Over the past few years the way I book holidays has changed completely. Gone are the days of booking a holiday based on a friends recommendation, then waiting patiently for the day to arrive with no plans at hand.
Now, thanks to Instagram I arrive at every destination perfectly prepared with a list of places I want to visit.
I think this is only a more recent thing, but now whenever I have a trip planned I have to extensively research them on Instagram to see whether or not ensure Instagramable.
And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.
There’s a lot of negativity towards Instagram in general at the moment although my account may not be as popular as most people’s, it’s actually one of my favourite platforms to view content.
I find it so inspiring seeing all the places people are visiting and it gives me so much inspiration for new places to visit, foods to try and things to experience. If it wasn’t for Instagram, I probably wouldn’t have visited half the places I have.
A recent study by Schofields revealed that two-fifths of millennials are choosing their holiday destinations based on how Instagrammable the holiday pics will be – but are you guilty of this?
We all know, from the title of this post, I am.
Personally, I think researching a place on Instagram it’s a great way to see a particular destination/hotel/cafe through someone else’s eyes. I’ve found places I would never have dreamt of going before, simply because I was able to see someone’s own persons experiences there on Instagram.
Admittedly, I’m a sucker for something that has Instagramabilty. I’m talking botanical vibes, colourful decor and cute little houses all in a row. I’d happily go to an ‘Instagram famous’ spot and snap away, but why? Because I love the hype.
I find it fascinating that cafes, hotels and when destinations are thriving off the fact that there’re instagramable and I love seeing how they play it to their advantage. It’s amazing that places like Peggy Proschen, Farm Girl and Saint Aymes have all all sky rocketed in popularity since they became popular amongst bloggers. Similarly I think has happened with destinations such as Santorini, Marrakesh and Amsterdam.
Even with destinations that are not popular amongst bloggers, I can’t stop myself researching local hashtags to find out the places I HAVE to visit. It may not leave me any surprises, but I love going prepared knowing I’m visiting places that will appeal to me.
I definitely think social media is changing the way I see a holiday and although it’s not always about getting that perfect Instagram photo, I love how it’s bringing out my creative side while travelling.
Kirsty Leanne
xoxo
