26 viral Instagram Reels made by travel apps
These Instagram Reels from travel apps show how to make wanderlust look achievable and exciting. You'll see destination highlights, travel tips, and adventure moments that make people want to book.
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- Viral Tiktok strategies for travel apps
- Viral marketing trends for travel apps
- Viral marketing strategies for travel apps
The Bikini Dilemma, 38M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Holiday Swap shows a woman choosing bikinis for a vacation with her boyfriend's family. She starts by pulling out extremely revealing swimwear, looking concerned while dramatic sound effects play. After trying a few options, she ends up grabbing the whole basket with a confident smile.
The video went viral because it hits a perfect mix of shock and relatability. That first bikini is so revealing it makes people stop scrolling immediately.
The dramatic sound effects turn a simple packing moment into something that feels like a horror movie, which is funny in itself.
What really drives engagement is how the content splits the audience. Some viewers think it's empowering, others find it inappropriate for meeting family. This creates tons of comments from both sides.
The "meeting the boyfriend's family" scenario is something many people stress about, making it instantly relatable even if your bikini choices aren't as bold.
The video structure works well for retention - each bikini reveal keeps you watching to see what comes next.
The final moment where she takes everything is the punchline that makes people want to share it with friends who might relate to this kind of dilemma.
The Sneaky Saver, 6.6M+ views
Holiday Swap made this Instagram Reel showing the "Airport Pillow Hack" where a woman stuffs clothes inside a pillowcase to avoid baggage fees. She carries the pillow through the airport, onto the plane, and reveals at her destination that she saved 80 euros.
This works because it solves a real problem that annoys travelers everywhere - expensive baggage fees.
The "hack" format creates curiosity right away. People want to see if it actually works, which keeps them watching until the reveal.
The 80-euro savings gives viewers a concrete reason to care. It's not just a random trick, it's actual money saved. This makes people want to try it themselves or share it with friends who travel.
The comments probably explode with people debating whether airlines would catch this or sharing their own experiences.
What makes this better than other travel hacks is how simple it looks. You don't need special skills or equipment, just a pillowcase.
The video shows the complete process from packing to arrival, so viewers can imagine doing it themselves.
The Calculated Chaos, 17M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Travly shows extreme activities for "Adrenaline Junkies" - a bridge jump, sky bike in China, shark-shaped submarine in New Zealand, and a skyscraper run in the US. Hidden in the video is an Amazon discount code.
The main hook is vicarious fear. Watching someone jump off a bridge or ride a bike on a narrow track high above a valley triggers your survival instincts, even through a screen.
The point-of-view shots make it feel like you're actually there, which is both thrilling and terrifying.
Each activity is genuinely extreme and unique.
The shark submarine and sky bike aren't things you see every day, which creates that "wow" factor.
The rapid editing keeps your attention because there's always something new and intense happening.
The Amazon code is smart psychology. People might rewatch to make sure they copied it correctly, and it gives them a reason to engage in comments. It's one of the classic viral formats we have noticed - using incentives to boost engagement and watch time.
Keon Coleman's Niagara Falls Adventure, 22M+ views
Booking.com partnered with NFL rookie Keon Coleman for this Instagram Reel showing his sponsored trip to Niagara Falls. He discovers his poncho has arms, gets excited about his hotel room view, and experiences the falls while promoting their Genius Loyalty Program.
Coleman's genuine reactions make this work. When he sees the hotel view and says "Coooo... [bleep]!" it feels real, not scripted. His childlike excitement about simple things like the rental car makes him likeable and relatable.
The self-aware humor hits different than typical ads. When he admits he's reading from cue cards, it breaks the fourth wall and makes the whole thing feel more honest. His final joke about no discount on ponchos shows he gets that this is an ad but he's having fun with it.
What sets this apart from other celebrity endorsements is that Booking.com let Coleman's personality drive the content instead of forcing him into a marketing script. His authentic enthusiasm makes people want to share the video because he seems genuinely happy, not like he's just doing a job.
