Discovering new experiences: how to use social media for travel inspiration
Embark on a journey of discovery as social media opens the door to a world of travel inspiration and hidden gems. This article delves into the savvy ways of utilizing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and more to craft unforgettable itineraries, featuring insights from seasoned travel experts. Learn how to harness the power of hashtags, reels, and online communities to transform the way you explore new destinations.
- Use Social Media for Real-Time Music Spots
- Follow Travel Influencers for Hidden Gems
- Use Instagram for Visual Travel Guide
- Discover Places Through TikTok and Reels
- Search Location-Based Hashtags for Hidden Gems
- Follow Locals for Authentic Recommendations
- Join Facebook Groups for Outdoor Adventures
- Use Instagram and Threads for Travel Stories
- Plan Trips with Pinterest Boards
- Find Travel Spots Quickly on TikTok
- Use Instagram and TikTok for Inspiration
- Use Reddit and Facebook for Local Tips
Use Social Media for Real-Time Music Spots
Social media has become one of the best ways to discover new places while traveling, especially as a musician. Finding the right venues, jam sessions, and late-night spots where musicians gather adds another layer to experiencing a city. Traditional guides rarely highlight the places where artists actually spend their time, but social media offers a direct look at what is happening in real time. Musicians, club owners, and local music lovers are constantly sharing their experiences, making it possible to step into a city’s music scene instead of just visiting as an outsider.
Instagram works well for scouting venues and jam sessions. Following musicians in the cities I am heading to helps me see where they are playing and what spots they are talking about. Location tags and venue pages give a quick look at recent performances, showing how a club feels on a packed night. A video clip tells me more than a written review ever could. Watching how the band interacts with the crowd and how engaged the audience is makes it easier to decide where to go. Seeing a club’s stories and posts helps track what is actually happening rather than relying on outdated recommendations.
Facebook groups provide another layer of insight. Many cities have groups dedicated to musicians sharing details about the best jam sessions, club gigs, and late-night hangs. These conversations reveal which venues actually care about musicians and which jam nights are worth attending. Musicians in these groups often share details that are not listed anywhere else. Asking the right questions can lead to meeting players who are open to connecting, which makes the experience more than just discovering a venue. It becomes an opportunity to step into the local music scene and build relationships with people who live and breathe it.
YouTube helps with getting a feel for a city’s energy before even landing there. Watching videos of live performances, venue showcases, and local vlogs gives a better sense of what to expect. Seeing how a club looks and sounds during a busy night, how the audience reacts, and what kind of musicians frequent the space adds another layer to planning a trip. Some musicians document their own experiences, offering insight into clubs that are worth checking out or highlighting neighborhoods with strong music communities. Social media makes discovering music-driven spaces much more personal, turning each visit into a deeper, more connected experience.
Steve Nixon, Founder, Free Jazz Lessons
Follow Travel Influencers for Hidden Gems
In my experience, social media has become an invaluable tool for discovering new experiences and places to visit. I actively follow travel influencers, local experts, and tourism boards on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Their visually stunning posts and short videos often showcase hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that I might not have found otherwise.
I also use location tags and hashtags to explore user-generated content from specific places I’m interested in visiting. This gives me a more authentic view of what to expect. Additionally, I engage with my network by asking for recommendations and participating in travel-focused groups on Facebook. These community-driven insights often lead me to unique experiences that align with my interests and preferences.
For example, last year I stumbled upon a breathtaking hidden waterfall in Bali through an Instagram post by a local photographer. The post included detailed directions and tips for visiting. Without social media, I likely would have missed this incredible natural wonder during my trip. This experience reinforced how powerful social platforms can be for uncovering remarkable travel opportunities.
Philip Stoelman, Founder & CEO, Network Republic
Use Instagram for Visual Travel Guide
As a professional photographer turned avid traveler, I’ve found Instagram to be my go-to platform for discovering new experiences and hidden gems. It’s like having a visual travel guide right at my fingertips.
I remember when I was planning a trip to Japan last year. I started by following the hashtag #HiddenJapan, and suddenly my feed was filled with stunning images of lesser-known spots. One photo of a serene bamboo forest caught my eye. It wasn’t the famous one in Kyoto, but a secluded grove in a small town called Kamakura.
Intrigued, I clicked on the location tag and found myself down a rabbit hole of local experiences. I discovered a tiny tea house nestled in the forest, run by an elderly couple who’d been serving traditional matcha for decades. Without Instagram, I might never have known about this magical place.
But it’s not just about pretty pictures. I use the “Save” feature religiously, creating collections for different destinations. For Japan, I had folders for “Unique Eats,” “Nature Spots,” and “Cultural Experiences.” This made it easy to reference when I was actually on the ground, planning each day’s adventures.
