Over the past few years, Instagram has transformed the way companies, especially in the travel industry, connect with their target audience. With its visually driven social media platform, it’s an ideal place for showing spectacular travel destinations, luxury hotels, and unforgettable travel experiences.
But have you ever wondered how some travel brands seamlessly catch user attention on Instagram, making people daydream about exotic destinations and fun adventures? Well, this blog post might be the answer to all your questions.
Instagram has become a perfect spot for posting wanderlust content. Therefore, preparing an engaging Instagram ad for travel can make a considerable difference in reaching potential travelers and converting them into clients. Ready to take off on this journey? Let’s get started!
Best Instagram Ad Examples for Travel
Despite the prevailing neck-to-neck competition in travel marketing, Instagram ads stand out for their ability to visually delight and engage audiences. Travel brands leverage Instagram to show spectacular destinations, unique experiences, and exclusive deals, inspiring people to book a trip and driving conversions.
Here are some outstanding Instagram Ad examples for travel from leading travel brands, examining their strategies and success elements.
1. Airbnb: “Live There, Even if It’s Just for a Night”
Airbnb shows one of the best Instagram Ad examples for travel with high-quality photos and videos to show their listings’ unique charm. Their advertisements usually portray cozy apartments, stylish city lofts, or breathtaking country getaways. This visual diversity caters to different types of tourists looking for anything from a weekend break to an extended stay.
The core of Airbnb’s advertising is the narrative of staying like a local. The slogan ‘Live There, Even if It’s Just for a Night’ represents what it means to see a place through its residents’ eyes.
In addition, ads featured by Airbnb generally include a clear call-to-action like “Book Now.” This direct approach effectively guides viewers toward making a booking, simplifying the decision-making process.
Airbnb has an incredibly advanced audience segmentation system. They target users according to various factors such as travel preferences, past bookings, and interests, among others. Whether it’s solo travelers, families, or business professionals, Airbnb’s ads are tailored to appeal to specific demographics and psychographics.
Besides, authenticity plays an important role in Airbnb ads, where user-generated content is used extensively. The brand uses genuine photos taken by guests who stayed at accommodations offered through this platform alongside reviews written about those places so that new users can see what other people loved about them.
2. Intrepid Travel: “Small Group Adventures”
Intrepid Travel has attractive and lively advertisements that include pictures of small groups of travelers exploring unknown and remote destinations, which are also very vibrant. These images include adventure-filled photographs with a sense of friendship, appealing to those who want more personalized experiences during travel.
The brand narrates stories about exploration and discovery. Often, their adverts have different aspects like special routes and local guides, making them more than mere vacations but rather transformative adventures. Moreover, with a call-to-action like ‘Learn More,’ Intrepid Travel refers users to its website for detailed information on different journeys. This CTA is effective at capturing users in the consideration phase of their journey planning.
Additionally, Intrepid Travel focuses on adventure seekers, solo travelers, and those interested in sustainable tourism. Their targeting strategy includes demographics such as age, income level, and travel interests, ensuring their ads reach individuals most likely to book their tours.Testimonials and stories from past travelers are often included, adding a personal touch and reinforcing the brand’s reliability.
3. Visit Norway: “Norway in a Nutshell”
Visit Norway uses Instagram’s power of visualization and presents breathtaking scenery such as fjords, mountains, and Northern Lights. Their ads are visually striking because they show the country’s raw beauty and heterogeneity. The story centers around Norway’s exceptional natural beauty and unique experiences. Whether it’s hiking in the mountains, moving through fjords, or witnessing the Northern Lights, Visit Norway’s ads evoke a strong feeling of adventure and discovery.
Moreover, the call-to-action, such as “Plan Your Trip,” encourages users to visit their official tourism website. This step helps potential travelers gather more information and start planning their journey, making the process seamless and user-friendly. Visit Norway targets nature lovers, adventure travelers, and those with an interest in Scandinavian culture.
By concentrating on users interested in outdoor activities and exotic travel destinations, they ensure their ads are seen by those most likely to be inspired to visit. Also, by showcasing actual tourist experiences and highlighting local attractions authentically, they build a trustworthy and enticing image of Norway as a must-visit destination.