The Anatomy of a Scroll-Stopper, 3.2M+ views
Booking.com's Instagram Reel starts with two muscular men in an aggressive scene with heavy metal music, asking "What's BIGGER than this guy?" Then it cuts to cheerful travel content promoting Black Friday deals.
The pattern interrupt is everything here. People scroll past thousands of polished travel ads daily, but starting with bodybuilders and metal music makes you stop and wonder what's happening. Your brain expects one thing and gets something completely different.
The humor comes from how absurd the transition is. Going from intense masculine energy to a woman happily jumping on a hotel bed is so unexpected it becomes funny.
The question "What's BIGGER?" sets up the punchline that their deals are bigger than the muscular guy.
The brand's own comment "Our Black Friday deals are bulkier than his leg day gains" shows they understand their own joke and aren't taking themselves too seriously. This pattern keeps popping up in our breakdowns of viral content - when brands engage playfully with their own content, it humanizes them and encourages more interaction.
The Deception of Predatory Intelligence, 97M+ views
Travly's Instagram Reel claims crocodiles in Indonesia have learned to "pretend to drown" to lure humans.
The video shows murky water with shapes that could be limbs breaking the surface, presented as news.
This exploded because it taps into primal fear while presenting something that seems almost impossible.
The idea that crocodiles are smart enough to fake distress and specifically target humans is terrifying. It suggests these predators are evolving beyond what we thought possible.
The footage is just ambiguous enough to fuel debate. You can't clearly see what's in the water, so people project the claims onto what they're watching. This creates massive engagement as viewers argue about whether it's real, with some believing it and others offering explanations like normal fishing behavior.
The controversy drives the virality. Every comment debunking it brings more attention to the video. People share it to get others' opinions or to spread what feels like important survival information.
The mix of believers, skeptics, and jokers in the comments creates a debate that keeps the video visible in algorithms.
The Grandma's Diary, 7.5M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Booking.com shows someone discovering their grandmother's 1950s flight attendant diary, with vintage photos and stories of solo travel. There's a hint about a "spicy situation with a certain British royal."
The royal tease is the biggest hook. People are obsessed with royal gossip, and hinting at a scandalous story from the 1950s creates intense curiosity. Viewers want to know more about this mystery, which drives comments asking for details and shares to friends who love royal drama.
The nostalgia factor hits hard.
The 1950s photos and the idea of a young woman traveling alone during that era feels both glamorous and rebellious. Many viewers relate to feeling like their grandparents lived more exciting lives than they do.
The "grandma lore" phrase is brilliant marketing. It reframes travel as creating stories for future generations, not just taking a vacation. This makes the call to action feel meaningful rather than pushy. People would share this because it makes them think about their own family stories or dream about the adventures they want to have.
Jiufen Jaunt, 5.2M+ views
Expedia's Instagram Reel calls out the "travel mistake" of only visiting Taipei, promoting Jiufen as part of the "Detour Destinations" trend. It gives three tips: start early, visit a 100-year-old tea house, and try the street food.
The opening hook works because it makes people worry they're missing something. "Do not make this Taiwan travel mistake" creates immediate FOMO. People want to know what they've been doing wrong and how to fix it.
Positioning Jiufen as a trending "detour destination" makes viewers feel informed about travel trends.
The specific tips give real value - knowing to go early for fewer crowds or finding the exact tea house name makes people want to save the video for future trips.
The rapid editing showcases different experiences quickly - lantern-lit streets, mountain views, various foods. This keeps people watching because there's always something new to see.
The video feels like a complete mini-guide rather than just pretty shots, which makes it more shareable as actual travel advice.
The Miniaturist's Mid-Air Michelin Star, 12M+ views
Booking.com's Instagram Reel shows a man creating an elaborate "first class" experience in economy by setting up a tiny table, vase with flower, caviar, LED candle, cocktail shaker, and coupe glass.
