Shalee Wanders Travel Blog
The Most Affordable Overwater Bungalows in The Maldives
The Most Affordable Overwater Bungalows in The Maldives May 3rd, 2026 The Maldives are known to be incredibly luxurious…and expensive. But surprisingly, many come in around the same price as an all-inclusive in the Caribbean. I’ve been to the Maldives and to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean recently, and they have similarities, but visiting them…
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11 Things to Know Before Traveling to Europe for the First Time
11 Things to Know Before Traveling to Europe for the First Time April 16th, 2026 If you’re planning your first trip to Europe, I’m genuinely so excited for you. There’s nothing quite like stepping off the plane and realizing you’re about to experience entirely different cultures, languages, food, and landscapes all in one trip. I…
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Best Things to Do Around Escalante
Best Things to Do Around Escalante April 11th, 2026 Escalante, Utah, is one of those destinations that, with each visit, your bucket list only grows. There’s so much to do, see, and explore that it’s impossible to check everything off your list. I’ve been three times now, and each time has been magical in…
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Granite vs. Gannett vs Rainier: What is the Hardest U.S. State Highpoint?
Granite vs. Gannett vs Rainier: What is the Hardest U.S. State Highpoint? March 17, 2026 There’s a common debate in the U.S. Highpointing Club: Which state highpoint is the hardest? I mean, yes, we can all likely agree Alaska’s Denali kicks the ass of every other mountain on the list, but in the contiguous 48,…
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The 8 Best Hotels I’ve Stayed at Around The World
The 8 Best Hotels I’ve Stayed at Around the World March 13th, 2026 As a girlie who once traveled and slept on abandoned mattresses on the side of the road in Slovakia, I never thought I would be traveling and staying in some of the most incredible resorts & lodges in the world. I mean,…
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Easy Ways to Make Traveling Cheaper
Easy Ways to Make Traveling Cheaper March 8th, 2026 Travel is often seen as a luxury, but it doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Over the years, I’ve learned that saving money while traveling usually comes down to a handful of simple decisions made before and during your trip. A few small adjustments to…
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The Ultimate Guide to Desert Camps in Morocco
The Ultimate Guide to Desert Camps in Morocco February 11th, 2026 Morocco is one of the top adventure destinations in the world. It is vibrant, chaotic, beautiful, and surprisingly accessible for travelers who want something adventurous but not overwhelming. Whether a backpacking budget traveler or a honeymooning couple looking for a luxurious escape, Morocco has…
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Backpacking Packing List: My Favorite Affordable Gear
Backpacking Packing List: My Favorite Affordable Gear January 29th, 2026 Packing for your first backpacking trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need the most expensive gear or a perfectly dialed ultralight setup to have an incredible experience. Hell, I spent months backpacking Europe with a $25 Walmart sleeping bag…
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Everything to Know About Climbing Gannett Peak in Wyoming
Everything to Know About Climbing Gannett Peak in Wyoming January 25th, 2026 By Josh Super Many people think of the Grand Teton when it comes to Wyoming’s tallest and most famous mountain. Several would be surprised to learn that Gannett Peak, nestled deep within the gorgeous Wind River mountains, is a mere 35 feet taller.…
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How Many Airline Miles Does it Take to Fly Around the World?
