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Japan Travel Resources

Japan

Japan has something for all types of travelers. On our first visit, we spent a little over a week in this majestic country adventuring through the back streets of Kyoto , making multiple attempts to see Mt. Fuji in Hakone, and enjoying crazy nights out in Toyko .

We loved it so much we knew we needed to plan a return trip and give ourselves the time to really explore some of the lesser-known gems of this country. And that’s just what we did!

Lucky for you, we are sharing all of our tips and insider knowledge from our multiple trips to Japan.

JRail Pass Japan Train

Not sure where to start?

Read this article to find out the best time to visit Japan , and when you should avoid visiting

Read our essential Japan travel tips and fun facts before your trip

Figure out how much it costs to travel for one week with our Japan budget breakdown

Find out what’s on our Japan bucket list and figure out how to see the highlights with our 1-week Japan itinerary

If you’re looking for the best way to get around, you’ll want to consider getting a Japan Rail Pass

Finally, if this is your first trip to this country and you are flying blind, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide to traveling in Japan

Don’t see what you’re looking for on this list? Jump down to our Japan travel articles .

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Japan Travel Articles

Mt Fuji Japan autumn

Mount Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo: How to Get There + Tips!

The iconic peak of Mount Fuji is without a doubt one of the top sights in Japan and absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. This guide will help you plan the perfect Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo, including unique experiences and hidden gems.

Fushimi Inari Kyoto Japan

85 Helpful Japanese Words & Phrases to Know for Traveling in Japan

If you’re worried about the language barrier in Japan, you’re not alone. This guide lists essential words and basic Japanese phrases you can use on your trip, as well as helpful tips for communicating in Japan.

Things to do in Tokyo | Two Wandering Soles

45 Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

If you’re heading to Japan, you won’t want to miss this epic list of things to do in Tokyo. Packed with adventure, food, history and culture, Tokyo is a place that is easy to love. Since Japan’s capital city is on most travelers’ itinerary, we’re sharing our top tips and...

Japan Rail Pass

Japan Rail Pass: Is It Worth It? (Honest 2024 Update)

The JR Pass used to be a huge money saver, but since the price increased, is it still worth it? We're breaking it all down for you.

Hiroshima Japan

Perfect Osaka to Hiroshima Day Trip (+ Fun Things to Do!)

Plan the ultimate day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima to check out some of the city’s super important historic sites. Plus we’ll go over other more unique things to do in Hiroshima, and where to stay should you choose to stay the night. We’re even including how to get to...

Things To Do in Japan | Two Wandering Soles

45 Crazy Fun Things to do in Japan

If you’re looking for unique things to do on your trip to Japan, you’ve come to the right place! From super quirky, only-in-Japan experiences to must-see sights and the best food to try, we’ve rounded up the top things to do in Japan on your first visit.

foods to eat in Japan | ramen

Japanese Etiquette: 30+ Do’s and Don’ts You Need to Know

Don’t get caught doing something embarrassing in Japan! We’ve compiled some important Japanese etiquette and manners to keep in mind while eating, riding trains and other common activities.

teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum Tokyo Japan

teamLab Borderless: How to Visit Tokyo’s Digital Art Museum

Arguably one of the most “Instagrammable spots” in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum is an experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen. A combination of lights and audio creates interactive art that anyone can enjoy. If you’re traveling to Japan, teamLab Borderless Tokyo should definitely be on your itinerary.

Minoo Minoh Park Osaka Japan

Minoh Park: Osaka’s Best Kept Secret

Nestled in the mountains less than an hour from Osaka, Minoh Park in Japan offers a quick and easy escape from the city into nature. This guide has everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit to Minoo Park.

Ryokan in Japan

One Week in Japan: Best Itinerary for Your First Visit

Plan the Japan trip of a lifetime through Kyoto, Hakone (and Mount Fuji!), Osaka, and of course, Tokyo. Follow this 1 week Japan itinerary, and you’ll get a taste of the country’s culture, food, cities and landscapes, and you’ll leave craving more!

Hiking the Kumano Kodo Trail

33 Most Beautiful Places in Japan You Need to See for Yourself

With storybook villages, forested mountain ranges and white sand beaches that rival the tropics, Japan is incredibly diverse. This bucket list is full of the most beautiful places in Japan – some of which you’ve probably never heard of. And after reading it, we bet you’ll be ready to book...

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What to Buy in Japan: 37 Awesome Japanese Souvenirs

When traveling to Japan, you’ll have no shortage of shopping opportunities. We are going over the best Japanese Souvenirs to buy so you don’t end up filling your suitcase with unnecessary purchases.

What to wear in Japan bamboo grove

What to Wear in Japan: Packing List + What NOT to Wear!

If you’re wondering what to wear in Japan, this is the guide you need! We’re going over what to wear in each season and how to create a perfect capsule wardrobe. We’re also divulging some items you should not wear in Japan.

Kumano Kodo Trail Japan

Japan Packing List: 50+ Things You Can’t Forget (+FREE checklist)

We’ve created the perfect Japan packing list that has the essentials (many of which you might not think about) and what you should NOT pack for a trip to Japan. We’re also sharing what to wear in Japan for all seasons as well as tons of practical tips!

Japan Pocket WiFi vs. Japanese SIM Card

Japan Pocket WiFi vs. SIM Card: Which is better?

Staying connected in Japan is super important for navigating trains and translating menus. But how do you access the Internet in Japan? In this guide, we share our experience using a Japanese SIM card and a Pocket Wifi and tell you which is best for your travels in Japan.

Mount Fuji Japan

27 Famous Landmarks in Japan to Add to Your Bucket List

There are so many famous landmarks in Japan, you could never see them all in one trip. We’re sharing our top recommended Japan landmarks and showing you where to find them so you can narrow down your list.

Summer in Japan

Summer in Japan: Ultimate Seasonal Guide

Summertime in Japan is a great time to hit the beach or cool off in the mountains. We’re sharing the best places to visit and things to do during summer in Japan, as well as lots of insider tips for planning your trip!

couple holding hands in Japan

How Many Days in Japan is Enough?

There’s so much to see and do in Japan that it can be overwhelming trying to decide how long your trip should be. This article breaks down the major attractions and off-the-beaten-path adventures to help determine how many days in Japan you should plan for.

