10 Essential Dos and Don'ts for Sharing Travel on Social Media
In a world overflowing with cat videos, celebrity selfies, and everyday updates, standing out on social media is tough. Travel content, however, captures attention from even the quickest scrollers—if executed well. Sidestep common pitfalls and captivate your followers with these proven guidelines.
Do… prioritise quality over quantity
Social media has replaced post-trip catch-ups with friends. Constant check-ins at every airport, hotel, and restaurant—via tweets, snaps, and stories—leave followers fatigued. By return, they've heard it all.
Pro tip: Select a few standout highlights to share. This avoids feed overload and saves stories for in-person chats.
Don’t… manipulate your photos
You're on holiday, not producing a brochure. Modern audiences see through heavy filters. Minor edits are fine, but excessive airbrushing or alterations undermine authenticity.
Pro tip: Embrace reality. A genuine, unposed moment of joy—sweaty and sunburned—resonates more than a staged perfection.
Do… avoid humblebrags
Beach etchings like ‘How’s your Monday?’, cocktail snaps with ‘Hard life, but someone’s gotta do it’, or contrasting weather forecasts with #sorrynotsorry alienate viewers.
Pro tip: Share your joy without taunting. Subtlety keeps friends engaged, not envious.
Don’t… rely on posts as communication
Public breakfast broadcasts feel like updates, but they lack personal touch—especially on extended trips. Loved ones crave direct connection.
Pro tip: Schedule Skype calls, emails, or postcards. Treat family as more than followers.
Do… embrace originality
Cut through the noise with fresh angles. Unique perspectives outperform clichés like leaning Pisa towers or hot-dog legs. Skip trends that don't suit you.
Pro tip: Highlight quirky finds, hidden gems, or novel views of icons to intrigue followers.
Don’t… overuse hashtags
Hashtags track trends but excess (e.g., 50 on a sunset) drowns your post. They add little value amid millions.
Pro tip: Use sparingly—destination names for discoverability. Skip generic #wanderlust.
Do… master your platform
Great posts inspire or entertain. Tailor to Vine clips, Facebook albums, or Twitter threads, aiming above average content.
Pro tip: Refine skills via classes, editing tutorials, or influencers. Treat it as an art.
Don’t… live through your screen
Instinctively filming spectacles detaches you. Whale-watching via lens or shot-chasing stress kills immersion.
Pro tip: Pause and absorb for 10 seconds before shooting. Prioritise presence; consider a digital detox.
Do… share ‘wow’ moments
Capture epic hikes or perfect gelato. Sharing celebrates adventures, sparks stories, and builds connections.
Pro tip: Use engaging captions with positivity. Avoid boastful tones.
Don’t… forget Lonely Planet
We love your road stories.
Pro tip: Submit ‘in the wild’ pics for Facebook features; use #lpfanphoto/#mylpguide on Instagram; tweet us.
