Instagram vs Reality: The Pressure of ‘Perfect’ Travel and How to Enjoy Authentic Moments.

Naturally, as a society, we will post only the best moments. “Look! Me and ‘the bros’ are in Bali!” But what you don’t know is that ‘the bros’ aren’t bro-ing anymore after that God-forsaken awful trip. Behind that 20-picture slideshow on Dave’s Instagram, displaying that lovely-looking lads’ holiday is what Dave did. And to be honest, screw you, Dave. So, I don’t think it’s groundbreaking information to say that social media is fake. But why is it fake? It’s simple: we care what others think.

We edit our pictures, we create an aesthetic, and we only go to acceptable holiday destinations. You see your friends or even people you dislike posting about their adventures, and you feel the need to prove that you’re just as cool. This competitive culture turns social media into a platform for showing off, rather than simply sharing experiences. We get wrapped up in the obsession of proving ourselves to one another, and this is negatively affecting our ability to authentically enjoy our travel. 

There is no such thing as “perfect” travel.

Perfection is subjective. Everyone’s dream destination is different, so it’s silly to plan, book and post the ‘perfect’ trip created specifically to make others envious. This is pointless. Because respectfully Dave, I don’t care that you went to Bali- that’s not my kind of holiday. Not everyone has the time or money for extravagant travel experiences. So, when you do travel, do it for you, go to the places you want, on the budget you can afford. Not everyone can be as boujee as Dave.

Social media is ruining your travel.

We often get trapped in the mindset that “if I don’t post it, it didn’t happen”. It is such a foolish concept, but in today’s digital world, it’s understandable that we want to document our lives online. You can post your holiday without it ruining the experience, though. Take a few photos, maybe even schedule a mini photoshoot, but then put the phone away. If you can, bring a digital camera instead, it’ll keep you off your phone and the pictures will look better when you eventually post them.

Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel across the continent. With a tight budget, I’ve found myself on cheap flights, cheap hostels and without much money for anything fancy- aside from a memorable trip to Disneyland Paris, thanks to my aunt. When I travel, my only goal is to explore the new place I have found myself in. It is a whole new world each time, full of new people, stories, cultures, and languages to discover. The best part of travelling is the fact you get to live. You miss that opportunity if you’re constantly distracted.

The increasing use of social media has poisoned our perception of life, what you see isn’t the truth. It is a romanticised version of reality, the best bits. I’m not telling you to start being completely transparent with your travel posts on social media. I’m not saying you should platform the arguments you had on your lad’s holiday in Bali or admit to getting lost in Florence after one too many cocktails. What you post is up to you.

But my advice? You will enjoy your travel much more if you start to care just a little less.

Words By: Emma Collins