While I enjoy a sepia-toned beach or clinking cocktails gif as much as the next person, sometimes I can't help but feel a little jaded by The Gram. It's beautiful - really it is - a lot of it anyway. But, as I was supposed was unavoidable, Instagram has become somewhat of an enemy to itself. We see the sick pic, we want to go, we get there are realise that we can't always retain that "grammy" feeling because real life doesn't happen in Ludwig, or Crema - or even Valencia if we're being honest. And so we'll never entirely create that level of Insta perfection. Travel has been particularly haunted by the Insta craze, in the sense that it's become somewhat a parody of itself - extremely processed and staged "lifestyle" shots posted by major Influencers. What we loved has come round full circle, and now I almost feel exhausted scrolling past yet another beautiful sunset or white-washed beach.
It's important to remember though, that Instagram is host to a lot more than cliche couples kissing in serene views, or pigs swimming in crystal clear Caribbean waters. More recently, I've been trying to follow less "Instagram fantasy" type accounts and more relatable accounts that focus still on travel, cities, adventure but with a less contrived undertone! Here are a few quirky faves from my personal collection:
This has to be my most favourite ever account. It's beautiful in all the typical Instagram ways - but also pays homage to one of our times most stylish directors - Wes Anderson. Anderson's movie are incredibly distinct in styling, evoking classic vintage feels and an unattainable aesthetic that's highly unattainable in a real-life scenario, but looks impressive on screen. Some of his most beautifully styled films include The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom and The Darjeeling Express, to name a few. What's interesting about this particular account though is not that these are images taken from Wes's films, but actually a completely unrelated collection of ever-updating images that evoke that classic Wes feels. As a big fan of his, I play this game a lot in real life! Toronto's metro system, San Fransisco's tram system, an old lighthouse, a retro-looking sign - I love it when life imitates Wes! Followers can submit images from around the globe and what we end up with is a smorgasbord of quirky, pastel delight.
Moving swiftly away in a totally non-Instagrammy direction is Passenger Shaming - ever travellers guilty pleasure. This account is also submission-based, but rather than show pretty pastels and delicious symmetry, it instead highlights the indiscretions of airline passengers around the world. No doubt there is something on here almost anyone can relate to. Cheesy feet on you footrest perhaps? Or a gin-induced breakdown mid-flight? And then there was that passenger who tried to dry underwear using the air con valve above her seat, much to the detest of everyone everywhere ever! I like a good comedy 'gram account - it is important we remember the reality of travel amidst the lavender fields and yoga handstands.
Purely Paris-based this account is a must for anyone planning an upcoming trip to the city of love. Or, like me, anyone who just likes to see delicious things! Desserted in Paris features the city's most delightful patisserie items - something France is well known for. Some of them genuinely are miniature works of art, and it is my hope one day I'm going to go there and try them all. What's particularly cute about this account is that its run by a pastry chef, no less - so an authority on the best Parisian mums, we can all agree. But also that chef Tal Spiegel matches each intricate pastry with a pair of quirky matching shoes, which makes for a great aesthetic and a very unique combination of subject matter! He gives a small detail on each delight and tags the restaurant so you can make a note for next time you visit.
Some of you might remember a coffee table book of the same name that went just a teeny bit viral - well, these are the same guys - but now with an ever-changing variety of cabins to suit all tastes. There's just something magical about cabins - so simple, classical and often modest - yet enchanting and homely at the same time. I think these kinds of cabin fantasises stem back from fairy stories in our youth - we all still secretly want to run away and live in a gingerbread house! With the rise of Airbnb, glamping and the tiny house movement the spec for cabin porn ranges from fusty little sheds, all the way to luxe glass igloos. Perfect for some inspiration for your next weekend away - and to feed your inner child.
This 'gram account I only came across recently and its quickly become a firm fave as it ticks all my Instagram wants. Impressive travel scenery - check! Cute little doggies - check! And on top of that performs a service to rehome the dogs featured in its content. Creator Rachael Rodgers works with several animal shelters in her native Canada to showcase these wily pups and giving information on their circumstance, age and health issues as well as shooting gorgeous content to show off these beautiful creatures and hopefully fast track their adoption into loving forever homes. It's such a great way to use the platform, she also helps others to use Instagram for adoptions too in a purchasable guide. You can volunteer to help her cause, donate money or simply support them by liking and commenting.
Jodie is a painfully British 30-something adventurer who traverses the globe as a full-time digital nomad. She recently graduated from "backpacker" to "flashpacker" status and now enjoys the finer things in life such as showers with hot water, 2-star hotel rooms and sometimes even pays to select a seat on airplanes! When she's not off living that glamorous nomad life, she's online scouring flight prices and writing about what she knows best - travel. Website: http://www.going-rogue.co.uk
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