Why It's OK to Share Your Travels

We’ve all had those moments scrolling through our newsfeeds – Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, Vine, etc. – where one friend keeps posting and posting about all the cool things they seem to be doing. 

Literally, every single social media outlet. They are everywhere. Could they possibly brag any more?

Another language learned, another country visited and always more adventures coming soon.

What a jerk, right? Well, the problem is delivery. If you looked hard enough, you probably also have those friends – and maybe you’re even one of these individuals – that has learned the art of storytelling your accomplishments without coming off like an absolutely unbearable showoff. Great stories make life an interesting quest to partake in and you’ll find that if you can eloquently share your travels into the farthest parts of the world, you can use it as a tool to bring others along for the journey. Here are six tips to help get you there.

1. Aim to Inspire

Sharing where life takes you can be a way to bring others along for the ride. For example, most travelers have a deep passion for the sights and cultures they get to take part in while venturing around the world. Use that passion to inspire others with photos that accompany cultural descriptions, or use it as a way to raise awareness for places in danger supported by organizations like the World Monuments Fund or UNESCO. It doesn’t always have to be about beachside cocktails (or does it? ;) even if it sometimes is. Be open, and share why you travel to new places.

2. Be Proud of Achieving Long-Awaited Goals

You could be an inexperienced traveler who has saved and planned to take on your bucket list in 2016. Be proud to share that with everyone, but be gracious as well. Make sure they know that if you can do it, it’s possible for them to follow a long sought after dream as well. The world is always a better place if we use our own accomplishments to build each other up. Offer to help them plan their holiday. By the time you’re done, you’ll have expert advice on where to book flights to what type of car is the best to rent.

As silly as it may sound, drinking out of a coconut was a long-standing bucket list item for me. Check!

3. Relate Through a Bit of Self-Deprecation

Travel is one of the coolest, most amazing things you can do in your life. Pictures only tell one side of the story, though. Whether we want to believe it or not, all of it isn’t glamourous. Sometimes it’s just downright hard. Make sure you share the ugly bits too. For example, when living abroad you still have to pay bills like any other person. Sure, there are days you get to do really unique stuff – like take a long weekend to Morocco – but it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. 

I have never been colder in my life than I was on this ski lift in Norefjell. I actually thought I might freeze in my seat.

4. Team up With a Bestie

Talking about yourself can be tiring and difficult, especially if you are worried about coming off as the braggart. In Dorie Clark’s book “Reinventing You,” she recommends that you bring a bestie along to places like a network event, where you might need to talk about each other’s accomplishments. This way you’ve opted out of sounding like you’re tooting your own horn and you can also help your friend out in the process. I typically don't travel alone as it's either a work trip with coworkers or a personal trip with my boyfriend, or friends.

5. Be Humorous

Everybody loves a good laugh. Sharing some of your funniest moments will help you talk about the life-changing moments you experienced while traveling without coming across as a show-off. Plus, who doesn’t love a good joke or story that lightens up a travel disaster? Like how you almost missed your flight because you went to the wrong airport because the taxi driver didn’t understand your broken French, or when you ordered steak tartar and told the waiter to take it back and cook it because you didn’t realize the dish was raw meat. Humor allows for connection to things that might otherwise be un-relatable for others.

My coworker caught me in the act of "Instagramming."

6. Don’t Be Too Long-Winded

Sometimes it’s best to keep it simple. Find ways to sum up a travel experience with short little bits. If people want to know more, they’ll definitely ask. Also, make sure it relates to the subject of the conversation. For example, you’re in a group that is discussing favorite food dishes. Take the moment to tell them about the amazing curry you tried in Bangkok, and then suggest having everyone over to try and cook it together. You’re being short, to the point and inclusive – not to mention you’ll eat well!

Remember to keep it personal and try to connect with people when you share your travel stories. Keep it simple and don’t over share. Also, keep in mind that it is important to boast a little because people will get to know who you are. Just make sure you keep it light, sometimes funny and help someone else realize that bucket list road trip they’ve always been wanting to take, is a great idea.
What travel stories will you be telling us this year? I'd love to know your travel plans for 2016, in the comments below!

------------------------ About the Writer --------------------

Kacey Mya Bradley is a lifestyle blogger for "The Drifter Collective."  Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her.  Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us.

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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Kacey requested to write a post that fit my blog's style. All photos in this post are my own. If you, or someone you know, would like to write for my blog please email me at adaatude@gmail.com to discuss possibilities.