Remember the days when taking photos on vacation meant carefully choosing each shot, knowing you only had a limited film roll? Now, with digital cameras and smartphones, we can easily snap hundreds, even thousands, of photos on a single trip. While it’s definitely overkill, it beats missing out on capturing those perfect travel moments, right?
Travel and photography are intertwined. Let’s be honest, many of us secretly hope our Instagram feeds will look like curated travel magazines after a vacation. Whether you’re aiming to be a travel influencer or simply want aesthetically pleasing travel memories, seeking out beautiful photo opportunities is part of the modern travel experience, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Do we travel just for photos? Of course not. But for many, photography is a genuine passion. New destinations inspire us with their sights, colors, architecture, and landscapes. Sharing these visual stories on Instagram, along with travel tips and experiences, is a fun and engaging way to connect with others.
How to Find the Most Instagram-Worthy Spots When You Travel
While your entire trip shouldn’t revolve around chasing the most photogenic locations, planning to visit some visually stunning spots can be a smart move. It saves you time backtracking and ensures you don’t miss out on the most beautiful sights a destination has to offer. Here’s a guide on how to discover those picture-perfect places for your travel adventures.
1. Leverage Instagram’s Location Tags for Inspiration
A woman in a yellow dress stands in a field of purple flowers in Iceland, demonstrating travel photography inspiration using Instagram location tags
When starting to plan your itinerary, Instagram’s location tags are your best friend. Searching location tags on Instagram is an excellent way to visually scout out potential photo spots. Begin by searching for broader locations, like “Paris,” and save any images that catch your eye. Then, narrow it down to specific landmarks, such as “Eiffel Tower,” to find unique angles or ideal times of day for photography. For example, when planning a trip to Iceland, using location tags helped uncover hidden natural hot springs that were not on typical tourist routes, showcasing the power of Instagram for discovering off-the-beaten-path gems.
2. Conduct a Google Image Search for Iconic Views
Two women pose for a fun photo under iconic palm trees in Santa Barbara, showcasing Google Image Search for finding famous landmarks
A quick Google Image Search can reveal the most iconic landmarks and monuments in any destination, as these often dominate the top search results. These images, frequently taken by professional photographers, are invaluable for understanding the best lighting conditions for your own photos. Observe whether a location looks more captivating at sunrise or sunset. For instance, the iconic palm tree-lined beach in Santa Barbara, often appearing in Google Image searches, is perfect for capturing those quintessential travel shots with friends, as pictured with travel blogger @theblondeabroad.
3. Tap into Local Expertise with a Local Tour
A woman looks out over a scenic view of Cape Town, highlighting the benefit of local tours for discovering hidden photo locations
For truly unique and off-the-beaten-path photo locations, nothing beats the insight of a local. Locals inherently know the hidden gems and secret spots that are not on typical tourist trails. Booking an experience with a local is a fantastic way to uncover these treasures. Platforms like Airbnb Experiences offer a wide array of tours and activities catering to various interests. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cooking, architecture, or surfing, a local expert can guide you to the most photographically interesting spots related to your passion.
4. Opt for a Photo Tour via Airbnb Experiences
A photographer captures a woman in front of Parisian architecture during an Airbnb Experience photo tour, demonstrating photo-focused travel activities
Booking a dedicated photo tour is an excellent choice, especially when traveling solo and seeking instagrammable locations. Airbnb Experiences features numerous photography-focused experiences. When selecting a photo tour, look for hosts whose photographic style resonates with you. You can either trust their location choices or request specific spots you wish to photograph. Personalizing your photo experience is key; while generic photos of landmarks are easily found online, a photo of you at the Eiffel Tower captures a unique, personal memory, as exemplified by this photo taken by @taniaarellano during a Paris photo walk booked through Airbnb Experiences.
5. Explore Local Blogs for Insider Tips
A scenic vineyard landscape in Franschhoek, South Africa, representing the type of hidden gem information found on local travel blogs
Local blogs are invaluable resources for discovering a destination’s hidden gems, from tucked-away cafes to the best rooftop bars with stunning views. Before visiting a new city, spend time researching local blogs for insider recommendations. For example, prior to a trip to Bangkok, exploring blogs like Bangkok Glutton can lead you to the best spots for authentic local experiences, like discovering incredible Pad Thai. While this tip comes from a blogger, the value of blog research for travel planning, to find tips, guides, and unique suggestions, cannot be overstated.
A vibrant night food market scene in Bangkok, illustrating a travel experience discovered through local blog recommendations
By using these methods, you can efficiently plan your itinerary to include the most Instagram-worthy Travel Spots. Remember, while capturing beautiful photos is a wonderful part of travel, it’s also about experiencing the destination fully. Finding that perfect balance ensures you return home with stunning photos and unforgettable memories.