I also love using Instagram Stories for real-time travel tips. Once, while in Bali, I saw a story from a local guide about a secret waterfall that wasn’t in any guidebook. I messaged him, got directions, and ended up having one of the most memorable experiences of my trip.
The “Explore” page has been a goldmine too. It’s how I stumbled upon a post about a little-known festival in a remote village in Peru. I adjusted my itinerary to attend, and it turned out to be the highlight of my South American journey.
Instagram has transformed the way I travel. It’s not just about ticking off famous landmarks anymore. It’s about discovering those unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that make a trip truly unforgettable. And the best part? I get to share my own discoveries, inspiring others to explore beyond the guidebook
John Lattanzio, Owner, John Angelo Photography
Discover Places Through TikTok and Reels
When I want to discover new places or experiences, TikTok and Instagram Reels are my go-to. Scrolling through real people exploring a hidden cafe or wandering through a lesser-known flea market feels way more useful than reading some generic travel article. I want to know how a place actually looks, sounds, and even how people interact with it before I decide to go.
TikTok has been a goldmine for this. The best finds often come from creators who genuinely love travel, but there are also great spots from just influencers. I’ve found some of my favorite places just by watching someone’s unfiltered reaction to a place—whether it’s a tiny bookstore tucked into an alley or a local bakery making something I suddenly need to try. The comments section is another secret weapon. People there jump in with updates, alternative recommendations, or even warnings like, “Go early or you’ll be waiting an hour.”
Instagram Reels is my second stop, especially when I want a more polished take. I follow some travel influencers who mix inspiration with practical tips—like the best time to visit, what to wear, or whether a place is even worth the hype.
Holly Andrews, Managing Director, KIS Finance
Search Location-Based Hashtags for Hidden Gems
Social media has changed the way I find new experiences and places to visit and location-based hashtags are my go-to for finding hidden gems. Platforms like Instagram make it so easy to explore a destination through the eyes of people who have already been there and hashtags tied to a location are the key to unlocking that.
For example, before visiting a new city I’ll search #HiddenGemsToronto or #ParisCafeCulture. These searches usually lead me to posts from travelers or locals showcasing lesser-known spots, unique restaurants, or pretty corners I would have otherwise missed. It’s like having a collective guidebook curated by real people in real-time.
Recently while planning a trip to New Orleans I found a vibrant art market through the hashtag #NOLACulture. It wasn’t in any of the mainstream travel guides but seeing the photos and personal stories from people who attended convinced me to add it to my itinerary and it was a highlight of the trip.
What makes this even more powerful is the visual and experiential nature of the content. Unlike traditional reviews, location-based hashtags often feature real-life moments that capture the atmosphere and essence of a place. They give me a better idea of what to expect and help me decide which experiences align with my interests.
If you want to use social media to enhance your travel planning my advice is to get specific with your hashtags. Pair the location with an activity or interest-like #RomeStreetArt or #TokyoNightMarkets. Don’t just follow what’s trending; dig deeper into niche hashtags for real insights. Social media when used strategically can be a powerful tool to find experiences beyond the tourist traps and have truly amazing adventures.
Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO, Icy Tales
Follow Locals for Authentic Recommendations
Social media has made it so much easier to find places that feel more local and less like the same spots everyone visits. Instagram works well for getting a quick look at a place, but the best recommendations come from people who actually know the area. A golf pro sharing a course review will talk about green speeds and course conditions, not just whether it looks nice in photos. A chef posting about a restaurant will explain what makes a dish special instead of just highlighting the plating.
I always check location tags, but the best discoveries come from following small businesses and locals who post about the places they actually go. A golf shop might mention a practice facility that does not show up in typical searches. A bartender might share where people in the industry eat after work. Those kinds of recommendations feel more authentic.
TikTok has become my favorite way to find spots that are worth visiting. The short videos give an unfiltered look at a place, whether it is a golf course, a restaurant, or an event. A golf course review will show actual playing conditions instead of just polished marketing images. A food review will cover portion sizes, pricing, and whether it is really worth it.
The comments section is where things get even better because locals jump in with extra details, better alternatives, or warnings about things like long wait times. I have changed my plans more than once based on those kinds of insights. Social media makes discovering new places feel more interactive, like getting real recommendations from people who have already been there.
Katie Breaker, Sales Director, BirdieBall
Join Facebook Groups for Outdoor Adventures
I am a big fan of Facebook Groups when it comes to finding new places, especially for fishing or outdoor adventures. I am part of several niche groups like Bass Anglers of the South and Catch of the Day, where members share their recent finds, fishing reports, and even seasonal tips. One of the best fishing trips I ever took to Guntersville Lake came from a member’s detailed post about their success there, complete with bait recommendations and the time of year to visit. It is like having a personal network of experts ready to guide you.
