Social media travel tips

Social media used to be an option, but now more than two billion people in the world actively use Facebook – then there’s Instagram, WhatsApp and countless others. It’s a daily part of most of our lives, along with the best of the internet (you’re reading this on GrownUps right now aren’t you?) and it has changed the way we gather information and communicate.

After food and family posts, the most common are easily those to do with travel. But in a world of social media, what are the ‘dos and don’ts’ when you are travelling overseas?

Firstly, our friends lists on social media are often wide and varied – family, colleagues, long lost acquaintances and friends of friends. That means if you post everything publicly – all of those people can potentially see it. That may sound like stating the obvious, but if you are about to apply for a new job, beware of lots of boozy or questionably behaved posts. This is also best summed up as ‘don’t drink and post.’

However, on to the fun part:

DO

• Document your travels

Once you get home, memories fade quickly and it’s easy to forget the finer details of what you did while you were away. Take plenty of photos and caption them well – it will prompt lots of amazing memories. You can also relive all your favourite moments and enjoy the comments from friends who have done the same.

• Stay in touch with your loved ones

In an emergency, checking in via social media is an easy way to let lots of people know you are safe, all at once. If you are meeting others at your destination, they may be able to alert you of bad weather or other situations so you can be prepared. Regular posts will also assure those at home that you’re safe and well.

• Create specific groups

Apps like Whatsapp make it easy to create a group chat. If you are on a tour for example, you can stay connected with your group instantly, rather than clogging up your newsfeed with lots of ‘in’ jokes or situational details.

• Ask for local advice

Put the word out to ask for the best local tips on places to eat or interesting things to see. It’s pretty incredible that we can now get travel advice about any country, wherever in the world we happen to be.

DON’T

• Breach local internet rules

Different countries have different rules about what you can access online, so do your research about the local rules to make sure you don’t get blocked from using the internet altogether!

• Spend your whole trip looking through a camera view

Look up and be amazed by the sights you are seeing. Fully immerse yourself in your travel experience. Definitely document what you are up to, but otherwise, try to spend as little time as possible online. After all the money you have spent to get there and all the plans you have, don’t miss too much by being focused on your phone/email/games.

• Forget to arrange a local plan before you start using the internet

You don’t want to end up with a large bill because you have run out of data or didn’t set up a good roaming option. Check with your provider for the best option.

• Tag people or post photos of them without permission

This is just good manners and other people’s right to privacy. Always ask and respect their requests. This applies to those you are taking photos of from other cultures or countries too – even the tiny children who look so adorable – ask their parents for permission.