Wanderers Compass Travel Blog

29/05/2026

One of the most popular recipes we've ever shared is making a comeback.

Our trip to the Sorrento region was actually the first—and so far only—time we had ever been introduced to true limoncello. One sip was all it took. Surrounded by lemon groves and the coastal beauty of Southern Italy, we quickly fell in love with this iconic local liqueur. Whether it was served after dinner at a family-run restaurant or poured from a homemade bottle by a local host, there was something special about the bright, refreshing flavor of authentic Italian limoncello.

When we returned home, we were determined to recreate it ourselves.

The good news? It's surprisingly easy to make. The only real challenge is having enough patience to let it sit while the flavors develop. The reward is well worth the wait. Even without the famous lemons of Sorrento, our homemade version turned out to be some of the best limoncello we've ever enjoyed.

And once you've made it, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy it ice cold after dinner, mix it into cocktails, drizzle it over desserts, add it to cakes and pastries, stir it into sorbet, or use it to create some truly memorable summer drinks.

We've refreshed one of our favorite articles and included our homemade recipe along with several delicious ways to use your finished limoncello.

Take a look—you may find yourself starting a batch this weekend.

🍋 Read the recipe here: https://www.wandererscompass.com/limoncello-recipe/

Learn how to make a homemade limoncello recipe that captures the essence of the Amalfi Coast’s refreshing lemon liqueur.

28/05/2026

Travel Tip 💡

As summer travel season ramps up, one thing we never skip is travel insurance.

Most travelers think about canceled flights, but good travel insurance can also help with medical emergencies abroad, unexpected hotel stays, lost luggage, weather disruptions, and even major delays that can completely derail a trip.

One important lesson we’ve learned over the years is to actually read the policy details before you travel. Not all plans cover the same things, and assumptions can become very expensive very quickly.

We especially recommend looking closely at:

* Medical coverage
* Emergency evacuation coverage
* Trip interruption and cancellation coverage
* Coverage for delays and missed connections

Summer travel often brings crowded airports, storms, and schedule disruptions. A little preparation before departure can save a lot of stress later.

Travel should be exciting, not filled with panic when something unexpected happens and you suffer financially.

Our go-to choice is Squaremouth for our travel insurance. User friendly, fast, no sales person involved, top notch customer service, and a wide variety of insurance companies offered. Prices will surprise you too! Check them out.

http://squaremouth.com/22808

Check out our article where we break it down so you can become a smart consumer.

https://www.wandererscompass.com/travel-insurance-coverage/

27/05/2026

This week, we travel to one of Scotland’s most dramatic warrior destinations, Tantallon Castle, standing defiantly atop towering cliffs overlooking the North Sea near North Berwick.

Built in the mid-1300s by William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, Tantallon became the powerful stronghold of the infamous Red Douglas family, one of the most influential and feared noble families in Scottish history. Unlike many castles in Scotland, Tantallon’s design is unique, centered around an enormous fortified curtain wall that stretches across the headland while the sea itself protected the other sides.

The castle witnessed centuries of conflict, political betrayal, and warfare. It was besieged multiple times by Scottish kings during bitter struggles with the Douglas clan, including attacks ordered by King James IV and King James V. In 1651, Oliver Cromwell’s forces unleashed heavy artillery against Tantallon during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, leaving much of the fortress shattered. Even so, its ruins remain among the most commanding and atmospheric in all of Scotland.

Standing along the windswept walls today, gazing toward Bass Rock and the crashing North Sea below, it is impossible not to feel the weight of the warriors, nobles, and defenders who once stood guard here. Now cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, Tantallon Castle remains one of the country’s most unforgettable medieval fortresses. ⚔️

25/05/2026

Today, we pause to remember those who gave everything in service to our country. Memorial Day is not simply a long weekend. It is a day of remembrance for the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Those never made it home, and for the families who carried on without them.

With Ryan’s years of military service, this day holds deep meaning for us. Through our travels, we have stood in military cemeteries both here in the United States and across the world. Row after row of white markers serve as powerful reminders that freedom has always come at a cost.

Today, we honor the fallen. We honor the families left behind. And we remember that sacrifice should never be forgotten.

24/05/2026

Brilliant sunsets, swaying palms, turquoise water, and one of the prettiest spots on the French side of Saint Martin. 🌴

Grand Case Beach Club totally stole our hearts with its laid-back vibe, gorgeous beaches, beautiful grounds, and those unreal Caribbean sunsets. It’s the kind of place where you instantly relax and just soak it all in.

Here’s a little peek into one of our favorite stays on “The Friendly Island.”

24/05/2026

The music. The colors. The energy. The pure joy.

Experiencing Carnival in Sint Maarten was something we will never forget.

For 55 years, this incredible celebration has brought together culture, community, music, dance, and nonstop island spirit, and we were fortunate enough to experience it during the massive Grand Parade. As an added bonus this year, we also had the chance to attend the newly launched nighttime parade, which brought an entirely different kind of magic and energy to the streets.

The creativity behind the costumes, the infectious music, the dancing, and the atmosphere were simply unforgettable. Everywhere we looked there was movement, celebration, and pride shining through every moment.

