Do you know the most amazing thing about traveling? It can make you speechless and then turn you into a storyteller. It unfolds the world to you and creates sparks of wanderlust. And that is exactly what Ryan Slough and Joelle Machia, a globetrotting duo, have been doing for years. From remote destinations to insta-worthy spots, these incredible wanderers have experienced it all in their quest to wander and explore with their travel blog.
Ryan and Joelle are two digital nomads who decided to turn their dreams into reality by creating an online platform for travelers called Wanderers Compass. A disabled Army veteran and a retired research nurse set out on their adventure through a shared desire to travel the world. With this platform, they share their experiences and guide other globetrotters who wish to take the same path with teck hustlers.
In an exclusive Q&A, Ryan and Joelle get candid about their travel journey and what inspired them to start the Wanderers Compass blog.
Q: We are eager to know how this dynamic duo came up with the idea of starting a travel blog.
Ryan: It was my “crazy” idea (chuckles). It started in 2014, when we were just beginning our journey as digital nomads. I’ve always been passionate about inspiring others to realize their dreams by sharing my experiences and stories. After a few years of traveling, I thought it would be great if Joelle and I could share our travel knowledge and tips with people interested in pursuing the same path. That’s how Wanderers Compass was born!
Q: Joelle, you and Ryan live coast to coast apart in the US. How did you first meet and become travel buddies?
Joelle: We met in 2007 when I became part of an organization called Soldier Angels. I volunteered to ‘adopt’ a deployed soldier, committing to sending packages and letters regularly. It might not be hard to guess who my first ‘adopted’ soldier was (smiles). Crossing each other’s paths was life-altering for both of us. We share a common love for adventure and travel, so we soon became friends and travel buddies.
Q: Ryan, you are a well-decorated Sergeant first class and a military veteran. Where did this passion for traveling come from?
Ryan: Traveling was always a dream for me. As a kid, I watched Rick Steves and PBS shows for hours. It was my only escape during the hard times. I used to dream of traveling to those exciting places shown in the series, but I never considered it possible. I never traveled except locally as a kid or for military deployments. Then I met Joelle, who was an avid traveler. I loved hearing her travel stories, and one day, she proposed my dream to me and suggested our first trip to Europe, and the rest is history.
Q: Coming to you, Joelle. Being an established Research Nurse and medical author, what drove you to pursue globetrotting?
Joelle: I always had this passion for traveling and photography, but my inspiration to expand my globetrotting to a whole new level was Ryan. He served his country and made sacrifices along the way, and his body has paid its dues in the process. He always dreamed of traveling, and I wanted to help fulfill his dream. Also, I found that traveling with someone like Ryan altered the dynamics of how I used to travel. Experiencing the world through his eyes gave me a spark and an appreciation I had not possessed before.
Q: What are some of your accomplishments and achievements with your blog?
Ryan: Our journey to travel blogging was one of our biggest dreams that we have achieved. In addition, Wanderers Compass is a young blog that has been around for less than two years. Though young, we have succeeded way above our social media expectations, reaching over 36 million people on Facebook and 9 million on Instagram. Also, as a duo, we have flown for a total of 1,848,471 miles and visited 50 different countries.
Q: 50 countries? That’s a lot. Have you encountered any specific country, place, or culture that might have shaped your mind and journey in a special way?
Joelle: To be honest, it’s hard to choose one. Our travels have taken us from the Silent City of Mdina, Malta, to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, and many places in between. Every place has something magical and beautiful, and we have learned much about each culture and its customs. However, the historic Mitchelville site in South Carolina is a place that will always remain close to our hearts. Here, we got to experience the importance of freedom and gain a genuine appreciation for it. This was an amazing journey and one that we both will never forget.
Q: What are your aims and objectives for your blog, Wanderers Compass?
Ryan: Our initial goal was to inspire travel by providing the tools and encouragement, especially for those who did not believe it would ever be possible. We want to share stories and photographs of the beautiful world out there.
Joelle: We also want to make travel more affordable and stress-free for everyone and to improve their travel experience. In addition, Ryan believes we can secure some sponsors who will support our efforts to give disabled veterans free travel.
Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey with us, and this concludes the story of Ryan and Joelle, two voyagers who took a “crazy” idea and made it a reality.
Take the first step toward your journey today by visiting Wanderers Compass.
