The 50 Most ‘Grammable Getaways
Meghann Foye
Meghann Foye
Meghann Foye is an author and travel writer living in Jersey City, New Jersey, who'll never say no to: cold brew iced coffee, the next girlfriend getaway, or a '90s rom-com, even if she's seen it a million times before. You can follow all of her latest discoveries at @meghannfoye.
If last year was all about finding the perfect spots to Insta on vacation, this year is about choosing the destinations that will *guarantee* great stories for your feed. From these wow-worthy natural backdrops to the modern art and architectural stops on every influencer's bucket list, this list of 50 spots is begging for your stories. Go forth and snap!
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada: Explore Canada’s most beloved national park by foot, kayak, or — for Insta-story perfection — Rocky Mountaineer’s brand-new bi-level luxury GoldLeaf train service. Leaving from multiple stops (including Seattle and Vancouver), these trains will give you ample time to perfect your photography through the carriage's glass-top domes as you scale mountainsides and weave through steep canyons. (Photo via Keep Exploring/Destination Canada)
The Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, Iceland: Thanks in part to affordable flights and the promise of silica-mud selfies in its famed Blue Lagoon, tourism to Iceland has doubled since 2010. While most will pay about $60 to use the facilities and take a dip, you’ll now have the option to stay at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon (opening in April 2018) and partake in its private spa services. The Retreat may be pricey, but you won’t have to fight the selfie-stick-wielding crowds for the perfect shot amid the 800-year-old lava flows. (Photo via Retreat at the Blue Lagoon)
The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France: With this landmark clocking in as the fourth-most geotagged destination in the world, an arty shot of the symbol of Paris’ move into modernity is an Instagrammer-must. You can battle it out for the best tower-facing Airbnb, or book at Paris Perfect, a little-known service that offers more than 100 apartments with Eiffel views. Want to go lower-budget on accommodations? Try the VIP Eiffel at Night and Seine Champagne Cruise from CityWonders, which takes you to three insider spots (including one on the Seine) for sparkly tower-at-night snaps. (Photo via Paris Perfect)
Kensington Palace, London, England: The best spot for a potential glimpse of the soon-to-be royal couple? Check in at the Milestone Hotel and you'll be right across the street from Prince Harry and Megan Markle's apartment in Kensington Palace. Or fit in a visit to the palace itself (and see many of London’s many other ‘grammable landmarks) with a three-day London Pass, which for under $100 lets you skip the line and get admission to more than 80 notable sites, museums, and attractions. (Photo via @alishylishy)
NyHavn Waterfront, Copenhagen, Denmark: René Redzepi, one of the world’s most influential chefs, will open Noma 2.0 on February 15. While reservations have already been mostly snapped up, there are some great creative, cozy — and much more affordable — eateries founded by the original restaurant's alums not far from the Insta-fave NyHavn waterfront area. Check out Manfreds, Christian Puglisi’s veggie-focused restaurant. (Photo via @alishylishy)
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy: The famous Roman amphitheater, built in 70-80 AD, is another Top 25 Most ‘Grammed site. A typical tour will take you to crowded areas in the stands, where it’s hard to get a photobomb-free pic. Instead, book the VIP Colosseum Arena Floor Tour with The Roman Guy. They have special access to the area known as “Death Gate,” normally kept under lock and key, which leads out onto the arena floor. There you can take truly gladiator-worthy photos. (Photo via @verniecenciso)
Franciacorta, Italy: With its rolling hills, countryside castles, and 100+ wineries, this region known for its complex and crisp sparkling wine is just an hour outside of Milan. It's a favorite of celebrities such as George and Amal Clooney, and it's no wonder when perfect snap opps include lakeside pics and shots in front of centuries-old barns. (Photo via Antonio Saba)
Stolzenfels Castle, Rhine Villages, Germany: This 62-mile stretch of train travel might be the most charm-packed in all of Germany. From Frankfurt, take the Mittelrheinbahn (Central Rhine Railway service), which follows the left bank between Mainz and Koblenz past idyllic villages, terraced vineyards, and medieval fortresses. Tickets are available on a Eurail pass, which can be booked through Rail Europe. (Photo via Rail Europe)
Valetta, Malta: It may be just shy of its 7,000th b-day, but Malta (named 2018's capital of culture) has one of the most followed Instagram accounts. We're far from surprised, because everything in this small yet culture-packed Mediterranean island is crying out for capturing, including features like the electric blue waters surrounding its beautiful Blue Grotto sea caves and Crystal Lagoon and the colorful, labyrinthine streets of Valetta (pictured here). (Photo via Malta Tourism)
