WhereGalsWander started with a question, a glass of wine, and a few friends watching the sunset from their porches in a little Illinois town: Is there more to life? Turns out, there was a whole lot more waiting for us to explore.
How We Started Wandering
Back in 2017, we were neighbors on the same street. We shared stories, laughed at ourselves, sipped wine, and wondered what else might be out there. Then life did what life does: it sent us in different directions, to different corners of the country.
WhereGalsWander began as our way of staying connected. We shared photographs, stories, and the occasional sarcastic observation about our adventures. More importantly, we encouraged each other to say yes to something new, even when it meant stepping outside our comfort zones.
Somewhere along the way, we realized we wanted to share that encouragement with other people, too. Not another highlight reel of glamorous vacations or perfectly staged photographs. Real experiences. Places that make you stop and stare. Road trips that don’t go quite as planned. Moments of peace, laughter, gratitude, and sometimes a little self-discovery.
For us, wandering isn’t only about how far you travel. It can be a spontaneous weekend drive, a walk through the mountains, a day at the beach, a national park, or a special stay somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. It’s about connecting with a place and remembering to enjoy the life you’re living.
And yes, we still drink wine and watch the sunsets.
Meet the Gals
Zanne — Founder & Chief Trouble Maker
I’m Zanne: founder, editor, publisher, and self-appointed Chief Trouble Maker. I have been known to talk to trees, sip whiskey, and find any excuse to escape to the beach, desert, or mountains. I love national parks, winding roads (most of the time), and finding beauty in places I didn’t expect.
Sometimes I’m serious. Sometimes poetic. Sometimes a little snarky. I started this whole thing, so you can blame me—but you still can’t tell me what to do. And yes, I’m a Sagittarius.
JD — Co-Founder & Fellow Wanderer
JD helped launch WhereGalsWander and has been a key contributor from the beginning. She’s an entrepreneur, a mom, and an explorer who has traded Midwest cornfields for Arizona cactus trails. Whether she’s discovering a new hiking route or sharing stories from her travels through Europe, she reminds us that adventure doesn’t have an expiration date.
Travel. Explore. Belong.
We hope these stories inspire you to find a little more wonder in your own days. Take the trip. Try the trail. Stop for the view. Make the memory. You don’t have to go far to discover something meaningful.
Collaborations & Media
Our photographs and stories are meant to make you feel as though you’re right there with us. Our writing mixes humor, a little sarcasm, a little poetry, and, every now and then, a dash of philosophy.
We welcome conversations with destinations, travel brands, and other organizations that share our love of exploration and authentic experiences. To request our media kit or discuss a collaboration, email info@wheregalswander.com.
