The earth is full of surprises. Even frequent travelers, for example, are always amazed when they discover one of the many surreal places of the "blue planet ". Other areas, on the other hand, have achieved real fame thanks to social media, among other things. Which Instagram hotspots away from classic sights make every profile a real eye-catcher:

1. Havasu Falls, Arizona/USA

Emerald green vegetation, bright red rock formations, above them the deep blue sky and in front of you white natural pools glowing in the sun, turquoise water pouring into them from waterfalls: Havasu Falls simply have what it takes to be an Instagram star. They are located in a side valley of the Grand Canyon. 

Tip: pack sunscreen, the hiking trail into the canyon is 15 km long and is almost continuously in the sun.

2. alUla, Saudi Arabia

AlUla is one of the more unknown travel destinations. Even though the region in Saudi Arabia with the Habitas AlUla now has a hotel that could fill an entire Instagram channel in itself. So AlUla is slowly getting on the tourist map. High time to stop by and take a few Insta-shots yourself!

Tip: Via France there is the first direct flights to the desert region. 

3. Kolmanskop, Namibia

The wild beauty of Namibia mostly reveals itself to visitors in the form of its animal inhabitants. But giraffes and oryxes should not be the only destinations of the next photo safari. The abandoned village of Kolmanskop near Lüderitz is a must on the bucket list. In the middle of the 20's diamonds were found here. Today the town is abandoned and the desert sand is slowly taking back what man once wrested from it.

Tip: Namibia is also excellent for astrophotography. The best homebase for this is the Dune Star Camp in Sesriem.

4. underwater waterfall, mauritius

From the top of Le Morne on Mauritius, you have a unique view of a natural phenomenon known as the Underwater Waterfall. It looks like the Indian Ocean is swallowing water here. And the water somehow drains downward. In fact, it is an optical illusion. It is created because sand from the coast is washed into lower lying regions.

Tip: The best place to photograph the Instagram hotspot is at the top of Le Morne. The tour takes three hours up and down, and now and then you have to climb a bit.

5. Wisteria Flower Tunnel, Kitakyushu/Japan

The cherry blossom in Japan is world famous. But the country also offers floral fascinations beyond the sakura. There are the Wisteria Tunnels, for example. If you pose here, you will have the feeling that you have stepped into the middle of a painting. The most beautiful of this combination of architecture and nature can be found in the Kawachi Fuji Gardens near Kitakyushu.

Tip: It is best to come between mid-April and mid-May. Then the plants bloom in all colors. 

6. Le Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech/Morocco

The garden of about 4,000 square meters is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Twenty gardeners take care of the garden and the many fountains every day. It was originally built by the artist Jacques Majorelle. He had his studio here. In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought the estate. Yves Saint Laurent's ashes are scattered in the rose garden.

Tip: If you want to buy tickets for the garden online in advance saves annoying queuing.

7. Cenote Ik Kil, Yucatán/Mexico

Caribbean lifestyle, sun, beach and crystal clear water: Tulum is the quintessential beach destination. One of the must dos on site is swimming in a cenote. These natural swimming pools are formed by the sinking of the karst rock. One of the most beautiful caves is the cenote Ik Kil. It is located near the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá.

Tip: Ik Kil is the most famous cenote; the best chances for tourist-free photos are early in the morning.

8. Oia, Santorini/Greece

White houses, blue domes, blue sea. Santorini is the epitome of the postcard motif. The small villages nestle picturesquely on the slopes and are just waiting to be photographed. The typical motif with the three blue domes can be found in Oia. 

Tip: Santorini is one of the most popular Greek islands. And accordingly, it is also lively here during the main travel season. So either come in the off-season or switch to the lesser known Paros. It is just as picturesque.

10. Pink Wall, Los Angeles, CA/USA

The building itself is not particularly worth seeing. After all, the Paul Smith Shop in West Hollywood is really just a brutalist cuboid. If it weren't for the color! The designer had the exterior walls of the store painted in bright pink. And since then, there hasn't been a moment in the day when selfie queens and kings haven't been leaning against the wall. By the way, it costs $60,000 a year to keep the paint up.

Tip: A visit to the store is also worthwhile!

11. The Churchill Arms, London/UK

A pub that dresses up like this has to be on the list of the best Instagram hotspots in the world. The entire building is overgrown with ivy and flowers. Time and again, flags also adorn the fauna. The Instagram community is certain that the Churchill Arms is the most beautiful pub in London.

Tip: Do not come at noon, then the building is in the shade. Early morning is the best time. Choose Tube Stop Notting Hill Gate.

12. Cadillac Ranch Amarillo, TX/USA

Started in 1974 by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels, Cadillac Ranch is now one of the most popular roadside attractions in the United States. The three members of the Ant Farm art troupe buried ten Cadillacs in the sand. Anyone who likes can spray them with graffiti.

Tip: The installation is located off Interstate 40 on private property. It is allowed to walk there through the unlocked gate.