Why You Don’t Need a Social-Media Perfect Trip

Over the last decade or so, traveling has skyrocketed like never before. It used to be travel books where you’d get your info, but nowadays, there are more than enough tips out there for every traveler, from budget travel to those hidden gems, and all the way to luxury travel, and of course, the ones who are after the perfect shots and experience. Social media has been around for years, but it seems like just within the last decade or so, social media-based travel has become a thing.

This means you go places and you do certain experiences not only because social media told you to but because you want to do it yourself to post on your socials.  The rise of social media has played a pivotal role in shaping travel trends, with more individuals choosing destinations, activities, and accommodations based on their potential appeal in the digital realm. 

It’s about getting likes, it’s about getting that perfect shot, and maybe even the hopes of becoming a travel influencer for some. But is all of this actually a good idea? Well, here are some reasons why you don’t need a social media-perfect trip.

Why Do People Do It?

As stated above, in recent years, a noticeable shift has occurred in the way people plan and experience their travels. It’s not just blog posts, but if you look at Pinterest, Instagram, and especially TikTok, they’re filled with content, and people are also trying to mimic this content. It’s really anywhere that blows up, so it’s not even generic places like NYC or Paris, but now you’re finding Lake Tohopekaliga, national parks, and even some not-so-well-known places. They all usually blow up online and get super popular and super crowded really fast. So, with that said, here are some factors contributing to the popularity!

Visual Inspiration

Have you ever heard of that Instagram vs. Reality meme? Well, it coincides with this, actually. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Pinterest, have become virtual treasure troves of visually stunning travel content.

The constant stream of picturesque landscapes, dreamy sunsets, and exotic adventures serves as a wellspring of inspiration for aspiring travelers. The desire to replicate these idyllic scenes has led many to plan trips meticulously, hoping to capture and share their own visually striking moments.

Influencer Culture

The emergence of travel influencers has significantly influenced the way people perceive and plan their own journeys. What usually happens is that followers often aspire to replicate the seemingly glamorous and adventurous lifestyles of these influencers, choosing destinations and activities that align with the curated content presented on their social media profiles. The allure of experiencing life through the lens of influencers has contributed to the popularity of basing trips on social media trends.

Social Validation

So, it’s a mix of a couple of things; it’s a part of FOMO, but there’s that validation you get too for doing something that’s popular (it’s basically hopping on trends but travel-oriented). Both of these are very powerful motivators in today’s interconnected world.

With that said, social media showcases the highlight reels of others’ lives, fostering a sense of urgency to partake in similar experiences. Planning trips around social media trends becomes a way to combat FOMO, as individuals seek the social validation that comes with sharing enviable travel experiences online.

But Why Can It Be a Bad Thing?

It’s not always sunsets and cocktails; sometimes, this isn’t always a good thing. Sure, travel inspiration and having an amazing time are key for a vacation, but doing this isn’t always such a great idea. Again, you can go wherever you want, and you should, but if you’re only basing off on social media content and trends and wanting to post online, then that’s a bad thing. So here is exactly why.

There’s the Illusion of Perfection

One of the primary pitfalls of planning trips based on social media is the illusion of perfection. Again, it goes back to that Instagram versus Reality meme that spread around online. Everyone knows social media is mainly fake, but at the same time, there’s still that hint of hope.

So, with that said, platforms like Instagram are flooded with perfectly edited photos showcasing flawless destinations and experiences. However, these images often fail to capture the reality of travel, which includes unexpected challenges, imperfections, and the raw beauty of genuine moments. Honestly, relying solely on social media for trip planning sets unrealistic expectations and can lead to disappointment when reality doesn’t match the curated online content.

You Can Count on Overcrowdedness

Have you ever been to a popular social media destination and noticed how busy it was? If you’ve done it once, then you probably know that it’s always going to be like that. In general, the pursuit of Instagram-worthy locations has led to the saturation of popular tourist destinations. Influencers and travelers flock to iconic spots in search of the next viral photo, resulting in overcrowded attractions and diminished experiences.

With that said, choosing destinations solely based on social media trends can rob travelers of the chance to discover hidden gems and lesser-known places that may offer more authentic and meaningful experiences.

Lack of Cultural Immersion

For the most part, planning trips around social media may prioritize aesthetics over cultural immersion. You need to keep in mind that traveling is not just about ticking off bucket-list locations; it’s also about understanding and appreciating different cultures. With that said, focusing solely on destinations that are trending on social media can limit exposure to diverse traditions, local cuisines, and genuine interactions with the residents.

Think about Bali, for example, or even Thailand, as these two are still major destinations. People usually flock to fancy hotels, eat breakfast from a pool, go to those colorful IG cafes, and stand in line to get a shot at a famous photo spot. Where’s the immersion in that?

It Can Actually Be Stressful

Filming and photographing isn’t as easy as people make it out to be. You’re usually having to redo the same shot multiple times. So you really have to keep in mind that crafting the perfect Instagrammable itinerary can be time-consuming and stressful.

Seriosuly, just think about it for a moment. You’re constantly chasing the ideal shot, adhering to a meticulously planned schedule, and curating content for social media can detract from the joy of the travel experience itself. The pressure to document every moment for online validation may hinder the ability to be present at the moment and truly savor the journey. It just ruins the fun and the whole atmosphere of it all.

It’s Super Expensive

You have to keep in mind that social media can create a distorted view of travel costs, making it easy to underestimate the financial aspects of a trip. The desire to replicate influencers’ glamorous lifestyles may lead to overspending, leaving travelers with financial stress and potential regrets after the journey is over.

It’s Shallow

At the end of the day, it’s just all really shallow, and who would want that? The quest for the perfect photo can distract travelers from truly engaging with the destinations they visit. Do you want to be distracted? Do you only want to focus on the best shots and not actually experience what’s around you?

When the primary goal is to capture the most shareable content, there’s a risk of overlooking the rich history, local stories, and unique characteristics that make each place special. Travel becomes a series of photo ops rather than a genuine exploration of diverse cultures and landscapes.