I was standing outside of Havana’s Hotel Inglaterra when an American tour guide boarded his bus and declared, “Folks, all of this will change! The US Embassy’s reopened, and the…
How (And Why) to Learn Language Basics for Travel
As the airplane descends into Istanbul, I suddenly realize I don’t know a single word of Turkish. Not even the basics. Nope, really. I know nothing. I can’t say “hello,”…
How to Travel the World…With a Baby
It used to be that when I saw exasperated parents traveling with babies I’d tell myself, “I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with that!” But that was before…
Traveling with Kids Might Be Better Than Traveling Solo
The night I announced that I was moving to a rural village in India to volunteer at an orphanage, emotions ran high in my household. I was 22 years old…
Got Debt? Move Abroad and Pay off Your Student Loans in These 5 Countries
It’s unsurprisingly tough to fulfill your wanderlust when you have rent, car payments, and student loans every month. Especially considering that, in 2014, the average American college student graduated with…
Want to Score Killer Travel Deals? This Fearless Duo Will Show You How
Contrary to what many think, being a savvy, deal-scoring traveler is not a natural talent. It’s an acquired skill that comes from many, many years of travel experiences. It’s bred…
How To Support Women-Owned Businesses When You Travel
“Disculpe, Tory. Por favor, sigue.” “Sorry, Tory. Please, continue.” Lilliana, the president of Posada Rural La Amistad, a women’s ecotourism association, places her phone face down on the wood table….
Getting Medicine Through a Language Barrier: The Ultimate Test
“NOT a sunburn. No sunburn. Sunburn — no! Rash from sun. Sun rash!” I frantically motioned to the “sun” (aka pharmacy ceiling) and then to my blotchy, red legs. This…
5 December Holidays Around the World (That Aren’t Christmas)
In my hometown of Chicago, Illinois, Halloween decorations switch to Christmas trinkets in early November. By December, the holidays are all anyone can think about! But everyone celebrates them differently,…
2015 Holiday Gift Guide: 14 Amazing Presents for Women Who Travel
It’s here again! For the fourth year in a row (Check out past guides here, here, and here.), we’re bringing you a curated list of awesome holiday gifts for women who…
5 Tips for Shopping Ethically While You Travel
Image by Megan Arzbaecher of Traverse. As a DIY travel enthusiast, I am constantly inspired by fellow bloggers who empower themselves and their community. This month I’m thrilled to feature the…
How to Volunteer in Your Community
I went with three other Wanderful women of Chicago to learn more about the organization, Share Your Soles, this month. I’m not sure what we were expecting, but when we…
A Letter to My Son, from a Feminist Mom
Image courtesy of Erica Laue. To my dearest little boy: Welcome to our family, and welcome to our world. You’ve been gifted with two parents who love every bit of…
Holiday Gift Guide 2015: 11 Wanderlust-Worthy Gifts for Travelers
Find the perfect present! Image by Flickr user mac9416. Picking out gifts can be tough, there’s no denying it. What do you get the friend who backpacks through Europe on…
Bringing Korean Food to a Kitchen Near You
It goes without saying that when traveling to a new country, we should all try to experience as much of the local cuisine as is possible. Most people are quite…