As an avid traveler and adventure seeker, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some of the most amazing places around the world. Traveling as a digital nomad lets me slow down and get to know a destination intimately. Traveling as a plus size traveler means that I notice- and report on- aspects of a destination that other travel reporters often miss.
While much of anderBig focuses on the mechanics of travel- how to navigate various transportation methods, figure out the best places to stay, and get prepared with the right luggage and packing lists, in this section, you’ll find my destination-centered content.
South America
I spent the better part of a year slowly traveling and writing my way through South America. In this section, you’ll find articles focusing especially on Chile, Argentina, and Peru. One article introduces Chilean cuisine, from popular foods like hot dogs and french fries to lesser-known regional delicacies. Another article highlights the overlooked capital city of Santiago and provides first-time tourist-centered information on its various neighborhoods.
In this section, you’ll also find suggestions for exploring Peru and Chile beyond their most famous attractions, such as visiting chile beyond Patagonia or where to go after Machu Picchu. Some articles delve into unique travel experiences, such as trying Chifa cuisine in Peru, joining a traditional Pachamama meal in Ollaytaytambo, visiting Quechua weavers in Chinchero, or staying with Uros indigenous group on their floating islands in Lake Titicaca.
9 Best Types of Chilean Food to Try as a Tourist + How to Grocery Shop in Chile
There’s no shortage of great Chilean foods to try for tourists. From the pikcy-eater-friendly hot dogs and french fries (which…
A Traveler’s Guide to Santiago Neighborhoods
When it comes to travel in South America, the capital of Chile, Santiago, is often overlooked. Buenas Ares and Rio…
Where to Go After Machu Picchu: Peru Beyond the Tour Groups
Machu Picchu is a (literal!) mountain top experience for many travelers, but what happens next? In this article, you’ll…
Beyond Patagonia: Things to Do in Chile (that Aren’t Hiking)
For many travelers, Chile is synonymous with Patagonia, but this 2,500 mile long country has so, so much more to…
11 Budget Hacks for an Affordable Patagonia Trip
Patagonia has a reputation as an expensive travel destination, but in this article, I’ll show you how I spent a…
Chifa: Food to Try in Peru to Eat like a Local
When traveling in Peru, Chifa is one of the foods most travelers don’t try but most western travelers would enjoy….
Joining a Traditional Peruvian Pachamama Meal during a Machu Picchu Trip
Far more memorable than my ascent to Machu Picchu or even my homestay on the floating islands of Lake Titicaca,…
Visiting the Quechua weavers in Chinchero Peru
[Images of indigenous people shown in this post were taken with enthusiastic consent and appropriate compensation.] As I found myself…
Seattle
I lived in the heart of the Pike Place Market neighborhood for 6 years. WanderBig evolved from my desire to share the hidden gems and local secrets with visitors to the city!
In this section, I share about Pike Place Market’s Secret Garden, a hidden gem that most visitors miss. Then, you’ll learn how to enjoy Pike Place Market in the rain, so you can make the most of your visit no matter the weather. For those on a budget, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my guide to budget-friendly tips for Pike Place Market.
If you’re looking to explore the best of Pike Place Market, our list of the 15 best things to do in 2023 will ensure you don’t miss out on anything.
If you’re looking for activities beyond Pike Place Market, read about free and cheap things to do in Seattle. Come with me to Freeway Park, out to hike the Gnome Trail, or just head to South Lake Union, one of Seattle’s hottest neighborhoods.
Pike Place Market’s Secret Garden
The vast majority of Pike Place Market visitors walk right past one of my favorite free things to do at Pike Place Market:…
Rainy Day Things to do at Pike Place Market
I’ve learned to appreciate the wet darkness of winter in Seattle. It means days pass a little quieter in the strip of downtown…
Budget Friendly Tips for Pike Place Market
For four years, while I was in graduate school, I lived in the Pike Place Market and attended a school nearby. On grad-school…
The Best 15 Things to Do at Pike Place Market in 2024
I once read a viral list of “must do” things to do in Pike Place Market that left me, a local, thinking that…
Pike Place Market at Christmas: 10 Things to Do
Christmas is my favorite season at Pike Place Market. As Christmas approaches, my friends and I often gather in Pike Place Market to…
Cheap Things to Do in Seattle
Seattle is an incredible place to visit, but it’s not cheap. With basic hotel rooms starting at $200 per night, budgeting for an…
Things to Do in South Lake Union: Visiting Amazon’s Seattle Campus
South Lake Union is a hot urban neighborhood in Seattle. South Lake Union is only a few steps from iconic Pike Place market…
The 5 Best Study and Work Spots in Seattle, Washington
Sometimes I need to break up my routine and switch up my study or work spaces. A change of scenery and a little…
USA (beyond Seattle)
In this section, you’ll find travel ideas for the United States beyond the PNW. These articles offer a one-day itinerary for 15 things to do in Joplin, Missouri, for those planning a road trip along Route 66. It covers historic landmarks and local eateries, as well as Joplin’s natural beauty at Grand Falls. This section also provides guides for visiting Red Oak II, a Missouri ghost town turned art gallery, and insider tips for visiting Soulard Market in St. Louis. For off-the-beaten-path travelers, you’ll find tips for thriving in humid travel destinations, and packing for Hilo, Hawaii.
