Hashtags have been an important part of any growth Instagram strategy from the very beginning of the app.
They allow users to find Instagram accounts that post content they like and they also help the algorithm identify what posts are about and deliver them to the right people.
And since it’s more important than ever to use the right hashtags, I compiled a guide about the best travel hashtags for Instagram that will help you gain engagement, impressions, and ultimately followers.
First things first: how many hashtags should I use on Instagram?
You can add a maximum number of 30 hashtags to a post, on Instagram. And for the longest time people used all of them for their posts to achieve maximum reach.
If you think about it, it’s pretty logical: they wouldn’t let us add 30 hashtags if we shouldn’t use 30 hashtags. Right?!
Well.. it doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Instagram first mentioned a while back that we should be using less than 30 hashtags for our posts and they should be relevant so as to not confuse the algorithm. And this sounded pretty reasonable.
But recently, Instagram posted on their @creators account a carousel about hashtags and they mentioned we should only use 3-5 hashtags per post. That’s quite a small number and most people were baffled, social media marketing specialists included.
Not only that but they also mentioned on their “Hashtags dont’s” recommendations that adding 10-20 hashtags will not help us get additional distribution.
That sounds to me like the algorithm might already/soon ignore some of the hashtags we add to our posts if they are more than a certain number.
There is also speculation that this recommendation comes with the purpose to fight spam on the platform. By using fewer hashtags, the user will be more careful with his choices and it’s less likely to use unrelated hashtags with his post.
The result is that posts are categorized correctly, which increases user experience. And a good user experience is key to people spending more time on the platform, which is Instagram’s main goal (because of ad revenue).
My thoughts on how many hashtags to use on Instagram
The algorithm is a super complex mechanism, designed to offer a personalized experience to each and every account. So take any advice with a grain of salt, including the ones from Instagram, and test it out for yourself.
Use different numbers of hashtags and try to figure out what works the best for you. Also, mix and match popular hashtags with more niche ones.
And definitely avoid using huge hashtags like #travel. So many people use this hashtag every minute that your post will instantly get buried underneath newer content and you’ll get no exposure.
Besides, super-popular Instagram hashtags are often targeted by spammers and people employing follow/unfollow tactics. You don’t want the attention of either of them.
I’ll be honest: I didn’t take the leap to use only 3-5 hashtags either. And that’s partly because I saw several accounts saying that they tried it and they had terrible reach.
And this makes me think that maybe this change might not be fully implemented yet.
The second reason is that I want to test it out myself. So I did start mixing it up and using from 20 to 25 hashtags on my posts and the results were pretty in line with how my reach was lately.
I believe the most important aspect of a good hashtags strategy is still relevancy. Worry less about how many to post, but always try to use relevant hashtags for your posts. It is important to make sure your content gets seen by the right people.
Instagram hashtags: in comment or caption?!
Instagram has extended the search function of the app and you are now able to input queries just like you would on Google. That means that it’s time to stop putting your hashtags in the first comment, even though it may look cleaner.
Or, at the very least use your most important hashtags in the caption (the ones that you want to be found for in search) and the rest in a comment. This way you’ll improve your chances to be seen by people that search for those keywords.
Travel hashtags for Instagram
Having a list of hashtags ready to use will make posting a lot easier and faster. This is especially helpful if you create content while traveling.
Also, make sure to read my post on the best apps for Instagram, to discover a great app for storing and randomizing your hashtags.
You don’t want to use the same hashtags, in the same order over and over again, or Instagram might see your actions as spam and limit your reach.
And now that we established how to use hashtags, let’s see what are some of the best and most popular travel hashtags that you can use for your Instagram posts.
Destination hashtags
They are usually hashtags that use the name of the exact location you are visiting. A few examples are:
| Country | City | Continent |
|---|---|---|
| #netherlands | #wien | #exploreeurope |
| #travelspain | #dubrovnikonmymind | #asia |
| #discoveritaly | #visitmadrid | #discoverafrica |
| #visitgermany | #parismonamour | #travelasia |
| #romaniamea | #prague | #southamericatrip |
The easiest way to find these is to search the name of the city or country you want to post about on Instagram.
The downside about this type of hashtags is that they are lots of uses and your post may be quickly buried by new ones if you decide to use them too. So try to go for more unique destination hashtags (ex: #dubrovnikonmymind).
