Travelled the world. Experienced life-changing events. Opened your mind. Congratulations, you’re one step closer to making the world a better place.
However…there is a fine line between being an
awesome blogger and being a twat.
It’s easy to want to shout from the rooftops about
your amazing adventures. And why shouldn't you! You've taken that courageous
step into the unknown, embraced it and (hopefully) become a better person
because of it. It’s great to share your story. But don’t be a freakin’ douche
bag about it.
This is not a preaching post, but simply something
I’ve tried very hard not to do (and yet still found myself doing).
1.
Your life isn’t better
than those who haven't travelled. Telling people they are missing out on life
by not doing what you’re doing isn’t big or clever. While it is your dream (and
mine) to travel the world, that doesn’t mean your friends who chose to stay at
home, buy a house, start a family (and actually get on the career ladder) made
the wrong decision. They are doing what makes them happy in life. And so are
you. So let’s all be friends.
2.
Travellers snobbery –
Even if you’ve travelled to 196 countries, there will be someone who has
travelled to 197 (space is a country…right?). Einstein even admitted that no matter
what you do, there will always be someone out there who is better than you at
something. And let’s be honest, if Einstein could admit that, then so should
you. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and in the
end it’s only with yourself. (Serious bonus points if you can name that song).
3.
Travel blogging not
travel bragging. Be helpful, insightful, funny, witty and entertaining. Areas
where you might find resistance from fellow friends and readers.
a) ‘Look how better my life is than yours’ photos.
Don't be offended if there is a lack of interest from you friends in your album
'Central America Vol. 26'
b) Shunning friends for your new-found life of
enlightenment. Remember the little people when you get to the top (yes that was
meant as douche baggy as it sounds)
c) I have lots of money at my disposal because of
my inheritance/parental savings fund/extremely fortunate upbringing; now watch
as I frit it away. This point is best illustrated by the hilarious 'Gap Yah'
video
Again, this blog post wasn’t meant to sound preachy. It’s something I
need much more practice at. It’s a fine line all travel bloggers tread when
telling the world about their adventures. So tell others about your journey,
blog, tweet, snap and share. Just don’t be a twat about it J
For now,
Jonesy ‘look at me riding this
camel backwards across the Sahara in pashmina that I sewed with my feet, along with
Gandhi while reading (insert difficult book here) while on my way to build huts
for cute and needy endangered koalas who eat nothing but sand and have a poor
diet because of it’ Jones
