Instagram-Worthy International Vacations: Where to Go to Get the Shot

Whether in search of beauty or some fresh likes, finding Instagram-worthy destinations like the ones we’ll list in a moment has become a priority for many wanderlusters.

It’s a noble quest that will take you to incredible places and produce indelible memories, as long as you remember a few simple rules:

1. Obey all safety regulations. They’re there for a reason, which is usually you staying alive.
   
   
2. Make it your own. Instagram doesn’t need another copycat. Share your vision of the world through your own unfiltered visual lens, and let people celebrate your uniqueness.
   
   
3. Enjoy the ride. Take a moment – several long moments, actually – to appreciate the beauty around you and the fortuitous circumstances that brought you there. Remember to imprint images on your brain and not just your phone.
   
   
4. Leave no trace. Make sure it’s every bit as beautiful for the next Instagrammer that comes along.

Best Instagram vacation spots abroad:

• Italy
• France
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Greece
• Mexico
• Costa Rica
• Morroco

Italy is everything – scrumptious food, beautiful art and architecture, mountains, beaches, sapphire-blue waters, secluded hilltop villages, golden fields and vineyards, and so much more.

So where do you start? Start with what moves you most about Italy, because your passion will combine with the passion baked into that amazing country and produce out-of-this-world imagery.

If it’s art, earmark Florence, Venice and Rome. If it’s food, consider taking cooking classes in Naples or doing a farm stay in Tuscany. If it’s glitz and glamour, work your way south from Lake Como to the Amalfi Coast. And if it’s the antithesis of that, rent a car – Italy is one of the few European countries where a road trip is a great idea – and go where the little roads take you.

You want to take the picture where you’re holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa in your hand? Sure. Your great-aunt will love it. But spend the rest of your Instagram capital on the stuff you truly love about Italy.

Also read: Top 10 Italian Phrases for American Tourists

France is ready to fight Italy for the title of most Instagram-worthy vacation spot.

The two countries really can go toe-to-toe. Italy has Tuscany; France has Provence. Italy has Venice; France has the Left Bank. Italy has trattorias; France has sidewalk cafes.

The Colosseum vs. the Eiffel Tower. Locks of Love vs. the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Sicilian pizza vs. French pastries. Wine vs. wine: This is a travel cage match of epic proportions.

For Instagrammers, what applies to Italy applies to France: Go with what moves you. Let your passion be reflected in your posts. Make it personal. In the same way that the best travel writing has a human element, the best travel posts exude warmth and humanity.

Did we mention Paris?

Videos: The Best Places to Travel in France Beyond Paris

It’s hard to follow Italy and France, but Spain has a whole lot to offer – especially if you like to shoot and post photos of amazing architecture.

Barcelona offers Antoni Gaudí's architectural marvels, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, in addition to older, Gothic-influenced cathedrals.

Cordoba features many Moorish-style buildings, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites that encompass the breathtaking Alhambra and the Mosque-Cathedral.

Madrid has Renaissance-inspired architecture and great museums. And the whole city of Toledo is a World Heritage site.

There’s more to Spain than cool buildings, though. Madrid's Plaza Mayor is always hopping. The Flamenco culture of Andalusia is fiery and photogenic. And if you’re looking for more natural wonders, the Canary Islands’ volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and breathtaking sunsets more than deliver.

And don’t forget to save room for a paella shot!

Also read: 4 Reasons to Get Travel Insurance for Expensive Trips

The U.K. has some particular merits for social posters in that it offers tremendous variety in a very compact package. You can go from the buttermilk-sky beaches of Falmouth to the wilds of Inverness in less than 12 hours.

In between is the Lake District, Northumbria, Wales, Oxford, Stonehenge, Edinburgh, a brace of small breweries and peat-smoke distilleries, about a million local pubs, and of course, London and all its icons – Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Museum.

Photo tip: Much of the U.K.’s countryside photographs are best in the early morning, so set your alarm to get the best shot. Also, the U.K. is a great place to experiment with lighting, since often the only sunshine you’ll have is highly filtered.

Bonus photo tip: Don’t take pictures of the food.

find out more: Best Places to Visit in the U.K. and What to Know

Take the Santorini shot already.

See our posts about Crete, the fabulous swim-up resorts in Greece, and find the best Greek Island for you -- where you can get more breathtaking photo ideas.

Mexico is all about color – deep, vibrant color. From the water to the weaving, Mexico seems to come pre-filtered for the most resounding pop imaginable.

Capturing Mexico’s color often means getting away from the resorts and off the beaten path, which should be done with caution. Look for areas that offer vibrancy and safety in almost equal measures.

Much of the Yucatan is tourism-friendly and full of secluded coves, rainforests, and Mayan ruins.

Mexico City offers the gorgeous architecture of the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the colorful streets of Coyoacan. It’s also the place to shoot street food in all its glory.

Finally, if you’re looking to get into underwater photography, Mexico is the place to get your feet wet. Obviously, there’s an investment in equipment, but Mexico makes it easy to get those amazing photos of sea life you’ve always dreamed of.

Pro tips: How to Choose the Right Resort in Cancun

Costa Rica can take you from mountains to rainforests to the beach in the course of a single hike. Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit for ‘Grammers desiring great shots of beaches, rainforests, and spider monkeys.

For even more natural experiences, head to the stunning Arenal Volcano or the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. And no trip to Costa Rica is complete without indulging in some delicious Costa Rican coffee.

You can even photograph the process, from berry to bean to cup. The people will make the shot.

See more: 10 Best Tropical Island Vacation Spots

This North African country is exotic and accessible. Whether you decide to explore the markets of Fez, the architecture of Marrakesh, the sand dunes of the Sahara, or the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, there’s never a shortage of great shots or incredible experiences.

A couple of additional safety recommendations if you travel to Morocco: Don’t venture into the Sahara without an experienced guide, and leave the driving to someone else.

Besides, who wants to drive when there’s so much to see – and shoot!

Traveling for social media may be a new phenomenon, but the desire to see new places is as old as the hills. For years Generali travel insurance has been providing peace of mind for beauty-seeking travelers everywhere.

We can help protect your next social-media-centered vacation. Get a quote and see for yourself.

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