How Many Airline Miles Does it Take to Fly Around the World? January 19th, 2026 A few years ago, my husband mentioned taking time off work to finish a mountaineering list he had been working on that would require a bit of commitment and time. Since he would already be quitting his job, I mentioned…
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The Best Places to Visit in Wyoming
The Best Places to Visit in Wyoming January 10, 2025 Millions of people every year adventure to the remote, rugged wilderness of Wyoming. Living here, I love seeing people fall in love with the state, but I hate that 90% of visitors miss the best areas it has to offer. Sure, Grand Teton and Yellowstone…
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How to Visit The Maldives on a Budget
How to Visit The Maldives on a Budget January 1st, 2026 Visiting the Maldives is often the top of many bucket lists. When you see photos and videos online, it’s easy to see why. The pristine white-sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, and speckled private islands are the definition of paradise. When I started traveling,…
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How to Become a Female Travel Blogger
How to Become a Female Travel Blogger December 29, 2025 If you’re sitting at your kitchen table with six open tabs titled something like “how to become a travel influencer” and “how much do bloggers actually make,” I’ve been exactly where you are. I started with a $400 camera, a free theme, no formal training,…
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Everything to Know About Climbing Mount Fuji in Japan
Everything to Know About Climbing Mount Fuji in Japan December 26th, 2025 At the start of our most recent round-the-world trip, we stumbled upon tickets to Japan from the United States for 42,700 United Air Miles. We secured one-way tickets with only one big bucket list item for our visit: climb Mount Fuji. Mt Fuji…
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The Best & Worst Countries for Road Trips
The Best & Worst Countries for Road Trips November 29th, 2025 There’s nothing I love more than a road trip. And my second favorite thing is a place ticket. Mix those two together, and it ends with taking a fair amount of road trips around the globe. And I’ve made all the mistakes. Tickets in…
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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting New Zealand in The Spring
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting New Zealand in The Spring November 13th, 2025 I’ve been to New Zealand twice- once in the summer and once in the spring. In October, I finally got to experience the South Island from the perspective of a campervan with Travellers Autobarn, which has been a lifelong dream of mine. …
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Everything to Know Before Traveling to Bali (2026)
Everything to Know Before Traveling to Bali (2025) October 23rd, 2025 Bali is one of those places romanticized online, especially to younger travelers. As someone who has traveled to numerous parts of Bali and witnessed all of its dreamy destinations and chaotic happenings, there are a few important things you should know before traveling to…
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The Best Things to Do/See in The Upper Peninsula
The Best Things to Do/See in The Upper Peninsula October 1, 2025 I’ve lost count of how many trips I’ve taken through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. And each trip has been slightly different, always pushing to explore new places, hidden destinations and chasing sunsets along as many shorelines as possible. In my many adventures, I’ve slowly…
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How to Live Full Time Vanlife
How to Live Full Time Vanlife August 22, 2025 Going on the road full time is a dream come true, and don’t let anyone tell you different. It has its ups and downs. Sure, it’s not glamorous. But anyone who tells you it isn’t worth the sacrifices or effort should reevaluate how and why…
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Everything to Know Before Visiting the Lofoten Islands
Everything to Know Before Visiting the Lofoten Islands July 30, 2025 Visiting the Lofoten Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. It had long been on my bucket list, and I finally booked tickets after my aunt had mentioned that Norway was somewhere she had always wanted to visit. There’s no time like the present, and it…
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The Best 10-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary
The Best 10-Day Kenya Safari Itinerary June 22nd, 2025 An African Safari is one of those bucket list destinations that we hear about consistently throughout our lives. For me, it was always a trip filed under “someday.” I’m not sure why it was never at the top of my list, especially after hearing countless friends…
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Hidden Gem Destinations in the Midwest You Need to Visit
Hidden Gem Destinations in the Midwest You Need to Visit May 17, 2025 When most people think of travel destinations, the Midwest doesn’t always top the list-but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Scattered between the cornfields and Great Lakes are some of the country’s most underrated adventures. If you’re craving road trip vibes,…
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How to Travel in Your 20s (Without Going into Debt)