Cappadocia, Turkey: With unusual volcanic rock formations called fairy chimneys that make you feel like you're on the moon rather than vacationing in Turkey, there's no place more ‘grammable than this ancient city, located about an hour’s flight from Istanbul. With good exchange rates, you can find excellent deals on accommodations, like at the world-class Argos in Cappadocia, which boasts luxury suites built from ancient ruins, caves, and underground tunnels for under $200 a night. (Photos via Argos in Cappadocia)
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: There are about a hundred reasons why the world’s only seven-star, sail-shaped hotel has also become the world’s most followed hotel on Instagram — its gold-leaf-covered interiors, giant fish tanks, intricate design details, and fleet of Rolls Royces, to name a few. But for the perfect shot, you may just want to point your camera upwards (just check out this photo for Insta-ration.) (Photo via Jumeirah)
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India: You'll find endless IG potential all over Jodhpur, including its beautiful blue-painted houses, Sadar Bazaar handicraft market, and majestic Mehrangarh Fort. WHOA Travel, a boutique women’s tour company known for its action-packed and empowering adventures, is offering a 16-day India Adventure starting in October 2018, covering Rajasthan's many highlights. Out of every experience you’ll want to capture, probably the most meaningful will be the chance to meet some of India’s “sheroes” who are making life safer for women and girls both in India and around the world. (Photo via Nicola Bailey)
Cape Town, South Africa: Now the largest museum dedicated to contemporary African art in the world, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is quickly becoming the latest highly selfie-able setting, thanks to its cut-glass-faceted windows and incredible views of the downtown waterfront. For even more stunning vistas, Ellerman House (an iconic boutique five-star hotel in Bantry Bay) offers some of the most expansive views of the Atlantic in all of South Africa. (Photo via Ellerman House)
Botsoela Waterfall, Malealea, Lesotho: Mountainous and completely surrounded by South Africa, this small “kingdom in the sky” is off the radar for many travelers since getting there is a bit tricky and crime can be a factor in its cities, but its natural areas — such as the beautiful and peaceful Botsoela Waterfall in Malealea, accessible by four-hour hike on foot or horseback — could easily be named a Wonder of the World if this region were more well-known. For accommodations and reputable guides, try the Malealea Lodge. (Photo via Lesotho Tourism)
Kinosaki, Japan:According to Airbnb, searches for ryokan (or traditional Japanese inns, often close to natural hot springs) are up 600 percent for 2018 travel. If you’re looking for some of the most historic, try the town of Kinosaki, sitting on the Sea of Japan about two and a half hours from Kyoto. This traditional Japanese town has seven hot springs and hundreds of inns to choose from — and in 2018, you’ll even be able to take an aerial tram up the Kinosaki Ropeway to visit an ancient Buddha statue at the Onsenji Temple, on display to the public only once every 33 years. (Photo via Kinosaki Tourism)
Capella Shanghai Water Tower, Shanghai, China: The newly opened Capella Shanghai sits right in the heart of the French Concession, a famed heritage district. It fully embodies Shanghai’s glamorous mix of old and new, with its lovingly restored '30s-era shikumen (lanehouse-style buildings), secret gardens, and reimagined water tower (definitely the place to score the best bird's-eye photo ops). (Photo via Capella Shanghai)
Pakerisan River, Ubud, Bali: While Mount Agung’s eruption in September 2017 forced thousands of residents to flee and took a massive toll on tourism in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali's now been declared safe and ready for tourists again. You'll get one of the most peaceful night's sleep of your life and score a few incredible treetop selfie shots at the newly opened Hoshinoya Bali, a resort village of hillside verandas nestled in the Balinese jungle. (Photo via Hinoshoya Bali)
Exuma, The Bahamas: The crystal-clear waters of the Exumas are also home to these photo-worthy Bohemian Rock iguanas, as well as the now-famous swimming pigs. You can go on a full-day trip to see the iguanas on Allen Cay and the nurse sharks on Compass Cay with Four C’s Adventures. And you’ll be doing good too — getting to these smaller islands has greatly helped residents and small local businesses thrive after a period of downturn. (Photo via Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)
Havana, Cuba: With unrestricted tourism for US passport holders no longer allowed, the individual travel to Cuba is at a standstill once again, but group tours that focus on education and/or supporting locals are permitted. Bridges Cuba and Escape Brooklyn are teaming up to take groups of 10 down this spring for responsible, ethical tours featuring working partnership with local Cubans, including the Cuba for Art Lovers tour in February. On the tour, you'll discover Cuba’s rich creative history, from street art to building construction to modes of transportation to posters, with plenty of stops to fill up your feed. (Photo via Escape Brooklyn)
Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Peru: There’s no better location to score a pic of South America’s most photographed landmark than the hills overlooking the famous ruins at Machu Picchu — but with only one place to snap your pics, it can get mobbed. A stay at the environmentally conscious Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers 15-minute shuttle rides to the historic site, making it easy to get there early for the best shot. (Photos via Inkaterra)
Butterfly Falls, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Cayo, Belize: Belize has more than 200 Mayan temple ruins and second largest barrier reef in the world, but the Bufferfly Falls (on the private property of Hidden Valley Inn) are also worth a visit. After a 30-minute hike through the jungle, you'll come across 80-foot drops plunging into a shimmering pool that attracts thousands of butterflies. It's the ultimate selfie score. (Photo via Belize Tourism)
Larimer Square, Denver, CO: As the cannabis tourism trend, uh, sparks up, a ticket to Denver is on everyone’s hot list these days. Twinkling-light-covered Larimer Square is an Instagram favorite as well as home to the greatest selection of independent and chef-driven restaurants on a single block in America (hint, hint: the perfect place to end your evening). You might even see a Top Chef or two, since many of them live on the street. (Photo via Colorado Tourism)
The Modern, Fort Worth, TX: The thoroughly contemporary aspect of this city of “Cowboys and Culture” comes through strikingly at its famed Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, with its five concrete and glass pavilions sitting upon a reflecting pond. From Picasso to Andy Warhol, you’ll get lost among the original masters of modern art. (Photo via Fort Worth Tourism)
The Goodland, Goleta, CA: Soak up the SoCal sun and breeze without the heavy price tags at this chill boutique retreat in Santa Barbara's sister city of Goletta. The 158-room hotel is known for its nostalgic Americana amenities — you can even shop for albums at the lobby's VNYL record shop and play them on in-room turntables. (Photo via the Goodland)
Spire 73, Los Angeles, CA: LA offers tons of incredible Insta opps, but the newest is the recently opened Spire 73 at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, which on the hotel's 73rd floor is now the tallest open-air bar in the western hemisphere. You’ll get unrivaled panoramic views of the skyline and cityscape — along with next-level cocktails to take them in with. (Photo via InterContinental)
Seven Magic Mountains, Las Vegas, NV: More than a thousand people a day have been coming to take selfies among Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone's neon-bright boulders since the installation opened in the desert outside of Las Vegas in May of 2016. The modern-day Stonehenge for the selfie generation may look incredible in your feed, but the true significance is pretty profound — it was erected just a short distance from where legendary land artworks were created in the 1960s and where ancient petroglyphs have been found, representing the next chapter of land art in this desert area. The installation is supposed to come down in May 2018, but the museum has petitioned to keep it up longer thanks to its popularity. (Photos via Gianfranco Gorgoni/Ugo Rondinone: Seven Magic Mountains, courtesy of Art Production Fund and the Nevada Museum of Art)
That Pink Door, Palm Springs, CA: Calling all midcentury architecture and design lovers: Palm Springs is your destination (and a major Instagrammer favorite) thanks to the lively pink door at 1100 E Sierra Way (captured uniquely here by color-loving blogger/design consultant Alisha Johns). If you want to dive into mid-century architecture even more on your visit, check out the excellently resourced Architecture and Design Center. (Photo via @alishylishy)
Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI: You won’t lack for visual inspo with this museum's 30,000 works, including pieces by Monet, Warhol, and Picasso — not to mention one of the largest Georgia O’Keeffe collections in the world. But it’s the MAM's breathtaking, moveable brise soleil "wings" soaring against the backdrop of Lake Michigan that 'grammers from near and far flock to capture. Be sure to set your phone for vid when the wings actually “flap” at noon. (Photo via Milwaukee Art Museum)
Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa, CA: It can be tough to narrow down all the incredible picture-taking ops in California’s most famous and prestigious wine town. But overlooking 28 acres of seemingly endless grape vines, fruit trees, and picturesque farmland, Carneros Resort and Spa — with its infinity-edged hot tub, turquoise pool, and cozy cabanas — is one spot that will def make it into your stories. (Photo via Carneros)