Chureito Pagoda Arakurayama Sengen Park Fuji Japan

What is Japan Famous For: 40 Things That Are Uniquely Japanese

Japan is famous for many things – some of which are unique to this country alone. In this guide, we’re answering the question “what is Japan famous for?” with a roundup that’s also packed with practical travel tips.

Okunoin Cemetery Kii Peninsula Japan

Japan on a Budget: 26 Money-Saving Tips + Free Things to Do!

If you’re planning a trip to Japan on a budget, we’ve got you covered with tons of money-saving tips that’ll cut costs on everything from accommodation to entertainment. Plus we’ve included a list of free things to do in Japan that won’t cost a thing!

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Japan Travel Cost: Exactly How Much is a Trip to Japan?

In this article, we’re breaking down the cost of a trip to Japan — from food and hotels to trains and entertainment. We get super detailed so you can work out your perfect Japan travel budget.

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Japan Trip Planner [2024]: How to Plan Your First Trip to Japan

This information-packed Japan trip planner has the answers to all your questions. Find out the best places to visit, which Japanese foods to try, and how to ride the bullet trains. All the research is done for you to assist in planning a trip to Japan.

Anime & Manga Japan

35 Expert Tips for Visiting Japan (Dos and Don’ts!)

In this article we’re covering essential tips for visiting Japan, plus helpful advice we learned from personal experience that’ll ensure you enjoy your time in the Land of the Rising Sun even more!

Bamboo forest in Japan

33 Interesting Facts About Japan (that may surprise you!)

Japan is an exciting country packed with things to do and places to see. In this article, we’re sharing all sorts of interesting facts about Japan. Plus helpful advice and tips for traveling to Japan that’ll help you appreciate your time there even more!

Spring in Japan Kyoto Cherry Blossoms_STOCK-U (Pavlo Klein)

Spring in Japan: When & Where to See Cherry Blossoms (2024)

Witnessing the cherry blossoms in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. In this guide, we breakdown when and where the best places celebrate the cherry blossom festival in Japan.

Kanmangafuchi Abyss Nikko Japan

8 Unique Japan Itinerary Ideas Based on Your Interests

If you’ve been wondering where to start when planning your Japan itinerary, we’ve got some inspiration for you! These unique Japan itinerary ideas are based on your personal travel interests.

Best Time to Visit Japan | Two Wandering Soles

Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Choosing the best time of year to visit Japan can be downright overwhelming. Each of Japan’s 4 distinct seasons has its draws and drawbacks (some more than others!). We’re going to break down exactly what to expect during winter, spring, summer, and fall so you can choose the best time...

Shibuya Sky Tokyo Japan

Tokyo at Night: 25 Wild Things to Do After Dark (2024)

After sunset, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Tokyo at night. From crazy experiences you can only have in Japan to relaxing ways to spend your evening, we’ve rounded up the best night time activities for all travel styles.

Where to stay in Tokyo | Asakusa Tokyo Japan

Where to Stay in Tokyo: Neighborhood Guide + Best Hotels

Japan’s capital is a sprawling metropolis with an overwhelming number of things to do and places to stay. This guide breaks down the top neighborhoods and recommended hotels in the city to help you decide where to stay in Tokyo.

Fushimi Inari Shrine Orange Gates Japan

Fushimi Inari Shrine: Ultimate Guide for Visiting in 2024

Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine is at the top of most visitors' Japan itineraries, and for good reason. The thousands of orange torii gates are a sight to behold. We’ve gathered everything you need to know about the Fushimi Inari hike and how to make your visit an enjoyable one.

Nara Deer Park Japan

Nara Deer Park: Fun Facts & Tips for Visiting Japan’s Bowing Deer

Seeing the famous bowing deer of Nara is a highlight of many Japan itineraries. We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting Nara Deer Park, including insider tips and what not to do.

Nara Japan

Perfect Nara Day Trip Itinerary (map + hidden gems!)

Known for bowing deer that visitors can feed, Nara makes a great place to visit in Japan. We’re sharing the perfect Nara day trip itinerary, complete with can’t-miss attractions, where to see the famed deer, and hidden gems most tourists miss.

Car rental Japan Fuji

Renting a Car in Japan: Essential Driving Tips You Need to Know!

Renting a car in Japan is the best way to get off the beaten track and see parts of the country most tourists miss. We’re sharing our top tips to help you get a car rental and feel comfortable driving in Japan.

Shirakawago Japan

15 Memorable Things to Do in Shirakawa-go, Japan (+ tips & photo spots!)

Shirakawa-go is perhaps Japan’s most famous traditional village. If you’re planning to visit, this guide will tell you everything you need to know, including insider tips and fun things to do!

Shiraito Falls Japan

15 Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Whether you’re craving the serenity of a lush forest, a refreshing seaside breeze, or a good glass of wine, this list of the best day trips from Tokyo has everything you need to escape the city for a while.

Shibuya Tokyo Japan

Best Time to Visit Tokyo: When to Go & When to Avoid

Tokyo is a dynamic and fascinating city with an endless list of exciting things to do year-round. This guide breaks down the draws and drawbacks of each season to determine the best time to visit Tokyo and how to avoid the major crowds.

Kimono Forest Arashiyama Kyoto Japan

16 Best Day Trips from Osaka

With lots of accommodation and transportation options, Osaka makes a perfect home base for exploring this part of Japan. These day trips from Osaka are packed with history, culture, nature, and culinary adventures, all within a couple hours of the city.

Kegon Falls Japan

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kegon Falls in Nikko, Japan

Kegon Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Japan and an absolute must-see if you’re in the Nikko area. The towering falls plunging straight down a sheer rock face into a pool surrounded by lush foliage is an impressive sight. This guide has all the info you need...

Kumano+Kodo+Trail+Nachi+Falls+Three-tiered+Pagoda

Kumano Kodo Trail: How to Hike Japan’s Pilgrimage Route On Your Own

One of the best places to go hiking in Japan is on the Kumano Kodo Trail. Quite literally, off the beaten path, this destination is a historic pilgrimage trail that has been trekked for thousands of years. Hiking the Kumano Kodo was a highlight of our time in Japan, and...

