How far have you gone…
How long have you waited…
How much have you paid…
…for that #instaperfect shot?
Yeah. You know the one we’re talking about. That one where you waited in a sweltering hot line up of tourists for that infamous ‘wish you were here’ shot with nobody else in the frame? Those selfie stick woes, the Disneyland vibes, and pay-per-pose tribulations never quite make it into the caption, do they? But maybe they should…
Never in human history has our world been so accessible – virtually and physically – to so many people. On any given day, nearly 10 million people can be found taking a flight. Over 200 million photos are uploaded onto Facebook, and 95 million to Instagram. When it comes to travel, most of us seek out those epic insta-worthy photos that make our friends and followers jealous, portray that picture-perfect moment of serenity and awe, and make the ultimate statement: “I was here”.
Yet sometimes, the shock and awe of a visit to an Instagram-famous destination is more about the jarring reality of the experience, rather than what we find in the frame…
Over-tourism, overcrowding, and to a lesser extent, mass disappointment, are becoming a serious concern in these places as the world becomes more accessible.
However, it’s the no-bullshit disclaimers and reminders like the above from our community members and fellow travelers that present a silver lining in how we choose to travel in 2019 and beyond. You have a choice of where you go, and what you do there. Are you feeding into the perception, or are you living for the experience itself?
We are reaching out to the Unsettled community to ask: what is your truth behind an image, a place, a moment? What was the unexpected surprise behind the lens when you arrived and pulled the curtain back? Was the act of taking that photo part of the adventure itself? Part of a rude awakening? Part of an ‘aha!’ moment of what travel means in the 21st century? If so, we want to hear it. Line ups, overcrowding, tripods, and, of course, the beautiful surprises.
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Upload your own photo and story of an iconic spot, unfiltered.
Hashtag #TravelUnfiltered and #BeUnsettled to be part of the movement.
On August 31st, we’ll choose one winning photo and offer $500 off any Unsettled experience.
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Ps…If you remember anything from reading this, remember this: Every day, 95 million photos are uploaded on Instagram. Despite all the filters, frames, and wild selfies from far-flung destinations, the most liked photo of all time… is a simple egg.
Travel responsibly, travel slow, and enjoy the journey…
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Unsettled is a global community for those who live and work differently.
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