Is Instagram’s and TikTok’s latest travel trend a disaster waiting to happen?
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Social media has popularised travel videos that track ambitious cross-continental voyages and garner thousands, if not millions, of views.
PHOTO: LESLIE KOH
Ryley Ober
- Social media travellers like Ian Andersen undertake risky, long-distance journeys in countries with US travel warnings, sharing real-time updates that attract large audiences.
- Experts warn of serious dangers including detention, surveillance, and costly evacuations, especially in high-risk countries like Iran and Russia.
- Despite risks, travellers seek meaning and personal growth, challenging perceptions and encouraging others to explore beyond comfort zones.
AI generated
Ian Andersen cycled into Iran in June 2025, carrying a camping stove, a tent, a flat-tire kit and cigarettes.
The free-spirited Minnesotan was documenting a 16,000km bike journey from Portugal to Japan for a growing social media audience, and had entered the country despite US State Department warnings not to travel there.