‘Instagrammability’ is Trending in Travel

Are you really just doing it for the photo?

Have you ever been scrolling through social media and happen to see the latest pics from your friend’s epic travel adventure? Does your coworker seem to be going on her third vacation this year and it’s only July? Surely you have glanced at a picture of someone you know in a cool place and perhaps felt a pang of jealousy. According to the most recent travel trend, it turns out that they may have wanted you to feel that way.

Cynicism aside, people generally use their social media platforms as a means to display the highlights of their life. While there is nothing wrong with this, there is a fine line between excitement and bragging.

Don’t travel just for the bragging rights.

Recent studies show that more and more travelers today are planning their trips based on theirs and other people’s social media profiles. Travelers choose vacation destinations based on what they are seeing on their friends’ accounts and what they think will look good on their own pages.

Some vacations today even offer a “Vacation Envy” travel package, where people can be certain that they will snap the perfect pic. These include free hair and makeup, filter tips, and flawless lighting.

Sound crazy? Things like this are not as far-fetched as you might think. According to research done by Hotels.com, 87 percent of U.S. millennials report that they look to social media for travel inspiration. 66 even percent admit they would rather post a vacation selfie over a photo with friends.

If you are not careful, it can be easy to fall into the trap of posting on social media for the bragging rights. But travel is much more than the post likes or Instagram aesthetic.

While the mere thought of leaving your phone at home for a day or even a week might have you hyperventilating, it is not a bad idea. Consider unplugging for at least a day during your travels in order to authentically focus on your travel experience.