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!
------------------------ 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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