Instagram brings smartphone experience to the desktop
Like TPG founder and CEO Brian Kelly, Mommy Points and the contributors to our main brand page, I love sharing my adventures on Instagram and seeing where your travels have taken you. The problem is I spend much of my time away from my smartphone, creating lengthy gaps where I am away from Instagram throughout the day.
Recently, Instagram has begun letting users access more features from their computer desktops. Earlier this month, the platform enabled direct messages from the web, and now, via web browser Opera, users of Opera 68 (the latest version) can access almost all Instagram features directly from a dedicated browser tab.
While I've long been a Google Chrome and Safari user, I've now begun using Opera, specifically because of the easily accessible Instagram tab. Click it and Instagram appears instantly, with full access to your feed, Stories and even Instagram Live. The browser also integrates Instagram Messenger, WhatsApp and has other traveler-friendly features, like instant access to a VPN.
Notably, when it comes to Instagram, you can only view content from the browser — you'll need to return to the app to post and share live video — but you can chat via direct messages, just as you can with many other browsers.
And of course, as you're setting up your web experience, be sure to follow @thepointsguy for loads of great travel content, Instagram Live chats and a whole lot more.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app