Most of us use social media for inspiration: we follow travel influencers to see where they go and what they do. But what if we find another use for social media apps?
Apps like Instagram can work as a tool for researching travel destinations. Here is a quick guide on how you can use them to make the most out of your next trip.
Make a List of the Locals’ Favorites
Do you want to see a foreign country/city in the way locals see it? Do you want to immerse yourself in a new culture? Here is a tip for you. Find local influencers (not travel influencers!) who live in the area and follow them on social media for a couple of weeks and months. Save the locations of the places where they dine out, meet for a coffee with friends, and spend their weekends. Once you are ready to start creating your itinerary, check the list of those places and choose the ones that appeal to you.
By planning a trip this way, you will avoid crowded tourist places and live a few days “like a local”. It will be a fantastic experience that you will never forget.
Check How It Looks in a Real Life
Have you ever been disappointed with your travel experience? You are not alone. Do you know why it happens? It happens because travel companies and influencers edit their photos and idealize traveling, making us set our expectations too high.
When we travel to Mexico, we expect to see perfectly clean beaches. And what do we actually see? We see beaches covered with huge masses of seaweed. When we go to Paris, we expect to take a nice picture in front of the Eiffel Tower. And do we get what we want? Nope. Crowds of tourists make it impossible to take a picture we have been dreaming about.
If you don’t want to get disappointed again, use social media apps to see what the place looks like in real life. Search for photos and videos by location and check “Recent” ones. There, you will find unedited pictures posted by real people. This simple check will allow you to understand whether it’s worth visiting this place.
Find a Travel Buddy
Don’t want to travel solo? Use a dating app to find someone to travel with. Connect with the right person and turn your trip into a romantic adventure. Check this link to find out more about international dating options. You can use a dating app to meet locals and have a great time with them. Or, you can connect with a foreigner who will be glad to make you company in exploring a new destination.
Check What to Pack
Whenever you go on a trip to a new place, you ask yourself the same questions, “What should I pack? Should I take a windbreaker or a warm jacket? Will it be cold at night?” You check the weather forecast online: you see that the temperature range goes from 15°C to 25°C. This information doesn’t really help you pack the right things because it may feel cooler or hotter depending on the wind strength, humidity level, and other factors.
If you want to know what clothes best fit the weather, go on Instagram. Type the name of the place you are going to in a search bar, click the search icon, and look through the recent posts. Does everyone in the pictures wear warm jackets? Pack a jacket in your suitcase, and you will be all set.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning a trip to a place you have never been to, use Instagram and other apps to do some research. It will allow you to set realistic expectations, find a travel partner, and create an ideal itinerary.
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Kevin, I have to say, your perspective on climate change was intriguing! As someone who worked in weather forecasting, I was particularly taken by your thought on cyclonic patterns. Have you considered the impact of El Niño or La Niña on these patterns? Furthermore, I would encourage readers to look at the correlation between climate change and extreme weather events. From my experience living through Hurricane Katrina, this aspect is worth exploring. Cheers mate, can’t wait for your next blog!