Tuyo at suka? Bagoong at mangga? Kanin at ulam? These are nothing compared to the breakout tandem of travel and social media! We already know that Filipinos are one of the top social media users of this generation. And, merely judging by the prevalence of online travel groups, small-time travel agencies, and travel vlogs and blogs, we are also some of the most well-travelled nationalities of all!
There’s a need to stand out, to gain likes and shares, to be “viral-worthy”. Some say it’s the only way to inspire other travellers. Others simply call it bragging. Whatever your intention is, being a peymus Filipino traveller is easier than it looks. Here’s a 10-step guide to help all you aspiring ones get started!
Disclaimer: This post is entirely for fun and does not intend to offend anyone. Good vibes lang!
Also read: Travel Essentials of Famous Filipino Travellers
Step 1: Think of a witty social media username
Make sure to include your name, and as much as possible, don’t go beyond 10 syllables. Here are a few cool examples: Sarah Lakwatsera, Diether the Explorer, Journey to the ANNE-Known (not real usernames, as far as I’m concerned). Basically, the more you use rhyming words, the better it will sound. Eventually, the more memorable it will be for others to remember you, too!
Step 2: Create at least one social media page
Of course, since we’re talking about travel and social media, you can’t proceed without having your own social media page. Don’t settle on using your personal accounts, until you’re sure you’ve really made it! Possible combos for starters: Facebook and YouTube, Facebook and blog, and Instagram and YouTube.
Step 3: Travel, travel, travel
Social media first, before the actual travel. Remember that! To make it easier for you to stand out, be sure to make your trip as budget-friendly as possible. Focus on established tourists destinations like Siargao, Cebu or South Korea. Or, go somewhere off the beaten that’s visa-free, yet surprisingly Instagrammable. These include places like Cambodia, Bolivia or even Morocco!
Step 4: Take lots of pictures
Don’t stop until you have “the one(s)”. Normally, a typical smartphone would do. But just in case you’re planning to choose combo 1 in Step 2, you might as well invest in a nice action camera, drone or tripod. It goes without saying, do make time to plan your OOTD. If you can’t put together a full look, here’s a little trick: Bring the best shawl you have and use it as your all-around travel outfit.
Step 5: Post in real-time, followed by a detailed status
Like a true influencer, start with Instagram or Facebook stories for real-time updates. Unlike typical feed posts, these stories are much more organic. For Instagram, include at least one poll (e.g. Where do you think I’m headed?). It’s a great way to hype and engage your followers, whether they actually care or not. When you’re back home, write or edit an extensive guide about your trip. Although, try not to reveal everything. Because you also want your potential followers to be so curious that they’d end up visiting your page multiple times, and finally follow you! Another tip: If you can’t put together a decent caption, just google a random travel quote and go with it!
Step 6: Join online travel groups
The most popular travel groups should already be on Facebook. Some of them can be pretty restrictive when it comes to content, so go for the ones that aren’t. You can find out by reading the group’s rules from the get-go. Share your final output (written or visual) and end with a call to follow or subscribe to your page. You may even find your future travel buddy to collaborate with in these groups (more about that in Step 8).
Step 7: Anywhere there’s a chance, plug your brand
It helps to be a little narcissistic when it comes to this. Here’s how you can do it: Watch out for users asking for tips or sharing their own travel experiences. Comment a little and always end with your own insights, followed by links to your pages. That way, you’ll appear as though you’re trying to help. But actually, you’re also low-key promoting yourself. It works!
Step 8: Collaborate with other travellers
In the world of famous people, you always call it “collaborate”, when it’s really just you finding another person to travel with. Although somehow, it works the same way. Plan your trip, then find someone to share expenses with, take your photos or help plug your page!
Step 9: Keep posting even when not travelling
Take note, you’ve already made yourself a travel brand, officially or unofficially. So, make it a habit to update your social media pages, preferably on a weekly basis. This way, other travellers will always rely on you for updated travel content. Don’t worry if you haven’t travelled anywhere recently. This is a good time to share photos or videos you haven’t yet, as well as to share hugot-related travel memes, which almost never fail.
Step 10: Repeat steps 3 to 9
Once you’ve taken these things to heart, keep repeating them. Being a peymus Filipino traveller is about consistency! Continue to grow your page, and, who knows, when you’ve earned a decent following, you can move on to being an actual travel influencer!
Also read: Dear Friend Na Feeling Travel Influencer, Push Mo Lang Yan
So, there you have it. Our 10-step guide to being a peymus Filipino traveller! The number one rule to remember here is DON’T BE SHY. Kapalan lang ang mukha, kumbaga. If you’re not gaining engagements as fast as you would like, spend on optimising your posts. Oh, and brace yourself for bashers, because in this competitive world of travel, it will be impossible for you not to have them!
