Unfiltered travel: Rediscovering authenticity in a social media-obsessed world

As someone who grew up in an era when sharing your every move on social media was completely unheard of, I now find myself longing to lead a clickbait life online. Everyone who’s anyone seems to be doing it, so one might assume that giving up privacy in exchange for digital fame is a thrilling experience. But I’m torn—compelled to reject my outdated approach to technology, yet hesitant to fully embrace the increasingly shallow culture of internet influence. The idea of curating an online persona feels hollow, especially when the truth behind many travel influencers’ glamorous lives is far from authentic.

Travel influencers, it seems, are no longer driven by a love for discovery. Instead, their passion is often replaced by a desire for wealth and fame. Their photos, often staged and filtered, offer a carefully constructed narrative that bears little resemblance to reality. The idea of spending hours posing for the perfect Instagram shot or repeating a contrived action, such as tossing your hair while pretending to eat a meal for an hour, doesn’t seem to lead to the personal fulfillment I crave. It’s all become a façade, where what’s presented as adventure is actually a highly orchestrated, sponsored experience designed to sell everything from luxury resorts to products.

It’s disheartening to see so many influencers losing sight of the true spirit of travel. Where is the genuine curiosity that once fueled exploration? The joy of venturing into the unknown seems to have been replaced with the pursuit of fame and money. Yes, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t also jump at the chance to travel for free with a hefty paycheck, but I can’t help but wonder what the real gain is from living out someone else’s dream on social media.

The industry is so saturated that standing out has become a monumental challenge. Yet, I understand why people are drawn to these fabricated worlds; I, too, have been a victim of mindless scrolling. When trips revolve around finding the “most Instagrammable spots,” it’s easy to forget the true purpose of travel: to explore, learn, and connect. It’s not about chasing perfection on a screen. Instead of ticking off the latest attractions or dining at the trendiest spots, why not venture off the beaten path? The real stories, after all, often unfold when you leave the itinerary behind.

I’ve been told that the only way to succeed in this industry is to master social media—spending countless hours glued to a screen, capturing every moment, and endlessly documenting experiences. It’s a full-time job just to maintain an online presence, and sometimes, it feels more like soul-sucking work than anything resembling fun. Professional videography, strategic hashtags, perfect lighting, it’s all part of the show. I applaud those who have made it to the top through self-taught skills, but I keep wondering how to find my niche in all this. Honest exploration sounds appealing, but maybe the best niche is just opting out of the race entirely.

The phrase “Instagram vs. reality” has become a popular joke, yet it underscores a truth we often ignore. Social media portrays a fantasy world where people are constantly living their best life. But the reality is far less glamorous. Many influencers wake up at dawn to avoid crowds, wear outfits ill-suited for the weather, or use excessive photo-editing to hide imperfections. The real experience of travel, on the other hand, is about battling jet lag, carrying overstuffed bags, nursing sore feet from endless cobblestone streets, and dealing with the inconvenience of laundry when you’re far from home.

I know all of this because of my job in aviation, but even if you’re not jet-setting around the world, there’s value in exploring your own backyard. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve asked locals about the hidden gems in their own cities, only to discover they don’t even know they exist. Sometimes the most enriching experiences are just around the corner.

The more time we spend snapping photos and posting videos for social media, the less we engage with the true essence of travel. The quest for the perfect shot robs us of our ability to savor the moment. When we travel only to collect pictures for Instagram, we miss out on the lived experience—the smells, the sounds, the unexpected surprises that make each journey unique. It’s a disservice to ourselves to turn travel into a curated series of photos for likes.

Taking a break from your routine can be daunting, especially in a competitive job market where every moment spent away feels like time lost. But travel is about more than just taking time off work; it’s about growing as a person, seeing the world through new eyes, and gaining experiences that can’t be captured in a selfie. Anthony Bourdain, the legendary travel expert, once said, “Travel is not a reward for working; it’s the education for living.” We all need to step outside our comfort zones, whether it’s to a nearby city or an entirely new destination. The journey itself is the reward.

In the end, I want to offer something real—not a fake smile or a heavily edited photo. I’m just a regular person, wandering the world in search of new adventures, and sharing the moments that matter to me. Am I an influencer? No. I’m simply a traveler offering my honest experiences and reflections. I’m not here to pretend to be something I’m not, and I don’t expect anyone to take my thoughts as gospel.

But if I can leave you with one piece of advice: when you travel, make sure you’re present. Don’t get lost in the pursuit of likes or the next viral trend. Take in the world with all your senses. And if you ever find yourself alone or in a new place, remember these tips: always stay aware, be kind to locals, and never forget to pack noise-canceling headphones for your flight. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.