TRAVEL WRITER SUCCESS INSIDER: JOELLE MACHIA & RYAN SLOUGH
Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough are digital content creators, freelance travel writers, photographers, founders and publishers of Wanderers Compass Travel Blog. What began as a way to document their own travels has evolved into an educational resource for those seeking insight, inspiration, and practical advice. They are regular Big Blend Radio guests and now have the monthly Wanderers Compass Podcast, with new episodes airing every second Wednesday at 4pm PT / 7pm ET.
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a grand adventure across continents, Joelle and Ryan believe that travel is more than just a trip; it is an opportunity for discovery, learning, and personal growth.
Wanderers Compass is rooted in immersive travel—where history, culture, and adventure intertwine to create meaningful experiences. Through curated itineraries, firsthand storytelling, and a commitment to uncovering the world’s hidden gems, Joelle and Ryan share their journeys with the hope of inspiring others to explore with purpose and curiosity.
Joelle, a first-generation American with French heritage, has been traveling since childhood, developing a deep appreciation for history and culture. Prior to being a travel writer, Joelle worked as an Oncology Clinical Research Nurse and has published on medical topics. When she is not off traveling this beautiful and fascinating world, Joelle calls the Pacific Northwest home. Ryan, a U.S. Army veteran, discovered his passion for travel later in life but quickly embraced it with enthusiasm. Along with being a proud dad to his young son, Ryan is a Master Sgt in the Army Reserves and is currently attending school full time.
Together, they have explored countless destinations, with a particular obsession for castles—an interest so strong that they have labeled themselves Castle Hunters. Their love for castles extends into their weekly social media feature, Warrior Wednesday, where they frequently highlight castles alongside stories of resilience, strength, and history.
TRAVEL WRITER SUCCESS INSIDER Q&A
1. What led you to a career as a travel writer?
Our journey as travel writers began with a shared passion for exploring the world and telling stories that connect people. We both felt the urge to document not just the places we visited but also our personal experiences and the cultures we encountered, hoping to inspire others to do the same. We also wanted to help those who dreamed of travel but never thought it would be possible. This was especially true for Ryan, whose life was transformed through travel, and he wants others to experience that same life-changing opportunity.
2. What attributes do you have that make you a good fit for the lifestyle of a travel writer?
Our love for adventure, curiosity, and willingness to embrace new challenges make us well-suited for the travel writer lifestyle. Travel is our happy place; it gives us joy and energy that carries over into all aspects of our lives. We thrive on discovering new perspectives, adapting to unfamiliar environments, and sharing our findings with a like-minded community.
3. Who or what inspires you?
We draw inspiration from the world around us, whether it’s the fascinating cultures we encounter, the unique people we meet, or the beautiful landscapes we explore. The rich history of places especially moves us, and how storytelling can breathe life into the past and present. We love uncovering stories of places, origins, people, and the way it has evolved while connecting those narratives to the broader human experience. Stories we learn from people we meet are usually the most fascinating.
4. Describe your ideal audience.
Our ideal audience is those who have a deep curiosity about the world and a strong desire to explore it. We write for people who view travel as a means of understanding and connecting with diverse cultures and environments on a deeper level rather than merely as a vacation or an opportunity to take beautiful photographs. We’ve also learned that some in our audience may not be able to travel anymore, and they find joy in learning about new places through our stories, which brings them a sense of connection to the world they may no longer be able to explore physically.
5. What personal changes have you had to make to build your career?
Building our career in travel writing required us to make significant personal changes. We had to become much more organized, especially when juggling travel, writing, and content creation. It also meant learning how to balance work and adventure while staying true to our mission of delivering authentic and thoughtful travel experiences. We also had to remain committed despite the hurdles thrown our way. It took believing in ourselves, working hard, and pushing through challenges to build the career we have today.
6. What challenges do travel writers go through that readers may not know about?
One of the challenges travel writers face that many readers may not realize is the constant balancing of deadlines, travel logistics, and personal well-being. Travel is full of surprises, and we find that staying flexible while delivering fresh, meaningful content is key to maintaining momentum and engagement with our audience.
7. If you could invite any three people (alive or passed on) for a dinner party, who would they be?
If we could invite three people to a dinner party, they would be Anthony Bourdain to hear his thoughts on travel, culture, and storytelling; Rick Steves, who ignited Ryan’s travel dreams and whose approach to travel has inspired millions to explore Europe more mindfully and educationally; and Maya Angelou, whose words and life embodied grace, empathy, and the beauty of human connection.
8. If you could switch careers for a day (just to learn something new), what would you choose?
If we could switch careers for a day, we’d love to try being videographers. We’re relatively new to this area and want to learn more about it, as it requires a different skill set, which we’re eager to master. We’d love to capture stories through video and edit them into engaging narratives.
9. What three destinations or experiences are on your bucket list to do within the next 3-5 years?
We have a few dream destinations on our bucket list. We’d love to explore Singapore for its unique blend of cultures, delve into the wonders of Machu Picchu , and experience the vibrant energy of Thailand’s diverse landscapes and traditions.
10. What is the most important tip you would pass on to someone just getting started in the world of travel writing?
Our most important tip for someone just starting in travel writing is to find your voice and be authentic. People crave genuine, heartfelt stories rather than just glossy travel brochures. Don’t be afraid to dive deep, share your personal insights, and connect with readers on an emotional level.
