Travellers told to ditch the selfie
You may have your phones at the ready for National Selfie Day on 21st June, but is it time for us to #DitchTheSelfie?
Oyster Worldwide travel specialists say the urge to take travel selfies is taking over from the true enjoyment and appreciation of the moment. And it’s not just these guys asking you to take time out from selfies.
Recently, the small picturesque Swiss village of Bergün put a full on ban on selfie-taking because they deemed the location too beautiful, and are disappointed that travellers are more interested in showing off their travel endeavours than being in the moment.
“Real travel moments are experienced in those moments when we pause to take in a view, listen to the sound of the waves or have a conversation with an interesting local,” Travel Adviser for Oyster Worldwide, Harriet Wray said.
“We are seeing a trend for people wanting to take as many selfies in as many places as possible. People are rushing from one spot to another trying to pack in as many selfies as they can, rather than taking the time to stop and look around”.
A global survey of over 1000 respondents conducted by the travel company gathered some interesting facts more about travel selfie habits.
The survey found that 51 per cent of respondents take one to 10 selfies during a one-week holiday, with 45 per cent sharing up to five of their selfies on social media.
Almost half of respondents claim that they share their travel selfies because their family and friends want to see them, while 10 per cent admit they want to show off to their social media friends.
34 per cent of those surveyed feel it is at least somewhat important for people to engage with their travel selfies on social media, with 35 per cent saying they feel happy when someone likes their holiday selfie and seven per cent admitting it makes them feel validated.
The younger respondents placed prominence on social media interaction, with 53 per cent of respondents aged 18-25 saying it was important or somewhat important that people liked their selfies on social media.
On top of this, 21 per cent of all respondents say they feel disappointed or embarrassed if their travel selfie doesn’t get any likes, while the number was again higher among the 18-25-year-old group, with 39 per cent of these respondents saying they would feel the awkward shame.
With such emotions attached to travel selfies, it’s not surprising to see that a quarter of respondents feel pressure to obtain a good selfie while on holiday, and 15 per cent said they would be disappointed or upset if they didn’t manage to obtain a good selfie while on holiday or travelling.
Again the 18-25 year-old-respondents polled higher than average, with 35 per cent saying they feel pressured to obtain a good selfie and 33 per cent saying that they would feel upset or disappointed if they didn’t manage to get a good selfie while travelling.
“We think it’s time to ditch the travel selfie and get back to enjoying real travel experiences off-camera, which is why we’ve launched our campaign to ditch the selfie,” Harriet added.
Oyster will be launching their #DitchTheSelfie website on National Selfie Day, where you can join them in pledging to #DitchTheSelfie. The campaign comes shortly after a study which found that 40.1 per cent of millennials choose their holiday destination based on ‘Instagrammability’.
Travel selfies have also been hitting the headlines as tourists undertake ever more dangerous measures to get a show-stopping selfie – including selfies taken on top of cliffs, next to wild animals and in front of active volcanoes.
In April 2017 a Sacramento woman fell from a 60ft bridge while taking a selfie. In 2015 three college students in India died while trying to take a selfie next to a fast moving train.
Extreme and dangerous consequences like this are rare, however they are further evidence of the importance people place on gaining the perfect selfie, rather than spending their time truly engaging with their destination.
“People are spending their travel time taking and sharing selfies rather than really taking in the moment for themselves.” Harriet added.
You can find out more about the campaign, where you can also pledge your allegiance to the #DitchtheSelfie Movement if you feel that travel selfies have taken over from true travel experiences.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Ditchtheselfie Instragram selfies tourism travel travel selfiesLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!