[totalperspectiv]

I struggle with this every time I travel! I think that part of the... guilt? ... can be assuaged by intent. As in, you are there to learn and absorb a culture and broaden your horizons, as opposed to being there for the entertainment of seeing crazy things and getting the Instagram shot. But maybe that's just a pretense I make up for myself.

[mitchdoogle]

The thing with absorbing cultures, sightseeing, and taking photos of landmarks is that to an outside observer they all look the same.

[pyrale]

It doesn't really matter whether your visit is motivated by self-enlightment or selfie-taking. The plane you use consumes just as much, the effect you have on local life is just as dire.

People have found other ways to broaden their horizon in the past.

[kweks]

Counter: the tourist that has made the effort to seek out non standard sights, or has made an attempt to learn the absolute basics of the local language will be welcomed so much better than the selfie-obsessed flock-travelling ignoramus that simply imposes their standard habits on a new environment.