Understanding and Overcoming Travel Shaming: How to Cope with Criticism in 2025

What Is Travel Shaming?

Travel shaming, a centuries-old practice, has surged in recent years. With growing concerns about climate change and social justice, criticism about travel choices is more prevalent than ever. Whether you’re hopping continents or exploring local landscapes, you might encounter someone with unsolicited opinions about your travel decisions.

Types of Travel Shaming

• Environmental Travel Shaming: Often linked to the concept of “flygskam” or “flight shame,” this revolves around the environmental impact of air travel.
• Political Travel Shaming: Visiting politically sensitive regions, like North Korea or areas with indigenous exploitation history, could draw critique.
• Animal Travel Shaming: Participating in wildlife tourism, such as hunting or swim-with-dolphins experiences, can also result in scrutiny.

A recent study by Temple University highlights that positive framing can better influence change than shame, though it seems that many enjoy the act of shaming itself.

Responding to Travel Shaming

Avoid Defensiveness and Show Empathy

When confronted with travel shaming, the instinct might be to defend your choices, but experts advise taking a breath and understanding the critic’s standpoint. As Abbe Depretis, a business communication professor at Carnegie Mellon University, suggests, consider their motivations—be it jealousy or environmental concerns. This perspective can lead to more productive conversations.

Choose Destinations Wisely

Leah Frazier’s experience in Dubai, met with backlash about cultural insensitivity and frivolous travel, underscores the importance of destination choice. Jay Ternavan from Jayway Travel suggests exploring less crowded alternatives, such as Croatia’s lesser-known Rovinj, Šibenik, and Korčula, rather than tourist hotspots like Dubrovnik.

Prepare Your Response

Shel Horowitz, an expert in advising on environmental matters, recommends having a well-considered response ready to justify your travel. Emphasize the positive impact of your travels, such as gaining insights into sustainable practices like Iceland’s renewable energy or fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Personal Insights on Handling Travel Shaming

As a frequent traveler myself, I understand the criticism firsthand. Despite the environmental toll of air travel, I argue that my experiences foster important conversations around tourism’s environmental challenges. Shel Horowitz’s approach of sharing meaningful travel insights can diffuse many critical exchanges.

Letting Go of Negative Feedback

Leah Frazier ultimately chose not to engage with her detractors on social media, recognizing that such comments often stem from envy. Her resilience is a reminder that sometimes the best answer is to acknowledge, then disregard, unjustified criticism.

Understanding Our Nomadic Nature

Historically, humans have been nomadic for most of their existence. This lifestyle remains a part of our nature, making the concept of travel-shaming quite odd when viewed through this lens. Normalizing travel not only honors our heritage but also promotes cultural exchange and understanding.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Travel with Confidence

Traveling guilt-free in 2025 means understanding the source of criticism, choosing your destinations thoughtfully, and having considerate responses ready. Remember, your travels are your own, and the insights gained can contribute to broader global dialogues.

Source: https://www.elliott.org/on-travel/travel-shaming-has-reached-epidemic-proportions-but-whats-the-cure/