Is Travel Still Fun If You're Always Documenting It?

Is Travel Still Fun If You're Always Documenting It? A Complete Guide

Everyone's constantly filming their trips these days. Makes you wonder - are we actually experiencing anything, or just performing for our phones? Found out on my last weekend away from Gatwick.

Must Read: Why I Don't Use Guidebooks Anymore.

Sorted the Boring Bits First

Used short stay parking Gatwick for the trip - made life dead easy. Car safely parked, grabbed decent airport parking deals online beforehand, felt properly organized for once. Starting trips smoothly definitely helps you focus on what matters instead of stressing about logistics.

The Phone Addiction Reality

Soon as I arrived, caught myself reaching for my phone constantly. Street markets, colorful buildings, even my bloody lunch - everything had to be documented.

Also Read: Travel Burnout Is Real — Here's How to Handle It.

Felt fun initially, like I was creating this brilliant travel diary. But then realized I was seeing everything through a screen instead of actually being there.

Putting the Phone Down

Decided to try going phone-free for a few hours. Sounds simple, but proper withdrawal symptoms at first.

Then noticed stuff I'd been missing completely - bakery smells, street musicians, conversations happening around me. The world got richer when I stopped trying to capture it.

Finding the Balance

Documenting trips isn't evil - sharing memories and creating content can be brilliant. But when your camera becomes the main character instead of you, something's gone wrong.

Also Read: Your Reusable Water Bottle During Travel.

You end up experiencing everything secondhand, even while it's happening right in front of you.

What Actually Works

Sort practical stuff early - parking, flights, accommodation. When logistics run smoothly, you can focus on actually enjoying yourself. 

Must Read: The Art of Stylishly Minimal Packing.

Take photos, but don't let them dominate the experience. Your eyes see more than any camera anyway.

The Bottom Line

Travel should feel like adventure, not performing for social media. Plan the boring bits like short stay parking and airport parking deals, then put the phone down occasionally. Amazing what you notice when you just look around properly.