Where Wanderers Compass Has Been Published, 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, Wanderers Compass took an unexpected turn when LA Weekly named us among its Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts for Adventure Lovers Worldwide. At the time, we were still finding our place in the travel media world, so the recognition came as a genuine surprise. It also opened doors we never anticipated.

By 2024, freelance travel writing had become an important part of what we do. Today, our work appears across a growing range of publications, giving us opportunities to tell stories beyond our own site while continuing to share our travels here on Wanderers Compass.

In 2025, we took another step by launching the Wanderers Compass Podcast. Airing on the second Monday of each month, the show gives us more room to explore the destinations we visit, from their history and culture to the people we meet along the way.

Our storytelling expanded again in 2026 with Wanderers Compass: A Big Blend Podcast Magazine, a monthly digital magazine bringing together our travel stories and photography in a new format. We also launched our second podcast, Table & Compass, which explores destinations through their food, culinary traditions, and the people behind them.

What began as a travel blog has grown into something we never quite imagined: a platform encompassing travel writing, photography, podcasts, a digital magazine, and freelance journalism. Yet the reason we started Wanderers Compass hasn’t changed. We want to inspire people to explore, stay curious, understand the places they visit, and experience the world with respect for the people and cultures they encounter.

And there are still plenty of stories ahead.

How Did We Get Here?

None of this would have happened without the people who have followed Wanderers Compass along the way. Every time you read an article, listen to a podcast, share one of our stories, comment on a photograph, or use one of our guides to plan your own travels, you help us continue doing something we truly love.

We’re especially grateful to those who have been with us since the early days, when Wanderers Compass was simply an idea and a place to share our travels. Watching that small travel blog grow into what it is today has been something we never expected.

And to our family and friends who have supported us from the beginning, thank you. You’ve read drafts, caught mistakes, listened to ideas, offered advice, and supported us through a lot of travel and more than a few ambitious plans. You have been part of Wanderers Compass, too.

Most of all, thank you for coming along with us. There is still a lot of this world we want to see, and we look forward to sharing what we find.

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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 Outside of Wanderers Compass Website

1. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Has Venice Changed? Here’s What We Found, FWT Magazine; September 18, 2026
   
2. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya: Luxury That Never Loses Its Sense of Place, Luxe Beat Magazine Website; September 17, 2026
   
3. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Hotel Valley Ho: Where Scottsdale’s Midcentury Glamour Lives On, Luxe Beat Magazine Website; September 15, 2026
   
4. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Savoia Excelsior Palace: Where the Elegance of Old Europe Meets the Adriatic, September Issue of Luxe Beat Magazine; September 1, 2026
   
5. Joelle Machia, What Travel Taught Me About Paying Attention, Forttuna Councils; August 3, 2026
   
6. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Victoria, British Columbia: A City That Rewards Slowing Down; On Substack with Big Blend Media House, August, 10, 2026
   
7. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Luxury With A Sense of Place; Luxe Beat Magazine, July 30, 2026
   
8. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Ettington Park Hotel: A Historical Luxury Experience; Luxe Beat Magazine, August 6, 2026
   
9. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, How to Visit Hiroshima Respectfully: A Meaningful Guide; Wander With Wonder, July 15, 2026
   
10. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Traveling Europe Across Generations; On Substack with Big Blend Media House, July 13, 2026
    
11. Joelle Machia, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Fast Casual Chain of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, July 2026
    
12. Ryan Slough, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Sandwich Chains of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, July 2026
    
13. Joelle Machia, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Taco Chain of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, July 2026
    
14. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Beyond the Postcard of the Caribbean; “Expert” On Substack with Big Blend Media House, June 8, 2026
    
15. Joelle Machia, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Airport Hotels of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, May 20, 2026
    
16. Joelle Machia, Readers’ Choice Awards Best Historic Hotels of 2026; “Expert” Panelist for Reviewed.com, May 20, 2026
    
17. Joelle Machia, Why Brand Loyalty Matters More for Business Travelers Than Most Professionals Realize, Forttuna Councils, May 18, 2026
    
18. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Caribbean Connections, On Substack with Big Blend Media, May 11, 2026
    
19. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Castle Hunting in Southern Wales, Travel Food and Wine Podcast Magazine. May, 2026
    
20. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Cappadocia: Walking Through Turkey’s Living Landscape; Food Wine and Travel Magazine, April 28, 2026
    
21. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Exploring Kyoto; in Wanderers Compass Magazine, March 9, 2026
    
22. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Magical Istria; in Wanderers Compass Magazine: A Big Blend Radio Podcast Magazine, February 9, 2026
    
23. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, The Thrill of Castle Hunting, March 2025 Highlights, Travel Food and Wine A Big Blend Radio Podcast Magazine; Vol 1/Issue 2025-2026
    
24. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Our First Book: Founders in Focus: Unstoppable Entrepreneurs & Their Game Plans, Chapters 6 & 7, Published January 2026
    
25. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Dubai, Reconsidered: What We Found When We Finally Said Yes; Wanderers Compass, A Big Blend Radio Podcast Magazine, January 13, 2026
    
26. Joelle Machia, Best Pizza Chain 2025, Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, July 2, 2025
    
27. Ryan Slough, Best Fast-Food Chain 2025– Readers’ Choice, Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, May 22, 2025
    
28. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Exploring the Presidio, San Francisco’s Best-Kept Secret, Parks, and Travel Magazine, May 12, 2025
    
29. Joelle Machia quoted in How to Bring Castlecore Elegance Into Your Home, Rent.com/Blog, May 9, 2025
    
30. Joelle Machia, Dalida: Mediterranean Magic in San Francisco’s Presidio, FWT Magazine, April 25, 2025
    
31. Joelle Machia, Best Pick-Your-Own Fruit Farm Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, May 8, 2025
    
32. Joelle Machia, Best Coolers Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, April 24, 2025
    
33. Joelle Machia, Best Petting Zoos Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, April 10, 2025
    
34. Joelle Machia, Best Amusement Park Live Show,  Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, March 27, 2025
    
35. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, The Thrill of Castle Hunting, Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine, March 21, 2025
    
36. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, 8 Things to Love About Easter Island (Beyond the Moai), FWT Magazine, March 21, 2025
    
37. Our First Podcast: Castle Hunting Around the World, Big Blend Radio & TV, March 14, 2025
    
38. 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
    
39. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Dubrovnik Old Town Walls: A Must-See Croatian Landmark, Hero Traveler, March 10, 2025
    
40. Joelle Machia, Best Tour Operator,  Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, February 13, 2025
    
41. Joelle Machia, Best Free Museum. Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, January 30, 2025
    
42. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Tokyo Adventures: 4 Unique and Fun Things to Do, FWT Magazine, January 25, 2025
    
43. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Iceland Glacier Lagoons: The Ultimate Guide to Jokulsarlon, Fjallsarlon & Diamond Beach, Guide to Iceland Website, February 3, 2025
    
44. Joelle Machia, ” How Business Leaders Can Evaluate Their Effectiveness Over Time, Forbes, December 3, 2024
    
45. Joelle Machia, How Business Travel Builds Better Leaders, Forbes, November 22, 2024
    
46. Ryan Slough, Best Whiskey – Readers’ Choice Panel Expert, Newsweek Magazine, October 10, 2024
    
47. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, A Journey on the Cumberland Valley Family Adventure Trail, FWT Magazine, October 18, 2024
    
48. 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
    
49. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Cologne Cathedral: History, Architecture and Things to Do, Guest Post on herotraveler.com January 2025
    
50. Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Mas Olivier Winery: Authenticity Amidst Mass-Produced Traditions, FWT Magazine, August 30, 2024
    
51. Joelle Machia, contributing to 20 Steps Entrepreneurs Can Take To Level Up Their Businesses, Panel Expert, Forbes, June 28, 2024
    
52. Joelle Machia, Cultural Intelligence: Navigating Cross-Cultural Business Interactions, Forbes, July 26, 2024
    
53. Joelle Machia, Dear Business Traveler: Step Off Your Balcony To Enjoy The Real Perks Of Business Travel, Forbes, September 17, 2024
    
54. Joelle Machia, Travel Writers Taste Yakima Valley Wines from Two of its 120 Wineries, FWT Magazine. June 25, 2024
    
55. Joelle Machia, Best Aquarium – Readers’ Choice Panel Expert Newsweek Magazine, March 14, 2024

Media Pieces Written About Wanderers Compass

1. How Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough Built Wanderers Compass Through A Shared Passion for Storytelling and Cultural Discovery (July 20, 2026)
   Travel HQ
   
2. Meet Ryan Slough (May 18, 2026)
   Bold Journey Magazine
   
3. How Ryan Slough Brings Cultural Context and Intentional Travel to Wanderers Compass (May 14, 2026)
   New York Weekly
   
4. Ryan Slough Builds Wanderers Compass Around Cultural Travel and Better Travel Guidance (May 15, 2026)
   LA Wire
   
5. Meet Joelle Machia (April 23, 2026)
   Bold Journey Magazine
   
6. Ryan’s Placement on Forttuna Business Council, Official Profile (May 11, 2026)
   
7. USA Today Press Release of Joelle’s placement on the Forttuna Business Council as a Global Advisory Board Member (April 13, 2026). Also appeared across many publications worldwide.
   