Brooks Avenue Lifeguard Tower, Venice Beach, CA: Honoring the legacy of LGTBQ+ heritage in the Venice Beach community, the Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower has become a popular Insta landmark for locals and visitors alike thanks to its bright rainbow design by Venice artist Patrick Marston and husband Michael Brunt. Originally scheduled to be up for a few months, it’s become so popular that it’s now going to be up indefinitely as a symbol of inclusivity. (Photo via @alishylishy)
Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel,, Huntington Beach, CA: Many are rediscovering Surf City, USA on So-Cal’s coastline thanks to its palm-lined streets, peaceful white-sand beaches, and plenty of laid-back Cali vibes. The Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel has dozens of Insta-friendly backdrops, including 157 guests rooms with ocean views, its own art gallery, and in-house restaurant Pacific Hideaway's colorful wall mural. (Photo via Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel)
Willamette Valley, OR: With more and more vineyards, tasting rooms, and restaurants opening every day, Oregon’s Willamette Valley is making headlines as the country's next big wine region. The Vintages Trailer Resort is a great base for exploring them all, thanks to free-to-use Cruiser bikes offering easy transportation to the neighboring town of Dayton, a gateway to many of the local vineyards and wineries. (Photo via The Vintages)
New Orleans, LA: Any year — any day for that matter — in NOLA is a party, but with the city commemorating its 300th anniversary in 2018, it’s pretty much set to be epic all year long. The whole city boasts a selfie possibility on almost every block, from the garden district to the French Quarter, but recently, its many street-art murals in its Treme and Bywater neighborhoods have been getting major nods from influencers. (Photo via Camels & Chocolate/Fashion Edible)
Gateway Arch Park, St. Louis, MO: It's a pretty big year for the Gateway City. Opening once again after a four-year hiatus, the Gateway Arch Park grounds have been completely transformed with biking and running trails, space for outdoor concerts and indoor events, and a state-of-the-art museum. Renovations on the iconic, 630-foot arch will be finished just in time for the State Fair, but bring your selfie stick, as hundreds of thousands are set to arrive in June, July, and August when it opens. (Photo via St. Louis Tourism)
Paisley Park, Chanhassen, MN: A must-visit for Prince fans, this museum opened in the larger-than-life musician’s private home and recording studio in 2016, taking you behind the scenes of where the famed Purple Rain singer lived and worked. You’ll tour Prince’s recording studio & dance club and even visit his urn to pay homage to the much-loved icon. The museum's geometric, pyramid-topped building and mod interior staircase are IG story faves. (Photo via Paisley Park/NPG Records)
Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, MN: As Superbowl LI headed to Minneapolis in February, all eyes were on the Land of a Thousand Lakes. For some of the best 'gramming in the state, head to its biggest — the banks of the Lake Superior's North Shore. At the Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, you'll feel the winds from Lake Superior rushing beneath and have a perfect seat for the best Northern Lights viewing in the state. (Photo via Jonathan Dyess)
Taos, AZ: Make sure you’ve got plenty of space on your phone, because this region — known for inspiring artists such as Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe — offers endless vistas and ethereal light so beautiful you really won’t need any filters. In fact, the bright turquoise doors, rich red of the chili ristras, and deep blue of the mountains set against the millennia-old soft tan adobe buildings of the Taos Pueblo are the stuff that inspires Insta filters. (Photo via Taos Tourism)
North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, NC: Fans of Storm King Art Center in New York’s Hudson Valley may be blown away to realize the NCMA Park is holding its own, with over two dozen works of art across two miles of trails over 164 acres of land, making it the largest museum art park in the county. Explore the grounds, then come inside for its other beautiful, forward-thinking art and installations. (Photo via North Carolina Museum of Art)
La Concha, San Juan, Puerto Rico: It’s been months since Hurricane Maria ravaged much of this US territory, and many areas are still devastated and working hard to recover. La Concha in San Juan is back open for tourists as of January and is happily welcoming visitors, who are helping to drive business and boost the local economy. The iconic shell fares well with Instagrammers because it lights up at night — and you might even see a celeb or two (word has it Justin Beiber found it a fave while working on his remix of "Despacito"). (Photo via La Concha)
The Museum of Ice Cream, Miami, FL: This pop-up — originally launched in Manhattan, then Los Angeles and San Francisco — came to Miami in December, and the results are an ice-cream lover’s fantasy, including a sprinkle pool, a banana split room, and a hanging Popsicle installation that looks like modern art. The best part? Its overarching mission is to be a socially inclusive and accessible activity for all to enjoy (and photo ops are strongly encouraged). (Photo via @alishylishy)
