If you’re heading off on a gap year or planning to escape the cold British climate over the next few months, you might be asking yourself what your travels should look like.
Particularly with social media and self-internalised pressures, the way you travel can sometimes feel prescribed, rather than dependable on your own interests.
An action-packed six weeks in Australia, an adventure-fuelled trip to Bali or an enriching cultural getaway to a European city – they all come with their own pressures and expectations.
Here’s how you can integrate travel advice and responsible travel planning to build the right trip for you.
The influence of social media
Social media can be such a tool for inspiration with travel. A mindless scroll can bring up the delights of a small Scandinavian town, a hidden corner in a popular US city or the beautiful natural landscapes of a Caribbean island.
Before my most recent trips to Krakow and Nice, social media was such a useful resource in finding activities to do and the best area to stay. Whilst these recommendations can sometimes become oversaturated, with the same ‘hidden’ beach effectively becoming a tourist staple, social media generally opens your trips to new possibilities and opportunities.
However, in the age of social media, the pressure to create a ‘picture-perfect’ or ‘ideal’ travel experience can be overwhelming. Seeing a seemingly endless number of people cliff-jumping, going on a party holiday or eating at expensive restaurants can make you question why your trip isn’t as conventionally ‘fun’ and drive an unhealthy expectation of travel.
Ultimately travel is about personal growth, experiencing new cultures and spending time with those who you care about. Regardless of whether you’re looking forward to visiting a museum on a niche topic, eating good food or bungee jumping in South America, then that’s all that matters.
Trust your instincts
It’s easy to compare your own travel experiences to others. However, these unhealthy pressures can sometimes manifest into risk.
One of your friends might be tempted to go and explore somewhere they’ve seen online or go on a night out alone. Even if they feel confident doing so, it is crucial to stick together and only do something if you feel comfortable doing so. If you feel like something might go wrong, trust your instincts and don’t do so. Where possible, prevent others from doing so too.
You may also feel pressured into doing something for the sake of not being boring. Fear of missing out is such a big sticking point for young people, particularly when it comes to travel. Some may raise the argument of experiences being once in a lifetime. When in the moment, whilst you really want to take advantage of everything you are offered, there is no point if the activity is risky.
Impact on mental health
For many, the main attraction to travelling is a chance to escape – putting that ‘out of office’ on, spending time with family you might not see as often or, however clichéd, being able to live in the moment.
However, in some circumstances, travel can also negatively impact your mental health. The organisation of a trip can seem logistically challenging, and take away the enjoyment travelling abroad can bring. The FCDO has a foreign travel checklist which can help simplify the process of booking a getaway, with step-by-step advice and guidance on how to plan your next holiday.
Adrenaline-fuelled activities
For some, adventure is a significant part of travel, but it’s vital to ensure your adventures align with your comfort levels. Whether it’s bungee jumping, cliff diving, or trying exotic foods, remember that your safety and well-being come first. Don’t feel pressured into activities that you’re not comfortable with, and always consider your own limits.
Another area of travel that’s amplified by social media is the quest for daring, shareable moments. Activities like quad biking in scenic landscapes or trying watersports can become tempting opportunities to capture the perfect photo. However, in pursuit of this, you may neglect essential safety precautions. Wearing protective gear, such as helmets, and securing proper travel insurance can be easily overlooked.
Double check your travel insurance policy covers all of these planned and unplanned activities, especially if you want to be able to be spontaneous or ‘go with the flow.’ You might have ended up buying a policy that does not cover every activity, such as water sports or quad biking. Always check: never assume you’re protected.
It is better to add on-to your policy, rather than risk your own safety. If you’re injured doing activities without proper insurance cover, it could end up being very expensive, often thousands of pounds. The FCDO has more information on what to look for in a travel insurance policy.
Respecting the country
When you travel, it’s important to be considerate. When you visit a new place, you’re also connecting with the people who call that place home. Learning a few local words, like “hello” or “thank you,” can make a big difference and help you out in many situations while you’re there.
Noise is also another thing to bear in mind. You might have been out all evening and ready to continue into the early hours in the morning – but remember that some people will be getting up early to work or school.
Clothing choices can often become a sensitive issue, particularly when it comes to visiting places of worship, but also many tourist destinations ask visitors not to walk around without shirts outside of resorts, again, check the travel advice for where you’re visiting.
Local laws and customs are helpful to be aware of for the country you’re visiting and could help prevent you from inadvertently breaking the law or run into issues, such as driving requirements, drinking in designated areas, carrying ID with you. Check the travel advice and sign up for alerts so you’re kept up to date.
The peer pressure associated with the social media travel lifestyle can be a double-edged sword. While it inspires wanderlust and for some allows them to foster connections with fellow travellers, it can also create unrealistic expectations and lead to risky behaviours. Always prioritise your own wellbeing and interests when travelling as, after all, it’s what you get out of it that matters.
By Jacob Robinson