One can imagine the Gentle Traveller as a romantic wanderer: perceiving the aesthetic changes in the world, yet failing miserably to grapple with tourism and its social and environmental consequences.
This wandering soul takes a different path when setting out on its expeditions. Roaming through the thickets of cities and landscapes, feeling its way into the present.
As a cosmopolitan, travelling is not a solitary endeavour, but a way of becoming a citizen of the world. By doing so, one embraces the idea of recognising the equal value of every human being, while also acknowledging that ignorance, physical distance, boredom and artificial environments can lead to separation. Travel, it is said, brings people together—the question is simply how.
Today’s tourism principles lead to the depopulation of villages, transforming them into seasonally inhabited tourist destinations. A conscious traveller will emphasise connections and dependencies and seek out places of great creativity and beauty.
As a platform for mindful travel, Gentle Traveller connects places, ecosystems and people, with a particular focus on regional producers and local initiatives—for a slow and respectful exploration of the world.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”
John Muir
Naturalist & writer