Welcome to Wayfaring Views
I aim to help you figure out how to travel on your own terms. Don’t feel obligated to see the ‘must see’ sites. Your travel plans should reflect your own peculiar interests and curiosity. Wayfaring Views will help you figure out what to see by offering resources, ideas and alternative itineraries that will help you design your own perfect trip.
Sometimes traveling on your own terms means getting off the beaten path (like hanging out in sand dunes in the middle of nowhere). Sometimes it means spending more time in a place that others usually breeze through (like the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland). And sometimes it means pursuing your passion and visiting some quirky niche place that fills your heart (like my sleepover in a library in Wales). Give yourself permission to be a travel contrarian. Give yourself permission to buck the prevailing wisdom and craft your own itineraries. Your travels will be the richer for it.
Be a travel contrarian and pursue your travel passions
Why Listen to Me?
Independent travel came early for me. I was just fifteen when I left the family road trip in the rear view in order to take a student trip to New York City. Over time, I slowly and steadily built a travel portfolio which allowed me to experience the running of the bulls Pamplona Spain, skiing in the French Alps and hiking the Milford Track in New Zealand. The more places I went, the stronger the itch to go.
When I hit 50, I committed myself to making travel a more deliberate pursuit and have redesigned my life to make more room for it. I kicked off the journey by walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. That was indeed an act of traveling on my own terms as women are often discouraged from doing it solo. But for me, that was the point. I wanted an epic quest, a physical challenge and the opportunity to clear my head. And walking the Camino solo, did that for me. When I returned home, I chose not to resume a 9-5 job. Instead I hung a shingle for consulting and spun up this travel website.
I’m not a digital nomad or a backpacker. I prefer the comfort of mid-range travel. I like a travel deal and delight in finding modestly priced independently run hotels. I’ll splurge on a luxury when its worth it. And go budget if it allows me to extend my travel. I’m not an adrenaline junkie, but I do like to travel bravely. You might say that I’m an adventur-ish traveler.
All this is my way of saying that I’m an experienced traveler with an independent streak. I’m always on the look out for something out of the ordinary when I travel. And I promise to keep an eye out for you as well.
What You’ll Find Here
Get alternative itineraries to popular places, or general itineraries for less popular places.
- Disobeying Rick Steves in London
- 5 day itinerary for Bonaire with lots to do even if you don’t dive
- Discover cultural sites and great wildlife in Sri Lanka
- Uncover Singapore: It’s quirky, kooky and downright cool
- Self-guided tour of Chicago’s street art neighborhoods
Traveling on foot is one of the most delightful ways to explore a new place. Skip the bus tour and get around on your own two feet.
- Walking tour of los Angeles street art
- Embrace urban strolling and become a Flaneur
- Hiking and exploring Roman history on the Hadrian’s Wall Path
Reading books inspires travel and travel can make for an informed reader. Get inspired by these travel books and literary locations
- 4 ways that books inspire travel
- Take a tour of the UK with Dobby from Harry Potter
- Book nerd’s guide to Chicago
- Epic reading list for Cuba
Think about how to travel responsibility and explore wildlife conservation travel
About Carol Guttery
By trade, I am a Travel Writer, Photographer and Philanthropy Consultant. I am an also avid devourer of books and Flaneur who can often be found nibbling tasty cheeses. When not wearing out my passport, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with my handsome husband Ken and our fluffy dog Cocoa.
Work with Me
I am interested in partnering with travel brands and destinations so please check out my Work with Me page and Media Kit
Countries and States I have Visited