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Travel Inspiration: Where to Go Next? 5 Popular Instagram Destinations

Are you in need of some travel inspiration?

On my Instagram account @SpendLifeTraveling I’ve been sharing some of the best and most inspiring travel pictures to stimulate your wanderlust. From cities to deserts and remote islands…

I love seeing what places people dream of visiting some day.

In this article I want to get you inspired to travel by sharing five popular travel photos of incredible destinations.

Travel Inspiration: 5 of the Most Popular Travel Pictures

 

1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Travel Inspiration: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Picture by @timmckenna – travel inspiration from Instagram

Bora Bora, a destination many people dream about…

Bora Bora is a volcanic island in the Society Islands archipelago of French Polynesia.

Lush tropical slopes, valleys blossoming with hibiscus, and white-sand beaches that give way to emerald waters with colorful fish swimming around the coral. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some giant manta rays!

Bora Bora is a paradise for romantics, because luxury resorts and spas dot the island, offering incredible overwater villas.

Surrounded by sand-fringed Motu (islets) and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, Bora Bora is also known for its incredible snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tip: If you love luxury resorts or incredible scuba diving also check out the Maldives

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts

This picture was taken at the dreamy Le Bora Bora Resort. A once in a lifetime experience and loved by honeymooners.

The Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is located on 17 waterfront acres. Guest accommodations are in thatched-roof Polynesian-style bungalows scattered in lush tropical gardens and across the turquoise water.

For More Information About Bora Bora and this resort:

 

2. Ghent, Belgium

Travel Tip: Ghent, Belgium
Picture by @mikecleggphoto – travel inspiration

Ghent, most people haven’t even heard of this city but if you are ever in Belgium I highly recommend taking a day trip to Ghent!

Ghent is a port city in northwest Belgium, at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers.

During the Middle Ages Ghent was a prominent city-state, and today it’s a university town and cultural hub.

Its pedestrianized center is known for medieval architecture such as the 12th-century Gravensteen castle and the Graslei, a row of guildhalls beside the Leie river harbor.

Ghent is small enough to feel cozy but big enough to stay vibrant. Unlike many other European cities it hasn’t been overrun by tourists yet. But with its beautiful canalside architecture, a wealth of quirky bars and some good museums, this is a city you don’t want to miss on your trip to Belgium.

For More Information About Ghent:

 

3. Bali, Indonesia

Travel Inspiration: Bali, Indonesia
Picture by @travellersplanet

If you are looking for some tropical travel inspiration Bali has probably already crossed your mind!

Bali is an island in Indonesia known for its volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, world-class surfing, great scuba diving, and numerous yoga and meditation retreats.

Bali has a rich and diverse culture, an extremely friendly population, and a lot to offer its visitors. It is one of the most popular island destinations in the world and one which consistently wins travel awards.

Bali has something to offer a very broad market of visitors from young backpackers looking for a party destination right through to the super-rich in search of the best resorts.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

I was fortunate enough to visit this incredible resort when I was in Bali.

Nestled beside the Ayung River and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, this luxury resort just outside of Ubud offers 18 suites and 42 private villas, all reflecting the island’s natural, serene beauty.

Each suite and villa is appointed with a mix of contemporary and Balinese décor and several come with a private plunge pool.

Bali is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Asia and if you’re planning your honeymoon, this is an incredible resort to stay in.

It truly feels like a piece of paradise! And if staying at this resort is out of your budget, go there for dinner or a couple of cocktails and experience this beautiful place!

For More Information About Bali and Indonesia:

 

4. Venice, Italy

Travel Inspiration: Venice, Italy
Picture by @jacob

Venice, the “City of Bridges”, favored by lovers, artists, and poets.

If you haven’t been here yet this unique destination should definitely be on your bucket list!

The Italian city of Venice is built on more than 100 small islands, connected by over 400 bridges, in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Its walkways along winding canals lined with beautiful historic buildings let you explore the city and soak up its unique atmosphere.

Take a break at one of the many picturesque squares to enjoy a good cup of Italian coffee or a delicious gelato.

And of course you have to go on an unforgettable romantic boat ride in one of the unique gondolas; the symbol of Venice worldwide.

If You Are Planning to Visit Italy, Also Read:

 

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Travel Tip: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Picture by @carmelisse – travel inspiration

Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand. It is home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples and its Old City area still shows remnants of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center.

Surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, Chiang Mai is much greener and quieter than Thailand’s capital city Bangkok. With its cosmopolitan air and significant expat population, it attracts many long-term travelers and digital nomads.

Chiang Mai is a place to relax after the chaos of Bangkok and recharge your batteries with delicious food and leisurely wandering.

Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park

This picture was taken at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.

The Elephant Nature Park is an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Chiang Mai. The park has been involved in dozens of rescues which have created a thriving elephant herd.

It provides a natural environment not only for elephants but also for several other animals. You can support the park with your visit or you can help out as a volunteer.

For More Information About Chiang Mai and the Elephant Nature Park:

Also Read: Things to Know Before Traveling to Thailand as a Woman and Ethical Elephant Tourism in Thailand

For More Travel Inspiration Follow Spend Life Traveling on Instagram

Want more inspiration to decide where to go next? Check out the hundreds of travel pictures and stories on my Instagram account @spendlifetraveling, along with information about what makes each place into an interesting travel destination.

I hope these five pictures and incredible destinations gave you some travel inspiration for your next trip!

Also Read:

 

This article with travel inspiration contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through this link, at no additional cost to you.

Author: Sanne Wesselman
A traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. I spend most of my time living and working abroad and visiting destinations all over the world. I use this website to share "the good, the bad and the ugly" of traveling and living abroad. Visit the About Me page for more info.

16 thoughts on “Travel Inspiration: Where to Go Next? 5 Popular Instagram Destinations”

  1. Ok, so when I started looking at this I was like yes I want to go to Bora Bora, and have being saying this for so long now. However, then I see the picture of Ghent and think wow, i need to visit there and then the picture of Bali pops up.

    This is why my travel list keeps getting longer and longer.

    Reply
  2. Ahhh such wonderful photos, they’ve def got me itching for a trip! I’ve long wanted to go to Bali, and that pic in particular made me want to even more!

    Reply
  3. You have truly picked amazing pictures and places to fuel wanderlust. I also use Instagram as a main channel to get inspired. I am not sure where I will be heading next (for a big trip) but all places sound great (visited Venice and Bali already) but Bora Bora might be a great idea!

    Reply
  4. I’m definitely an island paradise kind of girl – although I love my city trips too – my bucket list seems to grow everyday!! Bora bora looks like my face from these ones!!

    Reply
  5. Beautiful photos. I’ve been to Venice, but I still need to visit the other places on your list. I’ll be following you on Instagram – my handle is @inafricaandbeyond

    Reply
  6. I fell in love with your account minths ago when I first saw the chang mai photo. Not only is it beautiful I love that you’re not riding the elephant!

    Reply
  7. Fantastic photos! We are booked to go to the Elephant Nature Park next year so excited about that! Will be heading over to Instagram to follow your photos there too!
    Carole

    Reply

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