Autumn in Japan fall foliage

Autumn in Japan: Where & When to see Fall Foliage (2024)

With spectacular foliage and nice weather, we think fall is one of the best times to visit Japan. We’re sharing the best places to experience autumn in Japan as well as lots of insider tips for planning your trip!

Things to Do in Osaka Japan

35 Exciting Things to Do in Osaka, Japan

Osaka is known for lively nightlife and endless street food, but there’s more hiding beneath this city’s neon-lit facade. We’re going to walk you through the best things to do in Osaka — from can’t-miss attractions to some lesser-known secrets that you won’t find in guidebooks!

Things to do in Kyoto | Two Wandering Soles

50 Absolute BEST Things to do in Kyoto

Considered the “cultural capital of Japan”, Kyoto is full of can’t-miss sights, hidden gems, and world-renowned dining. We’re sharing the very best things to do in Kyoto, including the most popular attractions and the secrets you won’t find in most guidebooks.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route | Two Wandering Soles

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Itinerary & Travel Guide

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a single day mountain traverse where you take 8 different modes of transportation. Walk next to a 7-meter snow wall in the springtime, visit Japan’s highest dam, and travel through mountains on an electric bus.

two wandering soles

Winter in Japan: Things to Do + Why It’s a Great Time to Visit

There is something truly special about winter in Japan! We think you’ll be surprised by all the exciting things to do in Japan in winter. Plus, we’ll let you in on average winter temperatures around the country, as well as what to pack for the winter months.

Diving in Japan | Two Wandering Soles

Diving in Japan: Ultimate Guide to Okinawa Diving and Beyond

From the tropical coral reefs of Okinawa, to the temperate, rocky coastline along the mainland and all the way up to the icy waters of Hokkaido, there are countless opportunities for fantastic diving in Japan. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan an epic...

Foods to Eat in Japan | Two Wandering Soles

What to Eat in Japan: 45 Foods to Try + Tips for Eating in Japan!

Japanese cuisine is more than just sushi and ramen! We’ve put together a list of foods and drinks to try in Japan — from the famous dishes to those you’ve never heard of. Plus, we’re going over important information for gluten-free and vegetarian travelers in Japan as well as essential...

Best Japan Travel Apps

15 Best Japan Travel Apps

Traveling in Japan is made so much easier (and less confusing!) with a few handy apps. Before packing your bags, be sure you have these helpful Japan travel apps downloaded to your phone to make transportation a cinch and the language barrier practically non-existant.

two wandering soles

Action-Packed Japan Video

Japan is peaceful and crazy at the same time. Come along as we play with monkeys, visit temples, and eat more noodles and sushi than we can handle. Oh, and there's a pretty ridiculous robot show in there too!

Two Wandering Soles: From 50 countries To The 50 states

Ben and Katie of Two Wandering Soles in their van in the woods.

Ben and Katie of Two Wandering Soles took their love of travel to the next level four years ago when they embarked on a full-time nomadic lifestyle. Since 2017, they have been documenting their travels and work abroad experiences on their blog . In between visiting over 50 countries, Ben and Katie somehow found the time to try van life and in 2019 they decided to build out their own camper van so they could continue their journey in the U.S.

How did you guys become full-time travelers?

Ben and Katie of Two Wandering Soles posing in front of Horseshoe Bend.

It’s kind of funny looking back and seeing how things have fallen into place because it was never our intention — at least not right away — to become full-time travelers.

At the beginning of 2014, we were newlyweds looking for a little adventure before we “settled down for good”. We quit our jobs to go on what we thought would be a 3-month backpacking trip in South America, but that journey never really ended.

From there, we taught English in South Korea, which paid for a year-long round-the-world trip.

In 2017, we took a leap of faith and both began working on our website full-time. This venture has led us to live around the world and has given us the freedom to travel pretty much as often as we’d like. However, we’ll be the first to point out that running a website is a lot more work than most people would believe. Today, we even have a small team behind us that helps us keep Two Wandering Soles running smoothly.

How has COVID and the limitations on travel changed your focus over the past year?

Ben and Katie of Two Wandering Soles in Nepal.

2020 was certainly a weird time to be working in the travel industry, and it continues to be something that we are learning how to navigate.

Ironically, we had already been planning on building a campervan during 2020. In fact, we purchased the vehicle in early February, before things really got out of control. As it turns out, building our campervan was the perfect quarantine project and once it was finished, it allowed us to safely travel during the summer months.

That said, it wasn’t all sunshine and happy surprises. Just like many others, the past year and a half meant many domestic and international travel plans were canceled. To borrow the most overused word of the year, we’ve had to pivot pretty hard and focus on content that people were actually searching for. For us, this happened to be USA destinations and campervan build guides instead of international travel content.

After traveling abroad so much, what inspired you to begin vanlifing?

Katie and Ben of Two Wandering Soles building out their camper van.

We had our first taste of vanlife during the summer of 2017. To be honest, it was a way for us to travel on a very limited budget. We had just finished working a winter season at a ski resort in Washington state, and we were pretty broke. We figured that if we could build a campervan inexpensively, we’d be able to travel around the USA relatively cheaply because we wouldn’t need to pay for accommodation or eat out very often.

We had very little building experience, but with some creativity and tools borrowed from a friend, we were able to build a campervan for less than $3,000 including the vehicle and the build. That summer was filled with adventures, deep conversations, belly laughs, and growth; and we truly believe it was one of the best times of our lives.

After selling our van, we moved abroad and spent the next couple of years living and traveling around Southeast Asia as we grew our website. While the scenery around us had changed, we always talked about how we couldn’t wait to build another campervan. So when we returned to the United States in a more permanent capacity in late 2019, we knew it wouldn’t be long before we started our second campervan build!

Have you ever camped abroad? If so, where?

We have! We’ve been lucky enough to camp in quite a few countries around the world:

  • South Korea
  • New Zealand

We’ve gotta say, camping varies quite a bit depending on where in the world you are.

While teaching English in South Korea, we went camping a few times and it was quite the experience! Camping in South Korea is very popular, but unlike the United States where you often get a private campsite, you’ll pitch your tent right next to a neighbor! It becomes more of a communal atmosphere than being on your own in nature.

