As travel photo tours gain traction in Asia, one writerembarks on her novice expedition to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with local hostUnusual Expedition.
THE PHRASE “doing it for the ’gram” is an oft-used expression that originates from the colloquial umbrella of terms coined by the millennial set. As the expression suggests, it connotes the engineering of a moment that later lives on Instagram forever. An observation of the cultural zeitgeist easily reveals the monumental influence of the social media realm on the day-today choices of the pedestrian: outfits are carefully considered based on how they photograph; food is plated to not only appeal to the palette but also the eye; and holiday destinations are sieved from an Instagram catalogue.
Amongst the extensive roster of industries that have been overhauled by the advent of Instagram, travel emerges high up in the ranks. These observations are further supported by empirical data gathered last year — American mass media company Condé Nast reported that 70 per cent of all Instagram posts are travel related content, while data collected by Expedia revealed that the photo worthy calibre of a destination premeditated the travel decisions of two-thirds of 18 to 34-year-olds.
Falling under the demographic, I too, add to the statistical count of travellers whose itinerary is heavily influenced by the motivation to pepper my Instagram feed with awe-inspiring landscapes. While the generations of the yester years fervently collected postcards from their travels, bookmarking these sights on Instagram is the millennial equivalent. Today, ‘If it isn’t on the gram, it didn’t happen’ is a widely acknowledged populist mantra. And in the domain of travel, a variant from the rudimentary, sharing is perceived as mandatory by most.
This story is from the October 2018 edition of T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2018 edition of T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Look At Us
As public memorials face a public reckoning, there’s still too little thought paid to how women are represented — as bodies and as selves.
Two New Jewellery Collections Find Their Inspiration In The Human Anatomy
Two new jewellery collections find their inspiration in the human anatomy.
She For She
We speak to three women in Singapore who are trying to improve the lives of women — and all other gender identities — through their work.
Over The Rainbow
How the bright colours and lively prints created by illustrator Donald Robertson brought the latest Weekend Max Mara Flutterflies capsule collection to life.
What Is Love?
The artist Hank Willis Thomas discusses his partnership with the Japanese fashion label Sacai and the idea of fashion in the context of the art world.
The Luxury Hotel For New Mums
Singapore’s first luxury confinement facility, Kai Suites, aims to provide much more than plush beds and 24-hour infant care: It wants to help mothers with their mental and emotional wellbeing as well.
Who Gets To Eat?
As recent food movements have focused on buying local or organic, a deeper and different conversation is happening among America’s food activists: one that demands not just better meals for everyone but a dismantling of the structures that have failed to nourish us all along.
Reimagining The Future Of Fashion
What do women want from their clothes and accessories, and does luxury still have a place in this post-pandemic era? The iconic designer Alber Elbaz thinks he has the answers with his new label, AZ Factory.
A Holiday At Home
Once seen as the less exciting alternative to an exotic destination holiday, the staycation takes on new importance.
All Dressed Up, Nowhere To Go
Chinese supermodel He Sui talks about the unseen pressures of being an international star, being a trailblazer for East Asian models in the fashion world, and why, at the end of the day, she is content with being known as just a regular girl from Wenzhou.