General hashtags about travel
Here are some of my favorite Instagram travel hashtags, that can be used for any travel-related post.
| #theglobewanderer | #traveldiary | #bucketlisttravel |
| #exploreearth | #letsgoeverywhere | #globetrotters |
| #letsgoeverywhere | #roamtheplanet | #globetravel |
| #instapassport | #exploringtheglobe | #happytraveller |
| #travelstoke | #aroundtheglobe | #justtravel |
| #travelcaptures | #placesoftheworld | #letstravel |
| #traveldreamseekers | #thebestdestinations | #mytravelstory |
| #travelideas | #thewanderingtourist | #worldexplorer |
| #travelinspiration | #travelandexplore | #wanderingsoul |
| #travelmoments | #travelbucketlist | #thebestdestinations |
| #theglobewanderer | #instapassport | #doyoutravel |
| #ilovetravel | #passportready | #postcardsfromtheworld |
| #theprettycities | #passionpassport | #welivetoexplore |
Vacation hashtag ideas
Those beautiful vacation pics you took, deserve to be seen. Use these trip/holiday focused hashtags:
| #mytrips | #holidaymode | #vacationdestination |
| #holidaymemories | #vacationfun | #tripgram |
| #holidaytrip | #vacationready | #tripaddicts |
| #vacationgram | #vacationpics | #vacationgoals |
| #vacationmemories | #vacationideas | #vacationmood |
Travel hashtags to be featured
One method that you can use to grow your Instagram is to get featured on bigger accounts. This will get more eyeballs on your content and if people like it, then they might follow you.
The rules to be featured are different for every account that does this, but most have branded hashtags that you can add to your posts. Then they’ll pick their favorite photos and repost them with credit to the creator.
Here are some hashtags to be featured:
| #travelgirlsgo | #sheisnotlost | #femmewanderers |
| #travellingthroughtheworld | #damestravel | #femmetravel |
| #theprettycities | #travelgirlsgo | #bbctravel |
| #topeuropephoto | #bestvacations | #guardiantravelsnaps |
| #places_wow | #travelawesome | #lonelyplanet |
| #darlingescapes | #globe_moments | #thebestdestinations |
| #seemycity | #vacations_moments | #tlpicks |
Female travel hashtags
| #travelgirlsgo | #travelgirlsvibe | #travelgirl |
| #sheisnotlost | #wearetravelgirls | #dametraveler |
| #ladiesgoneglobal | #girlsdreamtravel | #femmetravel |
| #travelgirlshub | #globelletravels | #citizenfemme |
| #girlmeetsglobe | #shewhowanders | #explorerbabes |
| #shetravels | #travelinglady | #journeyofgirls |
| #wanderingwomen | #globelletravel | #girlslovetravel |
| #gltlove | #travelgirldiary | hetravelwomen |
Hashtags for travel bloggers
| #travelblogging | #bloggerslife | #writetotravel |
| #laptoplifestyle | #bloglife | #femaletravelblogger |
| #bloggersofinstagram | #travellifestyle | #travelblogger |
| #digitalnomads | #thattravelblog | #travelblog |
| #tblogger | #travelpreneur | #travelbloggerlife |
| #bloggerlife | #workabroad | #luxurytravelblogger |
| #nomadiclife | #travelwriter |
Adventure hashtags
| #adventuretime | #getoutstayout | #chooseadventure |
| #thegreatoutdoors | #findyouradventure | #adventure_culture |
| #adventuretravel | #stayandwander | #adventureoften |
| #adventureenthusiasts | #goneoutdoors | #adventurevisuals |
| #lifeisanadventure | #adventureseeker | #adventureworld |
| #adventureawaits | #hikingadventures |
Related posts: 23 cute Instagram stickers for stories
Luxury travel hashtags for Instagram
| #luxurytravel | #tophotels | #luxuryholiday |
| #luxuryhotel | #luxuryretreat | #luxurytrip |
| #luxetravel | #travelinstyle | #luxuryvacation |
| #luxuryhotelsoftheworld | #travelluxury | #vacaygoals |
| #luxurytravellers | #luxuryescapes | #bestresorts |
Tropical travel hashtags
There is nothing greater than relaxing on a beach and swimming in azure waters. Besides, beach destinations are some of the most beautiful locations to photograph. Use these hashtags for your tropical photos.
| #beachlife | #beaching | #aquaholic |
| #beachvibes | #oceanvibes | #oaceanscape |
| #oceanview | #beachfun | #beachday |
| #beachsunset | #palmtrees | #beachview |
| #oaceanholic | #sealovers | #beachtherapy |
| #sunriseoftheday | #beachscape | #lifebythebeach |
| #beachbum | #beachhairdontcare | #beachholiday |
| #seaview | #lifeisbetterbythebeach | #vitaminsea |
| #seascape | #lifesabeach | #oceanwave |
Travel couple hashtags
Hashtags you can use for your couple shots:
| #travelcouple | #travelcouplesgoals | #coupleswhotravel |
| #travelcoupleinpiration | #travelcouplevibes | #adventurecouple |
| #travelcouplelife | #creativetravelcouples | #traveltogether |
Hope you found this guide useful and that you discovered many new hashtags to use along with your Instagram posts. And remember, always prioritize relevancy over the number when it comes to hashtags.
I’d also recommend checking my other posts with tips for growing on Instagram:
Happy posting~
