Instead of relying on traditional travel books and blogs, a growing number of young travelers are turning to TikTok to plan and book their trips. From short-form aesthetic inspiration to longer travel vlogs and in-depth tips, the platform offers a wealth of information for those looking to explore new destinations. Unlike traditional travel blogs, TikTok emphasizes visuals, making it an engaging way to discover places and experiences.
TikTok has recently partnered with Booking.com, allowing users to book hotel rooms directly through the app after seeing them in a video. If you come across an influencer in a location that looks perfect for your trip, you may now be able to click on the tagged location to view available rooms, dates, and prices. Simply tap the location pin in the bottom left corner, and the hotel’s page will appear, showing photos and booking details. However, there is a catch—creators must pin the hotel’s location, which doesn’t happen as often as simply pinning the city they’re in.
Although you’re booking through Booking.com rather than TikTok itself, your confirmation will still arrive in your TikTok inbox for easy access. While it’s always wise to do your own research about hotels and the region you’re visiting outside of TikTok, the process is similar to booking a hotel online and is generally safe. As with any third-party booking service, it’s important to exercise caution to avoid falling victim to scams that have become increasingly common on platforms like Booking.com.
Planning a Trip on TravelTok
Hotel bookings aren’t the only things you’ll find on TikTok. For those who want it to be, the app is an endless stream of new travel inspiration. TikTok is great for those quick bursts of inspiration, scenic shots, and beautiful 15-second clips of landscapes that you might save but never actually visit. However, if used correctly, it can also serve as a valuable network for word-of-mouth travel information.
Backpacking the world might look effortless in a 15-second video, and there are plenty of those on TikTok. But the app also features creators who showcase the less glamorous side of travel. Solo travelers often double as content creators, offering tips on packing light, staying safe while traveling alone, the best hostels to stay in, and game-changing hacks for getting through TSA. While many suggestions point to tourist traps, there are also hidden gems worth exploring. For example, if you’ve just landed in a new city, it’s easy to open the app and find dozens of restaurant recommendations for dinner, complete with visual menus.
Like a blog thread or an Airbnb review page, TikTok comments are filled with opinions from travelers who have visited the city you’re considering. While these insights may not be the most comprehensive, they often give a good sense of whether a place is worth visiting based on your time and interests. Although there are both pros and cons to planning your next vacation using TikTok, it remains a powerful tool. Just make sure to supplement your findings with other sources once you’ve gotten that initial spark of inspiration.
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