This Divisive Travel Trend Is Taking Over TikTok
If the thought of going on a long-haul flight without being able to read, watch, or eat anything feels you with mild dread, then TikTok’s latest travel trend isn’t for you. The term ‘rawdogging’ is gaining traction online, with millions of views and counting, and it’s this writer’s idea of nightmare fuel – notwithstanding the impending holiday at the other end, of course. Scroll down to see what the trend is, and why it’s… taking off.
What is ‘rawdogging’?
Not to be confused with another, more explicit slang reference, ‘rawdogging’ (in this context) is about taking a simultaneously chaotic and mindful approach to travel, depending on who you ask. ‘Rawdogging’ requires a passenger to forgo all forms of entertainment for the duration of their (usually long-haul) flight. That means no screens, no books, no music. Not even food or drink.
‘Rawdogging’ requires a passenger to forgo all forms of entertainment for the duration of their (usually long-haul) flight.
Some content creators are even sharing their ‘personal bests’ on the platform. In one video with over 13.4 million views, the creator wrote, “Just rawdogged a 7hr flight (new personal best) no headphones, no movie, no water, nothing. Incredible. The power of my mind knows no bounds.” Users seemed to have mixed reactions to the trend with comments like “this is actually an insane dopamine detox” garnering over 108k ‘likes’, and another writing, “thats how everyone was flying before tablets and laptops.” “Im gonna do this to heal my attention span” added a third.
Meanwile, others – henceforth referred to as ‘my people’ – pointed out that it was a bit far for their own preferences, adding, “the no water part just seems like self sabotage 😂”. Depending on who you ask, the trait is described as both a ‘beige’ and a ‘green’ flag – although I’m inclined to think that the difference depends on whether eating/drinking is permitted.
So, what do you think of the ‘rawdogging’ travel trend? Would you try it on your next flight?