Social media has enabled people to unlock the traveler and explorer in them as visual content available at the touch of a thumb in the most beautiful places in the world inspires people to discover and capture every corner of the globe .
However, problems have arisen with the growing demand for new and unique social content, which pushes boundaries and goes beyond any post. This attitude has led many influencers to find themselves in hot water with local authorities and communities, about the types of photos or videos posted on their social media channels.
Resistance, and in some cases jail time, has taken place in response to irresponsible, illegal and disrespectful social media content, from photos taken in dangerous locations to drone launches without permission – all in the name of gaining followers, likes and shares.
Here are five much-needed tips and advice on how to be a responsible and respectful traveler on social media.
Keep your clothes on
This should go without saying:no posing naked at tourist attractions around the world. What seems funny and harmless to you is disrespectful, and in many countries public nudity is illegal and can come with severe penalties. It is also worth investigating whether countries have a preferred dress code for those religious and cultural temples. In some countries, visitors are required to cover up, so while it can be 30+ degrees, a swimsuit or shorts are not appropriate when visiting a holy place of worship.
Don't climb old places
While a selfie in front of some of the world's most famous and recognizable landmarks is a must for many travelers, unfortunately sometimes the perfect shot can only be achieved by climbing to a place you shouldn't. While 'going off the beaten track' is encouraged when travelling, it is important that visitors to ancient sites and attractions stick to the marked path. These guidelines are not there to limit freedom, but for the safety of those who visit the place themselves.
Check the rules for filming and using drones
Video content is growing in popularity on social media platforms and with easy access to drones, more and more people are able to capture epic images from all corners of the globe. However, there are strict rules for filming and flying drones in most public places. Be it landmarks, national parks, or even entire cities, drones are off limits. It is important that extensive research is carried out before launching a drone, in some countries a permit or formal authorization must be arranged or granted in advance. And most importantly, never fly a drone near an airport.
Treat wildlife with respect
Photos taken with animals are very common on social media channels, but the time some people will take to take these photos can cause a lot of problems. Most revolve around food, as people use snacks to lure animals close enough for the perfect image. First, the choice of food can be harmful to the animal. Second, it risks becoming too accustomed to humans and seeing them as an easy source of tasty treats. This can cause them to become aggressive and disrupt tour groups. Remember, the best animal experience is watching them in the wild from a safe distance and in their natural habitat.
Stay Safe!
There has been a sharp rise in accidental deaths caused by travelers risking their safety to take a selfie, which has led many destinations and tourist attractions to implement 'no selfie zones'. It might go without saying, but the number of deaths from an accident shows that it's common enough to take it seriously; latest figures revealed that there were 259 selfie deaths between October 2011 and November 2017, with the highest incidents in India, followed by Russia, the United States and Pakistan. No matter how well you think a photo or video looks on your channels, it's never worth compromising your security.