This reel captures just a small glimpse of the excitement we experienced during one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant celebrations. What a privilege it was to be there and witness such an important cultural tradition firsthand.

We already know this is an experience we hope to return to again someday.

23/05/2026

One of our newest travel fascinations has actually become photographing birds. Everywhere we go now, we find ourselves stopping to admire the tiny details, the colors, the personalities, and the beauty of these little creatures.

But sometimes you don’t have to travel across the world to find something special.

During some much-needed downtime at home at either side of the US, we have been completely captivated by the hummingbirds visiting our feeders. Watching them zip around at lightning speed, hover perfectly in place, and occasionally stop just long enough for a photo has been surprisingly calming.

And honestly… we’re pretty convinced one of these little guys was actually posing for the camera.

Tiny birds. Big personalities. Endless entertainment.

21/05/2026

Not every travel memory has to come from across the ocean. Sometimes it comes from a quiet little village in Central Pennsylvania filled with ducks, trout streams, and the soft sound of moving water.

Yesterday, we returned to Boiling Springs, and this time we brought family along. Joelle’s sister and her husband, John, got to experience one of our favorite small-town spots in the Cumberland Valley.

There’s just something special about this place.

Children’s Lake, which sits at the heart of town, is fed by natural underground springs that have shaped Boiling Springs for generations. The historic village atmosphere. The old iron furnace that speaks to the area’s industrial past. The small footbridges crossing bubbling creeks where trout fishermen patiently wait for the next catch. And yesterday, the baby ducks honestly stole the show.

Then there’s the Appalachian Trail, which passes right through town near its halfway point. We spent a little time walking along it, thinking about the thousands of hikers who pass through Boiling Springs while chasing an incredible journey north or south.

Boiling Springs isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. That’s exactly why we love it.

It’s simply a charming corner of Pennsylvania that feels peaceful, historic, and wonderfully real.

21/05/2026

It is an honor to be featured by Bold Journey in a recent interview reflecting on my journey, the story behind Wanderers Compass, and the path that led me into travel storytelling, advocacy, and meaningful global connection through travel.

Moments like this honestly still catch us by surprise. What began simply as a love for exploring the world, understanding cultures, and sharing stories has grown into opportunities we never could have imagined years ago. Ryan, whose inspiration to begin this adventure together helped shape everything Wanderers Compass has become today.

It has been an incredible path filled with learning, challenges, unforgettable experiences, and wonderful people along the way.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us, followed along with our travels, listened to the podcast, read our stories, or encouraged us throughout this adventure. Thank you for being part of it.

If you would like to learn a little more check it out at the link below:

https://boldjourney.com/meet-joelle-machia/

We're excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joelle Machia. We hope you'll enjoy our conversation with Joelle below. Joelle, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right i

21/05/2026

This Warrior Wednesday is different.

As Memorial Day approaches, we are thinking not about castles or fortifications, but about the men and women who never made it home.

Over the years, our travels have taken us to places that carry an incredible emotional weight. We have stood quietly among the endless white headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, watched the waves roll onto the shore below the cliffs at the Normandy American Cemetery, reflected among the peaceful hills surrounding the Florence American Cemetery, and seen countless military memorials around the world.

Each place tells a story far greater than war itself. They speak of sacrifice, courage, duty, loss, and the unimaginable cost of freedom.

At Normandy, row after row of crosses and Stars of David stretch toward the horizon above Omaha Beach, where so many young Americans gave everything on D-Day. In Florence, thousands who fell during the difficult Italian campaign are remembered far from home beneath the Tuscan sky. And at Arlington, history, honor, and grief exist side by side every single day.

Travel has taught us that remembrance is not confined by borders. The sacrifices of Americans are etched into landscapes across the world, from quiet hillsides in Europe to solemn grounds far from home. These cemeteries are more than historic sites; they are sacred places of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. For Ryan, visiting them has been deeply personal. As a servicemember, seeing these places firsthand serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by generations before him and of those who continue to serve today.

This Memorial Day, we remember those who served and those who never returned. We remember the families who carried that loss forward through generations. And we remember that freedom has always come at a price paid by others.

20/05/2026

Nervous about traveling internationally this summer?

A recent article from Travel + Leisure discussed how more Americans are feeling uncertain about traveling abroad right now. Between global tensions, rising costs, and nonstop headlines, many people are asking if international travel still feels welcoming or worth it.

One question we’ve heard repeatedly lately is this:

“Will people even want us there if we are American?”

Honestly, in our experience traveling in the last year, that has not been the case at all.

What we have consistently found is that when you arrive with a kind heart, curious, respectful, and genuinely interested in learning about people and culture, people are incredibly welcoming and happy to share their corner of the world with you.

Travel is human connection. It is conversations, shared meals, laughter, history, culture, and understanding one another beyond headlines and politics.

That does not mean travelers should ignore world events or travel blindly. Being informed, respectful, and culturally aware matters now more than ever. But we also think fear alone would be a sad reason to stop exploring this incredible world.

Perhaps now, more than ever, the world needs thoughtful travelers willing to approach it with openness, humility, and respect.