I love that you have a focus on responsible travel! This is so important. How do you practice responsible travel when doing van life?

Katie of Two Wandering Soles standing in her van.

We strongly believe that travel can have either a negative impact or a positive one, and it’s up to us to decide which it’ll be. We also fully admit that we are far from perfect and are doing our best to continue to learn and grow each day. There are many different aspects that make up responsible travel — from your impact on the environment to your impact on the communities you visit along the way.

There are certain aspects that are more difficult in a van. For example, composting and properly recycling everything can be much more complicated on the road than it is from your home. However, there are many things that don’t take much effort at all and can actually be easier in a campervan. For instance, while on the road we use significantly less water than we do in a typical home. We also cook less meat and create less waste overall.

Ways to be kind to the environment on the road:

  • Pack reusables: Just like you would at home, be prepared with reusable bags, straws, water bottles, coffee mugs, utensils, etc. so you can turn down the single-use kind. We keep a set of reusables in our campervan so that we never forget it.
  • Mind your bathroom manners: If you’re camping, there’s a good chance you may get the urge to go in the wild . It’s really important to follow some specific rules:
  • Limit your food waste: We’ve found that with a smaller refrigerator than we’re used to, it can be easier to let food go to waste on the road than it is at home. We hate wasting food, and we’ve found that with a little extra meal planning and using some creative containers to store leftovers, we actually waste very little food while in our campervan.
  • Use biodegradable soap: If you’re showering or washing dishes in nature, it’s important to use biodegradable soap . However, it’s also worth noting that you should not be doing these activities within 200 feet of any water source. Even biodegradable soap can have harmful effects when introduced to a waterway.
  • Leave places better than you found them: It should be common sense to leave no trace of your stay behind, but when possible, try to leave places even better than you found them. We have a challenge going where we try to pick up 3 pieces of trash per day. It’s hardly anything, but over the course of a week, a month, and a year, it really adds up. And if we’re going on a long hike or camping in a remote area, we bring a bag with us to take more than our “daily 3” with us. In less-trafficked areas, that litter might be there for years if we don’t pick it up.

Eco-friendly choices when building a campervan:

While a large vehicle like a cargo van isn’t exactly good for the environment, there were a few things we did with our build to make it have less of an impact. If you’re considering building a van of your own, you may want to add some of these to your wish list:

  • Solar panels: allow us to harness energy from the sun so we can power our lights, refrigerator, fan and other electricity without having to plug into a power source or drive long distances (and therefore create more emissions) in order to charge the batteries.
  • Composting toilet: allows us to forgo the harsh chemicals you find in most cassette toilets. Our “solids container” turns into “humanure”, which is more or less dirt.

For more ideas, we put together a list of simple things you can do to be more environmentally friendly on a road trip . Every little bit adds up!

Ways to be kind to the communities you visit along the way:

When thinking about “responsible travel”, people often only think about how they can lessen their impact on the environment, and forget that as travelers we all have an inherent impact on the communities we visit as well. Thinking about this aspect of your footprint is just as important as your impact on the environment.

  • Spend your money wisely: When you pass through communities on your road trip, think about where your money is going. Are you supporting locally-run businesses or are you frequenting big chains? Often times with a little research you can find cool restaurants, shops or organizations that give back to their community. Support them when possible! We like to think of the money we spend along our travels as little “votes”. When we “vote” for small, local businesses, we’d like to think that helps them thrive and shows their community that people want the service or product they offer.
  • Learn the history: It’s important to learn the history of the land you’re visiting. No matter where you go in the United States, you’re on Native land and it can really change the way you look at things when you do a little research. Also, looking into more recent history can uncover things that are important to know as a visitor that you might otherwise miss. It doesn’t take much time or work on your end to do a quick Google search before visiting a place, and it can really impact your experience and how you choose to spend your time.
  • Be respectful: This should be obvious, but as you’re traveling through a place it’s important to respect local laws and be kind. This is especially true for vanlifers, as not everybody has a positive opinion of this movement. You might even be the first vanlifer that someone encounters, so do your best to set a good example. Park legally, don’t blast loud music in public places, clean up after yourself… you know, common sense stuff! As campervans become more and more popular, some towns across the nation are cracking down on laws in response to disrespectful vanlifers. Don’t be that person.

What is your favorite campsite or camping spot?

Ben and KAtie of Two Wandering Soles at the Oregon Coast.

We have a major obsession with the PNW in general and have found that some of our favorite spots are dispersed camping on BLM land. Often, we’ll have the entire space to ourselves and it is really beautiful and peaceful.

But we do have a couple more specific favorites as well:

The Enchantments Wilderness Area (WA) : This is our happy place. It is some of the most stunning, unspoiled wilderness we’ve ever had the privilege of seeing. The Enchantments has a lottery system for camping permits, so consider yourself lucky if you get a spot. We used to live near this place and can assure you that even if you don’t snag a coveted permit, there are many other stunning places to hike and camp in the area nearby.

Olympic Peninsula (WA): The Olympic Peninsula is home to some incredibly diverse camping. If you can snag a backcountry permit, you may find yourself in lush valleys flanked with snowcapped mountains. There are also established campgrounds situated in temperate rainforests, or next to rushing creeks. And for a totally different change of pace, you can bring your tent onto the wild drift-wood strewn beaches along the peninsula for a night of camping on the sand with an epic west coast sunset. We’re partial to Shi Shi Beach because it tends to be less crowded than some of the other more popular beaches in the area, but it does require a bit of a hike to get there.

Of all the places you have been in the U.S., which has surprised you the most?

Katie from Two Wandering Soles in the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

This is a tough one as we’re constantly surprised by most places we visit in one way or another. But one region in particular that comes to mind is Wyoming .

We planned a trip to the Grand Tetons , and being that it’s a National Park, we had pretty high expectations. Plus, I had been there as a child and remember being totally in awe. We had a great time, of course, but the real surprise was when we left the park.

The Wind River Range had been recommended to us by a friend years ago, so we stopped for a few days and it absolutely blew us away. We did a short backcountry trip in this wilderness area and to this day, it remains one of the most beautiful places we’ve seen that most people we meet have never heard of.

