thoughts on the culture around travel influencers

I’m on my flight leaving Peru, our trip officially ended last night and i was on the first flight back home to San Diego leaving from Cusco at 7 am. I remember the times when I would do anything to prolong my trips, but now with travel becoming an overwhelming responsibility in my life I’ve tried to minimize it as best as I can. 

I was never one to gawk over YouTube videos of “the world’s most beautiful sites to see” and travel vloggers documenting every minute of their adventures. I’ve noticed how these people that have the privilege of traveling, and talent in recording it, have the ability to transport people to these places by sharing their individual experiences. I’ve naturally always had a curiosity about the world around me, the things i could do, and the stunning nature I could see. But unfortunately most of travel industry these days is marketed as an escapism from the monotony of your current life. We see the headlines of “quitting your job to travel full-time” or the desire to make an income by building your persona as a travel influencer and leaving a career that you hate. 

I’ve realized that i have (unintentionally) fallen into that lifestyle. However, as with all of the trips I’ve planned, the intentionality behind this lifestyle and the travels i plan for is important to note. My personal objectives: the summits, mountains, and expeditions I take is to continue to push myself to reach the next level both mentally and physically. My Ma’wa trips: the nature experiences I’m able to share with ladies that have never had the chance to push themselves out their comfort zone by traveling, hiking, and experiencing new things. I put a pause on my tech career with hesitation, it’s still something i see a future in, but for now this niche I’ve found, and the platform and collective I’ve built, has an impact that has proven to be so much more powerful. 

I’m not interested in traveling for the sake of traveling. I’ll admit that solo-travel is incredibly transformative and allows you to learn more about yourself and meet interesting people. However, the idea of uprooting your life to be consistently nomadic takes a much larger toll on ones health, a consistent workout routine, stability, and family…and more often than not its a way of masking other personal struggles and dissatisfactions in ones life. I’ve only recently entered this world, my thoughts may change over time, but for now as I navigate which opportunities and travels I choose to accept or decline will always be grounded in purpose and intention inshaAllah