momondo was founded on the belief that everybody should be able to travel the world, to meet other people, and experience other cultures and religions. Travel opens our minds: when we experience something different, we begin to see things differently.

That’s why we started our very own Instagram competition called #LetsOpenOurWorld. After three months of amazing photos – transporting Instagrammers from Ireland to Rio, India, Iran and beyond, the competition has now come to a close. Here are our favourite 25 images, from our amazing followers, showing momondo’s 5 ways to open our world.

Lower your guard

Travelling is about exposing yourself to something else, something different. Open your mind and put a leash on your judgement. And remember: you are just as different to others as they are to you.

Our winner for July …

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Late night goodbye post to India. Two flights down and two to go and I find myself back at my starting point, the airport I landed in. Suddenly it feels like no time has passed but also, so much has changed. The world seems slightly different now as I remember landing here, scared about travelling alone as a woman through India, and leaving realising I had nothing to be afraid of and everything to learn. Although India may seem to be a different world, us human beings are all similar in so many ways. We love, we hate and we learn. Again I'm feeling this strange but familiar sensation where my chest is heavy, saying goodbye to a country that stole my heart in such a short time, but also excited/nervous for the next adventures coming when I wake up in Chiang Mai tomorrow. Stay curious, say yes, talk to strangers, lower your guard and care to share. #LetsOpenOurWorld @momondo

A post shared by Jackie Dixon (@hellojackiedixon) on

 

Do talk to strangers

Not only the staff at your hotel. A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet. And a quick question might turn into an inspirational conversation.

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The curiosity of youth #LetsOpenOurWorld

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Talk to strangers… She is Lourdes, a palanquera (the name is for the slaves who escaped out of the cities and created a town for free slaves) She is an amazing lady, when we met I felt the connection…I wanted to know more about their way of life and she was so kind to share her story. ¡Lo logré! Conocí a las palanqueras, estás mujeres que diariamente venden su fruta en las bóvedas de Cartagena. Un palenque es un pueblo fundado por esclavos negros que huyeron a las afueras de las ciudades en Colombia. Hoy su lengua, sus costumbres y tradiciones aún perduran. Traté de cargar la bandeja de fruta con sus 12 kilos…casi lo logré… pero eso ya lo verán en el video. I been very atracted to Colombia, I dont know why, just it is. I arrived to Cartagena and was incredible, I had the feeling I been in there..somehow. The streets are colorfull but the people is amazing…all the Colombians I met where kind with me. I met some on the boat on my way to PlayaBomba, I met Uber drivers, people at bars and one of the invited me to her home for a “tintico” (coffee with her family) #staycurious #talktostrangers #interjet #colombia #colombiarealismomagico #palenque #backpacker #mochilero #bogota #igerscolombia #foodandtravelmx #wanderlust #travelgram #alanxelmundo #thewonderlist #peopleoftheworld #portrait #yellow #cartagenadeindias #igerscartagena #travelblogger #anthonybourdain #natgeo #condeNastTraveller #letsopenourworld #colombiatravel

A post shared by ABDEEL | Travel Blogger (@viajeropeligro) on

Our winner for August …

Say yes!

Travelling is not just about destinations – it’s about what happens along the way.
Yes is the magic word to new experiences. Yes, I’m lost. Yes, I’d love to dance. Yes, there’s room at this table …

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJJGV2sDqZW/

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First time on a glacier 😬👏🏼😄

A post shared by Lisa Berge (@lisalandvik) on

 

Stay curious

Have courage to do something for the first time. Travelling is about crossing borders, including the ones you have put up for yourself.

Our winner for June …

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGAVGmluf6v/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIp8RD2B4iV/

 

Care to share

Facing the world with an open mind makes you a source of inspiration to others.
Let friends and family see the beauty and friendliness of the world through your eyes.

 

Thanks to all those who have taken part in our Instagram competition. For more info, visit #LetsOpenOurWorld.com