Note: The following essay is exclusive to the ebook version of THE ANYWHERE HOTEL. I’ve been overjoyed to hear that it has touched my ebook-readers so deeply, many of them have even mentioned it in their review on Amazon. It wasn’t part of the print version due to space constraints, and because I didn’t think it was that important. However, after numerous inquiries from print-book readers, I’ve made it accessible on my website. Here it goes:
AS I PEN DOWN these closing words to our shared journey, I find myself wrestling with a paradox. Being an author of travel narratives in an age where globe-trotting experiences are often reduced to carefully curated Instagram snapshots, I grapple with the duality of my role. A travel book like this one is a cheerleader for exploration, yes, but it must also be a conscience for its impacts. I encourage you to traverse this beautiful planet of ours, to seek out the delight in the unknown, yet I also implore you to do so with an awareness of the consequences, both good and ill.
Because, sadly, travel in the real world isn’t as simple as tossing a souvenir in the air.
I stand firm in my belief – perhaps a bold one – that international travel won’t fade into oblivion anytime soon. Have you been to an international airport lately? These crossroads of cultures and continents are like bustling cities, humming day and night, packed with people coming and going. We’ve swung open the doors to a globalised world, and I believe there is a case to be made about these doors remaining open. The importance of open exchange cannot be overstated. It’s through the gift of travel we get to experience the world from a perspective different from our own. This mingling of cultures, of ideas, of stories and of people, is what helps us grow as individuals and as a society. We learn, we adapt, and we evolve, becoming more empathetic, more understanding, and more compassionate. I totally understand that this is something people may disagree with, but I’m guessing since you’ve picked up this book – and finished it – that you, my friend, are a wanderer at heart.
“The most dangerous worldview is the view of those who have never looked at the world,” said Alexander von Humboldt, a sentiment I echo with all my heart. However, we must remember that good old Humboldt died in 1859. When he was trotting the globe, suitcases didn’t have wheels, GPS was called a compass, and a ‘selfie’ would’ve been a commissioned portrait that took several weeks to complete.
Today, the freedom of movement we enjoy does not come without a cost. We can no longer ignore the elephant in the room – the environmental footprint of our wanderlust, particularly the impact of air travel on our planet’s climate. Simply put: we must adapt our travel habits. Opt for direct flights when possible, as take-offs and landings are the most fuel-intensive parts of a journey. Favour airlines that operate energy-efficient planes and offset their carbon emissions; better yet, research and donate to environmental charities yourself. (You’ll find a list of my favourites at the end of this author’s note.) Use public transport, cycle, or walk when exploring a new location. Travel less, but stay longer if you can, making each trip truly count. In essence, strive wherever possible to travel smarter and greener, infusing sustainability into your journeys. And I know you know all this already. But you probably also know that these global challenges can feel insurmountable sometimes, and that “compassion fatigue” (a term coined by author Charles R. Figley) is becoming a thing. It is important that we remind one another why these things matter, why we matter.
And as we revaluate our travel choices, it is vital to acknowledge the potential for positive change our adventures can bring about. Tourism forms the backbone of many local economies globally. From community-run gorilla trekking in Uganda to the eco-lodges of Costa Rica, our visits have the power to stimulate economic growth, foster community development, and often directly aid conservation endeavours. This should inspire us. Tourism, when undertaken responsibly, can be a lifeline for communities, lending strength to their cultural, economic, and environmental preservation efforts.
So, if you – like me – are one of those fortunate ones able to traverse the globe, to dance to the rhythm of different cultures and feast on the beauty of diverse landscapes, remember this: With this incredible opportunity comes a responsibility. A responsibility to respect, to understand, and to contribute positively to the places we visit and the people we meet along the way. We are not just tourists but global citizens, and our actions can make a profound difference. Learn a few phrases of the local language, invest in local enterprises, be respectful of traditions and the environment – our choices must echo positively long after we’ve returned home. Otherwise, we have neglected this incredible gift we have been given.
As I draw this note to a close, I hope you take away more than just tales of faraway lands and vibrant cultures. The essence of travel, after all, lies not in the mere act of moving from one place to another but in the broadening of our perspectives, the deepening of our empathy, and the connections we forge with places and people. In a world that’s more connected than ever, let’s not merely be visitors but thoughtful travellers, carrying a piece of every place home with us and leaving something of our own goodness behind.
Here’s to celebrating the diversity of our world and to journeying with respect, kindness, and an unquenchable thirst for understanding.
My favourite charity list:
And one more little idea at the end:
My husband and I started an extra savings account with our bank (we named it the ‘Give’ account). A certain percentage of our income is transferred automatically into that account every month and whenever we have a nice sum, we sit down together and decide whom to donate to.
Hi ♥️, I’m Gisele Stein, author of feel-good novels with a little magic and places like characters, which i craft from my cosy cabin on Wadandi Boodja in Western Australia. Have a look at my books here. I’m also podcasting as The Earthy Writer, to document my rewilding year: Every new moon, I set a new rewilding intention for the month, and every full moon I share my learnings with you…
