, and we look forward to sharing more stories and adventures with you in the future.

How did we get here?

How did we turn our dreams into reality? It’s all thanks to you, our amazing readers. Your support and interest in our stories, travels, photography, guides, tips, and resources have made all the difference. We’re so grateful to have you with us on this incredible journey. Your encouragement and feedback keep us motivated to deliver the best travel content we can.

And to our family and friends who have supported us from the very beginning,6 thank you. Your patience, your edits, and your unwavering belief in us have been invaluable. We wouldn’t have made it this far without you.

Here’s to the next chapter of our travels and the adventures ahead!

---

It does take a village, and we have an awesome one! To learn more about our story, visit our About Us page.

Publications/Podcasts/Press Releases/Television Coverage where Wanderers Compass has been featured

Freelance Work

1. Joelle Machia, Best Pizza Chain 2025, Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, July 2, 2025

2. Ryan Slough Best Fast-Food Chain 2025- Readers’ Choice, Panel Expert Newsweek Magazine May 22, 2025

3. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Whisky and History: Exploring Edinburgh Castle Podcast June 9, 2025

4. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Exploring the Presidio, San Francisco’s Best-Kept Secret, Parks, and Travel Magazine, May 12, 2025

5. Joelle Machia quoted in How to Bring Castlecore Elegance Into Your Home, Rent.com/Blog, May 9, 2025

6. Joelle Machia  Dalida: Mediterranean Magic in San Francisco’s Presidio FWT Magazine April 25, 2025

7. Joelle Machia Best Pick-Your-Own Fruit Farm Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine May 8, 2025

8. Joelle Machia Best Coolers Panel Expert Newsweek Magazine April 24, 2025

9. Joelle Machia, Best Petting Zoos Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, April 10, 2025

10. Joelle Machia, Best Amusement Park Live Show  Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, March 27, 2025

11. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough The Thrill of Castle Hunting Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine March 21, 2025

12. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough 8 Things to Love About Easter Island (Beyond the Moai) FWT Magazine March 21, 2025

13. Our First Podcast: Castle Hunting Around The World, Big Blend Radio & TV March 14, 2025

14. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Exploring Montepulciano: A Guide to Tuscany’s Historic Hilltop Town and Its Famous Wines on Wanderlog.com March 12, 2025

15. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Dubrovnik Old Town Walls: A Must-See Croatian Landmark Hero Traveler March 10, 2025

16. Joelle Machia, Best Tour Operator  Panel Expert Newsweek Magazine February 13, 2025

17. Joelle Machia Best Free Museum Panel Expert Newsweek Magazine January 30, 2025

18. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Tokyo Adventures: 4 Unique and Fun Things to Do FWT Magazine January 25, 2025

19. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Iceland Glacier Lagoons: The Ultimate Guide to Jokulsarlon, Fjallsarlon & Diamond Beach Guide to Iceland Website February 3, 2025

20. Joelle Machia, ” How Business Leaders Can Evaluate Their Effectiveness Over Time Forbes, December 3, 2024

21. Joelle Machia How Business Travel Builds Better Leaders Forbes, November 22, 2024

22. Ryan Slough Best Whiskey – Readers’ Choice Panel Expert Newsweek Magazine October 10, 2024

23. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough A Journey on the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail FWT Magazine October 18, 2024

24. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Kinderijk Windmills Ultimate Guide to Visiting The UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Netherlands Guest Post on herotraveler.com November 2024

25. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Cologne Cathedral History, Architecture and Things To Do Guest Post on herotraveler.com January 2025

26. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Mas Olivier Winery: Authenticity Amidst Mass-Produced Traditions FWT Magazine August 30, 2024

27. Joelle Machia, contributing to 20 Steps Entrepreneurs Can Take To Level Up Their Businesses Panel Expert Forbes June 28, 2024

28. Joelle Machia Cultural Intelligence: Navigating Cross-Cultural Business Interactions Forbes July 26, 2024

29. Joelle Machia Dear Business Traveler: Step Off Your Balcony To Enjoy The Real Perks Of Business Travel Forbes September 17, 2024

30. Joelle Machia, Travel Writers Taste Yakima Valley Wines from Two of its 120 Wineries, FWT Magazine. June 25, 2024

31. Joelle Machia Best Aquarium – Readers’ Choice Panel Expert Newsweek Magazine March 14, 2024

Contributor Spots

1. Joelle Machia Roaming the Globe: The Quest to Uncover the Best Pubs, Bars, and Breweries Around the World (2024) Article Ritz

2. Joelle Machia, Staying Safe and Healthy: A Guide to Navigating Health Emergencies While Traveling (2024), Posting Tree

3. Joelle Machia, How Traveling Can Transform Your Life? (2024) The Enterprise World

4. Ryan Slough First Time Traveling Abroad? Here is Everything You Need to Know (2024), California Business Journal

Podcasts

1. Our Seventh Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Exploring the Susquehanna River Valley, October 13, 2025

2. Our Sixth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Easter Island, September 8, 2025

3. Our Fifth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Exploring Ireland Through a Child’s Eyes, August 11, 2025

4. Special Episode Collaboration, Historic Main Streets, Downtowns, Villages & Plazas, Big Blend Radio & TV, July 31, 2025

