Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
A Beautiful Place
Do you like to travel? If you are anything like me, then that answer is yes. I have always liked to be outdoors, even as a child. Growing up, it was unlikely to find me inside, even at night. I absolutely love the natural world and its beauty. I also am living on a small income, and don't want to spend money on finding natural beauty. So I thought, "why not just check out your own backyard?" So, I did. For my anniversary this year I took my husband to Shawnee National Forest here in Illinois. More specifically, the Garden of the Gods, located in Herod, IL, which is about two hours away from me.
By CheyAnne Mazander8 years ago in Wander
The Time I Studied in Costa Rica and Vactioned in Panama in 3 and 1/2 Weeks!
To kick off summer 2017, I went to Costa Rica to study Human Rights and Serving Learning! My time in Costa Rica was nothing but magical! I ate the best food, met the best people, and had experiences that I would not have had back at home. I am truly grateful for those who helped me plan for this trip, fund this trip, and enjoy it!
By Deja Morris8 years ago in Wander
How Travel Has Changed Me
People change, it’s inevitable. We all go through a sort of metamorphosis stage where we suddenly realize that who we are, is not the person that they want to be. In that stage, you are faced with the two most important decisions you will have, “Do I change or do I remain the same?” Don’t get me wrong, change is hard and for some, maybe even unimaginable, and I get that. I get that everyone has a different story and you can’t just make change happen overnight, but I will say that it is not impossible. It takes a mentally and physically strong and determined person to want to change and to actually do it.
By Tristin Clark8 years ago in Wander
Small Town Lessons
People have a strange perception of what it is like to grow up in a small town. Some people believe that it is boring. Some people believe that there is this wonderful sense of community. And some people are just completely put off by the very concept.
By Samantha Reid8 years ago in Wander
Mailbox Peak
Our hike started on a bright and crisp spring morning. We set out the door, coffees in hand, and poles strapped to our packs, expecting snow at the top based on the recent reports. My dad and I got in the car and pushed on to the highway; blinded by the rising sun.
By Sigurd l'Ermite8 years ago in Wander
Walking Across Europe
I have a huge passion for travel. It's something I think everyone should do to escape from the clutches of materialism and Western mentalities. To go and experience other cultures and meet some of the kindest people in the most unlikely of locations.
By Schuyler Tunaley8 years ago in Wander
Iceland > Everything
Spring break of 2017 was just weeks away and every single friend group had a beach condo in Florida or a catamaran in Mexico that was calling their name. I had grown tired of the endless road trips and weeks spent lying on my couch in Kansas City, so I proposed a wild idea to my good friend Alison:
By Kelsey Knecht8 years ago in Wander
The Slow Poison of Wanderlust
It's past midnight. The grandfather clock in the kitchen rings down its late hours with a calm and steady beat. My temple whirs and spins. Thoughts of the world, the future, different times and spaces. Wanderlust crawls into my veins and slowly releases its lust for movement. Is it crazy that I feel stagnant even when things are going well? When I've made a niche, and settled in with a steady job and good friends? I long to move forward, outward, and inward a lot of the time, too. It’s not even been half a year since I’ve last felt that rush of travel and I feel pulled to all directions. Portland, California and Arizona to visit old friends. Bali and France for a good time. Even Africa and the Middle East, places I know have deep need. I ask myself, would it be so bad to call a place my home for a bit longer? Would budding romances make me want to stay, or would it not be enough? I guess I have a lot of questions. I take time to breathe, remind myself that there are higher ways above my own and it's not solely up to me to provide the answers.
