The Effects of Social Media on Travel

Over the years social media has grown and grown to the point that it has a heavy influence on many peoples lives, some for the better, or some seemingly for the worse. After overhearing a conversation the other day it got me thinking… has social media created a blurred reality on travel?

To start off, I will provide some background information to add context to the conversation and idea. I am currently living in a beautiful resort town called Wanaka, set within the mountains and next to its namesake lake on New Zealand’s South Island. Honestly, it’s a stunning place, the town is small but lovely with everything you need, there is amazing Hiking choices with views all around you, and your front garden is literally the most amazing Lake Wanaka with the backdrop of snowcapped mountains, the location is perfect.

Some might know or have seen Wanaka due to its famous feature, the Wanaka Tree. The tree itself has grown in popularity due to the fact it is located actually slightly out into the lake, a unique setting. However, of course these days anything out of the ordinary will naturally be shared all over social media, once again helping to boost the popularity of not just the tree, but the town.

So this is where the overheard conversation stemmed from, due to the hot summer weather we’ve been enjoying here, the outer parts of the lake including around the tree are dried out. Two ladies came through work, and mentioned how they've just arrived in Wanaka and been to the tree already. Considering they had literally just arrived, one of the sentences said was “I don’t know why we’re staying here, there’s not much here in Wanaka”. Better yet, after talking about the dried up tree, the exact words said were “you can’t get that instagram effect”, referring to the lack of water surrounding the tree.

Therefore this is what got me thinking, the ‘instagram effect’, what exactly does that mean? Well over the years I’ve seen and came across numerous examples of this both online and in person, and it’s where people basically let social media influence them to the point they actually disregard their own personal thoughts and choices. I feel social media has its upsides, however as mentioned it has definitely created a blurred reality on travel.

I could give many examples, lots I came to realise after spending 3 months back in Japan last year. There is an obscene amount of locations in Japan that people only visit due to one particular spot in a specific city, one of which is Miyajima Island. However, as over my numerous visits to the island I’ve noticed many don’t seem to realise there is much more to the island than just the standout feature of the giant Tori Gate just off the coast, as some suggested to me, the location also plays victim to social media, and therefore some just visit Miyajima for that iconic shot, then go straight back to the mainland.

This is a shame, as the island is also known for its ancient temples and forest landscapes, and with all being said it certainly contains much more than meets the eye. I highly suggest wandering the backstreets and vibrant town located here, the island is full of stunning locations and hidden treasures at every turn, you never know what you will find. Furthermore, similar to Nara the island is full of Deer… lots of Deer.

When it comes to travel, lots of people seem to follow trends on social media, then find the destination isn’t all what they expected or were looking for. I spent 4 weeks in India when I was younger and absolutely loved it, however I’ve heard numerous stories through mutual friends or others online over the years that they hated it and couldn’t leave quick enough. This once again comes back to personal research and preference, going to someone new you surely would know what to expect?

I guess the point of this quick blog was to point out that it’s better to do your own research and go where you would personally feel comfortable and have fun. Gaining ideas and suggestions for travel destinations off social media is great, however if you are going to let it dictate your choices, make sure it’s somewhere you are really going to enjoy, not just for that ‘instagram effect’ photo.