Travelers want to share their adventures with the world. The prevalence of social media has made sharing experiences easier with friends, family, and the many followers we have acquired on Instagram inspired by the incredible photos we’ve taken over time. As of April of 2017, Instagram had more than 700 million active users worldwide complimenting the captivating cities, villages, and natural landmarks across the globe. Stunning photos allow your followers to join you on your trip through opulent ancient tombs or inspiring ruins, down enchanting lanes or inside bustling markets asking the question, does the destination make Instagram or does Instagram make the destination?

Giza and Luxor in Egypt have attracted visitors from around the world for nearly 4,000 years with the pyramids remaining the last of the Ancient World Wonders. The impeccable geometry and remarkable preservation of the pyramids and enigmatic Sphinx continue to awe travelers as megalithic memorials to once powerful pharos. As an undeniable highlight in Egypt and along the circuit of bucket-list destinations, Giza sets the remarkable standard of ancient photographic extravagance followed by the elegant banks of the River Nile and atmospheric wonder of the Valley of the Kings and Queens. 

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The former prehistoric lake of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia dried thousands of years ago creating the world’s largest salt flats. The untamed grandeur of the desert reveals one of South America’s most inspiring destinations glowing with salt crystals as white as snow framed by the unfettered sky of the altiplano. The pristine sea of salt becomes surreal around the little pockets of water reflecting the sporadic clouds merging the great white expanse with the horizon.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu in Peru is a destination long considered the highlight of any trip to South America and the pinnacle of any bucket list. The inspiring ancient city was virtually forgotten after the fall of the Inca Empire and never conquered by the invading Spaniards. Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World but its increasing fame has not taken away the spectacular charms of 15th-century features hidden in the heights of the Andean peaks. Whether looking down on the plateau on which Machu Picchu sits or making the long trek from the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu captures the exhilaration of travel and shares the remarkable feelings of discovery emphasized by the tag #nofilter.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen’s nickname alone embodies the town’s photogenic qualities captured in the title, the “Blue City.” The colorful walls standout from the plateau and surrounding slopes along the Rif Mountains in an enchanting labyrinth of alleys, stairwells, and picturesque doorways. The architecture represents the mixture of Moorish and Jewish design dating back to the 15^th century after the Catholic monarch reconquered Spain. The otherworldly town provides access to idyllic mountain streams and remarkable mountain peaks woven into the fabric of the cultural tapestry of Berber tribespeople. The old medina, restored Kasbah, and fresh authentic cuisine demands attention from the camera.

Jaipur, India

Jaipur, India acts as the gateway to colorful flamboyance with busy streets ebbing and flowing against the market mayhem leading to the heart of Jaipur in the City Palace. Arid hills encompass the sustaining historic grandeur of the city set against the unique instruments of the Jantar Mantar–royal observatory—and honeycombed windows of the Hawa Mahal. The destination is affectionately known as the “Pink City” is a photographer’s paradise maintaining the architectural brilliance of 18th-century lavish halls, complex artistic Mughal symmetry, and the sophisticated design of the 16th century Amer Fort.

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto in Japan offers an abundance of mystery and magic in the mixture of atmospheric temples, traditional teahouses, and peaceful manicured gardens fitting effortlessly into a camera lens. Kyoto remains steadfast in embracing the past passing down traditional arts and crafts through the generations in specialty shops or along the downtown streets lined with traditional Japanese townhouses known as machiya. Kyoto is a city involving full immersion for a trail of photographs telling tales of 2,000 temples, culinary mastery, legends of Nijo Castle, exquisite handmade paper, captivating traditional tea ceremonies, and the jovial hanami, viewing parties specifically for watching cherry blossoms.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece is the island where visitors can snap postcard-perfect photos. The iconic whitewashed walls and blue rooftops scattered across the steep cliffs represent the classic image of the Cyclades. Sailboats glide across the massive sea-filled caldera and precipitous volcanic-black bluffs provide the best panoramic views overlooking the azure water. The beaches shimmer with pebbles changing from red, white, or black and elegant dining experiences crowning the cliff-tops. The only picture better than the idyllic beaches and passing boats is the applause-worthy sunsets casting layers of colors across the sky reflecting in the crystalline water.