You might enjoy your trip more if you aren’t always scanning for that Instagram-worthy shot. You may notice things you might have otherwise missed. You might realize you’re really having fun with your family doing xyz right now. You might interact more with your family or the locals.
Travels are about getting away. This is harder to do if you’re always thinking how amazing this shot will look on my FB page to my followers.
That’s all some of us are saying.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I like to see my friends’ kids, food pics and travel. Yes, some people have braggy posts and some are kind of boring. Just keep scrolling. No big deal. A lot of places added to my travel wish lists are from friend’s posts. If someone posts something that looks delicious, I will want to check it out.

That’s part of the problem though. Social media is leading to some places becoming absolutely swamped with over tourism. You see a friend post about a place, and then you decide you just HAVE to go there. Key examples in recent years: Portugal and Iceland. Without social media, they would be the pleasant places they were when we went 20 years ago. Now we avoid them. Oh well, there are many other places in this world.

Tourism is a major economic industry in a lot of these places so as much as I’m sure they’re devastated you don’t have a “secret” country all to yourself anymore, the financial trade offs are probably worth it. You are genuinely one of the most solipsistic, self-absorbed individuals I’ve encountered on this forum. In the most literal sense you really seem to think the world should revolve around you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I like to see my friends’ kids, food pics and travel. Yes, some people have braggy posts and some are kind of boring. Just keep scrolling. No big deal. A lot of places added to my travel wish lists are from friend’s posts. If someone posts something that looks delicious, I will want to check it out.

That’s part of the problem though. Social media is leading to some places becoming absolutely swamped with over tourism. You see a friend post about a place, and then you decide you just HAVE to go there. Key examples in recent years: Portugal and Iceland. Without social media, they would be the pleasant places they were when we went 20 years ago. Now we avoid them. Oh well, there are many other places in this world.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I like to see my friends’ kids, food pics and travel. Yes, some people have braggy posts and some are kind of boring. Just keep scrolling. No big deal. A lot of places added to my travel wish lists are from friend’s posts. If someone posts something that looks delicious, I will want to check it out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I only have about 8 followers. I am not doing it to brag. It is a way to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away. I like to see their pictures too. I think the people complaining about this are very mean-spirited and envious.

Not envious so much, just smug maybe. It’s because we go better places quietly, yet have to watch you carry on about your pedestrian trips. It’s like shopping at luxury stores yet hearing someone brag about their Target finds. You get it, don’t you?

No you don’t have to. This is the point. If you are such a better person than everyone you are connected to on social media, then get off social media. Except you can’t because you’re addicted to the judgment you get to have about how much better you are than them. They’re the one living their life and enjoying their trip while you choose to watch (miserably) trying to convince yourself your life is better.

I’m not on social media. Yet I’m still bombarded by stupid travel blogs, public instagram accounts, and YouTube videos everywhere I look. It is impossible to avoid. And doing it privately within your “circle” is no better honestly.

So now you’re mad that travel content on the internet just generally… exists . You’ve shifted from “my friends post their destinations and that’s not very WASPy of them and I go better places silently” to “people post about travel on YouTube and it bothers me.” Something is really wrong with you. Do you have personal beef with Rick Steves and Lonely Planet travel guides too? Weirdo

Of course there is a place for well curated travel writers and content. The problem is that every yahoo with a phone thinks they’re a “photographer” or “travel writer” when they’re actually a moron. I’m so sick of the so called “influencers” that, in my view, have ruined so many destinations and experiences. And I’m equally sick of suburban moms looking for the best European beach or low level travel experience desperate to post pictures for their little “audience” back home. Both are gauche. Why is that so difficult for you to understand?

Oh no, it’s crystal clear, you’re miserable and hate everyone. We got the point.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I only have about 8 followers. I am not doing it to brag. It is a way to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away. I like to see their pictures too. I think the people complaining about this are very mean-spirited and envious.

Not envious so much, just smug maybe. It’s because we go better places quietly, yet have to watch you carry on about your pedestrian trips. It’s like shopping at luxury stores yet hearing someone brag about their Target finds. You get it, don’t you?

No you don’t have to. This is the point. If you are such a better person than everyone you are connected to on social media, then get off social media. Except you can’t because you’re addicted to the judgment you get to have about how much better you are than them. They’re the one living their life and enjoying their trip while you choose to watch (miserably) trying to convince yourself your life is better.

I’m not on social media. Yet I’m still bombarded by stupid travel blogs, public instagram accounts, and YouTube videos everywhere I look. It is impossible to avoid. And doing it privately within your “circle” is no better honestly.

So now you’re mad that travel content on the internet just generally… exists . You’ve shifted from “my friends post their destinations and that’s not very WASPy of them and I go better places silently” to “people post about travel on YouTube and it bothers me.” Something is really wrong with you. Do you have personal beef with Rick Steves and Lonely Planet travel guides too? Weirdo

Of course there is a place for well curated travel writers and content. The problem is that every yahoo with a phone thinks they’re a “photographer” or “travel writer” when they’re actually a moron. I’m so sick of the so called “influencers” that, in my view, have ruined so many destinations and experiences. And I’m equally sick of suburban moms looking for the best European beach or low level travel experience desperate to post pictures for their little “audience” back home. Both are gauche. Why is that so difficult for you to understand?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I only have about 8 followers. I am not doing it to brag. It is a way to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away. I like to see their pictures too. I think the people complaining about this are very mean-spirited and envious.

Not envious so much, just smug maybe. It’s because we go better places quietly, yet have to watch you carry on about your pedestrian trips. It’s like shopping at luxury stores yet hearing someone brag about their Target finds. You get it, don’t you?

No, you are the smug snob. You don't think travel is worthy unless it's expensive? Wow. Major snob.

