This fall, we are commemorating 15 years of Afar, and it is fun to look back. Since 2009, Afar’s stories have inspired, enriched, and empowered our community of travelers who care.
Rooted in the power of experiential travel, Afar has grown to be one of the most forward-thinking, critically acclaimed travel media publications today. Now, as we reflect on the past 15 years, it’s our chance to proudly celebrate our legacy and boldly steward the future of travel as a force for good.
The 15 stories highlighted here are some of our favorites because they fulfill our editorial mission. They are inclusive stories that showcase the multitude of the human experience. They are driven by curiosity about the world, without judgment. They are optimistic and joyful, while not whitewashing or Photoshopping reality. And finally, they showcase the power of radical empathy, or of arriving in a new place with humility and a desire to learn from others.
If you enjoy reading through our archives, please consider subscribing to our quarterly print magazine to see what the next 15 years holds. Thanks for your support!
Happy reading!— Julia Cosgrove, VP and editor in chief