After Wind River, we were headed to Colorado and asked for suggestions of places to stop along the way. Someone reached out on Instagram and suggested the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. The drive from Wind River there was incredibly boring — think flat, desolate nothingness. So as the sun was setting, we were getting a little nervous that we had trusted this stranger’s suggestion. When we arrived at the National Forest, it was pitch black outside and we went to sleep with low expectations.

When we awoke in the morning, we had quite a surprise. The desolate landscape has shifted, and now we were surrounded by thick pine forests, snowcapped mountains, wildflower-dotted meadows, and sparkling alpine lakes. There were lots of beautiful National Forest campgrounds to choose from, and we were quite happy we took a stranger’s advice!

What is your favorite piece of camping gear?

Grayl water bottle : This water bottle allows us to drink from water sources along hikes without the hassle that most other water filtration systems come with. You don’t have to suck through a straw or wait before drinking. It doesn’t add a taste to the water, like iodine tablets. Plus, there’s no heavy equipment to carry or pumping you need to do. It makes drinking super simple, as long as you can find a place to fill up!

What is one piece of advice you would give those looking to get on the road for an extended road trip?

Two Wandering Soles in their van on the coast California.

Don’t over plan too much.

You’ll certainly want to do research and have a general route, important dates, and a budget in mind. It’s also essential to have a plan for emergencies and some “backup” cash so you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation.

However, if you’ll be on the road for an extended amount of time, resist the urge to plan out every single day. You’ll want to have flexibility in your schedule to jump on a local’s suggestion to hike to a hidden hot spring, or to stick around a town until a storm passes through. You’ll also want to have some “rest days” factored in on a long road trip to do things like laundry, run errands, and just relax!

Hang out with Ben and Katie on Instagram @twowanderingsoles , check out our most recent videos on Youtube , and browse their website for detailed travel guides .

Looking to start building your own campervan? Check out Ben and Katie’s Van Conversion Academy , an all-inclusive resource for van build-outs and preparing for van life. They are offering an exclusive discount to The Dyrt users for $75 off the course price! Use the code DYRT75 at checkout (Valid through July 31, 2021).

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Maggie Fisher

Maggie Fisher is a photographer, outdoor enthusiast, and avid traveler. Based in Burlington, VT, you can find Maggie skinning in the Green Mountains, hiking switchbackless trails or paddling across Lake Champlain. She dabbles in activities ranging from rollerblading, to climbing, to skiing, to surfing, to sailing, to petting every dog in sight. Check out more of her work at https://mjf.design/

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Epic Adventure: Two Wandering Soles - Travel Bloggers That Roam The Globe

Epic Adventure: Two Wandering Soles - Travel Bloggers That Roam The Globe

Category: Epic Adventures Travel Stories

two wandering soles

Author: Joe

Meet the adventurers: Katie and Ben from Two Wandering Soles. They're a couple that travels the world together, figured out how to earn a living while traveling, and are a couple of genuinely positive people!

Fun fact, Katie is also Tree Tribe's Instagram community manager! (thank you Katie, you're awesome!)

Tell us a little bit about yourselves

We're Katie and Ben - high school sweethearts from Minnesota who have been traveling and living around the world for the last 4 years. We love hiking, good beer, deep conversations and getting out of our comfort zone.

We have a travel blog, Two Wandering Soles , where we document our stories and advice on backpacking, campervan living, expat life and sustainable travel.

horseshoe bend

What makes Two Wandering Soles different from other travel blogs?

There are tons of great travel blogs out there, but what sets us apart is that our focus is on responsible and adventurous travel.

We're always looking for adventures off the typical tourist route, but we want to be sure that we are respecting the environment and communities throughout our travels.

Traveling ethically and sustainably is a huge passion of ours . In fact, recently I (Katie) won the Responsible Traveller Competition hosted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and traveled to five countries around the world for a month, promoting sustainable tourism.

Another thing that makes Two Wandering Soles special is we have several different types of travel resources - from #VanLife tips, to teaching English overseas, to hiking around the world, to backpacking on a budget - we'd like to think we've got something for just about every type of traveler.

Camper van in the forest

When did you start your travel blog? What led you to this decision?

In February of 2014, we made a big decision. We both actually really liked our jobs and our apartment, but we were craving an adventure and just needed a little change. So we decided to go on a backpacking trip to South America and document our stories along the way. This was the beginning of Two Wandering Soles!

What was supposed to be a 3-month journey turned into a year, and then four. And Two Wandering Soles transformed from a website where we shared our experiences with friends and family to a website that helps inspire and inform readers from all over the world.

Where do you live and where are you from?

We are both originally from Minnesota, and have the accents to prove it! For the last 4 years though, we've been living and traveling around the world.

Currently we're in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but very soon we're about to be nomadic again! We have loved having a home base for a bit, but our soles are itching to wander (see what I did there?!).

Where was the first place you traveled to outside of the US, and what was it like?

Neither of us had been outside the United States until we did a semester abroad during university. We both studied in Florence, Italy, and spent our weekends eating pasta, drinking wine and exploring other parts of Europe.

To say we were bitten by the travel bug is an understatement. A whole different world was revealed to us, and we saw opportunities and possibilities we never knew existed. Ever since that semester abroad, we find ourselves dreaming of the next place we want to travel and adventures we want to experience.

two wandering soles

What are your top 3 most epic adventures while traveling?

This is such a difficult question to answer, but here are 3 epic adventures that come to mind:

  • Trekking to Everest Base Camp independently , without a guide or porter.
  • Spending a week road tripping around Iceland and waking up in our tent next to waterfalls.
  • Converting an old van into a camper by ourselves and traveling in it around the Western United States for an unforgettable summer of exploring National Parks, seeking hidden hot springs and spending the nights under starry skies.

How long did it take you start earning money online while traveling and sharing your tips and stories?

Honestly, we didn't start our blog with the intention of making money. We really just wanted to share about our experiences and give advice for others on similar paths. But about 2 years into blogging, we realized how much time and effort we were putting into it decided we needed to start earning money in order to make it worth our time.

We had no idea how to monetize a blog and didn't even know if it was possible to make a living online, but we started learning everything we could. It hasn't be super fast or easy. There are a lot of shortcuts out there that we refuse to take because they don't feel authentic or ethical to us.

