EVERYONE has travel photos. But, what are the most popular subjects? In a 3 month study announced today by ScanMyPhotos.com for #TBT (Throwback Thursday–the popular social media hashtag for sharing pictures)–of the 14,450,000 analog photo snapshots digitized over the past quarter, we know exactly what the most popular travel destinations are.
Of the 14,450,241 analog photo images submitted to ScanMyPhotos.com for digitization during Sept 1, – Dec 31, 2015, 68.2% (9,855,064) were travel related.
Ever wonder where the most popular travel destinations are? The top of Mt. Fuji? The Sydney Opera House? Or maybe the Sear’s Tower in Chicago? While these are all good guesses, the real answer to this question might be hiding in your family’s photo albums.
Old family photo albums are something nearly everyone in America has in common. Each Thursday, millions of people share decades-past pictures using the trending social media hashtag #TBT (Throwback Thursday). You, a relative, or a loved one is most likely in possession of decades-old analog photo snapshots and 35mm slides that are fading away—pictures of far-flung places in long-forgotten times that are subjected to the ravages of time. This is where ScanMyPhotos.com comes in.
Since 1990, the e-commerce photo digitization service has scanned and preserved more than 300 million pictures—and we noticed a major trend in theses snapshots along the way.
According to Mitch Goldstone, president & CEO of ScanMyPhotos.com, “travel pictures represent the largest category of photos we’ve preserved—which is even greater than the number of traditional family, holiday and special occasion photos we’ve scanned. In fact, nearly 70% of all pictures digitized by ScanMyPhotos.com are travel related. We discovered this fact in a survey conducted on the most popular travel destinations that are spotted in the print photos.”
The ScanMyPhotos.com most popular travel pictures survey analyzed subject data from 14,450,000 analog photographs, 35mm slides and film negatives from September 1 to December 31, 2015—and the results were fascinating.
Based on the frequency of each picture submitted for digitization, the ranking of the top travel destinations according to your photo albums includes:
1) Walt Disney Resorts (28.40%, 1,074,754 images scanned)
It comes as no surprise to us that the magical worlds of Walt Disney tops our lists. We’ve seen countless photos featuring everything from Disneyland in 1955 to its newer theme parks today. The Magic Castle was the most popular picture from photo albums across the U.S. and internationally. Other Disney attractions and the Mickey Mouse character were close runner ups.
2) Las Vegas (27.90%, 1,055,832)
The bright lights of Vegas are the second-most photographed destination in scanned photos. We’ve seen Vegas grow and change over time including neon signs, long-gone hotels, the Vegas Strip, the Fountains of Bellagio, and food buffets.
3) New York City (12.20%, 461,690)
The most-popular NYC scene is of families gathered for a pose in front of the former World Trade Center. This is followed by Broadway theater marquees, Rockefeller Center, and the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
4) U.S. National Parks (7.40%, 280,042)
Of course, America’s amazing National Parks break into the top five of this list, as we’ve seen plenty of smiling faces at Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Statue of Liberty, and the Grand Canyon.
5) Washington D.C (6.70%, 253,551)
Our Nation’s capital also makes it into the top five with landmarks like the Capitol, the White House, and other museums and monuments.
6) Rome and The Vatican (5.83%, 220,627)
These two popular Italian destinations have had many, many photos taken of them over the years. So, remember, when in Rome, take lots of photos!
7) London (2.80%, 105,962)
The top spots photographed in London include Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and those iconic red telephone boxes.
8) Paris (2.37%, 89,689)
The city of love is another popular spot spotted in family albums. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are two particular favorites.
9) Beach scenes (0.90%, 34,059)
Warm sands and the bright blue oceans of tropical islands and resorts in Tahiti, Hawaii and Caribbean make plenty of appearances.
10) The actual Berlin Wall and photos after it was removed (0.80%, 30,275)
In addition to the Berlin Wall, we’ve scanned many other military pictures from WWII, Vietnam and Iraq wars, combat scenes, and more.
Honorable Mentions
The following honorable mention locations are also often spotted in scanned photos:
• Olympics and sporting events
• Amsterdam canals
• On-board cruise ships
• The Great Wall of China
• Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
• Abbey Road in London
• Machu Picchu
• Leaning Tower of Pisa
• African villages, safari’s and wildlife
• Interior of airport terminals
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