Predicting travel trends through TikTok

TikTok is no longer just a platform for dance challenges and funny skits. It’s become a serious player in predicting travel trends. The app’s unique ability to make virtually any piece of content go viral has made it a powerful tool for shaping where people want to travel and what they want to experience. Whether it’s discovering hidden gems, exploring trendy destinations, or planning a digital nomad lifestyle, TikTok is leading the way in defining the future of travel.

This guide will walk you through how TikTok content, travel challenges, and influencer posts are helping people predict and plan their next big adventures. From viral hashtags to influencer insights, we’ll show you how to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to trending travel.

Why TikTok is a powerful tool for identifying travel trends

TikTok’s influence on the travel industry is undeniable. The platform’s algorithm has an incredible ability to amplify specific content, making remote destinations overnight sensations. 

Remember that time when a random Greek island or a tiny hidden waterfall suddenly made everyone want to book a flight? That’s the TikTok effect. Videos that go viral have a huge impact—and often transform places that were once well-kept secrets into popular travel destinations.

Viral travel videos, challenges, and influencer content have played a massive role in changing how people decide where to go next. The magic lies in how TikTok’s format gives viewers a sense of being ‘in the moment’ with the creator—a compelling teaser that can turn a little-known beach into a must-visit spot. 

In 2024 and beyond, travel is all about those moments that people see on TikTok—colorful street markets, offbeat road trips, or scenic hikes with jaw-dropping views—all easily shareable and tempting to explore.

@iiamcharlene

where to next? ?? #foryoupage #fyp #travel #airport #traveltiktok #traveltok

? original sound – (Taylor swift) ???

Follow trending travel hashtags and challenges

Hashtags are your window into the most popular travel themes on TikTok. Hashtags like #TravelTok, #HiddenGems, #VanLife, and #IslandHopping are virtual gold mines for finding out what’s trending in the world of travel. If you want to predict where everyone will be jetting off to in the coming months, following these trending hashtags is the way to go.

Travel challenges also play a significant role in making destinations trend. Think about the “24-hour travel challenge” or “most picturesque spots” challenge—these kinds of viral trends can inspire thousands of travelers to visit specific places or try similar experiences. By staying tuned into popular challenges and even joining in, you can get an idea of which destinations are about to go big and find inspiration for your own travels.

Identify top TikTok travel influencers and creators

Travel influencers are TikTok’s real trendsetters—these are the creators who get to new places before everyone else does and document experiences that make us want to pack our bags instantly. Following influencers who focus on unique destinations, off-the-beaten-path spots, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences is one of the best ways to stay informed about emerging travel trends.

It’s all about identifying the right influencers. Look for creators who consistently share content about niche or hidden destinations, and observe the type of content that’s resonating with audiences. 

Are they showcasing quaint countryside cabins, remote hiking trails, or luxurious glamping sites? Paying attention to these details will help you predict what’s going to be trendy next. Plus, most influencers are trend-savvy themselves, often providing recommendations on places they know will become popular.

Analyze video engagement metrics for trend predictions

The power of TikTok lies not just in the content itself but also in the engagement it garners. Likes, shares, comments—they all tell a story. Videos with tons of engagement indicate strong interest from viewers, meaning the featured destination or experience could soon become the next big thing.

To make the most of this, consider using TikTok analytics tools or simply keep an eye on what people are reacting to. If a particular video showcasing a secret cove in Croatia suddenly racks up millions of views, it’s likely about to become a travel hot spot. 

By analyzing engagement metrics, you’ll get a good sense of what kinds of locations or travel experiences are resonating with people and where they might be headed next.

Discover new travel hotspots through TikTok

One of the things TikTok does best is put lesser-known places on the map—literally. A place that’s been under the radar for years can become a sensation overnight after just one engaging TikTok video. Want to explore new and exciting destinations before they hit mainstream tourism? TikTok is your crystal ball.

Take a look at recent trending destinations: maybe it’s a lakeside retreat in Italy or an unspoiled beach in the Philippines that started showing up in multiple creators’ content. These places become sought-after because they’re portrayed in an authentic, captivating way—with real travelers showing what makes them special. 

By diving into TikTok travel content, you’re able to discover these emerging hotspots long before they make it to more traditional travel guides.

Leverage TikTok’s “For You Page” for travel inspiration

The “For You Page” (FYP) on TikTok is more than just a feed; it’s a personalized collection of videos curated specifically for you based on your past behavior. If you engage with travel content—liking videos, commenting on them, or following travel accounts—TikTok will serve up more similar content on your FYP, meaning you’ll always have fresh travel inspiration right in front of you.

To make the most of the FYP, make sure you engage actively with travel videos. If you’re interested in luxury travel, start liking those videos, and TikTok will show you more. 

Into budget backpacking? Comment on a few related clips, and suddenly your FYP will be filled with affordable adventure ideas. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to use TikTok for travel planning.

@beautifuldestinations

Collaborate with TikTok travel content creators

For travel agencies, tourism boards, or even solo travelers aiming to set new trends, collaborating with TikTok content creators can be incredibly powerful. Influencers can create compelling videos that highlight destinations in ways that resonate with audiences—the kind of content that makes people start searching for flight deals immediately.

Collaborations can take many forms—whether it’s partnering with an influencer to showcase your destination or arranging a group trip with several creators to produce diverse content that reaches different audiences. 

Tourism boards have used influencer collaborations to great effect, turning relatively unknown regions into trending travel hotspots simply through creative and engaging TikTok content. It’s a great strategy for both discovering and setting trends.

Is it really possible to predict travel trends through TikTok?

TikTok has rapidly emerged as one of the most powerful tools for predicting travel trends, reshaping how travelers discover and plan their adventures. By keeping an eye on trending hashtags, engaging with top influencers, analyzing video metrics, and exploring the FYP, you can get ahead of the travel curve and find unique destinations to visit before they go mainstream.

So whether you’re a travel enthusiast, an influencer, or an agency, TikTok is your go-to for staying informed about travel trends. Dive into the content, keep an eye out for new hotspots, and use this incredible platform to fuel your next adventure—because when TikTok speaks, the travel world listens.