In a small boutique hotel tucked away in the foothills of the Andes, a woman sat at a mosaic-tiled table, scribbling in a worn leather notebook. That woman was Anne Abel, long before she became a leading voice in travel journalism, capturing stories not with selfies, but with soul.
Anne Abel doesn’t just write about travel—she writes through it. Her essays often begin in one place and end somewhere entirely different, both emotionally and geographically. In a world flooded with guides and listicles, her work feels like a slow walk with a trusted friend, layered with thought, memory, and meaning.
"I used to chase places. Now I chase meaning. The place is only ever the beginning," Anne wrote in a 2025 Substack post titled Why I Go.
In 2025, Abel is seeing a resurgence in recognition, not because she’s discovered a new destination, but because she’s rediscovered what travel can do to a person. After her powerful keynote at the Transformational Travel Council Summit, where she spoke candidly about the soul of modern tourism, editors, readers, and even industry insiders began paying closer attention.
Her Substack newsletter now hums with thoughtful dialogue. Her essays have sparked genuine reflection, particularly among readers seeking more than snapshots and souvenirs. Instead of telling people where to go, she invites them to ask why they’re going at all.
"Travel should change you—not just your surroundings," she told the audience at the 2025 TTC Summit, her voice calm but resolute.
At a time when many are rethinking how—and why—they move through the world, Anne Abel’s work reminds us that the most meaningful journeys often start long before the plane takes off.
In early 2025, her narrative gained even more traction when Newsweek featured her viral story about meeting her husband of 45 years. It captivated audiences with its heartfelt authenticity and depth.
Anne Abel’s Early Life: A Quiet Beginning for a Soulful Storyteller
Though Anne Abel is a well-known name in travel journalism, her early life remains quietly tucked away, not out of secrecy, but humility. She was born in the United States, likely in the early 1970s based on her career trajectory.
Despite being tight-lipped about her upbringing, Anne once mentioned during a 2024 interview with Writers on the Move: “I grew up in a house where books were more common than small talk.”
She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for the investigative rigor that underpins her reflective style. She also studied literature during her undergraduate years, though the specific institution remains undisclosed.
Colleagues describe her as elegant yet unassuming—the kind of traveler who blends into her surroundings rather than dominates them. Public details about her height, weight, or zodiac sign remain respectfully undisclosed.
Anne Abel's Personal Life and Marriage to Andy
Yes, Anne Abel has been married to her husband, Andy, for over 45 years. Their enduring partnership has been a subject of candid reflection in her essays and public appearances.
In a heartfelt TikTok video that resonated widely, Anne shared the story of how she met Andy, highlighting their early struggles and the deep bond that evolved over time. She also shared how Andy and I almost got divorced. It
“We almost didn’t make it past year five. But sometimes the love that stays is the one you build, not the one you fall into,” she said.
They have raised three sons and cared for several rescue dogs over the years. Today, they live in New York City with their dog Wendell. Their shared journey—from navigating hardship to celebrating joy—continues to inspire.
Anne Abel’s Unlikely Path: From Engineering to Transformational Travel
Anne Abel’s career began far from travel writing. She first earned a degree in chemical engineering to meet family expectations, then pursued an MBA and worked in business. It wasn’t until after the birth of her second child that she chose to follow the pull of storytelling.
She completed an MFA and began teaching English and creative writing while freelancing for major outlets. One bold leap later, she entered the world of travel journalism, and her unique voice quickly stood out.
“I was successful, but not whole. Writing helped me remember who I was before the world told me who to be,” she said during the 2023 Wellness Tourism Global Summit.
She joined Forbes in the 1990s, eventually becoming its luxury travel editor. Her work later appeared in The New York Times, Departures, Forbes Life, and Luxury Travel Advisor. A defining piece on spiritual tourism in Bali marked her as someone who could blend reportage with emotional insight—a trademark of her style.
Anne's work now focuses on transformational travel: journeys of personal growth, indigenous collaboration, and ecological awareness. Her 2023 speech at the Wellness Tourism Global Summit solidified her influence in the space.
Memoirs and Personal Stories: Writing Through Grief, Growth, and Joy
Beyond journalism, Anne's literary voice draws from lived experience. Her 2024 memoir Mattie, Milo, and Me reflects on love, loss, and healing through the lens of two dogs—one lost, one rescued.
Her forthcoming book High Hopes (2025) chronicles her solo trip to Australia at age 60 to follow Bruce Springsteen’s tour. What began as a fan pilgrimage became a meditation on aging, resilience, and rediscovering joy.
These works have garnered praise from Foreword Reviews, BookLife, and Goodreads readers, particularly those seeking connection during personal upheaval.
Her next project is a memoir-documentary hybrid exploring sacred landscapes and spiritual travel. It draws from over a decade of research and has already stirred anticipation in literary and travel circles.
Net Worth, Income & Lifestyle in 2025
As of 2025, Anne Abel’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $1.5 million, accumulated through freelance journalism, book royalties, speaking engagements, and consulting.
Unlike influencers who flaunt extravagance, Anne lives by "quiet luxury." She may stay in $2,000-a-night wellness resorts for assignments or mountain huts without Wi-Fi, depending on the story she’s telling.
Income sources include:
Feature writing for elite travel publications
Paid speaking at global conferences
Consulting for boutique hospitality brands
Royalties from books and essays
Her premium Substack newsletter, a popular source of revenue and community
Minimalist in style and mindful in practice, she champions regenerative tourism—the belief that travel should benefit host communities as much as it delights tourists.
"The best journeys leave something behind—not just take something away," she noted in a 2025 interview.
TL;DR: Who Is Anne Abel?
Anne Abel is a trailblazing travel journalist known for deeply immersive, reflective narratives that inspire soul-searching and human connection. From Forbes editor to transformational travel thought leader, her 2025 resurgence is rooted not in trend-chasing but in timeless truth-telling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anne Abel
Does Anne Abel have a Wikipedia page?
Not yet, but she's frequently searched with terms like "Anne Abel wiki" and "Anne Abel biography."
What is Anne Abel known for?
She’s best known for her soulful travel essays and thought leadership in transformational tourism.
Where does Anne Abel live?
She maintains a base in New York City and travels frequently.
Is Anne Abel married?
Yes. She has been married to Andy for over 45 years.
What is Anne Abel’s net worth?
Between $1 million and $1.5 million as of 2025