4. Kayak: “Find Your Perfect Flight”
Kayak advertisements use energetic pictures of airplanes leaving the ground, busy airports, and scenic aerial views of places. This approach builds up excitement and expectation by appealing to individuals who are passionate about traveling. The storytelling centers on how convenient and inclusive their search engine is. It states that any flight can be found and bought easily through their system which has user-friendly interfaces as well as competitive rates displayed alongside each option.
Furthermore, Kayak uses direct calls-to-action like “Search Flights,” guiding users to start their flight search immediately. This CTA is effective in moving users quickly from inspiration to action.
The brand targets frequent travelers, budget-conscious consumers, and individuals who value convenience in travel planning. Their targeting includes factors like travel frequency, past search behavior, and price sensitivity.
By featuring real user reviews and success stories, Kayak reinforces the reliability and efficiency of its service. This authenticity helps to build trust and encourages users to rely on Kayak for their travel planning needs.
5. Expedia: “Your Next Adventure Awaits”
Expedia’s ad campaigns are known for their visually captivating cinematography and editing. These ads usually feature slow-motion shots of people in various locations worldwide, capturing various landscapes. This visual diversity caters to various travel choices, from relaxation seekers to adventure lovers.
The primary message behind Expedia’s ads is that traveling helps people understand each other better. They highlight how traveling to new places and meeting people from different backgrounds can diversify perspectives and foster compassion. By doing so, Expedia appeals to the emotional side of viewers, making them yearn for meaningful relationships through travel.
With a call-to-action like “Book Now,” Expedia prompts users to visit their website and explore travel options. This straightforward approach simplifies the booking process, making it seamless for users to take immediate action.
One notable aspect of Expedia’s ads is the diverse representation of people from all walks of life. They feature people of different nationalities, ages, abilities, and sexual orientations, reflecting the idea that travel is for everyone. This inclusive approach not only resonates with a wider audience but also promotes equality in the tourism industry.
By showing real destinations and genuine traveler experiences, Expedia builds a credible and appealing brand image. User-generated content and reviews often feature in their ads, adding a layer of trust and authenticity.
Free Templates and Tools for Creating Instagram Travel Ads
Creating visually stunning and effective Instagram travel ads doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some free templates and tools to help you get started:
1. Predis.ai
Overview: Predis.ai is an AI-powered tool that helps create engaging social media content, including Instagram ads. It provides smart recommendations and insights to optimize your ad content for better performance.
Features:
- AI-driven content suggestions and templates
- Insights and analytics to improve ad performance
- Customizable templates for Instagram ads
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality
How to Use:
- Sign up for a free Predis.ai account.
- Use the AI-powered recommendations to choose an Instagram ad template that aligns with your objectives.
- Customize the template with your photos, text, and branding elements.
- Use the insights and analytics to refine and optimize your ad content.
- Download the finished ad and upload it to Instagram.
2. Canva
Overview: Canva is a well-renowned online design tool offering a plethora of customizable templates for making Instagram ads. It comes with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for users of all aptitude levels.
Features:
- Pre-designed templates for Instagram ads
- Extensive library of images, icons, and graphics
- Customizable fonts, colors, and layouts
- Collaboration features for team projects
How to Use:
- Sign up for a free Canva account.
- Browse the template library and choose an Instagram ad template that suits your needs.
- Customize the template with your images, text, and branding elements.
- Download the finished ad and upload it to Instagram.
3. Adobe Spark
Overview: Adobe Spark is a versatile tool that lets you create stunning visuals for social media, including Instagram ads. It offers a range of templates and design choices to help you create compelling advertisements.
Features:
- Pre-designed templates for Instagram ads
- Customizable design elements
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
- Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality
How to Use:
- Sign up for a free Adobe Spark account.
- Select an Instagram ad template from the library.
- Customize the template with your images, text, and branding elements.
- Download the finished ad and upload it to Instagram.
4. VistaCreate (Previously Crello)
Overview: VistaCreate is an online design tool similar to Canva, offering a variety of templates for creating Instagram ads. Featuring a user-friendly interface and a range of design options, VistaCreate can be your one-stop destination for creating professional-looking ads.
Features:
- Pre-designed templates for Instagram ads
- Extensive library of images, icons, and graphics
- Customizable fonts, colors, and layouts
- Animation features for creating dynamic ads
How to Use:
- Sign up for a free VistaCreate account.
- Browse the template library and select an Instagram ad template that suits your needs.
- Customize the template with your own images, text, and branding elements.
