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If you’re reading this, you are a core friend and reader of GSTP. Thanks for that, by the way.

In case you haven’t noticed, things have been rather quiet here, but don’t fear. The ship is simply docked at port, refuelling for a long and gruelling year ahead. GSTP plans to make an aggressive stand in 2020 and between that, exhaustion from the #WheresGilbert upgrades and a few exciting and slightly terrifying personal developments, I just need a bit of time diverted to other areas.

All will reveal itself in short order, and no I’m not selling to the scum that is TPG or their billion dollar parent company.

Whenever I’m lucky enough to talk to readers out in the wild, or via chat, it’s the transparency and openness I strive for that many people seem to appreciate, so I wanted to share a bit of that with you on the things that are going on, which I feel comfortable sharing.

In short: running a blog in a boutique and honest way, which we and lots of other great blogs choose to do, (where you don’t have hundreds of staff) creates a bit of a catch 22. The more you travel, the more great stuff you have to write, reflect and share. But the more you travel, the less time you have to actually get things done. And really, when I land in an incredible place, I want to explore it, I don’t want to sit in my room and write.

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I’m very lucky that 2019 took me to so many wonderful places, but this last 5 weeks has just crashed me out. Between that and some pressing personal matters – all positive fortunately – I am just in need of a little keeping the laptop shut time.

I have so many article ideas, so many pictures to edit and about 30 outstanding reviews – I mean outstanding in the uncompleted, not exceptional way – by the way. I’ll be here to cover anything I think you absolutely need to know in the minute, but don’t expect the onslaught of 8-10 articles a day to resume until January.

There are great blogs you can read in the meantime like One Mile At A Time, Head For Points, View From The Wing,Thrifty Traveler and Frequent Miler amongst many others.

On a different tangent, I’ve said before that GSTP is my baby and for now that’s quite literally true. I birthed it and it’s grown into a happy blossoming adult. But I’m going to be honest, I’ve hit an impasse of sorts. Doing this all – the admin, the meetings, the social media, responding to people – and oh yeah, writing – I’ve reached my limit pretty much, but I don’t think GSTP has. Kinda like a parent who knows when it’s time for their child to get a professional coach in their desired sport, I am kinda there.

If you’re still reading, perhaps you may fit in to that. I believe so strongly in having not necessarily one voice, but one consistent and educated view, that I would really struggle to open up the floodgates and have lots of unchecked contributors, as some would choose. At the same time, that doesn’t mean I’m above seeking help from someone who values what’s happening over here and wants to try and help it grow in any way. In fact, I’m all ears, super grateful for any ideas – even if they’re crap – and am at your disposal.

I just don’t see how you can have one review say something is amazing, and another review on the same resource, by a different person, say something is terrible. But short of that, or on matters which don’t need so much viewpoint, I’m in.

If you have any ideas to help GSTP grow in 2020, whether it’s your knowledge of targeted advertising, your ability to write and review, your social media chops, or your insane deal hunting skills you’d love to share, please feel free to get in touch. My email is gilbert @ hopefully you know the rest. I am here to listen and learn if you’re kind enough to share, and of course that can also mean getting paid too.

Let’s keep travel blogging about great opportunities, amazing places to see, things you should do and how to make the most of the world – not just an advertorials for credit card companies, hotels and airlines.

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

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17 Comments

  1. Selfishly, I hope you continue with the excellent blog. Equally, I hope there is good news on the family front if I’m reading between the lines correctly.
    Best wishes, enjoy the break and some well earned respite, good luck with finding the balance in 2020 – sure you will do so.

  2. Wishing you a fantastic break, looking forward to your return and congratulations on your exciting news. Hoping you find the help and direction you need. And thanks by the way, only discovered you about 8 months ago and along with the other great sites you mentioned, you guys have made our travel awesome. Trace and Taz 🎈

  3. Hey man, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Enjoy the time away…

    Thanks for the blog – it’s been my favorite due to the consistently awesome deal posts, great photos and brutally calling out some of the dishonest reporting elsewhere in this arena.

    We cannot expect to get everything for free. I wouldn’t mind some kind of CC review, affiliate linkage once a week (or month) – more along a scheduled basis as opposed to generating content around referrals.

  4. No suggestions but hope you can get everything settled to your satisfaction. Also, I appreciate your keeping readers informed of what’s happening. Lastly, thanks so much for your refreshing candor on TPG. Except for you and Travel Blogger Buzz, everyone seems terrified of calling him out.

  5. Happy Holidays! Happy Festivus! Merry Christmas! Happy Chanukah! Enjoy the remainder of the year and thank you for all the work you do for this blog!

  6. Thanks so much for all the great work you do in putting all the reviews and articles together and making them available for everyone.
    Have a nice break over Christmas and good luck in the new year.

  7. Enjoy your articles and your deals.
    I think you should let gstp be just what you want it to be, it’s your blog after all.
    If you have time to write an article we’ll appreciate it and if you don’t then we’ll come back tomorrow.
    If someone fancies helping out and they have the same vision as you that will be great.

  8. Thank you so much for all your work in 2019. Totally get your need to recharge and relax for a bit. Loyal readers will wait and will continue to follow you. I’m going to visit my daughter in Australia in February out of Oslo thanks to your continued comments on ex EU flights – Im saving a fortune and its all down to you. Family is the only important thing so I hope your family news is positive and it will be terrifying and rewarding in equal measure but you can’t beat it..Merry Christmas to you and yours and a very happy New Year! X

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