Picture Yourself “Here”. How Instagram has Changed Travel.

If you like to travel, one of the biggest challenges is often how to pick the next destination. I know – first world problem. But travel is expensive and it takes time. So, you want to make sure you’re maximizing your vacation days and money. Luckily, I have a solution for you. Travel like a millennial.

According to recent surveys 87% of millennials turn to social media for travel inspiration and nearly half of them choose their location based on how instagrammable it is.  #TravelBrag is a real thing. Travel instagrammability, also referred to as ego travel, has become such a growth trend that some companies are building packages around it.

Cheap Caribbean offers a Vacation Envy package to Bermuda hosted by social media influencers who help you with everything from identifying the most instagrammable spots, framing, editing, lighting and even hair and makeup to ensure you’re looking your very best. This is important when you’re more concerned about how many likes you get on social media than seeing what the world before you actually looks like.

Not to be outdone, Royal Caribbean gave a 15-year old ship a $120 million update to attract the younger crowd with a shorter trip and more entertainment options. Instead of venturing all the way to the deck to see the ocean, you can enjoy looking at a hologram of it that makes you feel like you’re looking at the real thing. Makes sense. Or not.

This growing trend has affected other avenues as well. Over 60% choose a destination based on food resulting in restaurants striving to create new and photography worthy items to lure guests in. Hotels are also changing and making design a priority in order be captured as a travel moment on Instagram.

For marketers, there’s a ton of opportunity to help service industries strategize, build and promote new facets of their brand. For travelers, the argument can be made, if you’re getting out to see the world, does it matter how you do it?

While you ponder that thought, I’m gonna go check Instagram and see where to go next. #NeverGonnaHappen