They say the secret to happiness is low expectation. That expectation is the thief of joy and the root of all heartache. And if disappointment equals expectation divided by reality, then this post might make you really, really disappointed.
Filter after filter, we are constantly editing our photos to create illusions of places we visit. We have the ability to make everything seem like anything we want. And for the unknown traveler browsing images on Instagram, these exact places get added to an ever-growing wander-list.
I experienced a few of these places and uncovered the reality of your favorite Instagram photos.
Hanging on at Pedra do Telégrafo
Located south of Rio de Janeiro, this short hike takes you to an overhanging rock.
Expectation
Holding on for dear life.
Reality
I’m 5’2″ (rounded up 😜) and I can touch the ground. Did I mention I had to wait over an hour in line just to get a chance to take photos? And if you take too long on the rock, the locals might start yelling at you in Portuguese.
Sunrise at Mesa Arch
You’ll find this pothole arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
Expectation
A peaceful sunrise.
Reality
You successfully get up at 4 a.m. to drive into the park but a bus full of tourists show up before you. Trying to search for space under their arms or between their legs to snap a photo for yourself is like trying to find a skittle in a bag of m&m’s.
Exploring Glass Beach
This beach near Fort Bragg, California is abundant in sea glass.
Expectation
Shiny. Sparkly. Colorful. Clear.
Reality
Most of the glass is clear so you’ll spend time grazing the beach and collecting the most colorful pieces for that Instagram photo (pictured above).
Wildlife Encounters in Alaska
Alaska is home to some of the land’s largest carnivores.
Expectation
A wild bear encounter.
Reality
Bear encounters in Alaska aren’t as common as you might think. Just south of Anchorage, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for that epic bear selfie. This place is actually really awesome and supporting it will help preserve Alaska’s wildlife.
Purple Sand at Pfeiffer Beach
This beautiful, secluded beach in Big Sur, California has purple sand.
Expectation
Everything is purple.
Reality
Only a small section of the beach actually contains purple sand. You probably won’t be able to fill up that empty vial you have in your pocket.
Align your expectations with reality and you’ll never be disappointed because you can finally see things for what they are and not what you want them to be.
Have you traveled somewhere that didn’t end up being what you thought it would be? Let’s chat about it!
You can find all of my filtered photos by following me on Instagram 😁
I’ve been wanting to do a post on Instagram vs Reality lately. I feel like my (our?) generation is so influenced by these highly edited, filtered photos. I know I’m guilty of it. But for travel inspiration, I think it really distorts our expectations for our adventures. We definitely need to be vigilant about keeping our eyes fixed on reality.
I completely agree and I’m definitely guilty as well. I think the important thing is to not have expectations! If you end up writing one, let me know. I’d love to link out to it.
I love Instagram versus reality photos! Not really for the informative side of things (although that is usually really interesting and eye opening) but because I think it’s so hilarious! The hanging rock is probably the one I laughed hardest at when seeing “reality” shot for the first time. Having said that, I can’t wait to go and take my own!
SO hilarious. The hanging rock was a fun one! I was just on a road trip in Canada and took a few more photos that follow this theme… basically people waiting in long queues to take a single photo. It’s pretty insane. I’m excited for you to take some of your own!
Thanks lady! It’s true. I just went to Lake Louise and was amazed at how overcrowded it was! Trying to get a parking spot was an adventure in itself.
Reblogged this on Girl Boss Media.
Haha, I love this post so much! It’s pretty entertaining how we people spend hours to take identical photos, really, when there’s so many motives out there in the world. 🙂
Thanks Desirée! Right! When I was at Austin City Limits a couple of weeks ago there was a huge line of people waiting to take a photo in a giant frame instead of enjoying the music! My friend and I ran up to the other side and had my brother snap a quick pic. It’s SO ridiculous.