solo travel
You've got somewhere to go, but no one to go with; solo travel is the nexus of independence and opportunity.
Choosing the Au Pair Life
Au Pair. What does that mean? I first heard this word when I was a child and, not realising it was French, I assumed someone was exclaiming at a piece of fruit. Some years later, I’m more in tune with words and their definitions, and now know "Au Pair" to literally mean "on equal terms." More simply, an Au Pair is usually a young person, between the age of 18 to 30, who travels to a foreign country to live with and work for a host family. This is seen as a cultural exchange, whereby the au pair’s main purpose is to look after the family's children, often helping them to improve their language skills. The host family provides their Au Pair with meals, a place to stay, weekly pocket money, and the opportunity to learn their language. Simple!
By See My Wanders7 years ago in Wander
How My Solo Trip at 21 Can Help You!
I decided a week before my 22nd birthday, I wanted to do something that scared me. I have always wanted to do a solo trip, but it was the most terrifying thing I could think of. Only being 21, and nearly everyone telling me it was a bad idea, I was petrified. I eventually took the leap because I realized that I am not guaranteed tomorrow, next week or even the next minute. This was a dream of mine, even though it scared me. I saved my paychecks and took the leap to do something crazy. I chose Paris, because it has always had a special place in my heart. I must say, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have met the most amazing people, I experienced a great culture and had the most amazing food. I could not have asked for a better trip. If anything, this trip has taught me that the world is not so scary and there are amazing people living in it. Even though this was a solo trip, I rarely felt alone. I just came back Saturday and I did not want to leave. I will always hold this trip near and dear to my heart and I can't wait for the next one!
By Brianna Nicholson7 years ago in Wander
Old Things of Fukushima
When I arrived in Japan the summer was turning late again. My Daihatsu Move was still waiting in a parking lot with its bright white finish as though I had never left. The ride from Osaka Airport was smooth. It occurred to me that the last time I had flown into Osaka Airport I had been in middle school and it had been the start of my first glimpse into Japan. I had become aware at that moment in 2011 that some giant wheel in a far off room had clicked left one notch to signal a new beginning when I again found myself landing in the peculiar yet familiar Osaka Airport. For anyone who has never flown into this airport before it is sure to be a surprise as the airport is completely surrounded by the sea. As the plane approaches one may have the exhilarating and perhaps uneasy sensation that the plane will be landing on water as at the last minute a small landing strip appears out of nowhere and in an instant the plane touches down on a solid tarmac. I was able to take a train to the residence where my car had been parked. It was sitting in the same place where I had left it as though it had known that I was coming back. I started up the engine and headed north. I don't think Daniel was in the area. He was the teacher that had opened his residence to me and many other teachers months before. I wanted to thank him and express my gratefulness for his hospitality. Sometimes moments cannot be fulfilled all at one time. With this thought and wonderment I pulled out of the parking lot and prepared for the next leap.
By Sound And The Messenger7 years ago in Wander
Campsite #6: Wakkanai, Forest Hill Camping in the North
Of all the campsites I went to, this one was probably my favourite. Before leaving Asahikawa, I searched Google Maps for campgrounds in Wakkanai, Hokkaido's northernmost city, and "Wakkanai Forest Park Camping Ground" popped up. Judging by its name and location, it was probably a city park or "kouen" of the kind common in cities and towns in Japan.
By Eli Sooker7 years ago in Wander
Countries
There are multiple places I would like to visit. Ireland I would like to visit here because I have some Irish in me. My birthday is on March 17, so I am a lucky Irish baby. I want to go visit here to go see the old castles, as well as the stone building thing. I have no idea what it is called. Ireland seems so beautiful. I would love to go and take pictures of the scenery. I want to go see the history. I have always been interested in learning about the past. Supposedly they have a storytelling tradition. It seems very interesting to me.
By Jasmin Eddy7 years ago in Wander
Leaving
The Art of Running Away Do you ever feel it in your bones? The feeling of being able to drift away with the slightest wind. An empty pang deep inside of you, longing for something, longing for anything. Then you get this idea, this idea of 'away.' It is a magical idea that captures you, it holds you steady. Suddenly you feel something real, the feeling of hope, of absolute certainty that this is what you need to do.
By courtney dainard8 years ago in Wander
