How to use Instagram as a travel tool
At the end of 2014 more than 300 million people were on Instagram, handing out around 1.2 billion likes each day. It’s the fastest growing social media platform around the world as everyone busily uploads photos of their lunch, their outfit and their pets. And the #travel hashtag is one of the most popular out there. So how can you use Instagram as a travel tool?
Planning
First and foremost, Insty will provide some unbeatable inspiration for your next journey. Looking for a new beach break destination? Search hashtags like #beach, #ocean, #sand, #waves or #sea to bring up the most snappable stretches of water on the planet. If you’re looking for something more specific, try a niche tag like #londoncoffee, #melbournestreetart or #berlinbynight to see what the cool kids are photographing. Your favourite travel blogger will also most likely have an Instagram account, so you can scroll through images of all their top destinations with ease.
Discovering
Instagram has a handy location feature that can put you on to other sights, activities, restaurants or bars around you. When you add a photo you have the option to name a location, let’s say Place de la Concorde, Paris. Once your photo is up you can click on the location to see other photos taken recently at the same location. Et voila!
Connecting
They don’t call it a “social” network for nothing. Instagram is a great platform for connecting with local bloggers or Instagram users, hotels, tourist boards or local celebrities. Follow their accounts before you go to get an idea of what you can expect at your destination. Then you can start interacting with their pictures, liking, commenting and asking questions, to get some insider feedback. Don’t forget to use local hashtags (like #ilovesydney for Sydney or #shangrilasydney if you’re staying at the Shangri-La Hotel) to get noticed – you might even get a repost!
Bragging
No one likes to admit to this one, but isn’t that really what social media is all about? It’s the modern equivalent of dragging all the neighbours over to your house for a slideshow after your trip to Europe. Get a great shot, add a filter (or two) and add as many hashtags as you can think of. Instagram is a great way to show your family and friends what you’re up to, and it provides a nice visual record for you to go over when you get home.