Tools to Spark Inspiration When Exploring a New Area

Discovering unique locations in unfamiliar areas can be a challenge, whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or a traveller planning your next holiday. And I don’t know about you, but I love all the preparations and try to find as much information as I can during the prepping process! It is part of the excitement. In my case the journey starts before the trip has even started. That’s why I wrote this article about the top tools for Finding Unique Travel and Photography Locations. Tools I personally use to prepare for my trips.

Why Finding Unique Locations is Important

Exploring unique locations isn’t just about taking stunning photographs; it’s about creating experiences that stay with you. For travellers, discovering hidden gems offers an opportunity to connect with nature and escape the crowds. For photographers, these spots set your work apart and tell compelling visual stories. With the right tools, you can bridge the gap between popular tourist attractions and the lesser-known treasures waiting to be explored.

Unique locations also help preserve a sense of adventure. Whether it’s stumbling upon a hidden cove or hiking to a viewpoint not listed in travel guides, these discoveries enrich the travel experience. Moreover, they offer opportunities to support local communities by visiting areas that may not benefit from mainstream tourism.

Sometimes you find a location that creates this feeling of “this is it”. A place where you can easily stay for a day, a place where your body relaxes and you just suck up the surroundings. That one location might even be the highlight of your entire trip! A solid preparation will help you finding those locations and will make it all worthwhile.

Key Tools for Finding Travel and Photography Locations

Google Maps and Google Earth

This is the obvious one, Google Maps and Google Earth. These apps are indispensable for exploring new areas virtually. Satellite views help identify geographic features, while Street View offers a preview of the area’s accessibility and charm.

Tips:

• Save your favorite locations in Google Maps for easy access.
• Use Google Earth to explore landscapes in 3D and find photogenic terrain.
• Look for features like winding roads, isolated beaches, or rugged cliffs that might not be obvious in written guides.

I personally create a map in “My Maps” in Google maps where I store all my locations for my next trip. This allows me to create a collection of locations for every trip. You can organise locations in layers as well, allowing to create a layer for sights, photo locations, restaurants, etc.

One of my favourites is to use Google Maps in satellite mode (layer) and then scan for interesting images. That is a very interactive and quick way to get an impression of interesting spots that you want to put on the shortlist. I tend to look for spots at the coast, nature parks, etc. But obviously that all depends on what your interests are.

Hiking and Trail Apps such as Komoot and AllTrails

For outdoor enthusiasts like me, apps like Komoot are a key tool in finding those experiences that make up an excellent trip. Nothing beats a nice long hike with a rewarding view at the top of a mountain, a hidden mountain lake or a stroll along the beach. A perfect and indispensable tool in my case. Perfect for finding scenic routes and natural wonders. Komoot offers access for free, but if you want to use the maps with hikes, you need to buy a package. But trust me, it is more then worth it. For 29,99 euro I bought the world package. That is a bargain if you ask me as there are no recurring costs involved.

Tips:

• Search for trails featuring waterfalls, forests, or mountain vistas.
• Read user reviews to assess difficulty and scenic value.
• Look for trails that are lesser-known but offer unique natural features.

Personally I scan for the less popular areas and hikes. But that obviously depends on what region you are visiting and personal interests. Nothing wrong with planning a hike that is a popular one since it just is a route along popular sites. I save them to my planned routes, ready to use. When the time is there, I in most cases not just “copy” the route but make up my own path. The saved route just acts as guidance.

Local tourism sites

Another valuable source for inspiration are the local tourism websites. That can be regional, but it can also be for a country. Some samples are:

• Visit Sweden
• Visit Norway
• Ireland.com
• Discover Ireland

Instagram and Pinterest

Social media platforms are excellent for visual inspiration. By searching location-specific hashtags or pins, you can uncover popular and lesser-known spots shared by other travellers and photographers. But remember, the most posted places are also the most crowded ones.

I personally am not a fan of social media as the algorithms determine what you get to see. Nothing wrong with that, but if you are looking for unique places or if you just like to visit places without the crowds, you may be looking in the wrong direction on Instagram or Pinterest.

Tips:

• Use hashtags like #YourDestinationTravel or #NatureExploration.
• Save inspirational posts or create themed Pinterest boards for planning.
• Follow travel influencers and photographers who specialize in off-the-beaten-path destinations.

YouTube

The list of tools would not be complete without mentioning YouTube. The number of travellers that post on YouTube has exploded recent years. Now and then you find those creators that have a real story to tell. They are not actors so to speak.

Obviously it all depends on your personal interests, but one of my favourites is Morten Hilmer, a Danish wildlife photographer. He now and then shares his adventures on YouTube and you can just tell he loves doing what he does. Another favourite of mine in the area of landscape photography is Thomas Heaton.

Travel Forums and Communities

Platforms like Reddit, TripAdvisor, and Facebook groups offer first-hand advice from other travellers. These communities can direct you to spots you might not find elsewhere.

Tips:

• Post questions in forums dedicated to your destination or interest.
• Join travel and nature-focused Facebook groups for inspiration.
• Search for trip reports or itineraries shared by community members.

Bonus Tips for Creative Exploration

1. Ask Locals: They often know about hidden spots that don’t appear on any app.
2. Keep a Location Journal: Jot down your findings, impressions, and ideas to revisit or share with others.
3. Embrace Serendipity: Sometimes, the best spots are found when you’re willing to wander off the planned route.

Last but not least, buy a guide or photobook

While planning your next adventure, my photography books can be your ultimate companions. Titles like “Ireland – Land of Stories and Rugged Coats” feature not only stunning visuals but also the stories behind the locations. These books are perfect for travellers, photographers, and anyone inspired by nature and the outdoors. Each includes QR codes linking to detailed guides, offering a blend of storytelling and practical planning tips.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a future trip or reminiscing about a past journey, these books provide a window into the beauty and stories of the natural world. Check out the collection here to enrich your travel plans and spark your imagination.

Conclusion

Finding unique locations enriches your travel and creative experiences. By using tools for finding travel and photography locations your next trip might be the best one so far. By using tools like Google Maps, Instagram, and hiking apps, you can uncover breath-taking destinations and make lasting memories.

Whether you’re capturing these spots with your camera or simply soaking in their beauty, the journey is its own reward.

Don’t forget to explore my photography books for even more inspiration—your next adventure might just be within those pages!