5 expert ways to use Instagram for travel planning

Instagram is now more than an image sharing app or platform. Users are now can use Instagram for travel planning. Explore different Instagram travel hashtags to get best travel destination. If you are a travel enthusiast, the world is your oyster. The endless list of locations and activities to choose from can have a dizzying effect at times, though. Fortunately, planning your trip in advance is getting easier and easier with a plethora of travel enabling websites and apps being available in the palm of your hand. In fact, even apps that are not specifically dedicated to travel can be utilised to ensure that you have a great vacation experience. Instagram app is one such treasure trove, which can be used to check out locations and fellow travellers’ feedback. Here are five ways shared by Travelyaari that can make Instagram your best buddy for trips:

Instagram Tips for Travelling

1) Follow locals

What better way to find out details about a place than to ask someone who lives there! While guide books and websites may create a hype about a location, the most reliable insights can be achieved by following those who call it home. Following a local, especially someone who shares your interests, is a great way of receiving tips and trivia about the place you want to visit. Popular or quaint local spots, cozy cafes and exciting local events- all this and more can be accessed through interacting with someone from the city on your itinerary. Do a quick Google search on the top Instagram accounts of the city you are planning to visit. Browse through their feed and follow them to stay updated on the best ways to get an authentic taste of your destination.

 

2) Click on Geotags

Geotags are extremely useful when it comes to exploring locations. These tags display the name of the place where a particular photo was taken. By clicking on the location, you can find out more about the area, including details about the neighbouring region.  In addition, you can choose the ‘Open in Maps’ option, to view the tagged location in Google Maps or any other navigation app of your choice. Along with virtually exploring the place, the map option allows you to save the location for later when you are exploring in real time.

 

3) Interact

Put the ‘social’ in social media by reaching out to people who can provide valuable information. Interacting with interesting accounts unearths a goldmine of information about locations and activities, helping you plan your trip with more efficiency. The key is to follow accounts, which will encourage people to return the attention. This will also prompt related accounts to follow, allowing you to discover local advice and vacation tips. You can even send a direct message to an account after following it for some time for quick queries and useful suggestions. Most Instagram users who post avidly on food, travel, shopping etc. are very welcoming and eager to help their followers out.

 

4) Explore Hashtags

Instagram travel Hashtags are becoming fast and powerful tools for recall and reference. Exploring hashtags that are popular in potential travel destinations is a handy way of tapping into featured festivals, tourist attractions and gourmet options. A simple click will reveal all the posts users have put up about the hashtag and will open up a goldmine of information for you. Planning a trip to Bali? Just search for #bali and you’ll be able to see where most people are partying, what are the most scenic spots, what you should be eating and where you should be shopping.

 

5) Follow experts 

In addition to following locals, exploring official accounts is a smart way of charting out your itinerary. Tourism boards, celebrity travellers, event accounts- all of these offer not only great advice and tips, but also potential deals and discounts. TV shows and other travel publications also tend to have Instagram accounts and you can learn about where to head by simply keeping an eye on their posts. An even simpler method is to look for the accounts of travel sites and apps you are already using, as they are sure to offer special tips or packages for those who follow them.