Pinterest is often seen as the land of wedding dresses, way-too-difficult DIY crafts, and time-consuming recipes you’ll never actually make. But if you’re someone who loves to explore new places, Pinterest is a goldmine for travel inspiration. And not just the usual tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London, or the Roman ruins in Italy. I’m talking about exploring lesser-known destinations that offer unique experiences and provide insight into the local culture. Think tucked-away mountian towns, surreal landscapes, and places that make you say, “Wait, that’s real?”.
Here are 6 ways to use Pinterest to find amazing places around the world, and maybe even go see them for yourself.
1. Search by Mood, Not Map
Instead of typing in “Italy” or “Thailand,” try searching for things like:
- “Hidden gems in Europe”
- “Places that don’t seem real”
- “Dreamy mountain towns”
- “Underrated beach destinations”
For instance, when I search for the second item on our list:
I get the following pins from the Pinterest search results. Some very intriguing locations worth exploring!
Pinterest will serve up a visual buffet of places you’ve probably never heard of and each one more wanderlust-inducing than the last. It’s like letting your curiosity plan your next trip.
2. Build a Travel Vision Board
Create a board called something like “Places I Want to Go” or “2025 Travel Dreams.” Then just start pinning. A misty castle in Slovenia? Pin it. A treehouse in Costa Rica? Pin. A neon-lit alley in Tokyo that looks like a movie set? You know what to do.
Over time, your board becomes a curated map of your personal travel style—and a great place to revisit when you’re ready to actually book something.
3. Follow Real Travelers
Pinterest isn’t just pretty pictures—it’s full of travel bloggers who’ve been there, done that, and written the itinerary. Follow boards from people who travel the way you want to: solo, with kids, on a budget, off the grid, or all-out luxury.
Their pins often link to blog posts with tips, packing lists, and “what I wish I knew before going” advice. Basically, they do the homework so you don’t have to.
4. Use Group Boards for Niche Adventures
There are group boards for everything:
- “Solo Female Travel”
- “Budget Backpacking”
- “Unusual Places to Stay”
- “Epic Road Trips”
These boards are curated by multiple contributors, so you get a wide range of ideas and perspectives. It’s like crowdsourcing your next adventure from people who’ve actually done it.
5. Let Pinterest Surprise You
One of the best things about Pinterest is how it gently nudges you down obscure paths you didn’t know existed. For instance, you start by clicking on a photo of a waterfall in Iceland, and suddenly you’re looking at a lavender field in Croatia, a floating village in Vietnam, and a desert oasis in Chile.
It’s not just about planning—it’s about discovering. And sometimes, those unexpected finds become the most unforgettable trips.
6. Pin Now, Travel Later
Pinterest serves as a digital scrapbook where you can collect images and ideas that interest you. Pin a photo of a breathtaking cliffside monastery in Greece today, it’ll be right there for you months later when you’re planning your trip. Each pin can include the name, location, and links to blog posts filled with helpful tips. Many of these pins connect to comprehensive travel guides, hotel recommendations, and unique local experiences. Leverage these resources to craft your own itinerary and then go out and embrace the adventure.
Whenever you feel the urge for a refreshing change of scenery, dive into the vibrant world of Pinterest and begin your exploration. With countless stunning images and inspiring ideas at your fingertips, you may just stumble upon your next favorite destination. This time, it will be more than just a beautiful image flickering on your screen. It could become your next adventure, transforming a mere dream into a delightful reality.