Rockhouse Hotel, Negril, Jamaica: Opened in 1972 and originally frequented by original influencers Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones, the iconic and environmentally conscious Rockhouse Hotel has recently received visits from Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin, and Rita Ora. Designed to be in harmony with their natural surroundings, each villa sits on the existing volcanic cliffs. The most coveted Instagram shot? Jumping off the wooden bridge into the azure sea below. (Photo via Rockhouse Hotel)
Hotel Esencia, Xpu-Pa, Mexico: Sitting quietly along the last undeveloped shores of the Mayan Riviera, Hotel Esencia is seriously upping the game in Playa Del Carmen, with 11 newly renovated suites featuring mid-century furnishings, art, and antiques (including Pablo Picasso and Le Corbusier). You’ll definitely want to tag yourself at Mistura, its new destination restaurant from Chef Dimitris Katrivesis, an alumnus of the acclaimed Michelin-starred El Bulli restaurant in Spain. (Photo via Hotel Esencia)
Merida, Mexico: In Mexico’s Yucatan, this medium-sized town is known for its beautiful old Spanish-style homes with colorful facades that, according to photographer Sandy Noto, look almost like a human-scale Pantone book. She traveled there recently and documented the project on her blog. (Photo via Sandy Noto)
WaterFire, Providence, RI: This charming New England city has become one of the Northeast’s hottest destinations to visit due to its passionate love of the arts and stellar dining. During the summer months, WaterFire — an independent arts organization meant to inspire residents and visitors — has become a marquee event downtown, with 80+ bonfires set in braziers along the waterfront. (Photo via Rhode Island Tourism)
Troutbeck, Amenia, NY: Does anything sound more Insta-friendly than an 18th-century country inn with a roaring fireplace, plenty of antique rugs, and leaded glass windows overlooking a quiet stream? (Especially one frequented by Mark Twain, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Ernest Hemingway!) The best part is that this stone-clad manor just got a major renovation full of updates, including a farm-to-table dining room, yet it’s still managed to retain its history and eclecticism. (Photo via Troutbeck)
Honesdale, PA: Popular travel site Escape Brooklyn has identified the next big weekend getaway location outside NYC — Honesdale, PA. Artists and nature lovers are flocking to its large-scale sculptural installation "Paper Caves" — open through March 2018 — a machination of visual artist Samuelle Green, who rolled more than 2,400 square feet of paper cones to draw attention to the intricacies of animal architecture in nature. Escape Brooklyn recommends taking in the fascinating sculpture, then staying in town for craft beers at Here & Now Brewing, grabbing farm-to-table eats at The Anthill Farm Kitchen, and shopping for vintage finds at The Wooden Nickel. (Photo via Samuelle Green)
Niagara Falls, Canada: Another one of the world’s most naturally beautiful spots to capture, visitors are seeking all the different vantage points of Niagara Falls, especially in Niagara Parks on the Canadian side of the river. Set aside a full day to take in the Journey Behind the Falls: You’ll explore the 129-year-old tunnels behind the waterfall, which lead to outdoor observation decks that put you face-to-face with the Horseshoe Falls. (Photo via Journey Behind the Falls)
The Old Port, Portland, ME: “The other Portland” is becoming the next big tourist draw on the east coast as fans find out about its epic breweries, fresh-caught locavore fare, and gallery scene. Though many choose to steal snaps in front of the Old Port district's vintage brick buildings and waterfront, others are excited for some revolutionary modern art as the 2018 Portland Museum of Art Biennial, which kicked off January 26 and runs through June 3, showcases the work of 25 artists who reflect Maine’s increasing diversity. (Photo via Office of Maine Tourism)
Acadia National Park, ME: Outdoorsy types have been frequenting the start of the Appalachian Trailhead in northern Maine for centuries, and the area is still mostly untouched and unspoiled by crowds. On summer nights, thousands of stars can be picked up, like in photographer and Instagram influencer HB Mertz’s capture. (Photo via @hbmertz)
Tundra Buggy Lodge, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada: If you thought you had to visit the North Pole to find polar bears, think again. In Churchill, Manitoba, you can hop into a Tundra Buggy — an all-terrain vehicle that gets you close-up views of the bears — then retreat to the very cool “lodge” (actually a string of the Tundra Buggies in a row) complete with high-end bunks & dining and a lounge where you can meet other guests to swap stories. (Photo via Tundra Buggy Lodge)
What’s on your Insta list for 2018? Tell us about it @BritandCo!
Meghann Foye
Meghann Foye is an author and travel writer living in Jersey City, New Jersey, who'll never say no to: cold brew iced coffee, the next girlfriend getaway, or a '90s rom-com, even if she's seen it a million times before. You can follow all of her latest discoveries at @meghannfoye.