I post a lot about my trips on Instagram
Because I want to, and it's OK if you want to, too.
Whether I’m traveling abroad or making a fun discovery locally, my Instagram is the diary of my adventures - the food I ate (mostly), impressive hotels I’ve stayed at, and interesting architecture. The prevailing discourse around posting vacations on Instagram, especially while you’re still away, is to “enjoy the moment” and “stay in the present”.
For me, though, Instagram has become my form of journaling. In the same way this blog is to share my thoughts on traveling solo, my Instagram is how I connect with others real-time and share my authentic feelings in the midst of travel.
Sometimes, it turns out that one of my Instagram connections has visited where I currently am, and my engagement on the platform while I travel nets me a new restaurant or attraction suggestion, as happened on my recent trip to Zurich. Other times, it triggers a connection with someone I’ve been out of touch with recently, like when I posted restaurant photos from my time in Beaune, FR and had a nice conversation with an acquaintance who lives there part-time (but wasn’t there while I was).
It’s why I have started using polls in my Instagram stories ahead of trips to unfamiliar or well-trodden locations, both of which benefit from refreshing new recommendations. Although I didn’t follow the consensus on which Disneyland California park to visit, it was still fun to hear from my friends and connections about their Disney memories, since it’s a place I love as well. I’m still waiting to hear any Chicago cocktail bar recommendations for my trip there this weekend…
And, maybe best of all, because I’m sharing memorable moments throughout my trips, it doesn’t seem disingenuous to turn them into Instagram Highlights after the fact. I deeply appreciate being able to look back through my real-time documentation of trips to Disney, local adventures with friends and family, and food photos from all across France with ease.
Constantly engaging on social media during a trip isn’t for everyone. For me, however, it bridges the gap between my solo adventuring and wanting to remain connected with friends and family and helps me to collate the memories I want to look back on. How about you?