By Acasia Tucker8 years ago in Wander
Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas Review
I had gone to Vegas for a vacation and I stayed at the Plaza Hotel by Fremont experience street. The hotel was rated a three star but in my opinion it was a four star compared to hotels in the state I live in. The plaza hotel had a three bedroom suite where one bed was adjoined to a living room and the living room was adjoined to a two bedroom. Each bedroom had a bathroom with a shower. The living room had a half bathroom. Each bedroom had a tv and the living room had a tv too. The TVs has cable tv. The view from the the room I was in was of the swimming pool and a few of the buildings, and one of the highways or roads. The pool area looked like it had a big area for lounging in. The pool looked like there was enough room to swim laps if you are into swimming laps when you swim.The plaza motel sign was also seen from the view. The beds were comfortable to sleep in. The hotel suite had a mini fridge, a Keurig one cup coffee maker, ice bucket, but there was no mini bar like I thought Vegas hotels had. That was one let down to the hotel.
By Stephanie Gray8 years ago in Wander
The Oldest Christmas Celebration in Southern Louisiana
My latest adventure goes back to 90 years ago. Natchitoches, LA has been known for their Festival of Lights since before I was born. In 1927, Max Burgdof thought it would be exciting to find a new way to celebrate Christmas. Mr. Burgdof was the superintendent of utilities at the time. He provided a 10 watt Christmas tree bulb to post along Front Street, which is in the downtown area of Natchitoches. Every year since then, Natchitoches adds a new piece to light up the Cane River. This year Natchitoches celebrated their 91st Festival of Lights. They decided to name it Christmas on the Cane. It was such an amazing experience to be a part of. Around 1 PM on Saturday, December 2, there was a parade prior to the concert at 4 PM-6 PM. There were several different artists, vendors, and people from different parts of Louisiana. This day full of activities was set up to welcome December and to celebrate the city's history. Unfortunately I missed the parade, but I was able to hear some awesome music from some of the artists they allowed to perform. Heads up, make sure while preparing to participate in the festivities that you try to make it there early; it helps the process of finding seating downtown and parking. The climate was hot, starting off in the middle of the day, but the darker it got I could feel more of a breeze, so a blanket would be nice to bring, and also a lawn chair. Many people including myself had to sit on the ground due to not bringing a lawn chair. OK! So upon arrival I had to park within the downtown neighborhood so that I would be walking distance to the downtown area where the light show would take place. The admission of the downtown area is $10 per person 12+ years of age and under 64 years old. In order to buy food from the vendors you must purchase food vendor tickets at the entrance of the downtown areas where you purchase your wristbands from. While I was enjoying the festivities I did remember how famous Natchitoches is for their meat pies, so I made sure that I purchased a meat pie from one of the food vendors that was located downtown, but I would honestly suggest for future reference visiting Lasyone's Meat Pies and Maggio's for a daiquiri. These two places are within the city but not downtown. The meat pies from the food vendors downtown were overpriced and the meat pie was fairly hard. However, the actual light show was AMAZING. When I was younger I came to see the lights, but I could barely remember anything. Visiting as an adult literally has left a mark on me in a tremendous way. While Louisiana is full of great places to see holiday lights, Natchitoches is known around the country for its festivities. The fireworks were paired to holiday music, which made the show that much more exciting. Right after the show, the city turns on all 91 lights that are showcased, and seeing the Cane River lit up made me feel like a kid again. I was more excited than I'm sure I was as a child. This year's theme was "Christmas on the Cane." I participated in the kickoff day which was December 2, the first Saturday of December. The Festival of Lights will display their show every Saturday until the last Saturday in December. Each Saturday they will have different live entertainment, art, food, and vendors. If you're looking for something exciting and fun to experience before Christmas this is the ideal event to attend. For more info you can visit their website here.
By Krystal Norris8 years ago in Wander
Universal Studios
Three months ago, our wedding got postponed because of Hurricane Irma. I was extremely upset, and my husband decided to take the plunge and get us both Annual Passes at Universal Studios Orlando. We have WORN out the parks since then, and we have been continuing to visit them weekly. Here are our personal picks for the best to worst rides at Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure in sunny Orlando, Florida.
By Maria Rose8 years ago in Wander
