When people travel to a beautiful place, the temptation to post photos and videos to social media is high. But, as I have argued, this creates a cycle that contributes to more self-indulgent travel.

Travel is back in full swing this summer, and so is bad behaviour by tourists.

Popular destinations have seen an uptick in incidents involving tourists in recent years. Reports of a man defacing the Colosseum in Rome shows that behaviour has deteriorated even in places that rarely had problems in the past.

What’s behind these abhorrent acts? One answer, my research shows, is social media. Instagram and TikTok have made it easy to find “hidden gem” restaurants and discover new destinations to add to your bucket list. But this democratisation of travel has had other consequences.

Because people now see their social media connections from their home environment travelling in an exotic location, they assume (consciously or not) that behaviour they ordinarily carry out at home is also acceptable in that holiday destination.

This is known as social proof, when we look to the behaviours of others to inform our own actions. People are likely to act more hedonistically while on holiday. Now, travellers also look to social media for proof of how others behave. If their peers from home are throwing caution to the wind while on holiday, this can cause a domino effect of bad behaviour.

I’ve identified other bad travel attitudes and habits that have emerged as a result of social media-driven tourism.

For example, the identifiable victim effect, which explains how people are more likely to sympathise with victims of tragedies when they know who those victims are. Because tourists are often sheltered in hotels and resorts away from local communities, they might (wrongly) think that travelling to a place far from home is an opportunity for consequence-free bad behaviour. They underestimate or ignore the effect their actions can have on locals or the economy.

The Instagram effect

When people travel to a beautiful place, the temptation to post photos and videos to social media is high. But, as I have argued, this creates a cycle that contributes to more self-indulgent travel.

First, tourists see their friends post photos from a place (revealed through geotags). They then want to visit the same places and take the same sorts of photos of themselves there. Eventually they post them on the same social networks where they saw the initial photos.

Being able to travel to and post about visiting the same places as one’s social group or online connections can be a form of social status. But it means that, in some cases, travellers will put more energy into creating content than they will to exploration, discovery or being respectful to local customs.

Hotspots respond

Bali is one destination with a reputation for social media-induced tourism. The photogenic island, replete with yoga retreats, is a huge draw for influencers.

In response to tourist misbehaviour, Bali introduced new guidelines for visitors in June 2023. These include rules about proper behaviour in the sacred temples, around the island and with locals, and respecting the natural environment.

Tourists now need a licence for motorbike rentals, and may not set foot on any mountain or volcano in Bali due to their sacred nature. Travellers must only stay in registered hotels and villas (which will impact a number of Airbnb properties). Bali has introduced a “tourist task force” to enforce the restrictions, through raids and investigations if necessary.

One new guideline is to not act aggressively or use harsh words towards locals, government officials or other tourists both while in Bali, or, notably, online. This speaks to the role of social media as part of the problem when it comes to bad tourist behaviour.

Other destinations have taken similar steps. Iceland, Hawaii, Palau, New Zealand, Costa Rica and others have adopted pledges for visitors to abide by local laws and customs. Campaigns like Switzerland’s No Drama, Austria’s See Vienna – not #Vienna, Finland’s Be more like a Finn and the Netherlands’ How to Amsterdam are aimed at attracting well-behaved tourists.

Where such efforts aren’t successful, some places such as Thailand’s famous Maya Bay have taken it further and fully closed to tourists, at least temporarily.

Travel respectfully

Remember you are a guest of the host communities when you travel. Here are some ways to ensure that you will be asked back.

1. Do your research

Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, you may not realise the impact your actions have on local communities. But a bit of information – from your own research or provided by local governments – might be enough to help you act more appropriately. Before you go, look up guidelines or background information on local cultural or safety norms.

Whether you agree with the customs or not is irrelevant. If it is a more conservative place than you are used to, you should be mindful of that – unlike the two influencers who were arrested for explicit behaviour in a temple in Bali.

2. Put down your phone…

Research shows that when travelling, people can become alienated from their surroundings if they are more focused on their devices than the destination.