Wesley Littlefield, Marketing Manager, Anglers
Use Instagram and Threads for Travel Stories
Instagram’s been my trusted companion for years, but I have to be honest, recently Threads has brought something fresh to the table. While Instagram lets me visually explore places through carefully curated shots, it’s also this gold mine of authentic travel stories. I often go into hashtags or location tags, uncovering these incredible spots that never make it to mainstream travel guides.
Threads has been a different kind of revelation. It’s got this raw, unfiltered quality that just hits differently. Instead of polished travel posts, you get these casual, in-the-moment updates that feel like texts from friends about their adventures. Someone might post about stumbling across an amazing local market or finding a quiet beach away from the tourist crowds. There’s something refreshing about that realness.
The beauty of discovering places through social media? It’s like having this global network of friends sharing their favorite spots. You’re not only collecting pretty pictures but also tapping into real experiences, getting those candid recommendations that make travel feel more personal and exciting. For me, it turns every scroll into a potential adventure waiting to happen.
Susan Andrews, HR Consultant, KIS Finance
Plan Trips with Pinterest Boards
Social media is such a fun way to stumble upon new places to visit or things to try. I usually end up discovering the coolest spots just by scrolling through posts or stories.
Pinterest, though, is my favorite for actually planning trips. I love creating boards where I can save ideas for places to stay, things to do, and food to try. The search tool always comes up with ideas I didn’t even think about, and it’s so satisfying to watch the board come together.
The guided search is great for finding even more inspiration. It connects me to similar ideas and helps me find unique things to add to the plan. It makes planning feel creative and personal instead of just copying an itinerary someone else made.
Aqsa Tabassam, Sales & Marketing Manager, SoPicks
Find Travel Spots Quickly on TikTok
Just last month, I visited Switzerland and ended up in a small mountain town that was never on my radar. I would have never been there if not for TikTok. I came across a quick video of someone hiking through this unreal landscape, and within seconds, I was looking up flights. The way TikTok serves content makes it so easy to discover new places without spending hours searching.
Unlike YouTube or other platforms, TikTok delivers content instantly without wasting time. A YouTube vlog might stretch to fifteen minutes, filled with long intros and unnecessary details before getting to the main point. On TikTok, the experience is immediate. One second, you are watching someone ride a scenic train through the Swiss Alps, and the next, you are looking at a hidden cafe with the best hot chocolate in town. The quick, engaging format makes it easy to decide if a place is worth visiting without committing to a long video.
I have planned entire trips off of TikTok recommendations, and they have never disappointed. It is like having an entire travel guide built by people who have actually been there and want to share what is worth doing.
Mushfiq Sarker, Chief Executive Officer, LaGrande Marketing
Use Instagram and TikTok for Inspiration
Social media has been a game-changer for discovering hidden gems and new experiences. I often turn to Instagram and TikTok for inspiration. Instagram’s location tags and “Explore” page are fantastic for uncovering unique spots in and around Baltimore. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a new hiking trail, or a local event, the visual content gives me a sense of what to expect before visiting.
TikTok, on the other hand, is where I find those off-the-beaten-path recommendations. The authenticity of short videos from locals or creators makes it easier to trust their suggestions. I particularly love using hashtags like #BaltimoreEats or #HiddenGemsMaryland to see what’s trending.
These platforms don’t just help me find great places to unwind—they also keep me connected to the community and inspire ideas to support other local businesses, something that’s close to my heart as a business owner.
Hector S Garcia Monzon, CEO & Founder, Baltimore HCS Home Cleaning Services
Use Reddit and Facebook for Local Tips
When I’m looking for new places to visit, I skip the polished travel blogs and influencer lists. Reddit and niche Facebook groups are where the real gold is. There’s something about hearing from locals or other travelers who aren’t trying to sell you anything—just sharing what they love.
I planned a trip to Austin a while back and didn’t even try to bother with the usual “best restaurants” lists. Instead, I scrolled through Reddit threads where locals were arguing about their favorite barbecue spots. That’s how I ended up at a hole-in-the-wall joint that wasn’t on any mainstream travel guide but had people lining up down the block. Same thing with coffee shops—I asked in a local Facebook group and found this tucked-away cafe that made the best cortado I’ve ever had.
Reddit’s upvote system makes it easy to spot places people genuinely love, and Facebook groups let you ask real-time questions. It’s a way better filter than blindly trusting curated content.
Frankly, the best travel finds come from people who actually live there, not influencers passing through for content. Social media is packed with useful info—you just have to dig in the right places.
Scott Cohen, CEO, InboxArmy