The commitment to the bit is what makes this funny. He doesn't just bring a better snack - he recreates an entire fine dining experience with miniature props.
The seriousness with which he sets up each element while sitting in a cramped economy seat creates perfect comedy through contrast.
This hits the sweet spot of relatable and aspirational. Most people have suffered through economy flights while dreaming of first class luxury. His elaborate solution is both ridiculous and admirable, giving viewers a way to laugh at the shared struggle of uncomfortable travel.
The jazz music and careful presentation make it feel like performance art. Each prop reveals is another layer of unexpected dedication. For us, it looks very familiar, because it's a proven format we've documented many times - taking an ordinary situation and transforming it through extreme commitment to an absurd premise.
The "Quietcation" Escape, 4.4M+ views
Expedia's Instagram Reel promotes Bora Bora as "the perfect spot for your next quietcation," showing overwater bungalows, pristine beaches, and serene resort experiences at The Westin.
The "quietcation" concept perfectly captures what people need right now. With constant digital noise and stress, the promise of genuine quiet feels like a solution to a real problem.
The word itself is catchy and makes the experience feel like a specific type of vacation you can plan for.
The visuals consistently deliver on the quiet promise - calm turquoise water, empty beaches, peaceful private spaces. Each shot reinforces the tranquil mood, making viewers feel relaxed just watching.
The consistent beauty creates that "mental escape" effect that makes people want to share the feeling.
The rapid-fire editing shows multiple facets of the experience without lingering too long on any single shot. People see the arrival, the bungalow, dining, activities, all in quick succession. This keeps attention while building a complete picture of what a "quietcation" would actually include.
Expedia's Myth-Busting Airfare Hacks, 1.3M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Expedia debunks three flight booking myths using their "2025 Air Hacks Report." It challenges beliefs about booking early, summer being expensive, and booking days not mattering.
The myth-busting format creates immediate curiosity. People think they know travel booking rules, so hearing they might be wrong makes them want to see what they've been missing.
The "data doesn't lie" framing gives it authority that makes the information feel trustworthy.
The tips are simple and actionable - book 18-29 days ahead, consider August for cheaper international travel, book on Sundays. These aren't complex strategies that require expertise, so viewers feel like they can actually use this information.
The comments probably become a battleground of people sharing their own contradictory experiences. Travel "rules" are debatable because everyone has different examples, which creates engagement through disagreement. People want to correct the video or add their own tips, driving up comment numbers and algorithmic visibility.
Dominican Dream, 6.3M+ views
Expedia's Instagram Reel uses POV framing to show hiking through Dominican Republic jungles and swimming at Salto El Limón waterfalls, starting with a coconut drink and ending at the magnificent falls.
The POV text makes viewers imagine themselves living this experience. Instead of just watching someone else's trip, the framing invites you to picture hiking through jungles and reaching those turquoise pools yourself. This mental participation increases emotional investment in the content.
Naming the specific waterfall "Salto El Limón" transforms vague wanderlust into a real destination people can research and visit. This specificity makes the dream feel attainable and gives people something concrete to save or share with travel partners.
The progression from coconut to beach path to waterfall creates a satisfying journey narrative. Each shot builds anticipation for the final payoff of the falls with people swimming.
The presence of others enjoying the water makes the experience feel accessible and real rather than impossibly remote.
Decoding the Disney Dream Food Frenzy, 6.2M+ views
Expedia's Instagram Reel shows "Everything We Ate in a Day on the Disney Dream" cruise, featuring themed restaurants, Marvel Day at Sea, and insider tips like Mickey churro waffles only available on the last day.
The insider tip about the churro waffles creates massive value. This isn't just showing food - it's revealing exclusive knowledge that could enhance someone's future cruise experience. People want to feel "in the know" about special offerings they might otherwise miss.
The rapid-fire food showcase hits the "food porn" trigger while maintaining Disney magic. Every dish looks appealing and fits the themed experience.
The Marvel integration broadens appeal beyond just Disney fans to superhero enthusiasts.
