While a well written article may have the power to transport a reader from their desk chair to an exotic location, photos are truly worth a thousand words and will show more color and vibrancy than adjectives can portray. In travel especially, photographs have the ability to both inspire and illicit reactions as people day dream about walking along charming cobblestone streets in Paris or exploring Gaudi’s bright mosaics in Barcelona. While I can leverage descriptive writing to describe the hot pink dragon fruits being sold on the streets of New York’s Chinatown and the unexpected pops of color on the streets, a simple picture will always add more flourish to a story.
When it comes to travel writing, I often peruse Instagram to connect with other travel bloggers and gain inspiration for my own photography and @pinthemapproject Instagram feed. Instagram photos can run the gamut from “aww” inducing animal shots, serene landscapes and iconic travel images. Of the hundreds of thousands of Instagram users who upload photos of everything from a delicious looking meal to an idyllic sunset, the following Instagrammers both inspire my own photography, have managed to generate a following and share gorgeous snapshots that fuel wanderlust and remindothers to appreciate the simple things in life. Last year I had shared a list of Instagrams to follow, here I share an updated list of the best travel instagrams-both established and up & coming-to follow in 2015.
@WorldWanderlust
Brooke Saward is a globetrotter turned successful travel blogger and author whose award-winning blog, World of Wanderlust, has grown to over 300,000 views and shares stunning imagery of the world alongside compelling stories. Having worked with numerous tourism boards, hotels and traveled across continents, Brooke spent the past year living out of a suitcase before settling in Berlin. On her Instagram account, Brooke shares beautiful pictures of her travels that will have you running for your passport and the nearest airport!
@TheLittleMarket
Simple images bursting with colors, cheerful snapshots of handwoven cloths and their makers-The Little Market’s instagram account is as lovely and inspiring as their business model. The Little Market is a charming online shop that works with artisan groups from around the world. In an effort to empower female artisans, help them rise above poverty and preserve their traditional craft, The Little Market created a marketplace to connect these women with customers. Sourcing all of the artisan’s handmade products ethically, The Little Market supports talented women from Bolivia, Nepal, Kenya, India, Senegal and more. The Little Market’s Instagram account shares simple product shots and photos of the smiling artisans behind the crafts.
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@HopeEngaged
Travel blogger, Katie Cook, seems to live la vie en rose-seeing the world through shades of optimism, kindness and beauty. Having traveled the world with her husband and infused her adventures with faith and grace, her website and Instagram feed serve as an inspiration. Her Instagram photos are a combination of breath taking travel shots and loving scenes with friends and her husband.
@TheBlondeAbroad
Kiersten is a California native turned successful travel blogger who swapped her corporate finance career for a life of travel. With a successful website that shares travel tips, destination information and wanderlust inducing imagery, Kiersten’s website has been featured in various publications. On her Instagram, Kiersten shares snapshots of her idyllic life around the world.
@Zachspassport
If looking to follow an Instagram account that will inspire you to book your next vacation, look no further than Zach Glassman’s Instagram feed. Zach is the son of a wanderlust mother and a travel-writing father who ment on a bus in Guatemala. His travel-infused background inspired his own work as Zach went on to find popular travel site, Passion Passport.
@LegalNomads
In 2008, Jodi Ettenberg quit her job as a lawyer and swapped business suits for a backpack as she set out to travel the world. Documenting her travels on her site, Legal Nomads, Jodi continues to globe trot around the world and share her stories with her many fans and followers. On her Instagram account, Jodi shares snapshots from her journey and culinary adventures.
@ThatBackpacker
Audrey Bergner is the blogger behind ThatBackpacker, a travel blog (that is one of my favorites!) where she chronicles her adventures, life abroad and shares tips with other travelers. Audrey has spent time teaching English in Korea, living the ex-pat life in Thailand and backpacking around Europe. On her Instagram account, Audrey shares photos of her travels around the world.
@LazyTravelers
When I first started travel blogging I remember perusing the internet for other travel sites for guidance. Being fairly new to the business of serious blogging, I looked towards successful travel bloggers who had already paved the way towards well-received sites and large fan bases. It was in the early stages of this blog that I came across The Lazy Travelers, Ashley and Carolyn. These two best friends turned their love of travel into a site where readers could share their adventures and feel as though they were part of this dynamic friendship. Similarly, The Lazy Travelers’ Instagram feed is full of stunning landscapes and travel shots.
@CallawayRose
Taylor Fields is a recent post-grad who, after graduating in 2013, decided to embark on a solo adventure around the world. On her website, Callaway Rose, Taylor shares beautiful imagery from her travels. Taylor’s Instagram is vibrant and inspiring as she shares snapshots from her solo travels.
@Travelettes
The highly successful website, Travelettes, is a community for female travelers to indulge in their love of travel and wanderlust. Made up of 10 writers from around the world (including yours truly!) the Travelettes share stories to inspire readers to have adventures of their own.
@PostcardsFromRachel
Rachel is a photographer and writer based out of D.C. who invites readers into her world of travel with her blog, Postcards from Rachel. On her Instagram, Rachel and her husband share snippets of their life and travels together.
@QueenofJetLags
The blog of Miss Noor de Groot merges fashion and travel as Noor realized she wanted to create an online space that spoke to fashion trends and her crazy travel itinerary. Queen of Jet Lags’ instagram shares photos of both travel and style as Noor jets around the globe.
@TheTravelHack
Monica Stott is a successful travel blogger who shares everything from travel tips to ways to save on travel on her successful website, The Travel Hack. On her Instagram, Monica gives her fans a glimpse into her life as she travels, blogs and gets ready to add a new addition to her family (congrats, Monica!)
@drewbinsky7 (The Hungry Partier)
Drew is a world traveler who loves to party and does so around the world. On his blog, Drew merges his love of food and nightlife to create an online travel destination filled with color and fun. Since 2012, Drew has been to over 50 countries and on his Instagram, he shares photos of his adventures.
Are you on Instagram? Share you Instagram below, I’d love to check it out! It may be featured in the next round up of Instagrammers to follow.
