Over the last week, I have been traveling through the most scenic regions in England, including Bath, Oxford, and the Cotswolds. Of course, I have taken lots of beautiful pictures, especially because the weather was fantastic for the whole time I was there. And the best of these pictures are going to find their way to my Instagram account (once I finally get through them all).
I love sharing my best travel photographs on Instagram, and many others, especially young people, are the same as me. And there really is nothing wrong with that in general. But…
Post Contents
- ... 40% of Millennials Choose Their Holiday Destination Based on How Instagrammable it is
- 1. The most popular „instagrammable“ destinations are often overrun
- 2. Many people are disappointed that they can’t get the instagrammable shot they hoped for
- 3. If you are always after the best shots, you miss the experience
- 4. Many local dishes are delicious but maybe not instagrammable
- 5. The best experiences I have had are not instagrammable
- In Conclusion
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... 40% of Millennials Choose Their Holiday Destination Based on How Instagrammable it is
That is what I recently read. It was a study conducted by the UK based travel insurance company Schofields Insurance. According to the results, 40% of millennials choose their destination based on how instagrammable it is. And I fear these people are making a huge mistake when they select their destination that way. Let me give you a couple of arguments why you shouldn’t choose the most instagrammable destinations:
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1. The most popular „instagrammable“ destinations are often overrun
If you only have one holiday each year, do you really want to spend it where everyone else is spending their holiday? Instead of visiting the Taj Mahal in India just because it would look so great on your Instagram account ask a local about a temple they like to visit and take some pictures there for your Instagram, the spot will be less famous but likely equally beautiful.
2. Many people are disappointed that they can’t get the instagrammable shot they hoped for
Most beautiful tourist spots are popular with photographers, professionals and hobbyists alike. And if you want to get that perfect shot for your Instagram, you will likely have to wait in line until it is your turn. In my opinion that is a lot of wasted time on a short holiday.
My tip: If you really want to go to those famous, beautiful, instagrammable spots like for example Fushimi Inari in Kyoto then it is best to get up super early and enjoy the place while you have it basically for yourself. That way you get the beautiful shot and have time to explore the destination properly without the other tourists being in your way.
3. If you are always after the best shots, you miss the experience
We have all been there; you are at an event like the famous Japanese fireworks in summer. And instead of enjoying the beauty with your own two eyes you are trying and trying to get that beautiful picture to put on social media. You end up seeing the whole thing through the lens of your camera and didn’t even have the time to relax and enjoy and take everything in because you were to busy taking pictures.
Remember to put the camera away and just enjoy for your own sake and don’t spend your holiday for the people who will see the picture on Instagram later.
4. Many local dishes are delicious but maybe not instagrammable
Here is another argument why you shouldn’t choose the most instagrammable destination for your holiday. This one is mainly for the foodies among you. I know there are many delicious looking dishes all over the world and we simply want to take a couple of photos to share with the world. But when you are finally done and start eating your meal is already getting cold. It would have been even more delicious if you had just eaten the dish right away instead of taking pictures of it first.
Another thing is that some dishes are delicious but not very photogenic. You should order them anyways, don’t miss out on authentic food experiences during your travels just because it won’t look nice on your Instagram stream.
5. The best experiences I have had are not instagrammable
The best experiences I have had during my time traveling around England have not made it on any photograph. Why? Because I was too busy enjoying myself and socializing to take out my camera. Even if I had taken out my camera, all I would have to share in the end are pictures of people talking and having fun together. Something that is not really very shareable on Instagram.
But it is true, the best experiences I have had and the most memorable ones are the ones where I have met people, mostly locals through a hospitality network called Servas.
Don’t just choose a destination by how instagrammable it is; you might miss a lot if you only experience everything through your camera lens. Don’t be afraid to lay down your smartphone or DSLR and just engage with people or participate in hands-on cultural experiences, even those where you aren’t allowed to take pictures.
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In Conclusion
There are many reasons why you shouldn’t choose the most instagrammable destinations for your next holiday. These were only 5, and I am sure I could come up with more. How about selecting a destination for other reasons. To give you some ideas:
Choose your destination for the delicious food.
Select a destination for the friendly people.
Find the next destination because you can relax there.
The list goes on.
Don’t be like the 40% of millennials that have been surveyed in the UK, don’t choose your destination because it is instagrammable, you will find great shots to put on Instagram no matter what destination you choose. But if you are still looking for some cultural Instagram accounts to follow I have some suggestions for you.
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Lena
Authors Note:
None of the experiences in this post are in any way sponsored and have all been payed for by myself. The opinions stated are all my own and have not been influenced in any way.
This posts contains affiliate links. I receive a commission if a product is purchased through one of these links, at no extra cost to you. Please support me by purchasing products through my links!
Gain access to the exclusive
Social Travel Experiment Library
And start planning your unforgettable gap year around the world
using the Gap Year Prep Check List
Lena is the creator of the Social Travel Experiment. Planning her trip around the world took a lot of effort. To make it easier for future world travelers she has made it her mission to teach others how to have an unforgettable trip around the world, through short stays with locals, without wasting valuable time or money.