The mispronunciation of "pimiento" and "gnocchi" accidentally created comment bait. People feel compelled to correct pronunciation errors, which drives engagement even though it wasn't intentional. It's a recurring element we've seen in multiple viral case studies - small "mistakes" that humanize content creators and prompt audience interaction.
The Accidental Oversleeper's Dream Commute, 18M+ views
Booking.com's Instagram Reel shows a woman napping in a hotel bed who realizes she's late for her flight. When she rushes to leave, the hotel room wall opens to reveal an airplane door, and she steps directly onto the plane.
The surprise twist is everything. You expect a typical "missed flight" stress scenario, but the magical hotel-to-plane transition is so unexpected it makes people want to immediately share the video to show others this creative concept.
The relatable setup of oversleeping for a flight creates anxiety that many travelers have experienced. When the video offers this fantastical solution, it provides wish fulfillment - imagine if catching your flight could be this easy.
The Ms. "Boo King" name on the boarding pass adds a playful touch that reinforces the brand while keeping things lighthearted.
The concept is memorable enough that people would tag friends with comments like "this should be how hotels work" or save it as an example of creative advertising.
The Cliffside Tumble, 8M+ views
This Instagram Reel from Vacation | Travel Memes shows a Chinese tourist falling off a cliff while trying to pose for a photo. She tumbles down a steep slope while the camera follows her descent, with unclear outcome.
The shock value grabs attention immediately. Going from a normal tourist photo to a dangerous fall creates that pattern interrupt that makes people stop scrolling.
The unresolved ending - you don't see if she's okay - creates suspense that drives comments and shares as people seek answers.
There's an element of schadenfreude at play.
The fall happens while she's trying to get "the perfect pose," which taps into criticism of social media vanity culture. Some viewers feel vindicated watching someone prioritizing photos over safety face consequences.
The camera operator's decision to keep filming instead of immediately helping becomes a secondary discussion point. This ethical dimension adds another layer for people to debate in comments, beyond just the fall itself.
The continued tracking of her tumble makes the event more dramatic and memorable than if the camera had cut away.
The "Green Time" Digital Detox Dream, 4.5M+ views
Expedia's Instagram Reel shows stunning Yosemite scenes - valley views, waterfalls with rainbows, giant sequoias - with the text "less screen time, more green time."
The message hits a widespread modern guilt. Most people feel overwhelmed by screens and crave nature connection, making this instantly relatable. It's not just pretty scenery - it's a visual prescription for digital fatigue that people actually experience.
The Yosemite locations are bucket-list destinations that trigger awe and aspiration. These aren't generic forests - they're iconic natural landmarks that people dream of visiting.
The waterfall rainbow and massive sequoia shots create those "wow" moments that make content shareable.
The calming audio of birds and water provides an actual micro-dose of the "green time" being promoted. People might rewatch just for the brief mental escape it provides.
The simple message paired with breathtaking visuals creates easily shareable content that validates viewers' desire to disconnect from technology.
The Solo Traveler's Social Proof, 1.1M+ views
Expedia's Instagram Reel counters the idea that "traveling solo is lonely" by showing friendly encounters - hotel staff waving, groups of locals interacting warmly, the traveler dancing and sharing drinks with new friends.
The video directly challenges a major fear that stops people from solo travel. By showing concrete examples of positive social interactions, it provides visual proof against the "lonely" stereotype. This creates validation for people considering solo trips and reassurance for those who've had good experiences.
The rapid montage of genuine-seeming interactions makes solo travel look approachable rather than intimidating. Seeing the traveler naturally connect with others suggests these encounters are normal and easy to replicate.
People would probably share this with friends who are nervous about traveling alone or comment with their own solo travel success stories.
The content creates a community around solo travel experiences, encouraging others to share advice and encouragement in the comments.
Kyoto's Fleeting Beauty, 1.4M+ views
Expedia's Instagram Reel showcases spring cherry blossoms in Kyoto through torii gates, temple grounds, canals, and traditional scenes with people in kimonos.
