Mindful Travel Tips for Students
Social media has become a useful tool for young travelers, helping them share their experiences with others while discovering new places. Recently, it has become quite the trend to uncover "hidden gems" on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Youtube. Searching for the term hidden gems on social media platforms allows other travelers worldwide to quickly discover the secret, unknown beauties with little effort.
The Traveler's Allure to a Well-Kept Secret
The charming cafés, quiet parks and secluded beaches are becoming more appealing than the usual tourist attractions. There seems to be a bigger sense of adventure when exploring the more authentic and raw parts of a new place. On the one hand, social media can really help boost local businesses. However, it can be a double-edged sword, as some of the locations being shared are in fact already known to locals who often cherish the peace and solitude away from tourists.
In just a few seconds, social media has the ability to attract huge crowds to once-quiet locations, often overwhelming them and leaving them littered with garbage. More importantly, it can lead local communities to lose their sense of ownership over their private safe havens by exposing them to the world.
The Impact of Social Media on Hull Bay
As a Virgin Islander, I have seen firsthand how social media has changed the dynamic of the hidden beauty of our islands. Although it's important to recognize that tourism is the backbone of our economy, it has been heartbreaking to watch our quiet beaches, sweet safe havens and so-called hidden gems be transformed into "must-see" destinations.
Our islands are very rich in beauty and culture, we do our best to welcome tourists to explore and learn about our history. But perhaps there should be spaces left for locals to enjoy too? Ones that aren't overrun by people who are eager to capture the perfect pictures or videos and share them with the world.
A perfect example of this is my favorite beach back home, Hull Bay. Growing up, I watched this beach change in ways I never imagined. Once a place filled with familiar faces I've known my whole life, it's now a spot where I have to sift through a sea of tourists just to spot someone I recognize.
While there are other contributing factors, social media posts about Hull Bay have brought even more overwhelming attention to this once-called hidden gem. With that being said, everyone would love to enjoy places that aren’t overwhelmed by tourists, but unfortunately, when these locations gain such popularity on social media, it is easy for them to have the opposite effect and become overwhelmed by even more visitors, resulting in overcrowding and sometimes damage to the natural beauty of that said hidden gem.
While Hull Bay is just a personal example, this is in fact happening all over the world. For example, many locals living in Paris know that the city's hidden gems are no secret. The quiet streets with the perfect views have become filled with cameras and people. The quaint cafes where famous authors used to write have become hotspots for content creation.
Spots like Rue Crémieux, once a peaceful residential street, are now overrun with influencers and tourists, to the point where residents are respectfully asking visitors to respect their privacy. This shift shows how easily social media can transform a neighborhood’s character and not always for the better.
A recent study by Justfly.com found that social media plays a major role in how younger generations plan their travels, with 81% of Gen Z and 75% of millennials saying it’s a huge factor when choosing their next destination. Additionally, 68% of the respondents said they share photos from their trips online, and 53% said they do so with the intention of inspiring others.
This shows how powerful social media posts can be in shaping travel trends and uncovering local beauty. As more travelers turn to social media for inspiration, it becomes even more important to consider how our digital footprint affects places all over the world, not just in the Virgin Islands or Paris.
How to be more respectful when exploring a new place.
Students studying abroad have many opportunities to explore the gems of Europe and share their experiences with others through Instagram posts, TikToks or YouTube vlogs. However, it’s incredibly important to approach this aspect of sharing a new destination with respect and consideration for both the location and the locals within the community you are visiting.
Research Before Posting: Before you share your photos, take a moment to think about how your post could impact the location’s future. Sharing hidden gems may contribute to their commercialization, which could harm the very thing you fell in love with. In some cases, this can also lead to overtourism, putting some pressure on the local infrastructure and change the vibe of the community.
Respect Local Culture and Privacy: Be mindful of the privacy and comfort of locals. Some places may be sacred or private, and posting about them without permission can take away from the peacefulness of the space, making them less enjoyable or special. Additionally, be mindful of local customs and ask for permission when creating content. Even a few bars and coffee shops around Paris have placed signs outside stating that filming content is not allowed in their space. Keep in mind that not all businesses need more business, but some might love more community engagement, so it's important to just ask.
Sustainable Travel Practices: Leave no trace or leave the place you are visiting better than you found it, and encourage others to do the same. That being said, always be sure to properly dispose of waste and stay on designated paths; they are often there for a reason.
It's also important to shop locally and respect the local economy.
Promote Lesser-Known Locations Thoughtfully: If you discover a hidden gem that is under the radar but deserves attention, think carefully about how you introduce it to others. Instead of sharing its exact location, perhaps offer more general advice or encourage your followers to engage with it responsibly. By doing so, you’re allowing others to discover these places without overwhelming them.
Engage with the Local Community: A great way to appreciate a hidden gem is to connect with the locals. Take the time to talk to residents, learn about their customs and understand the significance of the places you visit. There's something special about learning from those who know it best. Then, perhaps your social media posts can portray not just the beauty of the place but also its story or cultural importance. Most of the time, a location's story holds more value than just being a picture-perfect spot.
There is a need for balance on social media between sharing the secrets of a location and preserving its authenticity for the locals. The key is to be mindful when sharing these spots with the world, making sure that locals have a voice in how their community is represented and experienced. It's not just about capturing a perfect picture but also considering the long-term effects of drawing large crowds to once-quiet spaces.
