Our standards

Open Travel Stories aims to make travel writing vivid without asking readers to take a claim on trust. We value precise language, fair context and a clear distinction between reported detail, interpretation and personal reflection.

Accuracy and context

We check names, dates and factual claims against appropriate material before publication, and take care not to turn a single encounter into a claim about an entire community. Where a detail is uncertain or perspectives differ, we say so rather than smoothing away the uncertainty.

Independence and corrections

Editorial choices remain separate from commercial arrangements. If a reader flags a possible error, we review it and correct material errors clearly. We may update a story when a meaningful detail changes, while preserving the distinction between an update and the original account.

Partnerships and labels

Paid, gifted or partner-supported material is identified in plain language wherever it appears. A partnership does not guarantee a favourable description or editorial coverage, and partner placements are kept distinct from independently chosen stories.

Images and illustration

We use images to support the story, not to imply evidence they cannot provide. Some illustrations may be AI-generated; when that is the case, they are labelled as illustrations and are not presented as documentary photographs.