Travel Influencer envy? Here’s how to see Europe’s hot spots

Can you think of anything better than travelling to some of the world’s most recognisable locations and seeing them with your own eyes? For some lucky travel bloggers, visiting Europe’s most interesting locations and posting on their envy-inducing blogs is all part of the job. If you have ever wanted to visit some of these top spots but don’t even know where to begin, then read on.

Topdeck trips booked through a travel agency means the hard work is done for you, making it easy to rack up some great Instagram-worthy images quickly if you’re short on time, travelling solo, or not sure where to go. There’s no need to live vicariously through other people's feeds.

Here are the top places in Europe to get a great snap—so make sure you pack your selfie stick.

Eiffel Tower, Paris
Paris’s iconic Eiffel Tower is instantly recognisable and an iconic symbol for the country. It’s also the subject of an abundance of happy snaps across Instagram and other social feeds.

The famous tower is visible from many points across the ‘City of Love’, but the popular Trocadero Gardens is our favorite spot for a cheeky picture. From the elevated balcony, there is a clear view of the entire scene and best of all, the spacious surrounds mean you don’t have to fight for a spot with other visitors.

Canals, Amsterdam
If it’s your first time to Amsterdam, you may be surprised to find how many canals there actually are (hint: far more than Venice). It turns out that the Dutch city has 165 different canals with a total length of 100km. The beautiful buildings and brightly colored houseboats that line many of these watery passageways make a great backdrop, so while you’re roaming the streets, make sure to stop off at one of the 1281 different bridges for a quick photo.

EastSide Gallery, Berlin
Thirty years ago, this iconic section of the Berlin Wall was anything but colourful. This destination was a defining symbol of the Cold War, separating families and communities both physically and mentally for many years. These days, this part of the Berlin wall has been preserved as a reminder of the past, as well as being one of the largest open-air galleries in the world with more than 100 paintings, murals and paste-ups from artists across the globe. Yes, there is a lot of history and meaning behind some of these pieces, but they were also painted to bring people together with eye-catching and interesting works of art.

Colosseum, Rome
The Roman Colosseum is just one of the many amazing historic buildings within the capital city of Italy. To help preserve the structure for future generations, selfie sticks have been banned, so remember to leave it in your bag if you bring it along. Our hot tip is to head to the third floor to see one of the best views from the inside of the Colosseum. When you head off from the building, walk around the side of the huge structure to grab some fresh gelato before your last snap.

Santorini, Greece
This Greek island is world-renowned for beautiful sunsets, bright white houses and some of Europe’s best nightlife. To get the Instagram-worthy photo on the go, head to the village of Oia on the Northern side of the island to watch the sun go down from one of the many restaurants. Alternatively, you can head to the island’s capital city, Fira, which is far less busy. Here, you can also bite into some of the local Mediterranean seafood delicacies on offer as you watch the sun sink below the horizon.

City Walls, Dubrovnik
Love Game of Thrones? We do too. This ancient, walled city has been a must-see travel spot for many years, thanks to the popularity of the hit television series. Our suggestion is to find one of the tiny bars dotted along the walls for a cocktail or locally brewed beer then sit, relax and take in the magnificent, combined views of the city and ocean

Big Ben, London
If there is anything more London than tea, the Queen and Big Ben, we don’t want to know about it. The top of the pick for your Instagram feed should be a snap from Westminster Bridge, where you will be able to see the entire clock tower and House of Commons on the banks of the River Thames.

Tips on getting a great photo:
· Do your research: explore the local hashtag at each location to grab some travel blogger inspiration, or ask your tour leader where to position yourself for the best shot.
· It’s all about the lighting: try to visit during the day, when possible.
· Posing is not just for models: some of the best ‘spontaneous’ images of bloggers have been carefully crafted. Don’t be afraid of trying a few different poses out so you don’t get home with 100 pictures of yourself, looking into the camera and pulling the same face—variety is always good.
· Check with your travel agent: it’s crucial to know the best time of the year to visit each spot to avoid bad weather and the crowds.
· Pay it forward: see someone struggling to take a picture of themselves? Offer to take it for them, and then if you need to, get them to take one of you.

It couldn’t be easier to arrange your European adventure: simply head to Flight Centre or call 133 133 to find the latest Topdeck trip deals.

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