Over a billion people browse Instagram daily. And travel pictures are a staple of the imagery-based social network. So much so that travel counts among the twenty most popular hashtags for Insta users. For picture-savvy travellers, the Gram has even become the go-to platform to decide where to go next.
Hence the rise of Instagram tourism. In 2015, for instance, the New Zealand tourist board saw a dramatic increase in visitors to the country’s South Island. The surge was potent in the Lake Wanaka region. And it was all thanks to a partnership with international Instagram influencers.
Since then, many destinations have caught up on the Insta tourism trend. The world’s most scenic places even offer tailor-made experiences to cater to the growing number of Insta-savvy travelers. So, what destinations are the most Instagram-friendly? We take a look at four click-worthy destinations on Instagram.
Paris
On Instagram, you’ve probably seen your fair share of selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum. Enough to say that the French capital is a hit for a romantic vacation away from home. Paris even boasts a stunning 130 million hashtags on Instagram.
And the city’s popularity is not fading out, as Parisian tourism operators offer exclusive Insta-worthy experiences. Private photography tours now take visitors to the city’s iconic landmarks. These photo ops might also include some hidden gems to get creative and differentiate yourself from the usual posts.
Instagram even stepped in to celebrate the beauty of Paris with an exclusive event in 2019. For three days, the Coeur sur Paris campaign made way for photobooths designed by Insta creators. Brand ambassadors also gave free tutorials to up any traveller’s Insta game.
Iceland
Back in 2018, pictures of Icelandic landscapes were popping up left and right on the Instagram grid. Many news outlets like lifestyle magazine Cosmopolitan even jumped on the bandwagon to promote some of the world’s coolest places for your Instagram feed. To this day, over 14 million photos are using the Iceland hashtag.
National parks like Vatnajökull provide a gorgeous backdrop for an Insta photo shoot. But from black sand beaches to glaciers, this small European island boasts many more natural treasures. The Northern Lights add yet another magical touch to the scenery in winter.
Tulum
Tulum might be one of the most stunning beaches in the world. With Mayan ruins overlooking turquoise Caribbean waters, the setting is so perfect it’s almost unreal. Yet, the Mexican seaside town isn’t all about white sands. This former fishing village has grown into a magnet for Insta travellers. Indeed, Tulum is a trend-setter in the world of Instagram tourism.
Along the shore, trendy bars and beach clubs look straight out of an Instagram design guidebook. And in Tulum, everything from private nests above the jungle to treehouse hotels is a Grammable experience. Private Insta tours also take tourists to the town’s center, where street art installations and one-of-a-kind boutiques are all part of the Instagram itinerary.
Dubai
Dubai has been at the forefront of architectural innovation for decades. In the most iconic city of the United Arab Emirates, this endless creativity has boosted tourism like never before.
On Instagram, #Dubai claims 117 million posts, and the city was a pioneer in influencer marketing. Many companies, therefore, seized the opportunity to offer private photoshoots to Instagram hotspots like the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper. But Insta-worthy places also include impressive feats of architecture, such as the Meydan Racecourse grandstand.
If you ever feel like wagering, though, know that betting restrictions are in place in Dubai. Yet, some websites offer advice on how to gamble safely in the Gulf area. With a simple click, you can check the best online casinos in Kuwait or the UAE. The most popular options offer everything from slots to live dealer games. Most casinos also include several promotions, such as free spins or high roller bonuses. But if you’d rather wager before your trip, Dubai has plenty attractions to feed your Instagram.
Instagram has long become a go-to resource for travellers. Yet, critics argue the Instagram lens leans towards a staged travel pictures. Still, travel pictures done right are a sure way to boost the views on your Insta account. And hidden treasures are just around the corner for those willing to go the extra mile.
