How Travel Agents Can Use Instagram & Pinterest to Book More Clients (and Plan for Seasonality)
If you’re a travel agent, you already know that travel demand changes with the seasons. One month, everyone is booking summer vacations and tropical getaways. The next? Business slows down, and inquiries drop.
The key to keeping your business steady is having a social media strategy that aligns with travel trends, especially on Instagram and Pinterest.
Both platforms are powerful for inspiring travelers, but they serve different purposes. Instagram is about building relationships and trust, while Pinterest helps drive long-term traffic and leads. When used together strategically, they can help you attract more clients, increase bookings, and create a sustainable travel business year-round.
Step 1: Understand Seasonality & Plan Content Around Travel Trends
Travel clients don’t always book trips at the last minute. Most people plan months in advance, which means your social media content needs to align with when people are thinking about travel.
When to Promote Different Travel Offers
January - March: Spring break getaways, summer vacations, international bucket list trips
April - June: Last-minute summer travel, fall getaways, honeymoon and wedding season
July - September: Holiday travel, winter ski trips, Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations
October - December: New Year’s trips, early booking promotions for the next year, spring break deals
If you wait until summer to promote summer trips, you’re too late. Start posting three to six months before peak season to capture early planners and secure bookings before the rush.
Step 2: How to Use Instagram to Build Trust & Get Inquiries
Instagram is a powerful tool for travel agents because it allows you to showcase destinations, provide valuable travel tips, and build relationships with potential clients. The key to success is not just posting beautiful pictures, but also using content to educate, engage, and encourage bookings.
What to Post on Instagram as a Travel Agent
1. Destination Inspiration With Personal Insights
Instead of just posting a stock photo of a beach, share why it’s a great destination and include travel tips.
Example: Instead of posting “The Maldives,” say:
"The Maldives is the ultimate luxury escape, but did you know there’s a way to experience it without a $10K price tag? Here’s how to plan a dream Maldives trip on a budget. Send me a message if you want help booking your perfect island getaway."
2. Behind-the-Scenes of Your Planning Process
Most people don’t realize how much a travel agent can simplify trip planning. Show them how you work.
Example:
"Ever wonder what goes into planning a stress-free vacation? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I book dream trips for my clients—so all they have to do is pack their bags."
3. Client Testimonials & Success Stories
Build trust by sharing real experiences from clients who have booked with you.
Example:
"From idea to itinerary—another dream vacation booked. My client Sarah just returned from a two-week honeymoon in Italy, and here’s what she had to say about working with me."
4. Travel Tips & Hacks
Position yourself as an expert by providing valuable insights.
Example:
"Flying to Europe? Here’s how to find the best flight deals, avoid jet lag, and maximize your trip."
5. Call-to-Action Posts: Make It Easy to Book With You
Your audience needs clear steps on how to work with you.
Example:
"Planning a trip in 2024? Let’s make it stress-free. I handle the research, bookings, and logistics so you can just enjoy the adventure. Send me a message with ‘Let’s Plan’ and I’ll help you design your perfect getaway."
Step 3: How to Use Pinterest to Attract Long-Term Travel Clients
Pinterest is a search engine, not just a social platform. This means people use it to plan trips well in advance, making it a perfect tool for travel agents.
Why Pinterest is a Must for Travel Agents
Your content stays relevant for months or even years, unlike Instagram, where posts disappear quickly.
Users on Pinterest are actively searching for travel ideas, meaning they are more likely to convert into paying clients.
It helps drive traffic to your website or email list, giving you long-term leads instead of just one-time inquiries.
What to Post on Pinterest as a Travel Agent
1. Seasonal Travel Guides
Best Spring Break Destinations for Families
Where to Travel in the Fall: Top Destinations for Cozy Getaways
If you can tie your content to upcoming travel seasons, you’ll capture an audience actively looking for recommendations.
2. Itinerary Ideas & Trip Planning Tips
The Ultimate 7-Day Italy Itinerary for First-Timers
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Trip to Hawaii
People love pre-made itineraries, so create content that helps them visualize a trip from start to finish.
3. Travel Hacks & Packing Lists
The Only Packing List You Need for a 10-Day Europe Trip
How to Avoid Jet Lag: Five Pro Travel Hacks
These types of pins get saved and shared frequently, keeping your content in circulation.
4. “Save This for Later” Pins
Many travelers use Pinterest to bookmark ideas for future trips. Create eye-catching, shareable graphics that people will want to save for reference.
5. Freebies & Lead Magnets (to Grow Your Email List)
Pinterest can also help you build an email list of potential travel clients.
Example freebie ideas:
The Ultimate Travel Budget Planner (Free Download)
10 Must-Have Travel Apps to Make Your Next Trip Easy
Use email marketing platforms like Flodesk or ConvertKit to create a simple opt-in form where people can enter their email in exchange for the freebie. Once they are on your list, you can nurture them with travel tips, exclusive deals, and booking offers.
Step 4: Plan Your Content & Stay Consistent
A strong content strategy requires planning ahead. Instead of scrambling to post something last-minute, map out your social media content by season.
How to Plan Your Instagram & Pinterest Content by Season
Quarterly: Identify the biggest upcoming travel trends and create a content calendar.
Monthly: Outline key topics—destination guides, travel tips, promotions, and client stories.
Weekly: Schedule Instagram posts in advance and pin at least five to ten fresh pins per week.
Using scheduling tools like Tailwind for Pinterest and Metricool for Instagram can save you time and keep your content working for you even when you’re busy booking clients.
Let’s Build Your Social Media Strategy Together
If you want to:
Book more travel clients without constantly chasing leads
Create social media content that actually converts into bookings
Make Instagram and Pinterest work for you without spending hours online
I can help.
Option 1: Get a 1:1 Marketing Strategy Session ($197)
We’ll create a clear, profitable social media plan for your business. [Book Your Session Here]
Option 2: Need help creating content? My Social Media Money Maker Masterclass will show you exactly how to plan, schedule, and sell through social media. [Get Instant Access Here]
You already know how to plan incredible trips. Now let’s make sure your marketing strategy works just as well.
