If you are a travel content creator on Instagram, you know how frustrating it can be. You spend hours planning, shooting, and editing, hoping your videos will blow up—only to get the same lukewarm engagement. Meanwhile, your feed is flooded with creators doing the exact same thing: drone shots, scenic timelapses, slow-motion beach walks.

Here’s the harsh truth—80% of social media users follow travel influencers for recommendations, but they’re not stopping for content they’ve seen a million times before. If your videos aren’t hooking them in the first few seconds, they’re already scrolling past.

The good news? You don’t need to post more—you just need to post smarter. Mixing up your content keeps your audience engaged, makes your profile more dynamic, and helps you stand out in a sea of lookalike travel posts.

Let’s dive into 12 Instagram video ideas that will add variety to your feed and boost engagement.

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The Importance of Instagram Video Posts for Travel Creators

Instagram has always been a go-to platform for travel creators, but the way audiences engage with content has evolved. Video is now the driving force behind reach and engagement, making it essential for creators looking to grow.

With travel being such a visually driven niche, it’s no surprise that 80% of social media users follow travel influencers for recommendations. But with so much content out there, audiences aren’t just looking for pretty pictures—they want immersive experiences that help them plan and inspire their next adventure.

While stunning photos can capture a place, videos bring the full experience to life—the sounds of a bustling street, the rush of adventure, the little details that make a destination unforgettable. Travel creators can use video to share itineraries, hidden gems, local culture, and personal moments that go beyond aesthetics and create deeper connections.

More importantly, Instagram’s algorithm favors video, pushing it to a wider audience through Reels, Stories, and the Explore page. For travel creators, this shift isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a necessity. Adapting to video content means staying relevant, increasing visibility, and building a stronger, more engaged community.

Top 12 Instagram Video Post Ideas for Travel Creators

1. Hidden Gems 

One of the best ways to keep your audience engaged is by showcasing hidden gems—those off-the-beaten-path locations that most travelers miss. Sharing lesser-known spots adds value to your content, making your audience feel like they’re getting exclusive insider tips.

You can create short, engaging videos highlighting secret beaches, underrated cafés, or tucked-away cultural sites. Showcasing these locations not only sets you apart from other creators but also positions you as a trusted travel guide, helping your followers discover unique experiences they won’t find in typical travel guides.

Check out this travel video post by Balitripee, where they share hidden spots and gems in Bali for travelers looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.

2. Travel Itinerary

A well-planned travel itinerary video can be a game-changer for your audience, helping them visualize the perfect trip from start to finish. These videos provide structure and guidance, making travel planning easier and more exciting for your followers.

You can create short, engaging videos outlining day-by-day itineraries, including must-visit attractions, dining recommendations, and travel tips. Whether it’s a “3-Day Bali Adventure” or a “One-Week Europe Itinerary,” this type of content adds real value and positions you as a go-to resource for trip planning.

Check out this video post by Natalia and Karolina, where they share a comprehensive 14-day Thailand itinerary packed with must-visit spots, local experiences, and travel tips!

3. Packing Hacks

Packing hacks videos are a must for any travel creator looking to add practical value to their content. Travelers are always searching for ways to pack smarter, save space, and stay organized on the go.

You can create short, engaging videos showcasing packing tips, like rolling clothes to save space, using packing cubes for organization, or carrying multipurpose travel essentials. Whether it’s a “Carry-On Packing Guide” or “10 Packing Hacks Every Traveler Needs,” this type of content keeps your audience engaged and helps them travel more efficiently.

Check out this video post by BackVacOfficial, where they demonstrate how to pack your bags efficiently and fit more items in less space!

4. First-Timer Tips

First-timer tips videos are perfect for helping your audience navigate a famous destination with confidence. Whether it’s visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Canyon, or Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, first-time travelers appreciate insider advice to make their experience smoother.

You can create short, informative videos covering the best times to visit, must-know local customs, entry fees, transportation tips, and hidden costs. A “First-Timer’s Guide to Santorini” or “What to Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu” positions you as a helpful and knowledgeable travel creator, making your content more shareable and valuable.