Now, after 4 years of blogging we are finally earning an amount that allows us to live comfortably, travel and make our student loan payments each month. We still have a long ways to go and a lot of financial goals we want to accomplish, but a couple years ago, we never thought we would be at this point.

What is your favorite nature spot in the world?

While this is a difficult question to answer, there is one spot that immediately popped into both of our minds.

We've been privileged to hike in the Himalayas, trek in remote jungles of Laos and volunteer on an organic farm high up in the Andes Mountains. We've swum in the ocean at the Galapagos Islands and spent a week camping in Iceland.

But the spot that we just can't get out of our heads is actually much closer to home than any of these exotic destinations.

The Enchantment Wilderness Area in Washington state only allows a small amount of people enter in a lottery system, and luckily we got permits last summer.

The Enchantment Wilderness Area in Washington

Glacial lakes, epic mountains, ponderosa pine forests, wildflower meadows and mountain goats roaming freely are just some of the sights we encountered in this magical wilderness area. We feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to spend a few days exploring, and we can't wait to return someday.

Any tips for someone looking to join the traveler lifestyle?

The first thing I would say is that quitting your job isn't the only way to travel. There are many people who have full time jobs that prioritize travel and make it a big part of their lifestyle.

That said, if you have been dreaming about making a change and would love to take some time to travel, I would say GO for it!

It is a decision that is always going to be scary, but there are ways you can plan ahead to make it a bit more feasible.

We have a ton of resources for those who want to save money, and we've shared exactly how we have afforded to travel for the past 4 years even while paying student loans each month.

Bryce

Where can we follow your journey?

You can find tons of travel resources on our website, Two Wandering Soles , and you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook ! We'd love to connect and hear about your travel dreams!

two wandering soles

I'm into outdoor adventures, hiking, traveling, and having fun 😃 My goal is to make a positive impact on the world and live in harmony with the Earth.

Favorite nature spot: Any forest, probably Big Sur California

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I'll bring a very emollient balm such as Homeoplasmine or Glossier's Balm Dot Com to relieve dry lips and cuticles, Herben Essentials Lavender wipes to naturally kill germs on my hands without drying them out (these are great for de-germing plane trays, too! ), and a spray to refresh my face on a long flight and set my makeup after— It's light, doesn't leave white streaks, soaks in immediately, and really protects against the sun's rays. Glossier's Priming Moisturizer, it's the best new product I've tried in the last two years, I tell everyone about it. I love Glossier's Balm Dot Com and C.O. Bigelow's Rose Salve.

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Travel hustle interview: how two wandering soles have traveled for 3.5 years.

September 26, 2017 by Claire Leave a Comment

(Just so you know, there may be some affiliate links in this post, but we only recommend items that we believe in and think will benefit you on your travels.)

Two Wandering Soles - Ben and Katie

1. Tell us about yourself and sum up your travels for us.

We’re Katie and Ben, founders of the travel blog Two Wandering Soles. Like Kara and Nate, we were high school sweethearts, so we’ve kind of grown up together. Shortly after getting married, we quit our jobs as an engineer (Ben) and a graphic designer (Katie) to go on a 3-month backpacking trip in South America. That 3-month trip never really ended, and has since taken us to South Korea where we taught English, then around the world on a year-long trip that included adventures like trekking to the Everest Base Camp and road-tripping around Iceland.

After returning to the United States, we spent a winter season working at a ski resort in Washington state, then spent the following summer traveling around the US in a campervan named “Vinny”!

From living overseas as expats to backpacking around the world to road tripping in a campervan, we’ve had a wide variety of travel experiences through 43 countries and several US states.

Katie in a field of lavender

2. How have you funded your travels?

The way we’ve funded our travels has changed and evolved over the past three years. We’ll share a few of the ways we have been able to afford a nomadic lifestyle for 3.5 years and counting!

Prior to our travels:

Before even purchasing our one-way flight to Colombia in 2014, we had been strategically saving our money for about a year and a half. We both had good jobs, but with wedding expenses and student loan payments, we had to be really diligent about putting money away. We stopped going out to eat as much and met friends for walks instead of drinks. We started living more simply and found that it wasn’t as difficult to save money as we thought it would be.

Over that year and a half, we came up with tons of creative money-saving hacks, and put together a super detailed article on our website of very specific ways we saved our money prior to quitting our jobs.

Our biggest and fastest money-maker:

Once we really got a taste of long term travel in South America, we decided to figure out how we could financially make it work to keep seeing more of the world. One thing we kept coming back to time and time again was the idea of teaching English overseas. We did tons of research and ended up choosing to teach in South Korea, where the cost of living is low and earnings are high.

We had an incredible opportunity to live in another country for a year and really delve into a culture completely different from our own. Plus, we were able to save more than $22,000 each in just one year! Yes, you read that right. Between the two of us, our savings from one year of teaching English in South Korea was more than $44,000. That doesn’t include all the money we spent while living in Korea and traveling around Asia during our year as expats.

We have several articles on our website that break down exactly how we saved that much money, and we’re happy to help out anyone else who would like to pursue a similar endeavor. Any time people ask us how they can earn money quickly and easily for travel, our number one recommendation is to teach English in South Korea!

How we earn money anywhere in the world:

By saving more than $44,000 by teaching English in South Korea, we were able to spend about a year traveling around the world – from Southeast Asia to India and Nepal, to Eastern and Western Europe. We made sure to stay on top of our budget while traveling so that we could continue to pay our student loans and stretch out our travel for as long as possible.

But we didn’t want to spend all of our savings and come back home completely broke, so we decided we should start earning money on the road.

We each do different things to earn money remotely. Ben teaches English via video chat to students in China through a program called VIPKID. It is an incredibly easy way to earn money, no matter where in the world you may be, and has tons of opportunities for bonuses and pay increases. We put together a complete guide with everything you need to know before applying to VIPKID that you can find on our website.

I (Katie) earn money by doing freelance writing, social media management and graphic design projects. I have used Upwork in the past to find gigs, but now tend to work with clients long term.

Monetizing our website:

We started our website as a passion project because we love sharing about our experiences and advice with readers. We wrote articles for the sheer joy of it, with no intentions to make money.

