Do you realize that we are the last generation on Earth that knows what life was like before social media?
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how thankful I am to have grown up during a time before social media, streaming, and screens.
I also thought of my summer travels as a young adult before social media took the internet by storm.
I was in the middle of my college degree and had saved up my vacation days for two years so I could go to Europe with my best girl friends.
Looking back, I’m so glad I traveled to Europe before the social media craze. And it got me to thinking about some of the positives of traveling before living an online life.
CONTENT PLANNING WAS NOT REQUIRED
Planning summer travels before social media was so simple. For me, it just involved saving up vacation days and money to put toward the cost of plane tickets, your cruise ticket, some food and souvenirs.
I didn’t really plan my outfits, certain shots I had to get, or places I wanted to eat at/experience.
Even with a loose itinerary, traveling felt spontaneous and not stressful at all.
I can’t imagine putting together a super-detailed trip in today’s social-media centric society.
Would I plan outfits? Yes, to some degree as I still enjoy exploring my style. However, I would not plan in detail certain shots I “need” to get.
I’m glad that I still prefer to get shots during the moment and then put my camera away. It’s how my series of Weekend Recaps was born on my Instagram!
DIDN’T ANNOY FRIENDS/FAMILY WITH PHOTO TAKING
While I love taking photos, I would never want to take away someone’s experience with excessive photographing.
Looking back at my European summer travels is pretty funny. I took more landscape and architectural shots than I did of my friends and I.
And the photos I do have of us? It’s the blurry kind. You know, before the trend of intentional blurry photos, hahah!
LIVED IN THE MOMENT DURING SUMMER TRAVELS
While I am proud to say that I lived in the moment during my European summer travels, part of me regrets not documenting it more.
I wished I had taken more detailed photos on my trip(s). My reason being is for memories sake. Honestly, I don’t remember it all and it’s kind of sad. Did I journal some? Of course.
However, I wished I had taken some video clips of us (in a vlogging way) or some more detailed photos like the food and drinks I/we had, close up of the shops we perused, daily life of the locals, etc.
HERE’S A SNIPPET OF SOME OF MY SUMMER TRAVELS MEMORIES…
MONACO, FRANCE
I’m so sad we didn’t have a longer time frame here to explore more!
TURKEY
Even though this was a very short stop, the people were so friendly! A conversation I’ll never forget:
“Would you like some Turkey delight?”
“No, thank you!”
“Okay! I’ll be your Turkey delight!”
ROME, ITALY
I did throw a coin in the fountain to ensure my return in the future.
POMPEII, ITALY
I couldn’t believe I finally got to visit the city I read about in National Geographic when I was little.
VATICAN CITY
The details were insane.
SANTORINI, GREECE
My favorite stop during our European trip was Santorini!
I hope you enjoyed this article as it was great to go down memory lane! I’ll be adding more photos as I find them so feel free to bookmark this article!