Check out these amazing Paris travel tips by Mariainwanderland—perfect for first-time visitors looking to make the most of their trip!

5. Cinematic Shots

Cinematic shots can take your travel content to the next level, making your audience feel like they’re right there with you. Smooth transitions, breathtaking drone footage, and slow-motion clips can turn ordinary travel moments into visually stunning experiences.

You can create short, eye-catching videos showcasing golden hour landscapes, aerial views of iconic landmarks, or creative perspective shots. Whether it’s a “Cinematic Bali Travel Reel” or “A Day in Venice – Shot Like a Movie,” this type of content captivates your audience and keeps them coming back for more.

Check out this amazing cinematic shot of the Taj Mahal shared by TravelWithDanish—a perfect blend of stunning visuals and storytelling!

6. Local Food Challenge

Local food challenge videos are a fun and engaging way to showcase the culture of a destination through its cuisine. Whether it’s trying spicy street food in Thailand, bizarre delicacies in Japan, or the biggest pizza slice in New York, these videos keep your audience entertained while giving them a taste of local flavors.

You can create short, energetic videos featuring taste tests, food comparisons, or even reaction clips as you try unique dishes. A “Spiciest Indian Street Food Challenge” or “Trying 5 Must-Eat Dishes in Mexico” can make your content more interactive and shareable!

Check out this video post from MeghnaDatta, where she explores Japan’s street markets and tries some delicious local street food!

7. Budget Travel

Budget travel videos are a game-changer for travelers looking to explore the world without breaking the bank. Audiences love tips on cheap accommodations, affordable food spots, free attractions, and money-saving hacks for different destinations.

You can create short, informative videos like “How to Travel Bali on $30 a Day” or “5 Budget-Friendly Tips for Exploring Paris” to help your audience make the most of their trips while staying within their budget. These videos provide real value and position you as a go-to resource for smart travel planning!

Check out this travel video post by Travelwithnige, where they share things to do in London for under 5 euros—perfect for budget travelers!

8. Best Photo Spots

Best photo spots videos are perfect for travelers looking to capture Instagram-worthy moments. Showcasing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and unique perspectives helps your audience find the best places to snap stunning travel photos.

You can create short, engaging videos like “Top 5 Most Instagrammable Spots in Santorini” or “Secret Photography Locations in Paris” to help travelers level up their photography game. Adding tips on lighting, angles, and best times to visit can make your content even more valuable!

Check out this video post by WeLiveToTravel, where they share the top photo spots in Santorini—perfect for capturing breathtaking views!

9. Travel Guide

Travel guide videos are a great way to provide your audience with a comprehensive breakdown of a destination. Cover key details like best time to visit, top attractions, local culture, transportation tips, and budget estimates—all in a concise and engaging format.

You can create videos like “The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Bali” or “Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Tokyo” to help travelers plan their trips with confidence. Adding personal experiences, must-know tips, and insider hacks makes the content even more valuable!

Check out this video by Thailand Calling Deal, where they share everything you should do in Bangkok—from must-visit spots to local tips! 

10. Solo Travel vs. Group Travel

Solo travel vs. group travel videos help your audience decide which style suits them best. Highlight the freedom and self-discovery of solo travel versus the shared experiences and cost savings of group trips.

You can create engaging videos like “Solo vs. Group Travel: Which One is Right for You?” or “Pros and Cons of Traveling Alone vs. with Friends” to spark discussion and help travelers make informed choices. Sharing personal experiences, real challenges, and unexpected benefits makes the content more relatable!

Check out this video by TravelWithBhawna, where she weighs the benefits of both solo and group travel—helping you decide which adventure suits you best!

11. How-To Guides

Travel can be overwhelming, but how-to videos simplify the process. Whether it’s booking cheap flights, applying for visas, or navigating public transport, these guides provide practical, step-by-step advice for travelers.

Create videos like “How to Find the Cheapest Flights” or “How to Travel Light with Just a Carry-On” to help your audience travel smarter. Adding on-screen tips, real examples, and quick hacks makes these videos even more useful!