15 Things to Do in Joplin, MO – 1 Day Itinerary for a Route 66 Adventure
Joplin isn’t a tourist hotspot, but plenty of people- both travelers and locals- look for fun things to do in Joplin, Missouri….
9 Things to Do at Grand Falls in Joplin, Missouri
If you’re looking for a stop on your route 66 trip, a lazy afternoon in Joplin Missouri, or a destination for a…
How to Visit Red Oak, MO | Missouri Ghost Town Turned Art Gallery
Red Oak II is a cross between a living museum and an art exhibit, created by artist Lowell Davis as a tribute…
Soulard Market in St Louis – Tips & Things to Do
When I think of St. Louis, I immediately think of the Mississippi River and the Gateway Arch, but after I moved to…
What It’s Like to Move to Saint Louis
In 2021 I made a major life decision and relocated from Seattle to St Louis. Like moving to Seattle 6 years earlier,…
7 Unique Things to do in Carthage, Missouri
Although it’s a bit off the beaten path, there’s no shortage of things to do in Carthage, Missouri. Thanks to its location…
3 Hacks for Thriving in Humid Travel Destinations
When traveling in extremely humid conditions, unique strategies and a specialized packing list can help minimize the discomfort of extremely humid destinations….
Six Things to Pack in Your Hilo, Hawaii, Packing List
Packing well for a trip to Hilo, Hawaii, requires being prepared for the unique challenges of landscape and weather. In this article,…
Eastern Europe
I think Eastern Europe is woefully underrated as a travel destination! It’s easy to navigate, brimming with culture, and offers the safety of traveling within the European Union.
In this collection of articles about my expereince traveling alone in Eastern Europe, I’ll be taking you on a journey through beautiful and “exotic” destinations in Eastern Europe- like Transylvania! As someone who loves to travel solo, I’ve discovered that this region is particularly suited for those of us who like to explore on our own. From the charming city of Zadar, Croatia to the fabled land of Transylvania in Romania, these destinations offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that is simply unmatched. So, come along with me as I share my adventures and insights on the best cities, activities, and foods to try in these incredible places. Let’s get started!
Solo Travel in Zadar, Croatia: 6 Things to Do
Zadar, Croatia is a city filled with fun things to do for solo travelers, couples, and families. In this post, I share important…
Romania Itinerary + Best Cities in Romania for Solo Travel
Of all the parts of the world I have visited, Romania remains one of my top picks for solo travel. The month I…
Is the Budapest Zoo worth Visiting? Reflections from Hungary
One thing I love about slow travel is the opportunity to explore destinations more thoroughly. While folks with only two or three days…
Getting from Bucharest to Transylvania | Cities in Transylvania
For travelers on a budget, the best way to get from Bucharest to Transylvania is by train. A train from Bucharest to the…
9 Reasons to Vacation in Transylvania (Really!)
If you’ve read my ultimate guide to travel in Transylvania, you know that I love this gem of Eastern Europe. With all the…
5 Amazing Romanian Foods to Try: Traveling to Transylvania
Romanian cuisine is some of my favorite in the whole world. Even now, 18 months after my visit to Transylvania, I regularly make…
Things to Do on Lokrum Island on your Croatia Trip
Typically, I don’t plan much of my trip in advance when traveling solo, but when I began researching a trip to Croatia, Lokrum…
12 Things to do in Bosnia as a Tourist
As a country, Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn’t frequently make lists of tourist hotspots, but the community of serious global travelers, Bosnia is known…
Europe
As a travel blogger, I have had extensive opportunities to travel to some of the most incredible places in Europe. In this collection of articles, I’ve shared my personal experiences and recommendations for what I think are some of the best destinations for artists, budget traveler, solo traveler, and more. Whether you’re looking for tips on what to do in Zadar, Croatia, how to get to Lokrum Island, or the best souvenirs to bring back from Italy, I hope you find some inspiration for your next European adventure.
5 Best European Travel Destinations For Artists
Many of the world’s best travel destinations for artists are located within the European Union. In this post, I share 5 of my…
Solo Travel in Zadar, Croatia: 6 Things to Do
Zadar, Croatia is a city filled with fun things to do for solo travelers, couples, and families. In this post, I share important…
Budget Travel: 7 Day Rome Itinerary
Every epic European vacation allocates at least a few days to visit in Rome. From the Vatican to Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum,…
7 Best Italy Souvenirs | What to Bring Back from Italy
There’s something about a trip to Italy that feels different than visiting other parts of the world. Perhaps it’s because so much of…
Things to Do on Lokrum Island on your Croatia Trip
Typically, I don’t plan much of my trip in advance when traveling solo, but when I began researching a trip to Croatia, Lokrum…