Travel influencers have turned the world into our collective bucket list.
They’re the modern-day explorers, sharing jaw-dropping views, unforgettable adventures, and tips that make you want to pack your bags right now.
Beyond stunning visuals, they reshape how we plan, book, and experience trips.
For travel brands, this shift offers exciting opportunities to connect with creators who inspire wanderlust and engage audiences meaningfully.
Table of Contents
Who Are Travel Creators and Why Are They So Addictive to Watch?
Travel creators are storytellers who bring their adventures to life on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Whether it’s a 15-second TikTok revealing hidden beaches or a dreamy Instagram post from a glamping pod, their content inspires action.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
Authenticity: Their advice feels relatable, like it’s coming from a well-traveled friend.
Visual Excellence: Stunning photography and videos highlight the beauty of destinations and the unique experiences they offer.
Inspiration Meets Practicality: Their mix of beautiful destinations and actionable tips makes travel more accessible.
How Travel Influencers Are Changing the Game
Travel influencers are shaking up the travel scene in the best way possible.
They’re not just showing us where to go; they’re inspiring how we get there and what we do along the way.
Whether it’s a dreamy hidden cove or a quirky cultural tradition, these creators make the world feel like it’s ready to be explored.
Here are just a few ways they’re transforming the way we travel:
Revealing Hidden Gems: Forget the usual tourist traps. These influencers are all about spotlighting the road less travelled. They introduce us to off-the-beaten-path spots, like secluded beaches, charming villages, or even local eateries you’d never find on a guidebook tour.
Setting New Trends: Influencers are leading the charge from eco-friendly getaways to solo adventures, no matter their follow count. Micro influencers are especially good at making big ideas, like living in a van or embarking on a zero-waste trip, feel like something anyone can try.
Turning Dreams Into Plans: With detailed itineraries, packing tips, and honest reviews, influencers make fabulous trips accessible. They make it easier to turn a “maybe someday” trip into a solid plan with steps you can follow.
How Brands Can Work With Travel Influencers
If there’s one thing travel influencers know how to do, it’s getting people excited to explore.
For brands, working with these top travel influencers isn’t just about promotion, it’s about connecting with audiences who are already dreaming of their next adventure.
The key? Teaming up with the right influencers and letting their creativity shine.
Here’s how to make it work:
Choose Creators Who Fit Your Brand: The magic happens when an influencer’s vibe matches your brand’s personality. Whether it’s luxury, adventure, or family-friendly fun, finding the right match ensures the collaboration feels authentic.
Play to Each Platform’s Strengths: TikTok’s short videos are perfect for sharing quick travel tips or destination highlights. YouTube is the place for immersive stories, like full travel vlogs or behind-the-scenes looks. Instagram ties it all together with polished visuals and interactive moments.
Celebrate the Wins: Keep an eye on what resonates. Engagement, clicks, and conversions are great indicators of success but don’t forget to celebrate the excitement and inspiration you’re creating with your audience.
Of course, running an influencer marketing campaign is a big task. Our top tip? Collaborating with Later’s Services team to run your campaigns with expert knowledge and best-in-class tools.
How Travel Influencers Make Money
For travel creators, sharing their adventures is more than a passion; it’s a career path they’ve built with creativity and dedication.
Their ability to turn wanderlust into a livelihood is one of the reasons they connect so deeply with their followers.
Brands that collaborate with these influencers gain access to not only an engaged audience but also to storytellers who have transformed their journeys into thriving businesses.
So, how do they make it happen? Let’s explore how much travel creators earn and the inventive ways they sustain their lifestyles.
How Much Do Travel Influencers Make?
Earnings vary widely, depending on factors like audience size, engagement, and the platforms they use.
Some creators earn a few hundred dollars per sponsored post, while others command tens of thousands.
Claire & Peter are a great example. They began with a $40K travel budget for their first year, and now they’re thriving in their third year of full-time travel, generating income through brand partnerships, UGC creation, and other ventures.
How Travel Influencers Diversify Their Income
To keep their careers sustainable, travel creators often rely on multiple revenue streams. Here are some of the most popular approaches:
Brand Partnerships: Sponsored posts and brand ambassador roles are a staple, letting influencers feature products and services they genuinely believe in.
Hosting Group Trips: Some influencers plan and lead trips for their followers, creating shared experiences. For instance, Juan Marcel and Rhylan recently hosted a group trip to Ireland, offering their audience an unforgettable journey.
Passive Income: Creators like YouTuber Ryan Shirley maximize their content by repurposing it. His ambient channel Scenic Relaxation, seen below, has over 1.3M followers and provides a steady stream of passive income.
Ready to Partner with the Best Travel Creators?
Travel influencers are shaping how we explore the world, inspiring audiences to dream bigger and travel smarter.
For brands, this is a valuable opportunity to connect with travellers on a personal, authentic level.
The right creator can turn inspiration into action by showcasing your destination, product, or service in a way that resonates with their audience.
Later’s Managed Services team has experience working alongside these creators, helping brands craft engaging campaigns that deliver real ROI.
Book a demo with Later today and start creating campaigns that truly connect.
