Jumat, 21 November 2014

How to Use Instagram As a Travel Guide


Instagram hashtags are some of the most useful things I take advantage of when I'm visiting a new city. Image searches and press photos can only do so much-by using Instagram, I get an even closer look at a city, complete with access to opinions, feedback, and a narrative from the photographers themselves. Here are some of the best tips I've learned over the years.


Find a City's IGers Page

So how do you tap into the massive community of local Instagram users in a new town? It's easiest to start local to get an idea of who's influential in the community and what the most common hashtags are. Find a city's IGers page (oftentimes @igers + city name) and check out who admins the page, as well as the preferred hashtags for the city. (What does it mean? IGers = Instagrammers.)


Follow Official City Accounts

It's also worth looking to see if a destination has their own Instagram account run by the visitors bureau. In my hometown of Indianapolis, Instameets are run by @igersindy, and use #igersindy as the main hashtag. The city of Indianapolis also has its own Instagram account at @VisitIndy. Both are valuable resources I point to when someone is visiting and looking for things to do. Be sure to use a location's hashtag in your own posts when visiting-you may just pick up a few new followers.


Get a Glimpse at Daily Life

Instagram can give you a live look into almost any big city in the world at any given time. You can see how people are dressed, what the weather is like, and what people are saying about any big events or happenings in their town. A look at the #igerssandiego tag might tell you that San Diego is sunny and warm, but peeking at #igerslondon shows that winter is coming-and there was a pretty spectacular sunset over the city last night.


Read the Instagram Blog

Another great resource is the Instagram blog, available both online and through the app itself. Not only will you find new people to follow, but you'll also find a link to Instameets all over the world. Headed to NYC for the weekend? See if there's an Instameet you can join and get inside tips on what to do from people who live there.


Make Use of Your Own Network

Don't underestimate your own followers as well-tell them where you are and ask for their suggestions. If a person is Instagramming the places they've been, there's a good chance they'll want to share their favorite attractions, too. If someone is in Cleveland, for example, I'll assure them that the hour wait at Melt is totally worth it (because my own Instagram followers convinced me of the same thing). I love looking at the way people in the same location as me document the same surroundings.


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