Often the most memorable travel experiences will be when you have a meaningful connection with someone, or learn something new that you’ve never experienced before. That becomes harder if you’re constantly looking at your phone.

3. …or use your influence for good

In popular “Instagram v reality” posts, influencers are revealing the huge crowds and queues behind the most Instagrammable locations.

Showing the less-than-glamorous conditions behind those iconic shots could influence your own social media connections to rethink their personal travel motivations – are they just going somewhere to get the perfect selfie? Having more evidence of these conditions circulating online could lead to a larger societal shift away from social media-induced tourism.

If you have the urge to post, try to promote smaller businesses and make sure you are demonstrating proper (and legal) etiquette on your holiday.The Conversation

When travelling to another country, the most important thing to carry along is one’s passport, right? Think again. There are three people on the planet who do need this important document, no matter wherever they wish to travel. Yes, you read that right. According to ‘The Cosmopolites: The Coming of the Global Citizen’ author Atossa Araxia Abrahamian, “A passport is a kind of shield when you are a citizen of a wealthy democracy.”

But there are three people who are exempt from this rule? They do not require a passport to travel anywhere in the world. These 3 people are United Kingdom’s King Charles III and Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. Before King Charles III, the privilege was with Queen Elizabeth II.

Unlike other members of the Royal family, a document, instead of a passport, is issued in the UK King’s (or Queen’s) name. It states, “His Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of His Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.”

In the case of Japan, a ministry document dated May 10, 1971, informed that it will be highly inappropriate to issue a passport for the Emperor or Empress. The document also added that it will be highly inappropriate for the Emperor to undergo immigration or visa procedures using a passport as an ordinary citizen.

However, according to reports, King Charles’ wife Queen Consort Camilla doesn’t have the same rights and is required to keep a diplomatic passport. In the case of Japan, diplomatic passports are issued for other members of the Imperial family, including the crown prince and princess.

For the Emperor and Empress of Japan, they are required to only produce the ministry document on arrival in any country. The Foreign Ministry of Japan notifies the country well in advance about the arrival of the Emperor and Empress. In the case of King Charles III, his private secretary Sir Clive Alderton has been entrusted with this responsibility. Reports suggest that Sir Clive Alderton has been one of the most trusted and much-loved advisers to the King and Queen Camilla since 2006, a year after they married.

Nonetheless, do you know citizens of which country are the most privileged in terms of travel. If you guessed Japan, you’re right. Japanese people have visa free access to 193 countries. Japan continues to have the strongest passport in the world. Despite being the fifth largest economy in the world, Indian passport holders can only access 59 destinations visa-free, according to the 2023 Henley Passport Index report. While visa-free access may be thought of as a simple measure of freedom of movement, experts say that the ability to freely travel is linked to greater economic opportunities.

Are you a pet owner and planning a trip this monsoon season? Here are some good suggestions that you can take and Make beautiful memories with your pet by being patient and attentive to its needs.

Traveling with pets during the monsoon season necessitates extra planning, but it can be pleasurable. Traveling with pets during the monsoon season might present special obstacles. Prioritize pet safety by packing necessary supplies, ensuring comfortable lodgings, scheduling frequent breaks, and keeping them dry.

However, with good planning and necessary recommendations, both pet owners and their animal companions can enjoy a smooth and safe journey. here are some of the travel tips for you:

Comfortable Accomodation

You must research pet-friendly lodgings ahead of time to guarantee a comfortable and safe environment for your pet. Check hotel, resort, and guesthouse policies and limits. Bring your pet’s bedding or crate to provide a comfortable sleeping environment.

Pet Security

When you travel, you ensure your own safety; the same is true for your pet. Prioritize the safety of your pet before beginning your journey. Ensure kids are up-to-date on their vaccines, which should include protection against common infections during the monsoon. Consult a veterinarian for additional precautions. In the event of a misplaced pet, consider microchipping or wearing a collar with contact-specific identification tags.

