What on earth is ‘rawdogging’? The unlikely travel trend taking over social media

What on earth is ‘rawdogging’? The unlikely travel trend taking over social media

Most Australians, who are no strangers to long-haul flights, will know that inflight entertainment and food and drink options are just about the only things that make 20 hours+ of flying bearable.

However, these inflight saviors are now under threat due to an unusual trend sweeping social media called ‘rawdogging’.

Before you get too alarmed, ‘rawdogging’ doesn’t refer to anything that will end in pregnancy. The trend, which is taking over TikTok, is when a flyer tries to survive a flight as long as possible without stimulus such as entertainment or snacks.

Inflight entertainment and drink has been a saviour to many

As TikToker @screenshothq explains “There’s a new travel trend on social media and it’s all about the art of embracing doing nothing.”

“Rawdogging means getting through a trip with no phone, no book, no laptop, no music, essentially no fun.”

A UK-based DJ and influencer @oiwudini uploaded a video of himself partaking in the trend, saying “just rawdogged a 7hr flight (new personal best), no headphones, no movie, no water, nothing, incredible. The power of my mind knows no bounds.”

His followers were impressed with the effort with one saying “This is actually an insane dopamine detox” and another adding “I’m gonna do this to heal my attention span.”

Others sought to trump his effort. “I took a 15hr flight last year, no movies, no music, no sleep, just flight map, never went to toilet or even stood up to let someone past,” a user said.

The clip has gained nearly 14 million views.

@oiwudini

🧘🏻‍♂️ #fyp

♬ The Only Thing They Fear Is You – De8ed

Another user, Andrew Smirniotis @andydoesfit survived the 13-hour flight from Sydney to Dubai doing nothing other than looking at the inflight map. His efforts did not impress one follower, however, who said “someone did 17 hours with just safety manual.”

The trend comes at a time when dopamine detoxes are growing in popularity. Considered largely to be a backlash against the “always on” culture of social media, a dopamine detox involves someone abstaining from stimulus that provide pleasure such as TV, social media and gaming to train the brain away from instant gratification.

A dopamine detox is a backlash against excessive screen time

In the travel industry, the trend has led to an interest in retreats that involve denying one or more senses. A ‘silent retreat’ which (you guessed it) involves not speaking for days is one of the most well known examples of this. However, darkness retreats are also growing in popularity. British boxer Anthony Joshua recently revealed that he spent five days alone in a dark room at The Sky Cave Dark Retreat in Oregon ahead of his fight with the Swedish boxer Otto Wallin.

Reflecting on the experience, Joshua said: “It was completely pitch black, no sound, no communication with anyone. All your senses get shut down.

“I didn’t realise how tired I was. Just sat from Monday to Friday. It was phenomenal, a good experience and much needed.

Latest News

  • Cruise

Hurtigruten’s SeaZero wins prestigious award

Hurtigruten’s SeaZero project has won the award for Best Concept Ship Design at the prestigious Electric & Hybrid Marine Awards 2024 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. The first rendering of the project was released a year ago with a goal to create the world’s most energy-efficient ship. Announced in 2021, the project is currently […]

  • Tour Operators

Holland America Line announces rates for 2025 Grand World Voyages

Holland America Line is now offering Aussie travellers new rates for 2025 Grand World Voyage Cruises which includes iconic destinations. The Grand World Voyage’s updated itineraries across Holland America Line’s 37-day Grand World Voyage, departing Fort Lauderdale to Sydney, will be available starting at $12,450pp twin share for an interior stateroom, while the 42-day Grand […]

  • Aviation

Air Tahiti Nui launches special edition surfing magazine

Flagship carrier Air Tahiti Nui, has launched a special edition magazine, Horue, to celebrate the special connection between Tahiti and surfing. A notion common to several Polynesian languages, “horue” expresses the depths of the ocean which the hollows of a great wave allows us to catch a glimpse of. Detailing the history of surfing in […]

  • Attractions
  • Hotels

Capella Sydney partners with Whale Watching Sydney to launch a new Family Moments package

Capella Sydney has partnered with Whale Watching Sydney to launch a new Family Moments package designed for families seeking a blend of luxury accommodation and adventure during the whale-watching season.  Capella Sydney, just 400m from Sydney Harbour, blends heritage and contemporary design with world-class accommodation and dining experiences, along with a wellness centre featuring a […]

  • Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line expands collection of European cruisetours

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the expansion of its European collection to provide more choice, value, and destinations. The new NCL additions are available in 11 ports through November 2025 and combine select sailings with multi-day immersive land exploration for a seamless cruise holiday experience. Lisbon, Portugal has just been added to the collection of […]

  • Hotels

Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji reopens following renovation

The Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji, has welcomed back guests to rediscover the beauty of this exhilarating haven after a multi-million-dollar renovation at the venue. The resort offers 101 guest rooms tailored for travellers seeking an island paradise getaway. They can choose between ocean-front views or secluded retreat rooms nestled within lush gardens. […]

  • Tour Operators

Explore Worldwide launches upgraded collection for 2025

Leading small group adventure specialist, Explore Worldwide, has announced its new upgraded collection comprising 18 new tours across four continents. The upgraded collection includes destinations such as Turkey, Jordan, Peru, Vietnam, Botswana and Morocco. They all have the key ingredients of a typical Explore holiday with small groups, an expert tour leader, unforgettable experiences, and […]