Today was the first day where to get close to the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, it came at the cost of €2. From 9am to 10pm, lower-level access close to the fountain is no longer free for tourists; to help manage the bustling crowds in the piazza, those who want to get closest to the fountain will be charged for the experience. The fee … Continue reading The Trevi Fountain’s €2 Charge: A Step Too Far For Tourism?
I’ve never been someone who wants to go on the same trips year after year; I know some people have a favourite place to spend their Christmases or summers, but I always want the novelty of a place I’ve never been before. Whenever I go somewhere new, I often feel the need to suck the marrow out of every experience. My rationale is: this might … Continue reading Revisiting Places: A Waste, or Chance for a New Perspective?
This is my 25th blog post of 2025, and I wanted to use the opportunity to re-introduce myself. Who Am I? My name is Charlotte, and I’m a blogger in her 30s who loves travel. I moved from Canada to London over a decade ago, and since then, I’ve been using the proximity to a lot of other European cities to travel as much as … Continue reading Welcome to No Small Wander!
I moved from Ottawa, Canada, to London, England, about 12 years ago. I was 23, naïve, and assumed that everything would work out for me. I’m super lucky that it did; I got a job, a houseshare with some amazing people, and was able to build a life I’m really proud of. I had no money, but a ton of delusion. Recently I was thinking … Continue reading The Emotional Impact of an International Move
After I’ve settled at the airport—been through security, checked in to my flight, and laid eyes on my gate—I typically wander through the airport. Favourite shops of mine are always those filled with snacks, discount designer items, and books. Lately I’ve been noticing that the airports book shops aren’t populated only with beach reads and SuDoKu books; there are always racks and racks of self-improvement … Continue reading Why Am I Always Tempted To Buy Self-Help Books at Airports?
I consider myself really lucky, in that I grew up with multiple languages around me. Growing up in Ottawa, Canada (the capital, which prides itself on being bilingual) we had French as part of our core curriculum, starting at age 6. I also grew up in a family with a Peruvian-born Dad, and so I heard a lot of Spanish growing up from that side … Continue reading Speaking Foreign Languages Abroad: Why Effort Matters Most
Le Creuset has had a special part of my heart for about 10 years now. The brand comes with a lifetime guarantee, and more than once I’ve heard first-hand TikTok storytimes of people who find the Dutch ovens in their parent’s attics or charity shops, realize there’s a problem with the item, and then work with the brand to fix the piece. It’s less garbage in the ocean, and befitting of a promise—buy once, and you won’t have to buy another. Continue reading My “Heirloom Quality” Obsession: Inside Le Creuset’s UK Pop-Up
This is a story about a gorgeous park, a dumpster dive, and how sometimes I get little reminders that the world is full of good things, and good people. Continue reading Losing My Camera – and Almost, My Mind – at The Jardin du Luxembourg
How will the recession impact the travel and tourism industry—and our wallets? Continue reading How I’m Travelling Cheaply As We Head Into A Recession
Tomorrow night is bonfire night—and although I usually post on Sundays, last night I was at Battersea Park’s fireworks night, and I was there enjoying the show! I was a little worried that the family-friendly night would be a little boring, but there was tons to do – at least 15 food trucks, a carnival-like amusement park, a live brass band playing jazz and pop … Continue reading Celebrating Guy Fawkes Night: Tips and Insights
No Small Wander 