Check out this video post by theowletblog sharing tips on how to find cheap hotels!

12. Vlog Your Experience and Share Short Clips

Vlogs are a great way to document your travels and share real-time experiences with your audience. Capture those spontaneous moments, whether it’s a local market visit or an impromptu adventure, and create a narrative that your followers can connect with.

You can then pull out engaging moments from your full vlog and turn them into short clips, like “5-second glimpse of Bali's sunrise” or “Funny moment in Tokyo’s street market”. These quick clips keep your content fresh, fun, and engaging while also encouraging followers to check out the full vlog!

Check out this video from PaolaAlberdi’s vlog, where she shares short clips of her 24 hours in Madrid—a perfect glimpse into her exciting adventure!

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8 Best Practices for Creating Instagram Video Posts for Travel Creators

1. Capture Attention Early

Start your videos with a hook that grabs attention in the first few seconds. Whether it's a stunning view or a unique activity, make sure to immediately show why the content is worth watching.

Instagram users scroll quickly, so keep your intro engaging and tease what’s to come to keep them watching till the end.

2. Keep it Authentic

Authenticity resonates with audiences. Share genuine experiences, personal reactions, and real-life moments during your travels.

People appreciate content that feels honest and relatable, so let your true personality shine through. Whether it’s a spontaneous laugh or an unexpected challenge, realness will help you build a stronger connection with your followers.

3. Use Captions and Text Overlays

Not all users watch videos with sound, so adding captions or text overlays is essential for engagement. Ensure your content is accessible to a wider audience, especially those in noisy environments or non-native speakers.

Summarize key points or add context to visuals, keeping it informative and easy to understand. This will boost video engagement and shareability.

4. Tell a Story

Travel videos are more engaging when they follow a storyline. From beginning to end, structure your video like a narrative: an intro, the journey, and a satisfying conclusion.

Storytelling helps your audience feel involved in your experience, encouraging them to keep watching and interact with your content. Think of your video as an experience, not just a series of clips.

5. Optimize for Instagram’s Algorithm

Instagram prioritizes video content, so optimizing your videos for better visibility is crucial. Use hashtags, engage with comments, and share videos on Reels, Stories, and the Explore tab.

Ensure videos are high-quality and follow Instagram’s best practices, like using the right video format (vertical) and keeping it under 60 seconds for Reels to increase the chances of discovery.

6. Experiment with Different Formats

Don’t just stick to one video format—experiment with a variety. Try Reels, Stories, and IGTV, and see what works best for your audience.

Each format offers unique benefits: Reels are great for viral content, Stories for behind-the-scenes glimpses, and IGTV for longer, more in-depth vlogs. Mixing it up keeps your feed dynamic and engaging.

7. Use Engaging Thumbnails

Your thumbnail is the first impression of your video, so make it eye-catching! Choose a frame that clearly conveys the content and intrigue viewers to click. Bright colors, bold text, or action shots work well to capture attention.

Thumbnails play a significant role in increasing click-through rates, so spend time selecting the perfect one for each video.

8. Focus on Visual Quality

High-quality visuals are key to keeping your audience engaged. Always ensure your videos are well-lit, stable, and clear.

Whether it’s a scenic shot or an action-packed moment, the clarity of your video can make a huge difference in how viewers interact with your content. Use editing tools to enhance your footage if necessary.

Leverage Instagram Video Post Ideas for Travel Creators to Maximize Reach

Instagram videos are a game-changer for travel creators, offering endless opportunities to connect with your audience and grow your presence. By diversifying your content with ideas like hidden gems, itineraries, packing hacks, and local food challenges, you can capture your audience’s attention and inspire wanderlust.

Start experimenting with these video post ideas, track their engagement, and refine your approach based on what resonates most with your followers. Consistency and creativity will be key to making Instagram videos an essential part of your travel content strategy.

And if you need any help creating videos for your travel content, sign up for quso.ai today, and let us help you create engaging videos that connect with your audience.

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