8. LinkedIn announcement of Joelle’s placement on the Forttuna Business Council as a Global Advisory Board Member (February 2026)
   
9. Joelle Machia and Wanderers Compass: Redefining Transformational Travel with Purpose (January 19, 2026), CEO Weekly
   
10. Forttuna Global Excellence Awards 2025 Global Edition: Where Visionaries Forge the Future (January 9, 2026)
    Boston Herald and various other publications, such as AP News
    
11. Introducing the Icons of Influence: The Forttuna Group Unveils The Forttuna Global 100 (2025)
    Various New Organizations
    
12. Meet the 15 Leading Travel Experts (2024)
    MSN Check out #2
    
13. Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts for Adventure Lovers Worldwide (2023)
    LA Weekly We are listed at #9
    
14. Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named Top Ten Most Incredible Travel Experts by LA Weekly (2023)
    Yahoo Finance
    
15. Meet Joelle Machia (2025) Canvas Rebel
    
16. 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
    
17. Planning the Perfect Getaway in 2025: Top Travel Solutions You Can Trust (October 2025)
    Just Luxe
    
18. 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
    
19. Globetrotters Ryan & Joelle Share Essential Traveling Tips On Wanderers Compass (2023)
    INSC Digital Magazine
    
20. The Wanderers Compass: Travels of Bloggers Ryan & Joelle Shared Through Breathtaking Photos (2023)
    The Hustlers Digest
    
21. Castle Hunters: Travel Bloggers Ryan & Joelle Share The Tales of Exploring Over 350 Castles on Wanderers Compass (2023) Bulletin Feed
    
22. The Inspiring Story of Travelers Ryan and Joelle: Creators of the Popular Blog, Wanderers Compass (2023)
    RedX Magazine
    
23. Cash-strapped but Got Itchy Feet? Fuel Your Wanderlust with Travel Bloggers Joelle and Ryan (2023)
    NetNews Ledger
    
24. Redefining Travel: Content Creators Joelle and Ryan Explain Why a Great Travel Itinerary Is Important (2023)
    Buzz Sentinel
    
25. Stories of Exploration: Globetrotting Duo Ryan and Joelle on Pursuing Their Dreams Through Wanderers Compass (2023)
    Miami Daily Post
    
26. Joelle and Ryan from Wanderers Compass Share Five Reasons Why Travelling is Necessary (2023)
    The Ohio Daily
    
27. The Wanderers Compass: Here’s How Ryan and Joelle Inspire Others for Travel and Adventure through Breathtaking Photography (2023)
    London Daily Post
    
28. Travel Bloggers Joelle and Ryan Highlight Five Experiences That Should Not Be Missed While Traveling (2023)
    Influencer Daily
    
29. Raise a Glass to Global Flavors: Explore the Best Libations from Around the World with Wanderers Compass (2023)
    Disrupt Magazine
    
30. Healthy Travels: Oncology Nurse Joelle from Wanderers Compass Shares Pro Tips to Stay Healthy during International Travels (2023)
    LA Progressive
    
31. Press Release Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named’ Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts’ by LA Weekly (2023)
    Markets Business Insider
    
32. Press Release Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named’ Top 10 Most Incredible Travel Experts’ by LA Weekly (2023)
    Market Watch
    
33. Embark on an Adventure with Joelle and Ryan’s Wanderers Compass (2023)
    Readers Digest UK
    
34. From Anxious to Wanderlust: Finding Freedom in Travel with Joelle and Ryan (2024) The Chicago Weekly
    
35. Veterans’ Restorative Journeys: Exploring with Wanderers Compass (2024). The Chicago Journal
    
36. Travel Light, Travel Far: Essential Packing Strategies from Wanderers Compass (2024), Women’s Journal
    
37. The Rise of Authentic Travel: Beyond Perfect Social Media (2024) World Reporter
    
38. Ryan Slough named International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association Member of the Month, December 2024
    
