Hands up if you’ve ever visited a travel destination just because you saw it on Instagram. Yep, most of us all guilty of it! In fact, according to Expedia’s 2018 social media and travel report, #LikeToTravel, a quarter of Aussies have visited a place based off a post they saw on their social media and a further quarter haven’t yet visited a destination they’ve seen on Instagram, but plan to. And if you ask us, there’s nothing wrong with that! Instagram is a great place to learn about new places you may not have otherwise stumbled across, and to scope out the must-see sights in those destinations.
So, to help you plan your next vacay, we’ve rounded up the 10 most Insta-worthy and up-and-coming 2019 travel destinations you need to know about.
1. Singapore
This island city-state came in at number one on Expedia’s most Insta-worthy travel destinations. It’s thanks, in large part, to the grandiose Marina Bay Sands hotel and its famous infinity pool—however, it also happens to boast impressive scenery and excellent food and nightlife.
2. Barossa Valley, South Australia
Aussies don’t have to travel all the way to Italy to visit a picturesque vineyard—they can enjoy their very own slice of the Mediterranean right on their doorstep. Not only does a trip to the Barossa make for some incredibly ‘gramworthy shots, it also happens to be home to some of Australia’s finest cuisine and wine.
3. Kochi, India
With an 153% increase in searches in 2018, Kochi topped travel booking site Kayak.com’s list of up-and-coming travel destinations. Located on the south-west coast of India, the serene fishing village is a far cry from the notorious chaos of Bangladesh or Mumbai.
4. Kathmandu, Nepal
Bright buildings, colourful prayer flags, ancient temples, vast mountain ranges—Nepal’s bustling capital city is an absolute feast for the eyes. It’s not hard to see why it was ranked number 2 on Kayak.com’s list of up-and-coming travel destinations.
5. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Coming in at number three on Kayak’s list was Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. The combination of vibrant street markets, French colonial architecture and tradition Angkorian temples make for some truly spectacular photos.
6. Cebu, The Phillipines
Inviting turquoise waters, secluded white sand beaches—it’s not hard to see why searches for this Southeast Asian gem are on the rise. Our advice? Book a ticket there fast, before it becomes the next big tourist destination!
7. Beirut, Lebanon
While you’d never guess this spectacular rock formation was in the Middle East is, in fact, located in Lebanon’s capital city, Beirut. Here, you’ll also find picturesque beach clubs, mouth-watering food and awe-inspiring mosques. Note: while it’s enjoyed relative peace for the last 15 years, you’ll want to do your research before you visit.
8. Osaka, Japan
Tokyo has its electrifying energy and neon lights, Kyoto has its serene, history-rich temples—but Osaka has the best of both worlds! Ranking number 8 on Kayak’s list, it’s quickly becoming the must-see travel destination of Japan.
9. Oahu, Hawaii
With its azure ocean and vibrant green mountains, Oahu is one of those places that is so beautiful, it doesn’t even look real. It’s hardly surprising, then, that it was one of Expedia’s top 5 most Insta-worthy destinations.
