Are we "bores" with our travel stories? (page 10 of 16)

Of course, I completely understand that strangers' personal travel journals can be interesting, and I’ve actually noticed that people enjoy them, so it’s great that they bring something to those who love them...

I’m especially thinking about the blogs that pop up every day, where you can immediately tell the real goal is recognition (creating multiple social media accounts, plastering portrait photos, selfie videos, etc.). And very often, at the start of these sites, you can read things like, "I created this blog to inspire people to travel" or "I created this blog to keep my loved ones informed," etc.—things that, on the surface, have nothing to do with spending all day on social media, working on SEO, or doing everything possible to get famous and rack up as many views as possible... In short, there’s a huge inconsistency in these people, a certain intellectual dishonesty, and a bit of hypocrisy in claiming they’re not following a trend when it’s clearly what the times demand...

As for personal journals published on forums, it’s a bit the same thing. If you ask them why they come to share their lives like this, they’ll often say it’s to "share." But is there really any sharing in oversharing?

And finally, debating a topic and telling your life story—unless I’m mistaken—aren’t the same thing. Sure, giving your opinion means believing, somewhere, that it has value or that you’re right, I’ll give you that... It’s hard for humans to escape their own little condition. And it’s true that we rarely change our minds. But debating a topic isn’t the same as making yourself the subject of the story. That’s the whole difference.

About writers, you’re mistaken (if I may say so) because most writers tell a story. Autobiographies are less common, often written by others, and usually about people who’ve made an impact... with a few exceptions, of course. An unknown person who writes a book saying "me, me, me" and just tells their life story—if they’re nobody, they generally don’t sell books. They end up on a forum, as you’ve noticed yourself.

If it’s meeting with some success, then it must be bringing something to readers. Talking about yourself and finding success that way... that’s the dream!

Aren’t blogs and travel journals just replacing paper guides? A really detailed travel journal is a ready-made itinerary for a future traveler. Some people don’t like planning their trips, others don’t have the time. As for going with an agency, to get good prices, you have to travel in a group. When I used to go to China regularly, I lost count of the DMs I got asking me to suggest a route from one city to another for a given timeframe. "I don’t have time to deal with it," I was told every time. As if *I* had the time to cook up other people’s trips... A recent, well-detailed travel journal or a regularly updated blog is a godsend for those who can’t be bothered to put in the effort.

I’m especially thinking of the blogs that pop up every day, where you can immediately tell the real goal is recognition (creating multiple social media accounts, plastering portrait photos, selfie videos, etc.). Very often, at the start of these sites, you can read things like "I created this blog to inspire people to travel" or "I created this blog to keep my loved ones informed," etc.—things that, on the surface, have nothing to do with spending all day on social media, working on SEO, or doing everything possible to become famous and get as many views as possible.

Yes. I’ve noticed this especially on YouTube, where some people have this outdated ambition to become stars by creating a channel, even though they have nothing interesting or original to show.

In short, there’s a huge inconsistency in these people, a certain intellectual dishonesty, and a bit of hypocrisy in claiming they’re not following a trend when it’s clearly what the times demand.

Without judging so negatively (I read too few travel journals to do that), it’s clear there’s a trend around the "travel journal." Living in Auvergne, I discovered this through the Clermont Travel Journal Fair. I noticed that keeping a travel journal is often an activity in itself, sometimes a bit disconnected from the actual trip. For example, the illustrations are often done by an artist who isn’t the writer, based on photos and without having been there. I think writing a travel journal and traveling are two things that can be quite different. Some people here have even presented themselves as more legitimate to participate in the forum because they publish travel journals. But seeing the world through the eyes of a travel journal keeper isn’t necessarily more interesting, in my humble opinion (just like only seeing it through a camera viewfinder is a particular approach and not necessarily very enriching).

True, Mariecurry, online you can easily skip around and pick what interests you from personal sites here and there. And happily stop at a blog that’s really worth it—whether for the gorgeous photos, an original take, or a real artistic investment 🙂

(By the way, I encourage everyone to check out your site and the amazing photos there!)

Oh, but that wasn’t the point. Especially since these photos are old.

In blogs and travel journals, there’s everything: the best and the worst. It’s up to each person to sort through them. On VF (since we’re here), there are some excellent travel journals. I’ve said it before—I’m in awe of the work put into them because I know it’s anything but easy to write one. Some have a way with words, others have a great eye, and the luckiest have both. And then, let’s be honest, there are the others. Whose work might be more debatable. That doesn’t mean we can blame them, though. Posting a travel journal might be narcissistic, but it’s also brave. You’re putting yourself out there, after all. The same goes for blogs.

Creating a blog, sharing your travels online—it’s the trend these days. The internet gives you a platform, so why not use it? When I read VF, I often feel like I’m on a "site for old-timers." A little closed off to innovation, to technology. And especially to the idealism and energy of youth.