Maintain Your Pet’s Comfort And Safety

Everyone, especially pet owners, understands how tough it is to travel with their pet, especially in the winter. Monsoon weather brings rain and moist conditions, which can be uncomfortable for your pet. Purchase a waterproof pet garment or raincoat to keep your pet dry on outside walks and bathroom breaks. To avoid humidity, keep bedding and containers dry. Towels or absorbent mats can be used to remove excess wetness before entering your car or lodging. This ensures that both of you have a great journey.

Make A Perfect Schedule For Breaks

Just as you require breaks from time to time, so does your pet. So Plan numerous stops for your pet on long journeys, especially during the monsoon season. To stretch your legs, ease stress, and remain hydrated, look for rest spots or pet-friendly locations. These breaks also allow for paw cleaning and drying, which helps to avoid infections and discomfort caused by moist conditions.

Essential Supplies

It is critical to carry all of the necessary items for your pets when traveling with them. So Food, snacks, clean drinking water, prescriptions, flea and tick preventives, grooming tools, and familiar items such as toys or blankets should all be packed for your pet. Bring waste disposal bags, a leash, and a harness for rest stops as well. Remember to include objects that are known to you for comfort and safety.

If you are traveling during a heat wave, know how to beat the sun at its own game with these tips

It’s always the warm weather times of the year when we can take time off work and school and do a little traveling. But that means we’ll be out in that sun, heat, and humidity. And, this year, it feels worse than ever, with heat waves just about everywhere. Deaths caused by extreme heat are on the rise in national parks, according to CNN, and record-breaking temperatures aren’t contained to just the U.S. — countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece have also reportedly seen extreme temperature spikes.

If your upcoming travel plans take you from sunny to sunnier, keep these travel tips in mind to stay cool and safe in a heat wave. We want you to get through the trip without turning into a melted mess.

Tips for before you go

Pack for the sun

Don’t do any of that “I’ll buy it when I get there” stuff with things like sunscreen, hats, or other protective sun wear. You won’t. You’re going to be too busy, too tired, or not have the time to go shopping. Go get the items and pack them before you go.

You also need to make sure your clothing matches where you are going. Light, breathable fabrics like linen are a must.

Make sure the AC works everywhere

From your car to your rental car to wherever you are staying, make sure it all has working AC. Ask if you aren’t sure or can’t find the information on the website. You will go from grumpy to miserable if you aren’t able to at least crash in a cool hotel at the end of the day. (And keep in mind that there are areas of the world — Europe, for instance — where ACs aren’t a given, particularly if you’re staying at a smaller hotel.)

If you get traveler’s insurance, make sure it has medical

This is if you are high-risk or don’t do well in extreme heat. If you purchase traveler’s insurance, ask if it covers medical in case you need to seek treatment for any heat-related issues.

In the same sense, before you go anywhere, talk to your doctor about if you would be okay to be out in an excessive heat warning situation and for any advice they could give you to stay safe.

When you get to your destination

Speaking of the sun, wear sunscreen and actually reapply it

Putting on the sunscreen once and calling it a day is definitely how walking tomatoes are made. Reapply how often the directions on the bottle say to.

Drink all of the water

Please drink water. As much as you can, whenever you can. When you go out to eat, make sure you get water — and drink it — in between those vacation drinks. Staying hydrated is so important to keep yourself upright in the heat. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty either, because by then it’s too late. Drink more than you would normally, and drink it all day.

Cool yourself down often

Either wash your hands and face every few hours or bring wipes to run over your neck. If you go overseas, there are fountains where you could easily splash down your arms and neck.

When to see the sights

If your schedule allows it, see the cool things in the morning or the late evening when the sun isn’t trying to kill you. Use those harsh midday hours for indoor things like museums.

Staying safe during a heat wave takes some planning even when you’re just at home on your couch, but if you take a vacation in extreme heat circumstances, please remember these tips. We want you to enjoy your vacation, not be known as the one who fainted or had to spend the week after it hating life because your clothing is still irritating your sunburn.