Finding Your Travel Inspiration

The AAA recently published a story, The Instagram Itch: Social media's ability to inspire FOMO is transforming how, where – and even why – we travel. According to the story social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are inspiring travelers to choose their travel destinations.

It’s no wonder why.  By some estimates there are more than 90 million photos and videos shared daily on Instagram alone! These include travel photos from amateur photographers, travel pros, and everyone in between.  A few of my personal favs on Instagram are @kenkaminesky , @peterlundquist and @stevemccurryofficial.

Looking for more travel inspiration?  Check out this list of 25 Awesome Instagram Travel Photographers You Need To Follow by Expert Vagabond (@expertvagabond)

That said - there’s a gloomier side to the influence of social media on travel.  Carrie Miller, New Zealand based writer, traveler and storyteller for National Geographic Traveler magazine, wrote about this in her story on how Instagram is changing travel.  Carrie talked about overcrowding at popular destinations and environmental impacts as some of the unwanted side-effects of social media travel inspiration. 

As an avid traveler I often find myself thinking about the impact my travel has on the people and cultures I visit.  I try to keep an open mind and immerse myself in unfamiliar cultures and experience them with an open mind.  It isn’t always easy.  In Tibet, I felt that I had come too late to deeply experience traditional Tibetan culture and left wondering: is Tibetan growth creating a better quality of life for the Tibetan people or erasing centuries of tradition?  Is it possible to do both at the same time?

It is easier now than ever before to fly to the far ends of the Earth if that’s where your travel inspiration takes you.  So far my wanderlust has led me to around 30 countries on six continents.

When I’m planning my next adventure (usually a year in advance) I seek out countries that I haven’t experienced yet – mostly in Africa, Asia and South America. I thumb through brochures from travel agencies that specialize in travel to out-of-the-way places that fit my “eco lux exotic” travel style.

Where do you turn for travel inspiration?  What is your travel style? Leave a comment and let me know.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin @belart84 from Pexels

Cynthia Stephens is a marketing architect, with 15+ years designing strategies, content and programs to drive business growth.  She is a family caregiver who is passionate about helping people age well and is a Steering Committee member for Aging2.0 Boston and social media marketer for Age Friendly Advisor.