You’re welcome here!

Hi, I’m Amber — the traveler behind Wander With Am.

I’m a Michigan native — now a Washington-based blogger, photographer, and outdoors lover who believes travel is about so much more than checking off bucket-list sights. It’s about slowing down, soaking in the moment, tasting the world one dish at a time, and discovering the stories that shape the places we explore.

My love for exploring the world started early — inspired by church mission trips that opened my eyes to life beyond my own. Later, during COVID, I found myself traveling the U.S. alone as a travel nurse (OK — Millie, my goldendoodle came along too!). I discovered quiet moments on mountain trails that inspired my love for hiking; long scenic drives; small-town cafés; and the subtle but beautiful ways life changes across state lines. Those experiences changed me. They taught me how big and beautiful the world is — and how accessible meaningful travel can be when you approach it with curiosity and courage.

I started this blog to help others experience that same sense of wonder.

Here, I share my insights shaped by adventure travel, hiking, food, and culture. Whether I’m backpacking in the mountains, exploring street food stalls in Asia, or learning how history shapes everyday life in a new city, my goal is always the same:

To help you expand your worldview, feel inspired, and believe that travel is truly attainable.

I gravitate toward the kinds of adventures that make you feel something — sunrise hikes in the mountains, quiet mornings in a café watching a city wake up, wandering markets with no plan except to try whatever smells amazing, and meeting other travelers along the way whose stories shift my perspective.

Solo travel has played a huge role in my life. It taught me how to sit with myself, how to be still, and how to find peace in unexpected places. It’s also given me a deeper appreciation for how people live, eat, work, worship, and find joy around the world — especially throughout Asia (my current obsession), where I’ve recently spent time exploring Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and more.

More than anything, I want this space to encourage you to take the trip, whether it’s across the world or in your own backyard. Travel doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or intimidating — it can be simple, soul-filling, affordable, and deeply transformative.

If you’re dreaming of your next trip or looking for honest travel guides backed by real experience, you’re in the right place.

Let’s wander — with intention, curiosity, and a bit of trail dust.