Whether you’re an avid Instagram user or not, you’re likely familiar with “insta-worthy” travel. Social media has changed the game when it comes to travel and experiences, encouraging users to share expertly-edited photos, check-in at the newest hot spots, and constantly add new destinations to their bucket lists.
As Instagram hits 1 billion users this year, the lines between online and offline lives are blurring for travellers, and “social capital seekers” have developed a sixth sense for social media. They’re planning their holiday activities around “feed-friendly” moments, and seeing the world in terms of its potential to snap a photo or capture a moment, in hopes to share it with the social world.
The good news is, Instagram is more than just a social media app that connects you with your friends, especially when it comes to travel. Here’s why:
It inspires you to travel more
Remember the days of sifting through friends’ albums on Facebook once they returned from a trip? Now, you can see everyone’s trips in real time – from your closest friends to people you don’t even know!
It makes travel research unbelievably easy
Using Google as a research tool for your next trip is definitely helpful, but you also have the ability to scroll through your Instagram feed or search specific destinations or hashtags to find exactly what you’re looking for. When I’m scrolling through my feed and see a destination or restaurant I’d like to visit one day, I always save it to my destination-specific “collection”, for easy reference later.
It gives you ideas for new travel experiences
Gone are the days when you had to settle for typical holiday activities; you can get so many new ideas from Instagram! From going on adventurous hidden hikes to eating breakfast with giraffes, or swinging through the jungles of Bali, you’re sure to get a new idea just by browsing your feed.
There’s photo inspiration everywhere
Not sure how to pose for a photo, or how to angle your camera in that super cute café? Not to worry! Browse through other users’ photos of the same location, and 9 times out of 10, there’ll be a post that will inspire your next shot.
Speaking of photos, if you’re looking to see the world from an Instagrammer’s perspective, here’s how to travel like one:
1. Invest in a camera or phone
You can’t expect to take high quality photos without a decent camera or phone! You don’t need to be a professional photographer, just make sure the subject is in focus. If you’re bringing a DSLR or other gadgets, here are some tips on how to travel safely with them.
2. Plan out your must-see spots and inspirational photos before you go
Believe it or not, most photos and feeds on Instagram are planned out well in advance, especially when it comes to bloggers. They know which spots they’re visiting before they even leave for their trip, and likely have an idea about which shots they want to take.
If you’ve travelled all that way to get to that destination, you don’t want to mess up your shot! To help with this, use Instagram to look up the location, and scroll through the photos. Save any of the photos you like, and refer to them once you’re there. This will inspire you to take better photos than you could have imagined!
3. Play with perspective
When you’re on vacation, mix up the perspective of your photos. Take some from far away, maybe with you as the subject, as well as some that are closer up to the lens. It’s also a good idea to sprinkle some variety in your posts; take some shots of landscapes, food, people, landmarks, and activities during your holiday. This will give your overall feed some extra interest.
4. Lighting is key
When it comes to snapping that perfect photo, make sure you use natural light. If possible, always take your travel photo outdoors, to capture that light! If the lighting still isn’t bright enough, bump up the brightness when you’re editing your photo. For a deeper look at travel photography tips, check out our top tips on travel photography.
5. The caption says it all
Lastly, once you’ve edited the photo to your liking (Lightroom, VSCO, and Snapseed are my favourite editing apps), you need to come up with a captivating caption! Try to use puns or relatable descriptions that let your authenticity shine through. Just because your photos look perfect, doesn’t mean your life is! Your captions give you the ability to show how “real” you really are.
Now that you have the tips and tricks to have a more insta-worthy holiday, we’d love to see your travel photos! Tag us on Instagram with #TuGoTravelInsurance and @tugo_insurance, and we may just repost your photo!
Happy instagramming,
Linnea
