There’s no doubt that it’s been a particularly disappointing #irishsummer, with July being especially crap.
Wind and rain followed by sun and low temperatures would make anyone long for a break in the sun.
Of course, there are some people for whom travel is more or less a full-time job, and those people love nothing more than documenting their fabulous, filtered lives on Instagram.
So, here are seven of the best Instagram accounts to follow to give you travel ideas and intense holiday envy…
Murad Osmann (@muradosmann)
With 3.1m followers, Murad Osmann, the man behind the #followmeto project, is one of the kings of Instagram.
The #followmeto project sees Osmann take pictures of his wife, Nataly (the couple married recently), as she leads him by the hand to famous landmarks and beautiful destinations around the world.
Started in 2011, the project recently allowed followers a glimpse inside the couple’s wedding…
And honeymoon…
We’re not jealous.
Xenia Tchoumitcheva (@xeniatchoumi)
Xenia Tchoumitcheva describes herself as a digital influencer and fashionista.
The six-language speaking entrepreneur is a celebrity in her native Switzerland, where she has presented TV shows and starred as a spokesmodel. Her success there is as a result of being first runner-up in the Miss Switzerland contest.
She now runs her own website, Chic Overdose, and, as well as boasting nearly 700,000 followers on Instagram, has 2.7m likes on Facebook.
The well-travelled Tchoumitcheva loves sharing photos of her super-glamourous, envy-inducing lifestyle on Instagram — get ready to turn green…
A no filter needed moment in Formentera. Just arrived. A photo posted by xenia tchoumitcheva (@xeniatchoumi) on
Allan Dixon (@daxon)
In 2013, Irishman Allan Dixon beat 300,000 other hopefuls to win the ‘Best Job in the World’ Australia, spending six months ‘working’ as an ‘Outback Adventurer’, travelling around the country’s Northern Territory and documenting his experiences to share with the world via Tourism Australia’s social media channels.
Prior to his Australia adventure, tech head Allan had spent time working at various tech companies here, including Dogpatch Labs and Web Summit.
Dixon’s Instagram feed is mainly full of travel and pretty adorable animal photos…
It looks like he had a pretty awesome time in Australia…
New Year. New crazy you. At first we didn’t know what animal that sign was for. Turns out it’s a Bilby, if you’ve ever heard of them? Looks like a funny little critter. #bilby #animalsign #what?! A photo posted by Allan Dixon – Adventurer (@daxon) on
And, back in Ireland at the moment, he continues to share some pretty stunning photos of Ireland’s west coast.
Passion Passport (@passionpassport)
Unlike the other accounts featured on this list, Passion Passport isn’t an individual’s account, but rather an account that takes submissions and share photos from a “community of travellers, storytellers and photographers”. Founded by Zach Glassman in 2013, the wide variety of contributors means that followers of the account can enjoy a huge variety of photos from all around the world…
“We traveled by train all night, and when we arrived there were hundreds of kilometers of lakes surrounded by rock mountains. This was one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places I’ve ever seen, but the moment I’ll never forget was the expression of amazement and wonder on my partner’s face.” -@rafaelzenato Khao Sok National Park, Thailand #passionpassport A photo posted by Passion Passport (@passionpassport) on
“Walking alongside the cows, I was soon engulfed by the rising sand and dust they kicked up. Only by witnessing this commute, I began to understand the power of ‘the herd’ and see the cows as one.” -@unclescrooch Nigel, Gauteng, South Africa #passionpassport A photo posted by Passion Passport (@passionpassport) on
The Blonde Gypsy (@theblondegypsy)
The Blonde Gypsy is California girl Larissa, who spent the last couple of years in Europe studying for an MA in European Studies, and made the most of her time on the continent travelling around extensively.
With a focus on the Balkan countries, The Blonde Gypsy shares lots of stunning scenic shots and envy-inducing beach photos…
Another slice of #Montenegro heaven: Valdanos Bay, just 4 km north of #Ulcinj. Famous for its surrounding olive groves aka olive gardens, garlic breadsticks, bottomless salads, and crystal clear waters ??{Visit my blog for more dirty Montenegro details} #sexy #ulqin #olivegarden #crnagora #balkans #europe #travel #BGmontenegro A photo posted by The Blonde Gypsy (@theblondegypsy) on
Uncornered Market (@uncornered_market)
Uncornered Market is American husband-and-wife team Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott. They left the US for Prague in 2001 and spent five years there, then, in 2006, set out on an 18-month around-the-world trip that continues to this day.
As well as sharing stunning photos from their travels on Instagram, they also have a blog where they share tips on travelling the world like a pro…
The back streets of Salento, Colombia. The colorful commercial epicenter of Colombian coffee country (Quindio department). Just about every door is brightly painted, billiard halls serve as community centers for old men, and terrific cups of coffee, including at renowned Jesus Martin, are in long supply. A photo posted by Daniel Noll (@uncornered_market) on
Seán Mac an tSíthigh (@buailtin)
And, just to remind us that Ireland is a pretty amazing place – when the sun shines anyway – we have Seán Mac an tSíthigh’s account.
Kerry-based Seán is a videographer for RTÉ and TG4, and he obviously has a great eye, with his account primarily dominated with stunning shots of Ireland’s beautiful south-west coast.
Na Blascaodaí ó Chom Dhíneol. #WestKerry #BlasketIslands A photo posted by Seán Mac an tSíthigh (@buailtin) on
I’m off to pack my backpack…
Stock holiday photo via Shutterstock