Personally, I agree with you, and you’ll probably agree that among the flood of what we call travel blogs, there are several different styles: those that lean more toward practical guides (more useful in my opinion), those that are more of a marketing tool (like lists of countries and things to see there, even if the author’s never set foot in them, the top 10 cities to visit here, the top 10 activities to do there, etc.)—here, the author’s just trying to make money off their site. those that end up just recounting their trip like they would to their family, without giving any practical info that’s useful to others. those that mix a bit of everything, those that focus on photos, those that focus on videos... in short, there’s something for every taste.

Lumping an amateur practical guide together with a personal travel journal is, in my opinion, a mistake that a lot of bloggers make when they put together lists of blogs to follow.

The people who create travel journals here are more like the "selfie blogs" where the author just talks about their life... That’s the kind I was referring to when I mentioned narcissism or oversized egos. The ones who actually help others are different.

As a "blogger" (I prefer the term "travel site writer") and having a few travel journals under my belt here, I thought I’d join the conversation.

First off, when you love talking about travel, the internet is great because at least you’re not bothering anyone—only those who want to read do, and on a travel forum, writing a travel journal seems appropriate, especially when there’s a "travel journals" section 😛

After that, a journal will either resonate or not. I think most people who write them here do so in an authentic and spontaneous way—you either connect with it or you don’t.

I enjoy sharing my travels, though not all of them (for example, I’ve never written about my trip to Florence because I found it dreadfully ordinary). I try to share my impressions, practical tips, photos... I think a travel journal lets you travel vicariously, research a destination, or even relive a past trip when you know the place. Plus, you can read a journal out of curiosity and discover places you wouldn’t have considered before!

As for blogs, I’m not sure the most narcissistic ones are the most successful. Maybe on social media or for "round-the-world travelers," but for Europe? Nah, people mostly look for practical info.

I created *le mieux* to share info, tips, photos (which are what they are), and describe the places and monuments/museums I’ve visited.

I don’t talk about my life—I might show up in photos sometimes, but that’s different. I’m a quiet person, so it’s a change 😇

Want to be read? SEO performance? Well, I won’t lie—if I take the time to write detailed articles, it’s not just for me. So yeah, I’d rather be read (but not necessarily *seen*). That said, I don’t make a living from it, so it’s clearly not the reason.

Just to be clear, blogs that are all "look at me in front of every monument" annoy me to no end, and I rarely read them.

I had a good laugh at Mariecurry’s comment about "the old folks’ forum" 😛 Sometimes I feel like I’m among the youngest (I mean active members, not the ones who ask a question and disappear), but honestly, I get along better with older people. At least that was the case for a long time—now that my peers are getting older and maturing, it’s better.

But when I see what’s trendy with "young people"—smartphones, LOLcats, excessive self-promotion, and all that—I don’t mind chatting with older folks 😮

Another chance to congratulate you on the quality of your work and the care you put into it... 😇

More generally, what do we care if a blog is narcissistic, monetized, or full of mistakes, as long as we’re not forced to read it? By learning to separate the wheat from the chaff, we’ll always find blogs that are interesting, well-written, and either informative or enjoyable.

Personally, I don’t mind if they sell Levy, Musso, or Bussi in train stations—as long as no one forces me to crack open their books...

I had a little chuckle at Mariecurry’s thought about "the forum for oldies" 😛 Sometimes I feel like I’m among the youngest (I mean the active members, not those who come to ask a question and never return)

It’s not about age, but mindset. I’m surprised to read how easily people forget they were also 20 or 30 once. Is an intergenerational discussion on VF really impossible? It’s clear they all turn sour so quickly. It’s sad.

Anyway, I’ll close this parenthesis. Have a good (and rainy) day, everyone.

hi there! I checked out your site, *la petite souris*. It’s one of the few travel-oriented sites (like mine) designed, of course, for personal use (keeping memories) but with real value since it’s geared toward others—sharing practical info. I also agree that if you don’t like pulp fiction, no one’s forcing you to read it... Basically, we’re all saying the same thing. The difference, obviously, is that if you write travel journals in a forum yourself, it’s natural to justify it by saying it’s useful—and as we all say, whether people agree or not, there are plenty of readers for this stuff. So yes, it’s clear it has its place. Maybe I’m too critical of those who read them and travel vicariously.

At the end of the day, it’s kind of the same thing: those who just want to escape will read your travel journals, while those who want to go somewhere will check out your "practical guide" site. Personally, I just allow myself to be harsher toward people who only talk about their own lives—because on TV, in real life, or online, it drives me nuts... And I’m also talking about inconsistency: people who love reading about others’ lives without knowing them often can’t stand meeting someone full of themselves who only talks about *themselves*. So to the question, "Are we boring with our travel stories?"—if you translate that to "Am I boring you by talking about my life?"... the answer is yes!! If you’re not sharing anything beyond "me, me, me," then yes, it’s boring...

When I read VF, I often feel like I'm on a "site for old people."

Well, it makes sense since "older" people generally have more means and, for the long-time members, more time—two pretty essential things for traveling...

VF also probably isn’t representative of wealth distribution. The upper-middle class and the top income brackets are way more present than other groups.

And most of all, like in "real life," we end up grouping together based on our interests, political views, and especially our ways of traveling.

