Did you know that Instagram is on its way becoming the hottest new travel app? While millions scroll through Instagram for fashion and foodie photos, travelers everywhere are turning to Instagram to help plan their next trip or vacation. We love using the photo-sharing app to help plan travel because other users share their unbiased opinions and photos. They aren’t [usually] paid to promote a location or company; they genuinely love the product or destination.
When planning a trip, we head to Instagram before we even Google a destination because users share up-to-the-minute photos that search engines could never give us. From where to find the best latte to what to wear in Paris, Instagram is proving to be an invaluable tool for newbies and seasoned travelers alike.
How To Use Instagram To Plan Your Next Trip
Use images you love to help pinpoint your next vacation spot
Take notes on where your favorite Instagram images are taken. Seeing tons of epic photos from Iceland every time you log on? Maybe this is a subtle sign that Iceland is where you should consider for your next trip! Totally in love with all the images from Italy or New York City? Boom! You already have a few location ideas narrowed down for your next vacation.
Follow location-specific feature accounts for the ultimate inspiration
When we were planning a trip to Oregon, we didn’t know too much about the state. We followed large Instagram accounts that only feature images taken in the State of Oregon [@Oregonexplored, for example]. These feature accounts share images taken by the best-of-the-best and we received valuable insight into gorgeous locations we never knew existed. Type the name of your destination in the search bar of Instagram and feature accounts are often among the first to pop up. Most major destinations around the world have a feature account created in their honor so you shouldn’t have to look too far.
Post a photo asking other users for suggestions
During the planning stages or at the start of your trip, post a photo on your Instagram account asking other users for their tips. Make sure your caption focuses on what you care about, i.e., best vegan restaurants, where to see the sunset, general “must do” tips etc.
Once you have created a great caption, be sure to include location-specific hashtags. If you will be visiting a large area such as France, hashtag broader tags such as #France #frenchtrip etc. If you will be visiting a city or location, tag more specific places such as #Paris #Louvre and #Effieltower. This allows other users to see your request and gives them a chance to respond and help out.
Search “places” to plan your itinerary
When searching on Instagram, head to the tab called “places” and enter either a broad “New York City” or focused “Brooklyn Bridge” term. Geotags show exactly where a photo was taken on Instagram and this is the easiest way to plan your trip.
If you see an absolutely beautiful image come across your feed, check to see if a location is tagged on top of the image. If a geotag is present, click it and you will arrive at a page full of images by other users who tagged the same location. This is a great way to discover new locations or put a name to a location that you keep seeing but aren’t sure it’s exact title.
Harness hashtags to help plan your wardrobe
Your apps can only predict the weather at a location. Want a better gauge? Use Instagram hashtags and location tags to find out what is going on at a destination this very moment. Go ahead, try it! Ready to head to the Grand Canyon but unsure what the temperature is like today? Should you wear long sleeves or a skirt? Simply search #grandcanyon or find the location tag and you will receive up to the minute updates.
If the recent images that show up are of people are in shorts, chances are the climate is warmer. The weather channel telling you it will be sunny but all the recent photos show people with umbrellas? It is best to defer to what the public on Instagram are doing since they are at a location this very moment. Just make sure to check the timestamp showing when the photo was posted. You wouldn’t want your inspiration image to have been taken 6 days ago.
Follow tourism boards and local users
Tourism boards know practically everything there is to know about a certain destination. Make sure to search for them on Instagram before you head to a destination. They offer unique insight into activities and locations you may love but just not know about.
Local users make your vacation destination their home. They provide a candid take on everyday life where they live and will open your eyes when it comes to places to eat/drink/see. They are often very helpful and personable so don’t hesitate to comment on some of their images and ask questions.
READ NEXT: 8 Essential Travel Apps To Use Every Trip
Have you ever used Instagram for travel planning? What is your favorite tip? Let’s talk about what we missed in the comments!
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Great tips! I have found so many great places and tips from perusing Instagram.
PInned this to my ‘Where’s My Passport’ board. Excellent tips! Always love your photos, by the way.
These are great tips!
These are really great tips! I’ve used Pinterest to plan vacations, but I haven’t thought of using Instagram. Great idea!
Fantastic article! We have totally started using Instagram as our travel guide and get so many travel ideas from there. Our bucket list is ever growing! Great tips on how to use effectively!
What a great idea! I never would have thought of using Instagram for travel planning!
Completely agree with all of these! Instagram has been a completely unique and inspiring tool for me when planning travel. I’m a last minute person whereas my husband, Logan is the planner. While we both utilize sites like TripAdvisor, Pinterest, etc. to help gather recommendations or travel inspiration, Instagram has really proven to be one of the best ways to find new discoveries. I have an entire album of “screenshots” saved on my phone for a “virtual bucket list” if you will! Many people don’t look to Instagram first when planning travel so this is an extremely helpful post!
Couldn’t agree more!! I think using IG as a planning tool especially makes sense if photography is a major part of your travels, like it is for us. I have found a lot of “secret” photo spots I want to emulate, merely by searching on Instagram. I think this is a top piece that will be very valuable for travelers. Awesome work! xx
PS: Adorable article title! 😀
I also do this, it is absolutely the best way to get some travel inspiration and plan a trip. I wish Instagram had a way to save photos you have seen, would make it easier.