The cherry blossom season represents peak aspirational travel - it's beautiful, culturally significant, and limited in timing.
The fleeting nature of the blooms adds urgency and specialness that makes the experience feel more valuable and worth pursuing.
The visual overload of pink and white blossoms against traditional Japanese architecture creates an almost overwhelming sense of beauty. Each quick cut shows a different iconic scene, building a complete picture of what this bucket-list experience would include.
The cultural elements like torii gates, pagodas, and kimonos add depth beyond just pretty flowers. This feels like immersion in Japanese culture rather than simple tourism, which appeals to travelers seeking authentic experiences rather than just photo opportunities.
The "Dream Getaway", 1.2M+ views
Travel by Travly's Instagram Reel shows a luxury house rental with private pool, indoor slide, bunk beds, and multiple bathrooms, framed as "POV: This entire house is for you & your friends."
The "friends" framing makes this about shared experiences rather than individual luxury. People imagine bringing their group to this property, which creates social sharing potential as viewers tag friends they'd want to vacation with.
The indoor slide is the standout feature that differentiates this from typical luxury rentals. It's unexpected and playful, giving people something specific to talk about when they share the video.
The novelty factor makes it more memorable than standard pool-and-hot-tub properties.
The call to action asking people to comment "EVERMORE" for a discount directly drives engagement numbers. This strategy artificially inflates comment volume, which signals high user interest to algorithms and increases the video's reach significantly.
Monaco's Annual Supercar Yacht Spectacle, 2.1M+ views
Travel by Travly's Instagram Reel shows supercars being craned onto luxury yachts during Monaco Grand Prix week, featuring a Ferrari F40, Bugatti Chiron, and McLaren Solus GT.
The extreme wealth display creates a mix of fascination and disbelief. Seeing multi-million dollar cars lifted onto superyachts is so over-the-top it becomes entertainment.
The rarity factor - especially the McLaren with "only 25 in the world" - makes viewers feel they're witnessing something truly exclusive.
Framing it as an annual tradition elevates it from a one-off stunt to an established spectacle. This makes the display seem more intentional and creates anticipation for future years, encouraging people to follow for updates.
The comment section probably becomes a mix of admiration, criticism, and humor about extreme wealth.
The connection to a popular music album cover adds unexpected cultural relevance that drives additional engagement from music fans who recognize the reference.
The Alpine Coaster Rush, 2.5M+ views
Travel by Travly's Instagram Reel shows a woman on an overhead track system zooming above a quarry, with the caption "I can feel the neck pain from here" and her nervous reaction at the start.
The caption creates anticipation and concern before you even see the ride. It plants the idea that this might be physically uncomfortable, making viewers watch more carefully for signs of the promised neck pain. This preemptive worry increases engagement as people debate in comments whether it actually hurts.
Her genuine fear at the beginning - "Oh shit! I'm actually really scared" - makes her relatable and human. This authentic nervousness contrasts with typical fearless adventure content, creating a stronger emotional connection with viewers who might feel the same way.
The unique ride system isn't a standard zipline or coaster, so it has novelty value.
The dramatic quarry setting with turquoise water adds visual appeal that makes people want to experience or at least see more of this specific attraction.
The Dutch Stairway, 1M+ views
Booking.com's Instagram Reel sets up a scenario where someone books a hiking trip to "the flattest European country" (Netherlands) but then shows the reality of carrying luggage up extremely steep, narrow Dutch stairs.
The bait-and-switch comedy structure works perfectly. You expect an easy hiking experience in flat Netherlands, but the punchline of those notorious steep stairs subverts expectations completely. Anyone familiar with Dutch architecture gets the joke immediately.
The relatable friend dynamic resonates with group travel experiences. Many people have that friend who makes questionable travel choices, or they are that friend. This makes the scenario instantly recognizable and shareable among travel groups.
