Let’s be honest, travel isn’t just travel anymore. If you’re hitting the road or hopping on a plane, you’re probably thinking about how much and what you’re going to share on Instagram.
There’s no shame in loving social media — it’s a fun way to keep up with your friends and family and it’s a chance to share what you’ve been up to when you’re seeing the world.
For some, social media has become more than that. Their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter have become a way to build an audience and even create an income. The key to a thriving online platform or brand is lots and lots of engagement.
You want the people who follow you (and the people who should be) liking your pictures, commenting on your posts, and watching your stories whenever you’re sharing online. And if you fancy yourself a travel influencer, you’re going to want to hit up these picturesque destinations.
The higher your engagement, the more likely it will be that you’ll be presented with opportunities to create a side hustle (or full-on career) sponsored content.
So how do you get this magical thing called engagement? One sure way to get started is by posting really great content.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most scenic destinations you’ll want to add to your Instagram feed ASAP.
1. Svartifoss Waterfall
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Located in Iceland, this idyllic spot is every travel influencer’s dream photoshoot location.
Over 65 feet tall, the Svartifoss Waterfall is located in South Iceland in Skaftafell National Park. Surrounding the waterfall are black columns of basalt.
The great thing about this site isn’t that it is fairly easy to get to on foot, roughly a mile’s hike from the visitor center at the park.
2. Panoramico de Monsanto
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Breathtaking views, unique artwork, and danger — what more would make someone double tap your travel photo?
Located in Lisbon, Panoramico de Monsanto is an unofficial attraction that draws visitors from all over the world. Once a high-end restaurant, money trouble left the building abandoned in 2001.
Since then, it has been decorated with breathtaking graffiti. Climb to the top and you have a perfect view of the city and the infamous Aqueduto das Águas Livres.
3. Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
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Adventure-seekers and spiritual tourists alike are drawn to Bali for its unquestionable beauty.
The Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is a favorite attraction to Instagram because of the way it appears to float on water. It is located on Lake Beratan in Bali, Indonesia, which is well known for its natural beauty.
It is a bit of a drive, about one and a half hours from Ubud, but with plenty to see and ‘gram in the area, it makes for a wonderful day trip.
4. Santorini
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This Greek island is a popular day trip on a Mediterranean Cruise, but if you’re on your own, try to spend at least a couple days enjoying the beauty.
One of the most popular spots to take a picture in Santorini is the blue domes of Oia. Any time of day, your pictures are going to be amazing, but if you can manage an early evening snap you’re going to the thrilled.
To get the bright blue domes and stark white buildings, leave the castle and look for a nearby jewelry shop, where the Planet D says any alley will provide the clearest view.
5. Old San Juan
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You’re not going to believe the picture-perfection of these cobblestone streets.
One of the most popular tourist spots in Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is full of history, but its streets are vibrant and colorful thanks to restoration work throughout the city. Just about everywhere you turn, there are alleys and building fronts worth capturing.
Calle Fortaleza, with colorful umbrellas that seem to be floating above you, is without a doubt one of the best places to photograph.
6. Patagonia
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Once you see these views, you might not be able to stop staring long enough to get your shot.
A day in Los Glaciares National Park is a non-negotiable on every itinerary for a trip to the Patagonia region.
Make sure you make your way to the Perito Moreno Glacier in the park to take pictures of this massive, bright white glacier and its reflection on bright blue waters below.
7. Gotokuji Temple
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In Tokyo, there is a temple that is dedicated to the beckoning cat.
Filled with white, ceramic cats with a lifted paw, the Gotokuji Temple is said to have started as a small hut in the 1400s. The cat is talisman associated with business success, and now tourists from all over the world bring their own ceramic cats to leave as gifts.
Of course, don’t leave before getting a selfie or two with this crowd of felines.
8. The Eiffel Tower
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Even novice travelers won’t be surprised to find this landmark on the list.
Construction of the Eiffel Tower was completed in March of 1889. From that point on, the world was never the same.
This Paris, France attraction draws in roughly 7 million visitors from all over the world each year, and the #EiffelTower hashtag has been used nearly 6 million times on Instagram.
Hey, just because everyone else does it doesn’t mean you can’t come up with a unique take on the Eiffel Tower selfie!
9. Amsterdam
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It doesn’t take much effort to find a ‘grammable shot in this beautiful city.
If you’re coming from the concrete streets and newly constructed skyscrapers of a United States city, a walk in this city is going to feel like stepping into a whole new world.
Everywhere you turn, you’re likely to find a perfect picture–but don’t miss the chance to get a selfie in front of one of the iconic canals.
10. The Las Vegas Strip
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In a world that shares everything online, what happens in Vegas rarely stays in Vegas anymore.
Whether or not you like to gamble, the strip in Las Vegas is certainly something to see. If you are willing to pay entry to a few viewing spots, you can get the clearest picture of the hustle, bustle, and lights without buildings blocking your view.
The Voodoo Lounge is a bar that is also well known for its 51st-floor view of the strip at night.
11. Brighton Bathing Boxes
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There is so much to see and shoot in Melbourne, but this unlikely attraction is so photo-worthy.
Built over 100 years ago, the small huts lining Bright Beach in Melbourne, Australia were built as private ways for women to change into their swimming suits.
Today, they are brightly painted and make an eye-catching background for selfies and group shots. While you’re there, make sure you visit one of the well-known cafes nearby.
12. Big Ben
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As one of the most photographed landmarks in London, the right shot is sure to get plenty of attention on your feed.
Even though this attraction is in the middle of several years of restoration work, that doesn’t mean you should skip seeing it or grabbing a shot for your gram. As is seen in the photograph from Best London Photos, Big Ben is still breathtaking surrounded by scaffolding.
To get a good picture, BBC suggests heading to the Westminster Bridge.
13. Times Square
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Captured after dark, a picture of Times Square is an iconic part of any trip the New York City.
New York City is the city that never sleeps and Times Square is manifestation of that moniker. It is loud and bright and busy, and it is possible to catch the magic on camera if you know how and when to grab your shot.
According to PhotoLemur, the key is the get there right as the sun is setting, this lets the lights stand out without the area being so dark your camera can’t do its job.
14. Devil’s Bridge
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Located in Sedona, Arizona, this natural arch is the largest in the area.
Devil’s Bridge isn’t actually a bridge, it’s a red rock arch. This amazing, natural attraction was formed over time through erosion caused by wind and sand. It is a well-loved spot for Instagram shots because you can stand directly under the arch.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to get a shot free from other hikers. Devil’s Bridge can be reached by starting a hike at Dry Creek Road.
15. Notre-Dame
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Before leaving Paris, make sure to get a shot of this world-changing cathedral.
Despite a tragic fire that threatened a global landmark of the Catholic faith in Spring 2019, Notre-Dame still stands majestically in Paris, France.
Although it isn’t possible to visit the structure itself (at least at the moment), it can still be photographed from the outside. With a history that dates back to the 12th century, this isn’t something a little fire damage should keep you seeing.
What is the best spot you’ve ever added to your feed? We’d love to see the shot!