During the last two decades, we have traveled all over the world, hugging the belief that “Traveling is fatal for prejudices, intolerance and narrow mentality.” As Mark Twain declared so eloquently. We have shared our adventures, our photos and our experiences in different cultures, believing that by showing the beauty of the world, we could help people see beyond borders and differences.
But times have changed. The world in which we travel now is no longer just sharing beautiful photos, it is more complex, more divided and more fragile than ever.
Travel used to join us. Now, it feels different.
When we started traveling, everything was new. Social networks were in their childhood, and people were being introduced to the destinations they had never seen before. The trips felt as a tool for connection, a way of experiencing different cultures, breaking down barriers and minds open to new possibilities.
But now, we see a world that is Not only more divided but also more cynical. The trips have been mercantilized, reduced to an Instagram backdrop instead of an opportunity to learn. Instead of generating curiosity and empathy, it often feeds comparison, competition and apathy. Instead of joining, the travel content sometimes reinforces the division between those who can freely explore and those who fight only to survive.
And while the world moves beyond another perfect sunset, Too many people fight just to live.
The reality that we can no longer ignore
The conflicts are around the places we have visited.
- Sudan It is in the control of a devastating civil war, displacing millions.
- Ukraine It is still under attack, with civilians suffering daily.
- Myanmar people Remain under the control of a brutal military board.
- In gaza, Entire families have been annihilated and innocent lives continue to be lost
- In Yemen, Haiti, Afghanistan, Ethiopia And many others remain in agitation.
And these are only the conflicts that appear in the headlines.
The world is burning, literally
Nor can we ignore another crisis that develops in front of our eyes: Climate change
The places we have visited, the glaciers of Patagonia, the beaches of the Maldives, the tropical jungles of the Amazon, are changing, and not for the better.
- Forest fires have Dental of Greece, Canada, Australia and Californiadisplacing people and devastating landscapes.
- Floods have swallowed whole peoples In Pakistan, Libya and Germany, leaving destruction in its path.
- The coral reefs that once we marvel while we dive whitening and dying At an alarming pace.
- Arctic ice in which we once stop is disappearingand the island nations like Tuvalu and the Maldives are literally sinking.
We have witnessed these first -hand changes. We have talked to the locals who have lost their homes. We have walked through landscapes that no longer exist. And we have noticed, we Not power Keep sharing pretty photos while you want everything is fine.
We can no longer remain silent
We cannot continue Walk thinking that everything is a dream. We cannot sit in a spa, pretend that everything is fine, waiting for someone else to say something or climb mountains for our own personal benefit.
We have to talk.
We need to talk about politics, poverty and human rights abuses in the places we visited. We need to talk about How tourism impacts local communities And if you help them or damage them. We need to talk about Climate changeOn the industries that destroy our planet and about what we, as travelers, we can do to make a real difference.
Us want To face Fascism, authoritarianism and oppression“In helping others stand too.”
We do not blame anyone for remaining silent, but we can no longer
We do not blame anyone who chooses not to speak. This is our choice alone.
For people with jobs, families and even our fellow bloggers and vloggers who have associations, Speaking could mean losing everything“Contracts, opportunities and even all your livelihoods.” We understand why many remain silent.
But we are in a position in which can Take that risk. And when the risk is speak against cruelty, corruption and fascism“We are worth it.”
For almost 20 years, The planet d has been standing discovery“The adventure of exploring the world.” But in the future, we want something greater to represent:
1. Decency – Because human rights should never be in debate.
2. Democracy – Because freedom is not guaranteed; It must be defended.
3. Determination – Because change does not happen without action.
What follows for the planet D?
We are not saying goodbye to travel. We are still going to explore, we will continue sharing guides and itineraries, and we will still help you discover the world. But we are also going to The whole story tells.
We will still show incredible places, but also Expose what is happening behind the beautiful photos. We will talk about people fighting for justice, communities in the first line of climate change and travelers and premises make a real difference.
Because, like that Hammam massage experience, once we tell him,There is always more in history. And it’s time for us to start telling.
A new trip, together
We know that this change may seem unexpected, but it is correct. Travel has always been about the discovery, and sometimes, that means facing uncomfortable truths.
Thank you for being part of this trip with us. It will not always be easy, but it will be worth it.
Dave and Deb
