Travel shaming during a global pandemic

The pandemic is not yet over, but our longing for travel is at an all time high. But there is a bit of an issue in this regard, and that is what we are calling travel shaming in 2021. At a time when the pandemic has caused deaths, and following COVID-19 protocols is of utmost importance, travelling for leisure may not be the best thing to do. It is now however quite different from what it was in 2020. Remember April, or May of last year? When we thought that we would probably have to be stuck indoors for a very long time? All those fears are now outside the window, and we are in fact taking baby steps to travel. But should we be ashamed?
Social media is a strange place, everyone is ready to judge other people’s actions. So it is natural that travelling during a global pandemic will be met with some flak. But is the flak justified? Could be, if you are not travelling responsibly this time, but shaming is an overreach.

More people are opting to travel domestically as international travel has not opened up fully. While this is a good way to get out and take a break, it warrants utmost care, and responsibility. The problem with most of us is that we tend to ride with the wave, and throw caution to the wind. What locals are scared of is that all it takes is one tourist with the new strain of virus to land up in their hometown and spread the virus. It is certainly a matter of concern.

Travel shaming mostly occurs on social media, simply because we tend to post pictures and videos for all to see. Mean comments, and at times shared with mini essays full of criticism also follow. While it is the rich and the famous who get such flaks most times, the hopeful travellers such as you and me are also not spared.

Travel shaming can quickly make us return home, ridden with guilt. It can make us think twice before even stepping outside our localities. But having said so, if the destination you are travelling to has made it legal to travel, you could take a chance, but only after being absolutely sure that you are not carrying the virus. Hence, get tested, and make sure that you follow all protocols. The global pandemic has surely changed the way we travel, and has made an impact on the tourism industry. There is no denying that.