The specific cultural reference to "Dutch stairs" adds an "if you know, you know" element that makes people feel smart for getting the reference. Those unfamiliar learn something new, while those who've experienced those stairs can relate to the struggle being depicted.
The Allure of the Unbelievable, 1.8M+ views
Travel by Travly's Instagram Reel promotes Russia as a travel destination with the urgent frame "Places you need to visit before you die," showing ice activities in Vladivostok, the red "Blood River," and the "Elves Forest."
The current geopolitical situation makes featuring Russia inherently controversial. This immediately divides viewers and generates debate about separating politics from travel, tourism ethics, and personal safety. Controversy drives engagement as people argue in comments.
The visuals are genuinely surreal - the blood-red river and crimson forest in water look almost too strange to be real. These aren't typical travel destinations but rather bizarre natural phenomena that create strong curiosity about their authenticity and location.
The "before you die" urgency combined with politically sensitive timing adds layers of meaning. Some interpret it as urgent due to current events, while others focus purely on the unique natural attractions. This ambiguity fuels discussion and different interpretations in the comments.
The Evermore Resort, 1.2M+ views
Travly's Instagram Reel asks "Is this The Best Resort In The US?" while showcasing Evermore Resort in Orlando - an artificial beach with crystal waters, water slides, luxury accommodations, and proximity to Disney World.
The superlative claim immediately creates engagement by asking viewers to judge for themselves.
The question format invites opinions and debate about what makes a resort "the best," driving comment discussions and personal rankings.
The artificial beach concept in Orlando is novel - creating a beach paradise where you wouldn't expect one.
The scale and quality look impressive enough to seem like a viable Disney alternative, which appeals to families looking for luxury without theme park crowds.
The comment strategy asking people to respond "EVERMORE" for a discount creates artificial engagement that signals high user interest to algorithms.
The Disney proximity adds massive value for families, positioning it as luxury accommodation with theme park access.
Parisian Detour to Disbelief, 12.6M+ views
Travel by Travly's Instagram Reel shows German tourists driving through a trash-filled street in Paris to their "€50 hotel," capturing their genuine shock and distress as they realize the state of their destination.
The cognitive dissonance is massive. Paris has a romantic reputation, but the reality shown is so far from expectations it creates immediate shock.
The specific "€50 hotel" price point sets clear expectations that get completely shattered by the visual evidence.
The authentic panic in the passengers' voices, especially the "Jenny!" exclamation, provides genuine human emotion that's more engaging than scripted reactions. Their escalating distress feels real and relatable to anyone who's had travel accommodation disasters.
The point-of-view perspective makes viewers feel like they're in the car experiencing this disappointment firsthand.
The rain and windshield wipers add to the dreary atmosphere, making the scene feel even more depressing and dramatic than it might in good weather.
The Accidental Art of the Awkward Descent, 1.2M+ views
Travel by Travly's Instagram Reel shows a woman on a 520-meter glass slide who loses control and tumbles awkwardly, but the camera immediately pans away to show the Dubai cityscape instead of following her fall.
The camera operator's decision to pan away from the woman's mishap to show the city view is unexpectedly funny. Instead of focusing on whether she's okay, the camera seems to say "well, that happened... anyway, look at this nice view!" This deadpan visual choice is what made people talk about it.
The apparent attempt to maintain an influencer pose while sliding adds another layer of humor.
The contrast between trying to look good for social media and the reality of an uncontrolled tumble resonates with audiences familiar with the gap between online presentation and reality.
The high-stakes setting - 520 meters up - makes any mishap more dramatic and engaging.
The question in comments about whether people would dare to try it themselves creates additional engagement as viewers imagine their own courage levels for such an experience.
Napolify's Resources
- More than 500 viral content pieces analyzed
- Case Studies of viral accounts (Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook)
- Free Marketing Tools & Calculators
- Latest Tiktok Trends
More blog posts
- Viral Tiktok strategies for travel apps
- Viral marketing trends for travel apps
- Viral marketing strategies for travel apps