It wasn’t until about one year ago that we started to monetize our website, and we’ve only really put time and effort into this realm in the last few months. We make some money through advertising and sponsorships, but the main money-maker on our website so far is through affiliate marketing. In short, this means we get a small “kickback” when readers buy a product we have recommended. We are very specific with which companies we work with, and only promote those we actually use and believe in. Being honest, genuine and transparent has always been a higher priority to us than earning money quickly, but it is starting to pay off. 

Currently, our website is paying all of our student loan payments (which is a hefty monthly sum!), and it is also covering all of our travel expenses and nomadic lifestyle. Our plan is to spend the next three months working very hard on our website to grow our earnings even more. 

Ben covered in pink

3. Tell us about your budget.

In order to sustain a nomadic lifestyle while also paying student loans each month, we are pretty strict about staying on top of a budget.

The magic number we try to stay under each day is $70 for both of us. When traveling in countries in Southeast Asia or India, this is very easy. But in Western Europe and North America, it’s a bit more difficult. We are big believers in balance. Splurging is part of travel and we try not to pass up on once in a lifetime experiences because of money. But if we go way over our budget today, we’ll spend the next couple days being very careful about our purchases to balance it out.

In order to understand how much we are spending and exactly what we’re spending it on, we record all our purchases on an app called Trail Wallet. Developed by other travelers, it converts between currencies seamlessly and allows you to customize your budget completely. It’s important for us to know how much money we have left to spend each day (or how much we’ve gone over budget), so we can hold ourselves accountable. It also breaks down exactly what we’re spending our money on, so we know that types of things we can cut back on, like ice cream, for example. Recording all our purchases felt like a lot of work at first, but now it’s habit and we kind of make it into a game. Plus, it has been the reason we’ve been able to travel for such long periods of time, so it’s totally worth it.

4. What have you learned about money since hitting the road?

We’ve learned not to let money hold us back. Quitting our jobs was a huge risk, and it was made even bigger by the fact that we have sizeable student loans to pay each month. But we didn’t want money to stand in the way of us and our dreams, and we knew that if we worked hard enough and planned ahead, we could control our money instead of letting money control us.

Interestingly enough, we have found that we actually spend less money while traveling than we did while living in an apartment and working full time jobs.

Ben and Katie of Two Wandering Soles in the sunset

5. What’s your top tip for someone trying to figure out how to make long-term travel financially possible?

This is a question we’re asked time and time again. And we have 3 pieces of advice:

  • If you are at all interested and it fits into your lifestyle, our number one recommendation would be to consider teaching English in South Korea. The opportunity to explore another country while making (lots) of money is an experience you’ll cherish for your lifetime. Plus, it can set you up to pay off student loans or travel the world long-term. If this is of any interest to you, we have endless resources on helping you get started.
  • Keep track of your expenses. All of them! Start keeping track now, while you’re saving up for travel so you can see what costs you can cut. Continue tracking your spending while on the road so you can stretch out your travels. If you don’t know exactly how much you’re spending, it’s easy to blow your bank account before you can buy a return ticket home!
  • Rethink the way you vacation. If you’re just starting out, you’ll need to think about long-term travel differently than you think about a 2-week vacation. If you want to travel for as long as possible, you might not be able to stay in the 5-star hotels you tend to stay at during a short holiday. And eating at fancy restaurants each night will take a toll on your wallet fast. Traveling in a more sustainable way, more similarly to how you live at home, will help you stretch your money further.

Two Wandering Soles Ben and Katie in their campervan

6. If someone wanted to follow in your footsteps, are there any online resources you’d recommend?

There are so many resources out there we’d recommend! We’ll share a few of our favorites:

  • VIPKID : This is a fantastic way for any North American (sorry to all other nationalities, they are looking for American and Canadian accents) to earn a great income remotely by teaching English to students in China via video chat. You can work from anywhere in the world – Ben even taught during our 3-month road trip from inside our campervan!
  • Upwork: Find freelance jobs for just about any skill you have – from photo editing to technical writing to SEO optimization – you can find tons of job opportunities. Our advice would be to look primarily for those clients who will offer you repeat, long-term work.
  • EPIK : This is the program we went through to teach English in South Korea where we were able to save a total of $44,000 in one year!

7. What’s some of your favorite travel gear that enables you to do what you do?

Steripen – This handy device sterilizes water to make it safe for drinking. We always travel with our Steripen so we don’t have to constantly buy plastic water bottles and create more waste. Plus, not having to buy water all the time has saved us a ton of money along the way. We’ve used our Steripen for the past 4 years on our travels in countries like Colombia, Myanmar, India and Romania, and have never gotten sick from drinking the water.

Packing cubes – We are obsessed with packing cubes because they keep our clothes and toiletries organized and compressed. We literally don’t know how we ever traveled without these!

Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Debit Card – This debit card allows you to withdraw money from ATMs all over the world and reimburses your ATM fees. It has saved us hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars!

Anker Portable Charger 20000mAh – This external battery pack keeps all our electronics charged and ready to go! We did tons of research before landing on this one, and chose the Anker because it can charge 2 devices at once; plus, and it can charge them 7 times before needing to be charged itself. It was a huge lifesaver during our trek to Everest Base Camp!

8. Where can people follow your travels?

The focus of our website is sharing with others how they can travel responsibly and sustainably on any budget. We’d love to have you on board and learn how you can leave a smaller footprint on your travels without sacrificing adventure. You can travel ethically and adventurously on any budget. Trust us!

Check out our website, Two Wandering Soles , and shoot us a message! We’d love to hear from you!

Follow us on social media, too!  @twowanderingsoles on  Instagram & Facebook

Ben and Katie in front of the Taj Mahal

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Hey there! We're so happy you've found Van Conversion Academy. Allow us to introduce ourselves so you know a little more about who is behind this course... We're Katie & Ben, founders of  Two Wandering Soles .  We've built 2 of our own campervans from scratch and we are passionate about showing others how they can build a van conversion without wasting time or money.  Ben is a former engineer and Katie a designer, so our combined skills and expertise will guide you through the practical side of building a campervan while also making it beautiful. Let's get you on the road  faster!

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With two islands and miles of beautiful landscapes and adventures to be had, it can be hard to decide how to plan for a trip to New Zealand.

Lucky for you, we’ve put together the perfect New Zealand Road Trip itinerary based on our travels.

