From planning holidays by TikTok hacks to making money on the road with online work, this month’s online trends are transforming our manner of travel. Here’s a snapshot of how the digital world is adding real value to your next holiday.

Remember when travel planning meant brochures, guidebooks and hours with a travel agent? Those days are gone. Today, your next adventure could start with a swipe on your phone, a tip in a YouTube comment or a trending hashtag. The travel lifestyle is being completely redefined by what’s happening online, and it’s not just about looking good for the ‘Gram anymore.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a full-time digital nomad or something in between, the digital age has provided new ways to travel smarter, less expensively and more freely. Let’s take a look at the online trends that are splashing around the travel community, and how you can take advantage of them to enhance your lifestyle.

Social Media as your personal travel agent

Social networking websites have evolved from being places where one posts memories to places where memories are made. Instagram and TikTok are now among the top travel tools that are being used to learn about places, activities and even airfare deals.

You’ll find content creators breaking down “how to travel Bali on $20 a day,” “Rome’s hidden gems”, or “underappreciated Eastern European cities.” And here’s the best part: It’s all bite-sized and uber-visual. You can now plan an entire trip just by saving a bunch of reels.

Another incredible hack that’s gone viral? Geo-location hashtag tracking. Searching for #TokyoEats or #LisbonSunset will show what actual humans are having or seeing Lisbon sunsets at the time. It’s more authentic than a TripAdvisor review any given day of the week.

Earning money on the move using online platforms

Travelers need not drain your bank account. In fact, today some of the shrewdest travelers are using online platforms to earn money on the move.

Freelance websites such as Upwork and Fiverr have existed for some time now, but then there are even newer generations of backpackers testing the waters in e-commerce selling digital products, or even language classes online. The only prerequisites are a laptop and a good WiFi connection, and then the world is literally your office.

And if you’re the kind of person who loves sports and doesn’t mind a little risk, online sports betting platforms like Betway Tanzania are gaining traction. Betway offers more than just a chance to wager on your favorite teams, they’ve got live betting, casino games, virtual sports and a bunch of other features that can be enjoyed from anywhere. It’s entertainment on the fly, and for others, even a side hustle during long layovers or rain-soaked travel days. Just remember, gambling in any format should never be considered an income, but rather be seen as a fun entertainment with the potential of some winnings.

Remote work and travel equals the ultimate lifestyle mix

Working remotely used to be a dream. It’s now a phenomenon. With remote working increasingly a long-term phenomenon in most businesses, more and more travelers are combining work with play. That has generated a phenomenon of online coworking communities and platforms specifically for digital nomads.

Sites like Nomad List, Remote Year and even Discord communities help you find WiFi-friendly spots, meet individuals going through similar travel experiences and select destinations based on your way of life; beach, metro city or mountain hideouts.

Websites even score cities based on cost of living, internet speed and walkability. So, instead of doing a guesswork job of determining where to go next, you have fact-based advice from a group of seasoned nomads.

Virtual experiences that bring real value

One unexpected travel trend? Virtual experiences that you can join from anywhere. It sounds paradoxical, why stay online when you’re supposed to be exploring the globe? But stick with us.

Sites like Airbnb Experiences and Withlocals have online cooking courses, language classes and even historical walking tours led by locals. They are ideal for when you’re preparing to go on holiday or if you’ve arrived somewhere and want a cultural immersion without having to leave the comfort of your hotel room.

Some travelers use these sessions as a way to learn the early fundamentals of an indigenous tongue before arriving, or to converse with a culture before touching down. It adds an added context to the trip that you just can’t learn from reading a guidebook.

Travel hacking groups and budget advice online

If you’ve ever scored a $50 flight or a free hotel stay, chances are you’ve dipped your toes into the world of travel hacking. The internet is loaded with Reddit threads, Facebook groups and YouTube channels dedicated to this art.

From credit card reward strategies to mileage runs, such forums are an open book when it comes to helping you stretch your travel budget. Sites or forums are filled with first-person accounts that break down intricate systems into a system anyone can understand.

And apps such as Hopper or Skyscanner employ algorithms to forecast flight price patterns, alerting when it’s the optimal time to purchase. Budget travel has gone high-tech officially.

The emergence of “slow travel” promoted online

Believe it or not, not all travel trends are about traveling fast and seeing as much as possible. There is a slow travel movement on the internet that promotes staying longer in less places for having a richer experience.

Bloggers, vloggers and TikTokers now promote extended stays in small towns, celebrating local as opposed to checklist tourism. These influencers often offer tips on participation in local volunteering, language exchange or short-term accommodation through sites like TrustedHousesitters or Workaway.

It is all about sustainable travel, and the online world is full of stories and tips to inspire a more immersive way of exploring the world.