THE DO’S AND DON'TS OF TAKING TRAVEL SELFIES
We all love to take a few cheeky selfies on our travels. But there are some important things to know that can transform an average selfie into a great one. There are also a few things to 100% avoid when ‘selfying’ your way around the world. So when you’re off on your backpacking adventure, remember to keep in mind this guide to selfie etiquette…
These are our do’s and don’ts…
DO:
FIND A GOOD BACKDROP
Make use of the incredible surroundings on your trip. Nothing elevates a selfie more than a stunning backdrop! And a great view actually gives a pretty justified reason to take the selfie in the first place.
DON’T
BE CULTURALLY INAPPROPRIATE
When taking selfies abroad, it’s important to be aware of what’s around you. You don’t want to be the person who posts that selfie with the Holocaust Memorial in the background. Be respectful at all times. Whether it be of another culture, place, religion or event.
DON’T
CARE WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE TOO MUCH
When you’re out on the road, you’re never going to be in a full face of makeup at all times. In fact, you could be on top of a mountain sweating like there’s no tomorrow - but the perfect picture opportunity arises when you stumble upon an epic view. Take the selfie, edit it later. It’s fine! Plus, everyone prefers a great au natural selfie right? Raw photos are the best.
Our top tip for times like this lead on to our next point….
DO
ADD SOME SUNNIES
Looking rough? Add some sunnies. Had no sleep? Add some sunnies? Sun too bright? Add some sunnies. Hungover from that crazy party in the hostel bar? Add some sunnies? You get the picture. Sunnies are your friend. Use them.
DO
GO UNDERWATER…
Selfying underwater is a thing. And we’re fans. Get yourself a good underwater camera first then go wild!
DON’T
OVER SELFIE YOUR FEED
People will think you’re self-obsessed if you’re on this amazing trip and only posting photos of yourself. Show your followers where you are, the beautiful views, the people you meet and what you’re doing. Don’t over-selfie it. Plus, nobody wants to see your face every day clogging up their feed (as wonderful as your face is)...
DO
USE A SELFIE STICK PROPERLY…
Don’t just whack out your selfie stick at any time or any place. These selfie sticks are like weapons. Be considerate of where you are: think “is it too crowded to pull out my selfie stick?”, “if I stopped here right now to use my selfie stick will it inconvenience others?” Selfie sticks can be an incredible aid to get that perfect shot - but they can also be a pain in the ass if not used properly...
DO
BE SAFE
Some people go to lengths to take incredible selfies but it’s crucial to remember to stay safe. A selfie won’t change your life, but ending up in hospital with a broken ankle because you tried to take a selfie while skiing on a black while drunk will. And it will make for an embarrassing story when you get home.
“Oh how did you break your ankle?”
“I was just taking a selfie…”
DON’T
GO TOO HEAVY WITH THE FILTERS
You’re abroad. The sun in shining. The lighting is great. Don’t ruin a perfectly natural shot with a heavy ass filter changing the whole pic. No I don’t want to see you in front of the Eiffel Tower that now has blue highlights and you as a result look like a Smurf…
#NoFilter
DO
CHANGE UP YOUR SELFIE PARTNER
You don’t want to look like you have 1 friend and 1 friend only. Sure, they’re always up for a selfie and never let you down but they also feature in like, every single one of your photos. Mix it up.
DON’T
PDA IN PHOTOS
For those who don't know what PDA stands for: Public Display of Affection.
Yes we all know your girlfriend/boyfriend is travelling with you but we don’t need to see you making out at every single site you visit with a cringe caption about how much you love them. Gross. Keep it classy and avoid the PDA on social media…
DO
USE PEOPLE WITH LONGER ARMS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
The friend with the longest arms probably has the best chance at taking a great group selfie. This way, it’s easier to fit everyone in shot and to get a good angle!
DO
BE CONSIDERATE
Be considerate of who else is in the shot so that the angle works for everyone…
Or just take a few at different angles to so that you can all post the one you look best in…
DON’T
TAKE SELFIES IN A POINTLESS PLACE
What’s the point? You could take that same selfie at home in your bedroom. You’re travelling - use the environment around you to your benefit.
DO
TAKE SELFIES WITH FOOD
If you’re abroad this is totally acceptable - you’re probably going to try some delicious food on your travels so you may as well give everyone else serious food envy back at home! Food always does well on Instagram, I follow about 10 different food pages myself. So yes, snap yourself posing with that raw Dutch herring you bought from a street stall in Amsterdam. Food is a big part of travelling, so why wouldn’t you document it?
DO
STAND BACK
If you’re trying to take a selfie with a well-known site or landmark, you’ll never fit the whole thing in if you’re standing too close to it. Position yourself further back so you can fit as much of the building in as possible (and of course, your face has to fit too).
DON’T
USE THE SAME OLD POSE
Change things up, be creative and stop using that same old pose. You know, that go-to facial expression apparent in every selfie of yours…
DO
SMILE!
Put energy into your selfie with a smile. You’re having the time of your life, show it!