I have a bit of an Instagram addiction. I guess it originally stems from an interest in cameras and photography (I used to work in a Boots photo lab in my formative teenage years). While travelling, though, it is an invaluable tool in the travel writers kit. More to the point, it’s my favourite way of sharing the things I’ve been fortunate to see and experience on my travels.

Here’s a quick run-down of the pics that you’ve enjoyed most on my Instagram feed and the story behind the images.

1. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Much of Rotterdam was decimated during the Second World War. Flattened by German and Allied bombs alike, the Dutch were forced to rebuild. As a blank canvas, the important port city has risen from the ashes with some interesting – if at times, odd – architecture. One of its most eye-catching construction projects has to be the Cube Houses, 38 conceptual dwellings built in the late 1970s.

2. Istanbul, Turkey

Be it Istanbul or Constantinople, the city straddling two continents is nothing short of beguiling. The skyline of Istanbul is dominated by minarets, notably by the likes of the famous Blue Mosque in the Sultanahmet. Getting off the tourist trail, I decided to stop in at the lesser visited Rüstem Pasha Mosque, discreetly tucked away in Eminönü. My reward? The marvel of these beautiful blue izmik tiles and the place to myself.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Liberal Amsterdam is certainly known for many things. Bikes, dope and prostitutes are possibly high on the list but so too are the city’s many mesmerising canals and 17th century houses. This photo is one of the many I stopped to take during the hours we spent cycling up and down Amsterdam’s Canal Belt.

4. Piran, Slovenia

Slovenia is, to all intents and purposes, still under-appreciated by visitors to the Continent. And pictures like this one only make me scratch my head even more. In a way, I’m glad. It means that places like Piran – one of the real jewels of the Adriatic – remain unspoilt by tourism.

5. Alice Springs, Australia

I couldn’t resist a shot of this ubiquitous Aussie road sign. It’s not like we have them back in the UK, is it? One of the highlights of my trip to the Red Centre was definitely being able to see ‘roos in their natural habit in the Outback, and many more species besides.