- Download the finished ad and upload it to Instagram.
5. Unsplash
Overview: Unsplash is a popular platform that offers high-quality, royalty-free images that can be used to create Instagram ads. With a vast library of stunning travel images, this platform can help you create visually appealing ads.
Features:
- Extensive library of high-quality images
- Free to use with no attribution required
- Search functionality to find specific images
How to Use:
- Visit the Unsplash website and search for travel images that suit your ad.
- Download the images you want to use.
- Use a design tool like Canva, Adobe Spark, or VistaCreate to create your ad, incorporating the downloaded images.
6. Pexels
Overview: Pexels is another platform that offers high-quality, royalty-free images and videos that can be used to create Instagram ads.
Features:
- Comprehensive library of high-quality photos and videos
- Free to use with no attribution needed
- Search functionality to find specific photos and videos
How to Use:
- Visit the Pexels website and look for travel images and videos that suit your ad.
- Download the visuals you want to use.
- Use a design tool like Canva, Adobe Spark, or VistaCreate to create your ad, incorporating the downloaded visuals.
Tips for Creating Effective Instagram Travel Ads
Creating successful Instagram travel ads involves a strategic approach that taps into the platform’s visual nature and vast user base. Here are some tips to help you create compelling travel advertisements that resonate with your audience:
1. Use High-Quality Visuals
High-quality visuals are the building blocks of an effective Instagram travel ad. Videos and images should be high-definition, well-composed, and visually pleasing. It is important to capture the beauty and uniqueness of the destination.
Use professional photography or high-quality user-generated content so that your visuals stand out in users’ feeds and catch their attention.
2. Tell a Story
Storytelling can set your ad apart from others, so it should not be overlooked when creating an Instagram advertisement campaign on travel destinations. Rather than just presenting beautiful pictures, create a narrative that speaks to your target market’s interests or needs by showing how they can benefit from going there.
For example, instead of merely displaying a beach scene, you could tell stories about the restfulness and fun available at such places. Use captions and short videos to narrate the experiences, making it easier for viewers to imagine themselves in that setting.
3. Include a Clear CTA
A persuasive call-to-action (CTA) is important for converting your online audience into clients. Whether you want users to click on your website link, book a trip, or follow your account, make the next step evident and uncomplicated.
Terms like “Book Now,” “Learn More,” or “Explore More” can prompt immediate action. Ensure the CTA is noticeable and stands out in your ad, guiding users toward taking the expected action.
4. Leverage User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) can add authenticity and build trust with your audience. Showcasing real experiences from travelers who have visited your destination provides social proof and can be more relatable than professional photos.
Encourage past visitors to share their photos and stories, and feature this content in your ads. UGC can also foster a sense of community and inspire potential travelers by showcasing genuine experiences.
5. Optimize for Mobile
Most Instagram users access the platform via mobile devices, so optimizing your ads for mobile viewing is essential. Ensure that your visuals look great on smaller screens and that text and CTAs are easily readable.
Vertical or square formats tend to perform better on mobile. Additionally, ensure your landing pages are mobile-friendly to provide a seamless user experience from ad to action.
6. Test and Iterate
Constant testing and iteration are key to refining your ad strategy. Experiment with different ad formats, visuals, CTAs, and copy to see what resonates best with your audience.
Utilize Instagram’s analytics tools to track performance metrics such as engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversions. Use these insights to make data-driven decisions and optimize your ads for better results. A/B testing can help you determine the most effective elements of your ad, allowing you to improve and adapt your strategy continually.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Instagram ads are indispensable for travel brands aiming to attract a visually-oriented audience. Moreover, by closely learning from successful travel ads, you can create campaigns that inspire and engage potential travelers.
Drawing inspiration from top Instagram Ad examples for travel, you can create ads that not only showcase spectacular destinations but also drive conversions. Remember to constantly test and work on your ads to ensure they resonate with your audience and accomplish your marketing goals.
Ready to take your Instagram travel ads to the next level? Predis offers powerful AI-driven tools and a social media ad copy generator to help you effortlessly create compelling, high-performing Instagram ads. From generating captivating content ideas to designing visually stunning templates using a powerful Instagram post maker, Predis can help you make your travel brand stand out. You can also use Instagram Reel Maker and create Instagram ads that inspire wanderlust and drive engagement!
So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a free account on Predis.ai today!
