Thank you, Barbara. Glad to hear that the long-term payoff of travel resonates.

Belated thank you, Michael. We are heartened to hear that these principles would be used in the context of study abroad preparation. If you have any questions or there’s anything else you think we can add or do, please let us know.

Thank you, Kirsten. Kind and generous, your choice of words means a great deal to us.

Thank you, Amanda. Glad you found it thought-provoking, and added the hinge of progress and who is “allowed” to have it.

The authenticity debate is a difficult, if not endless, one. I suspect part of that is due to a temptation towards nostalgia, the romantic notion of the ways of the noble savage, and the packaging of travel narrative and product accordingly. Also, as with any debate, there seems to me a shortage of nuance in travel discourse. Often, it’s one way or the other, black or white, because that often draws traffic, attracts attention.

To see a destination as it is now, with an eye to understanding how it ended up there — that’s the way I tend to navigate travel and manage my sense of the authentic.

I think this stood out the most for me, though:” This re-interpretation of authenticity implies focusing less on what destinations once were and comprehending more of what they are now.”

THIS. I can’t stand traveling to developing regions with other people, only to hear them complain that the houses now have satellite dishes and the locals all have cell phones. This is just normal human progress, and who are we – as white, privileged travelers – to expect developing nations and cities to forego development simply because the tourists want to see something traditionally “authentic”? You’re right – REAL authentic travel means experiencing a place as it is right now.

Thank you, Elizabeth. The point you bring up about the appreciation we are shown in return for our curiosity, respect and effort is an excellent one. There’s a natural reciprocation that seems to occur when travel is based on these kinds of principles. Not only does it feel great when it happens, but when we consider human nature, it makes a lot of sense. I’m glad to hear you are enjoying your slow travels and that trends and lessons like these resonate.

A little day-dreaming never hurt anyone, particularly if the end result was a bit more wide-eyed appreciation and the awe that follows. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Elina.