the wander project dispatches from over there

The Wander Project is Dead.

The Wander Project is Dead.

And I’m really, really happy about it. In the several months that TWP has been up and running, I’ve reached one conclusion: I don’t want to keep a travel blog. It feels forced, and the idea of having to generate content for content’s sake is slightly nauseating. As an editor friend reminded me today: if you’re writing something you’re not 100% into, it’s simply not worth the effort in the end (unless,of course, you’re paying the bills- then it’s called a job). He also pointed out the flawed mechanics of [...]

Managing Your Money on the Road

Traveling is expensive. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up dropping even more cash just for the privilege of spending your own money. Short of carrying a backpack full of bills around the world (not recommended), you’ll pay to play when you want to access your funds— the trick is to shell out as little as possible.
Debit Cards:
That $2 ATM charge from a random ATM is annoying at home. Abroad, you can add another $3-$5, then up to 5% for a “foreign currency conversion charge.” Gonna swipe your card?  You’ll pay the conversion [...]

Fitness on the Move

Your fitness routine is one of the many things you sacrifice to live out of a backpack. Fortunately, you’ll discover something that gym teachers and drill sergeants have known all along: a health club full of fancy equipment isn’t necessary to get in shape and stay that way.

TWP Gear Guide: A Rough Edit of my Packing List

It’s easily one of the top three questions asked of RTW travelers (right after “Why are you doing this?” and “How are you financing this little venture?”): What does one pack for a year-long trip?
So here’s your answer. I’m still editing this list— I’m sure I’ll ditch some stuff (like clothes) and toss in a few odds/ends, but this is pretty much it. Travelers, feel free to offer your suggestions.
Clothing
one pair of travel pants (patagonia continental pants)
three l.s. travel shirts (patagonaia/gramicci/the north face)
two synthetic s.s. T-shirts (patagonia calpilene)
two synthetic l.s. T-shirts (patagonia [...]

Travel Delays are Unavoidable, Annoying and Perhaps for the Best

Delays are an inevitable part of travel—especially when you’re planning to be on the road for a year. I’ve been forced to postpone my trip until July, and I was pretty bummed about it.
But if everything had gone as planned, I’d have landed in an ash-coated Guatemala City courtesy of Pacaya volcano, which erupted on Thursday. If that weren’t enough, my arrival would’ve coincided perfectly with tropical storm Agatha, which has dumped three feet of rain on the region and caused widespread flooding, massive mudslides and over 100 deaths in Guatemala and [...]