The dream of snapping the perfect vacation photo can be a major hurdle for both the dreamer and the trip companion they have tasked with manning the camera.

In fact, curating a top-notch photo can drive a wedge through even the strongest relationships. 

“Are we vacationing or doing a Facebook photoshoot?” one man complained to his female companion on a recent afternoon in Quang Ngai City, central Vietnam as the sun set behind the moss-covered jetty in their background. 

Around them, other couples appeared to be engrossed in similar arguments.

Much to the chagrin of many travel companions, the hunt for the ‘perfect’ photo has become an indispensable activity for many holiday-goers.

"I'd rather stay at home than go on a vacation where I don’t take pretty photos for Facebook,” said Khanh Ngoc, a resident of Quang Ngai City. 

“You have to photograph and post as many beautiful photos as you can on Facebook in order to boost tourism.

Those who find themselves traveling alongside people like Ngoc, however, do not share the sentiment. 

“My wife was obsessed with taking photos,” one recently shared during a trip with his wife to Mang Den, a small town in Vietnam's Central Highlands. 

“We had to stop so many times for her to take pictures.

"It was exhausting.”

Mixed opinions

The battle between a relaxing vacation and a photo-frenzy has become a hot topic for online debate.

“When we women travel without someone who knows how to take [good] pictures, the trip is ruined,” one woman commented on a recent story on the issue published by Tuoi Tre.

“I travel for photos, I have no intention of sightseeing,” another said. “I can go sightseeing whenever I like, it's my personal life.”

“When I get home, I look at the photos and enjoy the scenery again, and the scene even has me in it!” another shared.

There are those who believe a destination is best enjoyed without having to peer through a lens or a smartphone screen.

“We don't need to take a bunch of pictures to remember the moment because our eyes and brains are the best lenses and processors themselves,” one commenter remarked.

“Look at the scenery with your eyes and keep it in your mind. Believe me, those images will stay with you for the rest of your life. 

“Don't just worry about taking photos for Facebook. What you’ll see is not the landscape but just the lens and screen.

“Of course we should still take photos, just don't make it an obligation for every trip.

“You should take a trip for yourself, not for other people to admire.”

In one comment, a user stated that vacations are meant for rest and relaxation, thus focusing solely on taking photos can make a trip suffocating and uncomfortable.  

Another commenter even called it a 'tragedy.'

“Capturing a few hundred photos entails considering many logistical aspects, including footwear, attire, hats, various accessories, and cosmetics,” he commented. 

“It is normal to carry six or seven pairs of shoes for a three-to-four-day trip.

“And then, instead of considering the place for its natural beauty, people just think about whether it is a good background for their photos.

“It's tiring, not to mention that you get compared with other ‘Insta husbands.’”

Meanwhile, other commenters refused to pick a side. 

“Every person has a purpose for traveling,” one comment pointed out. “There are people who enjoy the scenery or food. Others like filming and taking photos.”

“Respecting everyone's preferences is essential. As long as they do not contravene regulations prohibiting photography or filming, there should be no issue," another commented. 

“It is a hobby and a choice, don't be so serious.

“When I travel, I enjoy capturing a few photos for memories, and I'm perfectly at ease with others taking pictures frequently as well.”

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