I don't think social media is the primary driver, because I had similar thoughts about travel 10 years ago. I would say a few things are factors for some of wh

I don't think social media is the primary driver, because I had similar thoughts about travel 10 years ago. I would say a few things are factors for some of what is described: 1. It's relatively cheap and easy to travel. This wasn't as much the case in the past. 2. Population boom of millennials and onwards. I have a boomer mom and a pre-war dad who was born in Europe. They both see international travel as a Major Barrier with a lot of friction. I remember that seeming true in my childhood too. The younger cohorts have grown up with it being relatively cheap and easy. 3. The EU. Go to the touristy part of a touristy town in Europe, I guarantee you will hear the national language and native accent of every EU member state. I can't imagine it being like that several decades ago. It also drives tourism from outside Europe because they can enter in one country and cross over to another without hassle.