Travel Memories Over Social Media Likes
In this era dominated by social media, travel has morphed into something almost unrecognizable from its original essence. It’s an issue that has repeatedly surfaced in my discussions, most notably with a friend I met during my travels.
She recounted how her sister, alongside her husband and two children, would embark on what they termed ‘holidays.’ Their routine was simple: arrive at a destination, capture a flurry of photos for their social media, and then promptly return home.
The experience of the place, the culture, and the people remained untouched and unexplored. This narrative is not unique but a growing phenomenon, painting a concerning picture of our social media-enshrined culture.
The Illusion of Experience
Travel, in its most genuine form, is an immersive experience. It’s an opportunity to delve into new cultures, taste, listen, and engage. Yet, with the advent of ‘all-inclusive’ and, worse, social media, the focus has shifted.
Acknowledging my biased concepts around travel: Travelers immerse themselves in local culture by staying in Airbnb or local rental accommodations, dining at neighbourhood restaurants or new friends’ homes, and exploring hidden gems, while tourists often focus on mainstream attractions and don’t wander far from their hotels. Yes, I admit to being a cultural snob!
These days travel often revolves around curating a perfect image for an online audience. This shift has not only altered the way we travel but also how we perceive these experiences. The emphasis is no longer on the journey but on the portrayal of it.
The Quest for Authenticity
Finding authentic travel experiences in this social media age is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. It requires a conscious effort to look beyond the glitzy Instagram posts and the staged TikTok videos. Authenticity in travel is about connection — with the people, the landscape, and the culture. It’s about absorbing the essence of a place, not just its aesthetics.
A Personal Reflection
Reflecting on my travel experiences, I’ve noticed a stark difference when disconnecting from the digital world. The moments I cherish the most are not the ones captured in photographs but those etched in memory — conversations with locals who become dear friends, the taste of street food and home-cooked delicacies, the sounds of a bustling market and the awe of historic architecture.
These experiences are the true essence of travel, unfiltered and genuine.
Challenging the Norm
To revive the spirit of proper travel, we must challenge the norm, beginning with acknowledging the power of social media and its influence on our perceptions. We must question ourselves — are we travelling for ourselves or our online audience? This introspection is crucial in steering our travel experiences toward authenticity — Making memories vs. making media.
The Power of Real Stories
Historically, travel was about storytelling. Explorers and travellers would return with tales of their adventures. Today, with technology making the world a more accessible place, we have an opportunity to revive this tradition. Instead of crafting a perfect narrative for social media, let’s focus on sharing real stories.
As the famous explorer Ibn Battuta once said, “Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
Embracing the Journey
Travel is more than just a series of destinations; it’s a journey. It is a journey of discovering new places, yes, but also of self-discovery. It’s a process that requires us to step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. In doing so, we find experiences that resonate more profoundly than any social media post ever could. We also discover things about ourselves, including new confidence, we never knew we were capable of. I know, for me that has certainly been the case. I’ve travelled to places I didn’t know the language, and being visually impaired, it forced me out of my shell, willing to look foolish in attempts to communicate. I was always asking questions and trying to find my way, and because of that, I not only found my voice, I discovered my inner strength, peace and resilience.
Final Thought and a Challenge
As we navigate the complexities of travelling in the age of social media, let’s remind ourselves of the true purpose of travel. It’s not about the likes or the followers but about the experiences, personal growth and the memories we create. By choosing authenticity over appearance, we can rediscover the joy of genuine travel — unscripted, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
The phenomenon of social media influencing travel is a topic that requires not just observation but action. We must strive to find a balance where we can share our experiences without losing the essence of what makes travel genuinely enriching. The next time we embark on a journey, let’s make it a point to experience the place for what it is, not just for the photos it offers. After all, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport, not just in the feed of a social media account.
