Is Instagram & Social Media Ruining Travel? (Plus Driving Tips For Iceland)

Travel destinations are more crowded than ever, is social media to blame? [The Expert Vagabond] Hey guys, it's Matt. Summer is almost over, I hope you enjoy these last few weeks! One topic that's been on my mind lately is the overcrowding and bad behavior going on at popular tourist attractions. Maybe it's just me, but it feels like travel has changed. A lot more tourists with cameras are spending way too long trying to get the perfect selfie, ignoring the 50 others patiently waiting their turn. Tourism has exploded in many destinations around the world, like Iceland and Spain, and locals are beginning to fight back against the transformation (and degradation) of their neighborhoods. I just published a new article highlighting some of the problems, and would love to hear what you think in the comments: [IS INSTAGRAM & SOCIAL MEDIA RUINING TRAVEL? →](=) --------------------------------------------------------------- Things To Know Before Driving In Iceland Yes, I'm aware of the irony giving you tips for driving in Iceland, one of the countries that's been plagued by overcrowding. But writing about the things readers are asking for is how I run my business. It's a catch-22! Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Anyway, driving in Iceland isn't as straightforward as some other destinations. They have freak snowstorms, wind that can rip your car door off, and sheep. Lot's of fluffy free-roaming sheep. [17 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE DRIVING IN ICELAND →]( --------------------------------------------------------------- I Moved To Austin, Texas! Anna & I just moved to Austin Texas for a few months. We're only here temporarily, in preparation for another move later this year (which I'll keep secret for now, just for fun!) We are presenting at a cool travel industry conference here in Austin called [TravelCon](=) next month, run by my friend [Nomadic Matt](=). I'm leading a few photo-walks (already sold out unfortunately!) and Anna will be talking about the business of Instagram. While the conference tickets themselves are almost sold-out too, they are offering a [cheaper virtual ticket](=) that lets you watch all the same awesome speakers via video from anywhere in the world, without leaving your home! Some people I'm particularly looking forward to hearing are [Pat Flynn]() (who I've been following for years), and [Rolf Potts]() (who's book convinced me to go backpacking in the first place). --------------------------------------------------------------- Cool Stuff From The Web Great articles from the inter-webs this month: - [How Travel Changed My Perspective & Politics]() (Rick Steves) - [10 Things Most Americans Don't Know About America]( (Mark Manson) - [The Travel Guides That Charted Our World]( (BBC Travel) --------------------------------------------------------------- What Am I Reading? [Seventymile Kid: Lost Legacy of Harry Karstens]() - By Tom Walker --------------------------------------------------------------- This Is Awesome. [Luna Sandals](=) - I've been traveling with these minimalist sandals for 5 years now. Easy to pack, comfortable, and rugged enough for trail running or the beach. --------------------------------------------------------------- DON'T FORGET: [Get travel insurance](=) to protect your trip! (I always have it. Protect yourself from possible injury and theft abroad.) Thanks For Following! If you haven't yet, make sure to come say hello on [Facebook](=), [Instagram]() and [YouTube](. I'm usually pretty active on social media. - Matt (The Expert Vagabond) P.S. - Traveling soon? Remember to check out my [budget travel resources page](=). It covers advice on how to find low cost accommodation, how to book cheap flights, my favorite travel tips, and much more. [Unsubscribe]( | [Update your profile]( | 382 NE 191st Street, Miami, FL 33179