With the advent of social media, the way we travel has changed forever, to the degree that some travel behavior now really is a function of social media. For example, some people pick a travel destination solely on the ground that it will look better on social media (as measured by “Likes”) than another. Have a look at the factors that drive the way we travel in this new brave world:
Posting updates
We constantly post updates on our travel status. Especially millennials love to post about their travel experiences, like the places they have checked into and attractions they have visited, posting selfies with that famous landmark in the background. Of course, these are status symbols of the modern traveler. At the same time, it is about looking good on a personal level (don’t underestimate the number of people who edit their images before posting!). It almost has turned into an obligation or obsession; you somehow don’t exist if you’re not constantly posting, especially when doing something that is not routine.
Influencing travel decisions
Tourism destinations around the world now make use of social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest, as well as bloggers, in order to promote their destinations, influencing especially younger travelers that don’t value print media as much anymore. With other friends readily sharing over social media, these sources are also trusted and often deemed more authentic than commercial travel sites.
The sense of wonder is…well, frankly, fading
Back in the seventies, somebody would travel to a far-off place like India and bring back colorful slides. Friends and family would gather to look at the travel experience in Kodachrome color, still hearing the slide pop as it warmed up in the projector, and it would all be very exotic and enticing. Nowadays we have seen it all before we even leave the house: on social media, TV, You Tube and Google Earth. We don’t even need a guide book anymore. As internet access is readily available in hotels and cafes, when you are already on the road you can quickly learn about your next destinations on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter through hashtag searches, or read detailed reviews of your next hotel. It has become so much harder to be truly surprised by anything. Fortunately, the world is still big, juicy, colorful and diverse enough to impress us. But the allure and mystery of the early days of travel is somehow gone.
On-the-go bookings
It is estimated that mobile accounts for 20 % of all travel sales. Apps and websites optimized for mobile devices make it easy to book the next attraction, hotel room or car at any moment, constantly influenced by what we see (or rather, in anticipation of what we can show off) on social media.
CNN: Social Media can make your travel the better
Last minute orientation
Many websites are now specifically geared towards mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, and internet cafes are ubiquitous. With endless possibilities to make quick online arrangements from anywhere, travel schedules tend to be highly flexible and personalized. The traditional two week package vacation, booked half a year in advance, is less and less common; instead, recommendations from friends and bloggers via social media are quickly incorporated into ever changing travel itineraries that require no or little advanced planning. A plethora of low-cost flight connections does the rest and the “generation Easy Jet” is on its way. Still, we end up at the same usual places as always. All the personalization, all those little “unique” adventures out there that we constantly feel obliged to share, represent an illusion of sorts.
Is it for the better?
Simply ask yourself whether you are just checking off the usual to do list (“me in front of the Eiffel tower”, been there, done that) or if you are truly tapping into the essential spirit of travel: discovering something new, seeing the world with different eyes, interacting authentically, contributing something to the place you visit. If so, your social media presence will reflect a more genuine vision of travel and enrich your friends with new impressions. And by the way: social media can be great for sharing travel experiences that are not well promoted commercially, for example when visiting a remote rural community in a developing country. Finally: Travel mindfully and be present – it’s okay to take pictures but don’t let the constant handling of your selfie stick keep you from soaking up the authentic atmosphere in your favorite destination. For a while, turn off that smartphone and just allow yourself to wander through an unknown place with a sense of wonder. You won’t regret it.
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