39. Wanderers Compass Travelers Joelle and Ryan Named Top Ten Most Incredible Travel Experts by LA Weekly (2023)
    Business Insider
    
40. North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) August Featured Journalist of the Month: Ryan Slough (2025)

Podcasts

1. Our Nineteeth Wanderers Compass Podcast on Big Blend Media, Chasing Truffles in Istria with Prodan Tartufi, September 14, 2026
   
2. Our Third Edition of Table and Compass Podcast on Big Blend Media, Musician Joey Stuckey on Equity, Accessibility & Independence, September 7, 2026
   
3. Our Eighteenth Wanderers Compass Podcast on Big Blend Media, Victoria, British Columbia: Gardens, Castles, Culture & Family Adventure, August 10, 2026
   
4. Our Seventeenth Podcast on Big Blend Media, How Travel Builds Confidence Across Generations, July 13, 2026
   
5. Our Second Edition of Table and Compass Podcast on Big Blend Media, The Protecting Indigenous Cultures, Wildlife & Global Heritage, August 3, 2026
   
6. Our First Edition of Table and Compass Podcast on Big Blend Media, The United Nations Is LIke A Table Where Every Country Has A Seat, July 6, 2026
   
7. Our Sixteenth Podcast on Big Blend Media, Caribbean Connections: Exploring Sint Maarten, Saint Martin & Anguilla, May 11, 2026
   
8. Our Fifteen Podcast on Big Blend Media House, Beyond the Postcard of the Caribben: Voices of Sint Maarten & Beyond, June 8, 2026
   
9. Our Return to the IFWTWA Podcast on Big Blend Media, Wales, United Kingdom Castle Hunting, April 20, 2026
   
10. Our Thirteenth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Cotwolds, April 13, 2026
    
11. Our Twelfth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Exploring Kyoto, March 9, 2026 Our Eleventh Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Discovering the Magic of Istria, February 9, 2026
    
12. Our Tenth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Discovering Dubai: Where Tradition Meets Modern Life, January 12, 2026
    
13. Our Ninth Podcast on Wanderers Compass,
    Chesapeake Stories & Coastal Charm: Exploring Maryland’s Eastern Shore, December 8, 2025
    
14. Our Eighth Podcast on Wanderers Compass,
    Exploring Sustainable Tourism: A Global Perspective, November 10, 2025
    
15. Our Seventh Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Exploring the Susquehanna River Valley, October 13, 2025
    
16. Our Sixth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Easter Island, September 8, 2025
    
17. Our Fifth Podcast on Wanderers Compass, Exploring Ireland Through a Child’s Eyes, August 11, 2025
    
18. Special Episode Collaboration, Historic Main Streets, Downtowns, Villages & Plazas, Big Blend Radio & TV, July 31, 2025
    
19. Our Fourth Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Epic Adventures in Turkiye: Ancient Cities, Culture and Cuisine, Big Blend Radio & TV, July 14, 2025
    
20. Our Third Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Whisky & History; Exploring Edinburgh Castle, Big Blend Radio & TV, June 9, 2025
    
21. Memorial Day collaboration with Big Blend Radio, Honoring Service: Acts of Kindness, Travel, and Military Appreciation, Big Blend Radio & TV, May 26, 2025
    
22. Our Second Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Exploring The Presidio: San Francisco’s Best-Kept Secret, Big Blend Radio & TV, May 12, 2025
    
23. Our Inaugural Podcast on Wanderers Compass Channel, Travel Writer Success Insider with Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, Big Blend Radio & TV, April 14, 2025
    
24. Our First Group Podcast Spring Garden Party Big Blend Radio & TV March 21, 2025
    
25. Our First Podcast: Castle Hunting Around The World, Big Blend Radio & TV, March 21, 2025

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

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

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Explore More of Our Freelance Work

Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to share our travel stories with publications beyond Wanderers Compass. We also feature some of our favorite freelance work here on our site, including stories from Hiroshima, the historic Ettington Park Hotel, Luxury travel with a sense of place, and what we’ve learned traveling with a child. You can also explore our published stories from the Cotswolds, Cappadocia, and Kyoto. Each reflects a different part of how we travel and the stories we enjoy sharing—from history and culture to remarkable places and the experiences that stay with us long after we return home.

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