How to Travel in Your 20s (Without Going Into Debt) May 7th, 2025 When I turned 20, traveling was a faraway dream that seemed impossible, made worse by the start of social media platforms like Instagram, where I would constantly watch other people live my dream. I was working at the Midwest department store Meijer…
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The Best Beaches in Michigan
The Best Beaches in Michigan March 28, 2025 Michigan was where I first fell in love with exploring. My parents often took us on road trips and camping adventures along the Great Lakes when I was a child. In my late teens and early twenties, almost all of my travels and adventures were dedicated to…
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How to Make Money While Traveling
Travel With Me! Discover trips to New Zealand, Maldives, Europe and More in 2025 & 2026. Explore here How to Make Money While Traveling March 1, 2025 I have been working and making money while traveling since 2017, and I’ve done all kinds of juggling with jobs along the way. From working remotely and taking…
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Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park Road Trip Guide
Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park Road Trip Guide February 24, 2025 Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are located a short 50 miles from each other, connected by scenic Highway 287 in Wyoming. If you’re planning on visiting one of the national parks, you’ll want to make sure you plan to see…
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What to Bring on a Camping Trip
Travel With Me! Discover trips to New Zealand, Maldives, Europe and More in 2025 & 2026. Explore here What to Bring on a Camping Trip February 20th, 2025 When going on a camping trip, the most common thing I see isn’t underpacking – it’s overpacking. As humans, we can survive on very little, yet somehow,…
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Everything to Know About The O Trek in Torres Del Paine National Park
Travel With Me! Discover trips to New Zealand, Maldives, Europe and More in 2025 & 2026. Explore here Everything to Know About The O Trek in Torres Del Paine National Park February 10th, 2025 A few days ago, I returned to Wyoming for three weeks in South America. Nine of those days were spent in…
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How to Take Good Travel Photos
How to Take Good Travel Photos October 28th, 2024 There is a very subtle art on how to take good travel photos, and I’m giving you all my biggest tips for swoon-worthy shots that will make your friends envious. I already had an interest in photography when I started traveling, and curating beautiful photos on…
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The Best Town to Visit on Lake Huron: A Weekend in Alpena
The Best Town to Visit on Lake Huron: A Weekend in Alpena October 21st, 2024 For those who tell me, “West Coast is the best coast,” I like the banter rebuttal, “You might think that, but the East Coast is the peaceful coast.” On a weekend when hoards of beachgoers are fighting for parking spots…
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My 16 Favorite Pieces of Travel & Camping Gear in 2024
My 17 Favorite Pieces of Travel & Camping Gear in 2024 October 14th, 2024 s Whether it’s gear for international flights, backpacking, or general travel, I have a clear list of favorites. Some of it is clothing, some of it is shoes, and some of it is equipment, but I use all of it religiously. …
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Tips for Traveling With a Cat
Tips for Traveling With a Cat October 8th, 2024 Traveling with a cat can be a lot more stressful than traveling with a dog, especially if your cat is not used to car rides or does not do well in changed environments. If you plan to travel with a cat, whether once for a cross-country…
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Climbing Capitol Peak in Colorado: Everything You Need to Know
Climbing Capitol Peak: Everything You Need to Know September 11th, 2024 Capitol Peak is perhaps Colorado’s most notorious 14er. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not an expert in fourteeners, but my husband and I traveled down to Colorado for a week of climbing these famed Rocky Mountain peaks. We were new to the…
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What to Wear in Egypt: A Complete Clothing Guide
What to Wear in Egypt: A Complete Clothing Guide August 28, 2024 Egypt is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. It was a destination filled with pleasant surprises and incredible sights. It wasn’t at the top of my bucket list, but I had many travelers interested in a trip to Egypt, which led me to host a group…
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What to Pack for an Overnight Backpacking Trip
What to Pack for an Overnight Backpacking Trip August 8th, 2024 My friends joke that I live half my life out of a backpack, and in the summer, it sometimes feels true. I remember my first backpacking trip on the shores of Lake Michigan with my parents when I was 8. I sat down on…
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What to Pack for Iceland for a Week
What to Pack for Iceland for a Week July 10, 2024 I’ve been to Iceland three times – in 2015, 2019, and 2024. It is one of my favorite places on Earth, and has so much uniqueness that separates it from many other destinations in the world. Because of its unpredictable weather, one-of-a-kind features, and…
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