The bigger picture: How Instagram is changing the way we travel

GLOSSY brochures from travel giants have inspired vacation planning for years, but that appears to be changing. In the digital era, people are looking elsewhere for inspiration and for a different type of vacation experience.

The thriving platform is now one of the biggest sources of travel inspiration, surpassing TV and magazines, according to a report by Blitz. It found that 84 percent of millennials and 73 percent of non-millennials were now far more likely to plan a trip based on someone else’s photos or social updates than other media.

Members of the network agree it is becoming increasingly influential. Sharon Lewin, a landscape and travel photographer who has been using Instagram for three years, told Travel Wire Asia: “Instagram plays a massive role in influencing people’s decisions to travel to particular destinations. The more you see beautiful photos from a destination, the more you probably want to visit it”.

So travelers, it seems, could be using the platform as both a source of inspiration and a resource to plan their vacations, much like a digital travel agent.

With more people turning to Instagram to help them research their trips, choose destinations and share their experiences, we took a look at the trends it could be driving.

Experiential travel

I've decided to do a little mini series and I'm calling it 'Reasons why I can't come to the Travel Bootcamp conference'. I've been doing the correspondence for the event and I wanted to address some of the main reasons why people say they can't come. Reason number 1 – I can't afford it. I get it! The conference is not a cheap day out. $395 + tax for early bird and $495 + tax if you miss out. Remember, I used to be a chef and I was earning $700 in the hand at the absolute pinnacle of my 'career'. That sort of money was a LOT of money to me back then, especially if I had to allow for travel as well. These days I wouldn't flinch, money is relative right? I'm not boasting, I just want people to know the potential of the work that I do and in general how lucrative it can be to work for yourself. I earn 6 figures and I regularly sign off on 5 figure campaigns and deals. I do this because I'm exceptionally clever at packaging services, adding value and networking with the right people. The cost of one Travel Bootcamp ticket is what you can be making in a couple of hours or a day if you have an affinity for the work and you're prepared to put the effort in. Not everyone can do this but some can. I did! This is not a bullshit day out, this is knowledge and information plus inspiration to do a job you've always dreamed of. It won't happen overnight but an investment in your future is money well spent. ? @thetravelbootcamp #thetravelbootcamp

A photo posted by Lauren Bath | Australia (@laurenepbath) on Jan 24, 2017 at 10:04pm PST

While not a new trend, experiential travel is becoming more popular as people strive to achieve their bucket list goals and search out enriching, authentic experiences. These trips often embrace the local culture and see holidaymakers explore further afield beyond the tourist attractions to undeveloped areas and those of natural beauty.

As travelers visually document their experiences and share them to social networks, the images invariably inspire others to emulate or achieve better in their own trips and vacations.

Dubbed the “Instagram Effect”, user TrekkSoft suggests that it may well be responsible for the rise of experiential travel and will no doubt secure its future popularity as well.

Lauren Bath, a professional Instagrammer and travel photographer, said: “I have noticed a big trend in the amount of travelers who want to get great photos, so I think that any destination with amazing landscapes will prove popular in the years to come.”

Adventure travel

@buraktuzer has the best job. strapped in to his glider, we dive-bombed off the side of a 6000ft mountain through an opening in the clouds, before flying in formation to the beach below. and he does this…. every. day. such a great dude, hanging in his office in the sky. @turkey_home #escapeeveryday #litely

A photo posted by Cole Rise (@colerise) on Jun 26, 2015 at 10:39am PDT

Adventure tourism is a fast growing travel niche and one that is becoming increasingly accessible as ordinary people strive to achieve amazing things and then share their experiences with others on social media.

The exploration of wild, exotic and even remote locations, for many, goes hand-in-hand with extreme sports and activities like mountaineering, snowboarding, and paragliding.

On Instagram, there are more than 235 thousand tags for #adventuretravel. A quick scroll through the feed shows that adrenaline-fuelled challenges, battling the elements, and a chance to get close to nature are all hugely popular with Instagramers.

Professional travel photographer and Instagram filter creator, Cole Rise, who has been using the platform since beta, adds his insight: “If every photo tells a story, adventure travel certainly tells an interesting one. Transporting people away from their ‘Mondays’ and showing them a faraway place, a different culture… the further from the norm the better.”

The trend looks to set to gain momentum with ABTA predicting that more holidaymakers will incorporate micro-adventures in their vacations this year.

Independent travel

Mornings like this in places like this. @visit.dubai #visitdubai #dubaiadventure #sp

A photo posted by Johan Lolos ╳ Outdoors (@lebackpacker) on Dec 14, 2016 at 10:44am PST

More people are expressing a desire to explore alternatives to traditional vacation packages, opting instead for the freedom and flexibility of independent and even solo travel. Increasingly, many are keen to make the most of low cost flights and explore the growing diversity of accommodation options.

This shift is reflected on Instagram as the homestay network Airbnb is now one of the most influential accounts. Their feed which inspires “indie travelers” with images of treehouse hideaways, yurts, Airstreams and other unconventional rentals has attracted more than 1.5 million subscribers.

Travel photographer Johan Lolos who has been using Instagram professionally for two years, said: “I’ve noticed that people respond very well to anything related to road trips and a lifestyle that provides a great feeling of freedom.”

The trend for independent travel will likely continue especially among millennials, according to poll data from Topdeck Travel. They found that 71 percent of people surveyed intended to book flights, tours, and accommodation themselves on their next vacation, rather than go through a travel agent.

The post The bigger picture: How Instagram is changing the way we travel appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.

Source: travelwireasia.com