A little closed off... to the idealism and energy of youth

I think it mostly makes us laugh because, as you wrote later, we’ve all been idealistic and carefree ourselves.

That classic: "Was I really like that too? ????"

A little closed off... to technology.

Here, I don’t really follow you.

because on TV, in real life, and on the internet, it drives me nuts..

You can just skip it.

If you read, watch, or listen, it’s because you’re interested. Even if that interest might just be masochism.

but with real usefulness since it’s aimed at others, sharing practical info

Practical info is like an IKEA furniture manual.

Essential or not depending on your lifestyle (some travel freely, just like some skip the manuals).

Besides, we don’t all travel the same way. Every piece of practical info has its audience but isn’t universal.

Except for things like opening hours, administrative formalities, etc. But you can find that stuff anywhere.

Personally, I find practical travel journals tedious. I might pick out a detail using search engines, but I won’t read the whole thing.

Personal travel journals are more interesting to me—when they’re well-told and on a topic that grabs me. They can be very self-centered. That’s not an issue as long as it’s not boring to read.

Yes Attila, as I mentioned just before -"if we write our own travel journals in a forum, it’s natural to justify it by saying it has its uses," But when you're actually planning a trip and its itineraries, the practical info is what saves you time on the ground and helps you avoid potential scams. A review of a destination—what we felt here or there—is subjective and really only concerns the person who wrote it. And once you're there, everyone’s free to think what they want and imagine the itinerary they prefer. That’s why, between the two, practical info seems more useful to me... It might be less "interesting," but it’s more useful. Still, enjoying reading them—I’ll give you that—everyone does what they want at that level. As for the original question of whether it’s boring, I think yes, you think no, but ultimately, it’s less useful than a ton of practical info that, unfortunately—and contrary to what you say—you can’t find just anywhere. And yes, you’re right, a "personal" travel journal is very often self-centered. Everyone’s free to appreciate (or not) people who are focused on themselves...😛

A bit hermetic..., with technology.

I don’t quite follow you there.

I agree with you—maybe sometimes we’re a bit out of touch, but not hermetic.

, practical info is what helps save time on the spot and avoid potential scams.

Except that what’s useful for X won’t be for me.

And vice versa...

What’s a long-distance hiker’s or cyclist’s feedback going to bring me? What’s a budget traveler’s feedback—whether by necessity or lifestyle—going to bring me? What’s a packed-with-activities review going to bring me if it ends with the address of a McDonald’s?

There’s more than one way to travel, more than one type of traveler.

I often criticize practical reviews for being limiting.

it’s what helps save time on the spot and avoid potential scams... A ton of practical info... you can’t find everywhere

So it’s mostly important for those who plan every detail, who don’t like the unexpected.

Concretely, a review about a destination, what we felt here or there, is subjective and really only concerns its author.

A novel, an essay, an autobiography too, then... Should we burn them all to keep only dictionaries, cookbooks, or DIY manuals?

You’re confusing the pleasure of reading with the search for information.

Some people only need one, others need the other or both.

They’re different perspectives. A travel journal can inspire you to take a trip, while a practical review can reassure you about making it happen.

In both cases, you connect more easily when the author travels like you do.

Yes, yes, Atilla, that's what we all say here—everyone does what they want... but clearly, you don’t get it. It’s not about traveling down to the millimeter; it’s about knowing a little more about the place you’re visiting. Practical information isn’t "restrictive"; it’s just information. I’m not saying you have to burn everything either—I wrote "everyone does what they want at that level"... and no, I’m not confusing the pleasure of reading with the search for information. I’m saying that sharing information is more useful, and recounting your life or your trip is more subjective.

We should avoid caricaturing what others say or over-intellectualizing things when we’re talking about simple stuff. And we should understand what people are actually saying. All we need to do is answer the original question: are travel journals boring or not? I say no, you say yes... That’s it, as far as I’m concerned, I’ll stop here because this could go on forever like this.... Thanks

No, sorry, I meant the opposite—I said yes, it’s boring, but you’re saying no, it’s interesting...

It’s just about answering the initial question: are travel journals boring or not? I said no, you said yes..

Quite the opposite, actually.

Anyway, it really depends on who’s writing it. Some people can post all the photos or list all their favorite spots they want, but it’ll never have the appeal of a well-written piece.

Personally, I don’t mind if they sell Levy, Musso, or Bussi in train stations, as long as no one forces me to open their books...

(You picked those well )

Well, it’s the same with travel journals: we can publish them all on VF, as long as I’m not forced to open some of them, all’s good 🙂!

Dolma

Thanks to you and Masterpo!

I really enjoy reading travel journals, and I also sometimes look for practical info—there’s something for every taste!

What’s great about the internet is that everyone can pick what they prefer. No one’s forced to read anything, and it’s a space of freedom where we can still express ourselves without too many constraints.

As for the average age on VF, I’d say it’s mostly that "young people" don’t use forums (or fora) anymore—they prefer social media. They also favor smartphones, which aren’t as suited to long discussions like the ones here.

Young people travel too. Maybe just differently...