10 travelling hotspots made famous by Instagram
Text by Samantha Ledlin, Vogue Living
How ‘Instagrammable’ a location is is perhaps the biggest travelling trend to emerge in the last five years. We're not saying you'll book a holiday based solely on how it will look on the 'gram, but let's be honest, it definitely has a bit of pull. Here Vogue Living charts the travelling hotspots through the eyes of an Instagram filter, including those destinations and experiences made famous by social media. After all, if you are on vacation and you didn’t 'gram it, did it really happen?
Disneyland, California, USA
While Disneyland definitely had a home on travel hotspot lists pre-social media, the presence of Instagram has only fuelled the desire for Disney-fanatic travellers to visit. According to data released by Instagram last November, The Happiest Place on Earth was the most Instagrammed location in the world for 2017.
Image: Instagram/Disneyland
Central Park, New York, USA
Yes, New York is an iconic destination that every traveller simply must visit at least once in their lifetime. A trip to New York is not complete without a stroll through the city’s Central Park, and a walk through Central Park calls for a mandatory 'gram. The refreshing green space in the middle of the concrete jungle of New York City was the third most Instagrammed destination in the world, according to data released by Instagram in November 2017 (just after Disneyland and fellow NYC hotspot, Time Square).
Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
Popping out of the Kremlin district in Moscow, Saint Basil’s Cathedral stands majestic and beautiful. While the ancient city is filled with fairytale-like cathedrals and regal fortresses, the detail and colour of Saint Basil’s Cathedral make for a wow-factor that deserves an Instagram snap, or five.
Le tour d'eiffel, Paris, France
Never a cliché, the Eiffel Tower will always have a place in our Instagram feed. Who can resist snapping a shot of the iconic lattice tower? (We’re even partial to an optional baguette or beret being featured, too).
Image: Instagram/Uniquehotels
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Boutique hotels are known for having a certain quirk or charm that stands them apart from chain accommodation—and it doesn’t get much quirkier than eating breakfast with the company of a giraffe or two. Giraffe Manor is located on 12-acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest where Rothschild Giraffe frequently pop their heads into guest’s windows in the hope of receiving a treat. It's no wonder visitors take the opportunity to share this once in a lifetime experience with their friends.
The Swimming Pigs, Exuma, Bahamas
Yes, there is a place in the world where you can go swimming with baby piglets, and the proof is on our Instagram feed. The Swimming Pigs takes place on an island in Exuma, Bahamas. The experience is once in a lifetime, and the cute pink pigs make for an obvious Instagram opportunity.
Image: Instagram/Tiebowtie
Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
How many hot-air balloon Instagrams is too many? Our answer: none. Instagram has catapulted the city of Göreme, Cappadocia into a must-visit destination thanks to the incredible sight of hundreds of hot air balloons in mid flight over the city. The surrealistic landscape and excellent flying conditions makes Cappadocia one of the best places in the world to go hot air ballooning.
Rain Room, Museum of Modern Art & Los Angeles County Museum of Art, USA
In 2013, visitors to the Museum of Modern Art lined up for hours to experience an immersive exhibition titled the Rain Room. The room used sensors and camera technology to simulate the downpour of rain without visitors actually getting wet. After its success at MoMA, the installation moved to LACMA, where it had a successful 15 month run. It will be installed permanently at a yet-to-be-disclosed date in the future.
Image: Balipocket.net Gili Trawangan, Gili Islands, Bali
An over-water swing and floating hammock calls for Instagram opportunity. The swings at Gili Trawangan have become a photography hotspot for visitors of Bali, particularly at sunset when the tide is high.
Flamingo Beach, Renaissance Private Island, Aruba
There seems to be a trend with magnificent animals in picturesque landscapes. Photographing a flock of pretty pink flamingos on a sub-tropical island is what Instagram dreams are made of. A few dozen flamingos were brought over to Renaissance Private Island by Renaissance Hotel. The birds live wild on the Island and freely roam the beach where visitors can feed them special food, and of course pose with them for photos.
Feature Image: Bridgetomoscow.com