Influencers aren't the only ones going on Insta-worthy trips.

The Story 

Influencers aren’t the only ones going on Insta-worthy trips.

Can I come?

Actually, yes. For years, social media brought people together in one-sided or parasocial relationships. Now, some creators are flipping the screen and inviting followers on international vacations (think: Greece, Japan, and Costa Rica). Paying to go on vacation with a stranger (à la Anna Delvey) could raise some eyebrows, but it may be coming at an important time.

How come?

Loneliness is trending in America: IRL social interactions dropped nearly 70% in the past two decades for people ages 15-24. Experts blame tech, social media, and the pandemic. Plus, if maintaining friendships wasn’t hard enough, making new friends is no picnic either — which could explain why followers are packing their bags. The trips typically cost thousands of dollars — a portion of which may go into influencers’ pockets. Even so, it’s not stopping followers from going on an adventure and meeting new people in the process.

theSkimm

Influencers are giving followers a chance to experience their FYPs in real time, and many aren’t swiping on the chance.

💼 In office life…

More and more people are getting FOBO. But turns out, doing less at work may be the key to getting ahead. So, maybe stop texting your coworkers after hours, and think twice before hitting send on that follow-up email. 

🧘‍♀️ In wellness…

Looking for a different kind of spa experience? Perhaps, try a “wellness speakeasy.” It could be the right refresh after “bed rotting” — aka vegging out — too much. Meanwhile, amid the mountains of questionable health advice on TikTok, one study’s pointing to turmeric’s benefits.

🏠 In home…

Don’t go crying fowl, err, foul — but rooster decor is taking flight once again, apparently. While some are building secret rooms, others are finding a home (literally) for their fave books, movies, and musicians.

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We Don’t: The Bridesmaid Burnout…a medley of stories that you may know all too well. 

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3. Etsy’s sitewide sale, this weekend only.

You can get $5 off any order worth $25 or more with the code GET5 — and you can use the code on as many eligible orders as you want. The sale ends tonight, so get to it.

Bummer: Another week of work is just hours away. Double bummer: NASA said they have no evidence of extraterrestrial life. Instead of putting away your tin foil hat, use it to have a laid-back alien-themed movie night with…

• “Nope.” Jordan Peele’s sci-fi horror film will take you on a journey as Jean Jacket — spoiler: a UFO — terrorizes the valley of Agua Dulce. Pair the movie with some alien popcorn heads, green gummies, and chocolates (hint: Milky Way candy bars are on theme).  

• “A Quiet Place.” One family has to — another spoiler — remain silent to avoid all the aliens that now roam the Earth. Quell your fears with some alien cookie pops — you’ll need it for all the drama and horror. 

• “Mars Attacks!” Tim Burton’s 1996 film brings Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Sarah Jessica Parker, and other stars for a sci-fi comedy where Martians invade Earth. Have an out-of-this-world movie showing with some eyeball Jell-O shots.

• “Monsters vs. Aliens.” Keep things light and PG with this animated film that’s got it all: monsters, aliens, UFOs, and a heroine tasked with saving the world. Make some alien sugar cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.