5. Our Fourth Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Epic Adventures in Turkiye: Ancient Cities, Culture and Cuisine, Big Blend Radio & TV, July 14, 2025

6. Our Third Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Whisky & History; Exploring Edinburgh Castle, Big Blend Radio & TV, June 9, 2025

7. Memorial Day collaboration with Big Blend Radio, Honoring Service: Acts of Kindness, Travel, and Military Appreciation, Big Blend Radio & TV, May 26, 2025

8. Our Second Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Exploring The Presidio: San Francisco’s Best-Kept Secret, Big Blend Radio & TV, May 12, 2025

9. Our Inaugural Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Travel Writer Success Insider with Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Big Blend Radio & TV, April 14, 2025

10. Our First Group Podcast Spring Garden Party Big Blend Radio & TV March 21, 2025

11. Our First Podcast: Castle Hunting Around The World, Big Blend Radio & TV, March 21, 2025

Media Pieces Written About Wanderers Compass

1. Meet the 15 Leading Travel Experts (2024)
MSN

Check out #2

2. Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts for Adventure Lovers Worldwide (2023)
LA Weekly

We are listed at #9

3. Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named Top Ten Most Incredible Travel Experts by LA Weekly (2023)
Yahoo Finance

4. Meet Joelle Machia (2025) Canvas Rebel Interview

5. From Military Service to Global Exploration: How Army Veteran Ryan Slough Found Healing and Purpose Through Wanderers Compass Travel Blog (July 2025)
Luxury Travel Magazine

6. Planning the Perfect Getaway in 2025: Top Travel Solutions You Can Trust (October 2025)
Just Luxe

7. Why Wanderers Compass Founders Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Say Meaningful Travel Begins on the Roads Less Traveled and How to Plan Adventures That Truly Matter (2025)
Elite Luxury News

8. Globetrotters Ryan & Joelle Share Essential Traveling Tips On Wanderers Compass (2023)
INSC Digitial Magazine

9. The Wanderers Compass: Travels of Bloggers Ryan & Joelle Shared Through Breathtaking Photos (2023)
The Hustlers Digest

10. Castle Hunters: Travel Bloggers Ryan & Joelle Share The Tales of Exploring Over 350 Castles on Wanderers Compass (2023) Bulletin Feed

11. The Inspiring Story of Travelers Ryan and Joelle: Creators of the Popular Blog, Wanderers Compass (2023)
RedX Magazine

12. Cash-strapped but Got Itchy Feet? Fuel Your Wanderlust with Travel Bloggers Joelle and Ryan (2023)
NetNews Ledger

13. Redefining Travel: Content Creators Joelle and Ryan Explain Why a Great Travel Itinerary Is Important (2023)
Buzz Sentinel

14. Stories of Exploration: Globetrotting Duo Ryan and Joelle on Pursuing Their Dreams Through Wanderers Compass (2023)
Miami Daily Post

15. Joelle and Ryan from Wanderers Compass Share Five Reasons Why Travelling is Necessary (2023)
The Ohio Daily

16. The Wanderers Compass: Here’s How Ryan and Joelle Inspire Others for Travel and Adventure through Breathtaking Photography (2023)
London Daily Post

17. Travel Bloggers Joelle and Ryan Highlight Five Experiences That Should Not Be Missed While Traveling (2023)
Influencer Daily

18. Raise a Glass to Global Flavors: Explore the Best Libations from Around the World with Wanderers Compass (2023)
Disrupt Magazine

19. Healthy Travels: Oncology Nurse Joelle from Wanderers Compass Shares Pro Tips to Stay Healthy during International Travels (2023)
LA Progressive

20. Press Release Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named’ Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts’ by LA Weekly (2023)
Markets Business Insider

21. Press Release Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named’ Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts’ by LA Weekly (2023)
Market Watch

22. Embark on an Adventure with Joelle and Ryan’s Wanderers Compass (2023)
Readers Digest UK

23. From Anxious to Wanderlust: Finding Freedom in Travel with Joelle and Ryan (2024) The Chicago Weekly

24. Veterans’ Restorative Journeys: Exploring with Wanderers Compass (2024) The Chicago Journal

25. Travel Light, Travel Far: Essential Packing Strategies from Wanderers Compass (2024), Women’s Journal

26. The Rise of Authentic Travel: Beyond Perfect Social Media (2024) World Reporter

27. Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named Top Ten Most Incredible Travel Experts by LA Weekly (2023)
Business Insider

28. North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) August Featured Journalist of the Month: Ryan Slough (2025)

Interested in how you can travel for free? Check out our article here.

Television Interviews

1. Great Day Colorado Interview with Ryan

2. Wanderer’s Compass blog: Helping others realize their travel dreams
Massachusetts WWLP Mass Appeal Show

© 2025 Wanderers Compass All Rights Reserved

Traveling soon? Check out if your destination is one of our Country Travel Guides.

Want to learn how to make travel easier? Check out Ryan’s Top Travel Tips

Our 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.

buy now

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.  

Buy now

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.

Book now

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.

Book now

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.  

Book now

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.

Explore now

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.

SHOP NOW

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.

Shop now

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!

Check out our FAQs page.

Check out our Privacy Policy