This road trip itinerary covers the entire country and is broken down into 30 easy-to-follow days.

In this 30-day customizable itinerary, we took our 5-week travels and condensed it down to 30 days because so many people wanted a 1-month New Zealand itinerary.

We’ve added suggestions for where to spend extra time and where to skip if you are pressed for time so this itinerary can easily be adjusted to fit anyone’s travel preferences.

This route brings you to some of the most iconic sights in New Zealand as well as hidden gems. This is truly a bucket list trip!

This itinerary is a healthy blend of adventure and is intended to do in a campervan rental. However, you can easily substitute the campervan for a car and choose to stay in different accommodations.

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“ I found you guys while I was searching for advice online to help plan my absolutely KILLER New Zealand trip. I’m here now and I wanted to say thanks for some very valuable tips along the way… Especially your tip to fight off the annoying sandfly issue. It works! (When I remember to put it on.) ” - Chuck P.

“ My husband and I followed your itinerary for our honeymoon trip to New Zealand and loved it, it helped us out so much! Thanks for putting together a thorough itinerary for others to reference, it’s appreciated! ” - Alisha B. 

“ I’m a very seasoned traveler and find more blogs to be lacking in enough detail and actual practical tips. [Yours was] so well done!! We actually met a few other couples there at the Glow Worm Caves who were also following your itinerary :)" - A. M.  

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COMMENTS

  1. Two Wandering Soles

    Follow Katie and Ben as they share their tips and stories from around the world. Find out how to travel more sustainably, affordably and authentically with their guides, itineraries and inspiration.

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    Find out everything you need to know about traveling in Japan, from the best time to visit, to the top things to do, to the most affordable way to get around. Two Wandering Soles shares their personal experiences and insider knowledge from multiple trips to Japan.

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    Two Wandering Soles. 5,172 likes · 10 talking about this. Follow us on our wanderings around the world! We love sharing our backpacking adventures, stories from life as expats, advice on campervan...

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    24K Followers, 2,561 Following, 1,659 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Katie & Ben | Travel Family (@twowanderingsoles)

  9. Meet Two Wandering Soles: Here's What we're all About

    Hey there! We're Katie and Ben, the creators behind Two Wandering Soles. At the beginning of 2014, we quit our jobs and left on what we thought was going to...

  10. Two Wandering Soles: From 50 countries To The 50 states

    Ben and Katie of Two Wandering Soles took their love of travel to the next level four years ago when they embarked on a full-time nomadic lifestyle. Since 2017, they have been documenting their travels and work abroad experiences on their blog. In between visiting over 50 countries, Ben and Katie somehow found the time to try van life and in ...

  11. Meet Two Wandering Soles

    Travel Bloggers. In 2014, Katie and Ben quit their full-time jobs and set off on a 3-month adventure that never really ended. Along the way, they taught English in South Korea, trekked to Everest Base Camp and traveled the US in a campervan named "Vinny". On their travels, they seek good food, interesting culture, authentic experiences and ...

  12. Two Wandering Soles Reels

    Two Wandering Soles Reels. 5,015 likes · 63 talking about this. Follow us on our wanderings around the world! We love sharing our backpacking adventures, stories fr. Watch the latest reel from Two...

  13. Epic Adventure: Two Wandering Soles

    Author: Joe. February 27, 2018. Meet the adventurers: Katie and Ben from Two Wandering Soles. They're a couple that travels the world together, figured out how to earn a living while traveling, and are a couple of genuinely positive people! Fun fact, Katie is also Tree Tribe's Instagram community manager! (thank you Katie, you're awesome!)

  14. Two Wandering Soles

    Two Wandering Soles is a fun, inspiring and award-winning travel blog created by Katie and Ben, a couple who is passionate about responsible and adventurous travel around the world. Find travel tips and money-saving advice for eco-friendly and sustainable travel on any budget. Location United States. Member Since OCTOBER 21, 2018.

  15. Travel Hustle Interview: How Two Wandering Soles Have Traveled for 3.5

    We're Katie and Ben, founders of the travel blog Two Wandering Soles. Like Kara and Nate, we were high school sweethearts, so we've kind of grown up together. Shortly after getting married, we quit our jobs as an engineer (Ben) and a graphic designer (Katie) to go on a 3-month backpacking trip in South America.

  16. Van Conversion Academy

    We're Katie & Ben, founders of Two Wandering Soles. We've built 2 of our own campervans from scratch and we are passionate about showing others how they can build a van conversion without wasting time or money. Ben is a former engineer and Katie a designer, so our combined skills and expertise will guide you through the practical side of ...

  17. Two Wandering Soles: Contact Information, Journalists, and Overview

    Two Wandering Soles is a fun, inspiring and award-winning travel blog created by Katie and Ben, a couple who is passionate about responsible and adventurous travel around the world. Find travel tips and money-saving advice for eco-friendly and sustainable travel on any budget.

  18. Two Wandering Soles (@twowanderingsoles)

    Two Wandering Soles (@twowanderingsoles) on TikTok | 4.2K Likes. 644 Followers. Converting our 3rd 🚐 for FREE guides Google "twowanderingsoles vanlife".Watch the latest video from Two Wandering Soles (@twowanderingsoles).

  19. Two Wandering Soles

    Two Wandering Soles is a fun, inspiring and award-winning travel blog created by Katie and Ben, a couple who is passionate about responsible and adventurous travel. New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary 5.0 (1)

  20. New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

    New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary. $15. Two Wandering Soles. 1 rating. With two islands and miles of beautiful landscapes and adventures to be had, it can be hard to decide how to plan for a trip to New Zealand. Lucky for you, we've put together the perfect New Zealand Road Trip itinerary based on our travels. This road trip itinerary covers ...

  21. It has been a while since we've done an introduction, so I wanted to

    180 likes, 15 comments - twowanderingsoles on March 26, 2024: "It has been a while since we've done an introduction, so I wanted to share a bit about who we are ...

  22. A Bronx Teacher Asked. Tommy Orange Answered.

    Knopf donated 30 copies of "There There" and 30 copies of "Wandering Stars." In a big, bustling school full of squeaky soles, walkie-talkies and young people, moments of silence can be ...