Not expensive necessarily, just more cultured than all the drivel I typically see on this board.

So which destinations pass your threshold for cultured?

Off the beaten places of significant historical and archaeological significance. Our family has been to more than 110 countries without sharing a single social media photo or post. We travel for ourselves only, which is very rare today unfortunately.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I only have about 8 followers. I am not doing it to brag. It is a way to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away. I like to see their pictures too. I think the people complaining about this are very mean-spirited and envious.

Not envious so much, just smug maybe. It’s because we go better places quietly, yet have to watch you carry on about your pedestrian trips. It’s like shopping at luxury stores yet hearing someone brag about their Target finds. You get it, don’t you?

No you don’t have to. This is the point. If you are such a better person than everyone you are connected to on social media, then get off social media. Except you can’t because you’re addicted to the judgment you get to have about how much better you are than them. They’re the one living their life and enjoying their trip while you choose to watch (miserably) trying to convince yourself your life is better.

I’m not on social media. Yet I’m still bombarded by stupid travel blogs, public instagram accounts, and YouTube videos everywhere I look. It is impossible to avoid. And doing it privately within your “circle” is no better honestly.

So now you’re mad that travel content on the internet just generally… exists . You’ve shifted from “my friends post their destinations and that’s not very WASPy of them and I go better places silently” to “people post about travel on YouTube and it bothers me.” Something is really wrong with you. Do you have personal beef with Rick Steves and Lonely Planet travel guides too? Weirdo

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I only have about 8 followers. I am not doing it to brag. It is a way to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away. I like to see their pictures too. I think the people complaining about this are very mean-spirited and envious.

Not envious so much, just smug maybe. It’s because we go better places quietly, yet have to watch you carry on about your pedestrian trips. It’s like shopping at luxury stores yet hearing someone brag about their Target finds. You get it, don’t you?

No, you are the smug snob. You don't think travel is worthy unless it's expensive? Wow. Major snob.

Not expensive necessarily, just more cultured than all the drivel I typically see on this board.

So which destinations pass your threshold for cultured?

This thread is precisely why people should limit their contacts on SM. There's no reason to be friends with your neighbor's cousin and parents of classmates that you don't know very well. I trimmed my friend lists to only people that I know/like and would go out to lunch with if invited. Because the list is small, I feel more comfortable sharing 4-5 travel photos, though usually don't dump more than that. I also like seeing where my friends are and what they're up to.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I only have about 8 followers. I am not doing it to brag. It is a way to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away. I like to see their pictures too. I think the people complaining about this are very mean-spirited and envious.

Not envious so much, just smug maybe. It’s because we go better places quietly, yet have to watch you carry on about your pedestrian trips. It’s like shopping at luxury stores yet hearing someone brag about their Target finds. You get it, don’t you?

No you don’t have to. This is the point. If you are such a better person than everyone you are connected to on social media, then get off social media. Except you can’t because you’re addicted to the judgment you get to have about how much better you are than them. They’re the one living their life and enjoying their trip while you choose to watch (miserably) trying to convince yourself your life is better.

I’m not on social media. Yet I’m still bombarded by stupid travel blogs, public instagram accounts, and YouTube videos everywhere I look. It is impossible to avoid. And doing it privately within your “circle” is no better honestly.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I only have about 8 followers. I am not doing it to brag. It is a way to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away. I like to see their pictures too. I think the people complaining about this are very mean-spirited and envious.

Not envious so much, just smug maybe. It’s because we go better places quietly, yet have to watch you carry on about your pedestrian trips. It’s like shopping at luxury stores yet hearing someone brag about their Target finds. You get it, don’t you?

No, you are the smug snob. You don't think travel is worthy unless it's expensive? Wow. Major snob.

Not expensive necessarily, just more cultured than all the drivel I typically see on this board.

Yes, shamelessly. I want to be a travel influencer. I also follow places we stay etc. before leaving in case they want to offer any discount or perks.

You know what really impacts how I view your social media posts of your vacation? How you behave and treat me in real life.

If someone who is generally kind and respectful IRL posts vacation photos, even if they post a billion photos of every trip or include braggy captions, I don’t care one way or another. I have a friend who is seriously one of the kindest people I’ve ever met and she recently moved abroad and is using the opportunity to travel extensively. She posts A LOT. I am not always in the mood to look but I have no resentment or criticism. I am really happy for her and it’s like I feel she’s earned the right to brag because I know if it was me traveling, she’d be kind and interested too.

On the other hand, I had a friend/colleague a few years back who posted in the same way and I’d wind up hate-looking at the photos and rolling my eyes every time she’s brag about the “Michelin starred” restaurants or the private beaches or whatever. The difference was not her social media behavior but her IRL behavior— she was a huge jerk to me, just extremely superior and competitive about everything. I don’t follow her anymore because I realized I don’t like her, we aren’t friends, and that’s why I found her social media posts annoying.

If people seem annoyed by your vacation posts on Instagram, it’s probably just that they don’t like you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Clearly the problem is with those of you who have a problem with it. Just get off social media and let people share what they want there.

Right? I truly don't understand people who stay on social media and then complain and judge what people post. If you don't like it, stop following people or get off social media.

I stay on social media because I enjoy seeing people's kids, travels, experiences. That's what I'm there for.

I only have about 8 followers. I am not doing it to brag. It is a way to stay in touch with family and friends who live far away. I like to see their pictures too. I think the people complaining about this are very mean-spirited and envious.

+1. I have about 20 followers and my feed is otherwise private so it's really a glorified text chain that doesn't blow up people's phones. I'm not sharing the pictures with hundreds of people. Mostly grandparents, aunts, uncle's, siblings and a few close friends.