How to Become a Travel Influencer in 2025 (Without Getting Lost in the Crowd)

How great would it be to get paid to travel the world? Snapping sunsets in Bali, filming hikes in Patagonia, uncovering hidden cafés in Europe – and turning those special moments into income. The difference between a casual traveller and a travel influencer is intent: influencers blend storytelling, photography, and strategy to inspire, inform, and shape the way others explore the world.

But one scroll through Instagram and you’ll see the paradox. Some creators flaunt “all-expenses-paid” trips, while many others (despite thousands of followers!) are still working on barter deals, exchanging glossy content for a free stay but no real pay. Storytelling is powerful, but without strategy, even the most talented creators risk being taken for a ride.

The good news? With the right mix of creativity, clarity, and business savvy, it is possible to stand out, grow an engaged community, and get paid to share your travel adventures. In this guide, we’ll dive into the travel influencer economy, share tips and tricks for aspiring travel influencers, as well as spotlight a few creators who are smashing the travel influencer game. 

If you’re ready to turn wanderlust into sustainable money-making, stick around.

THE TRAVEL INFLUENCER ECONOMY 

In the past 10 years, the travel influencer economy has seen massive growth and rapid evolution, with brands and tourism boards increasingly recognising the value of creators promoting destinations to prospective tourists. What once felt like a niche corner of the internet has matured into a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Since 2014, the global influencer marketing industry has grown a staggering 33% from $1.4 billion to a projected $32.55 billion by the end of 2025. Within travel more specifically, the return on investment (ROI) is particularly strong, with influencer campaigns generating an average of $7.65 for every $1 spent.

@lotteboo3

How I started doing travel content creation on TikTok #fyp #travelblogger #uktravel #uktravelblogger #howto #storytime #howtobeacontentcreator #howtobeaninfluencer #influencerhack #contentcreator #travelcontentcreator

♬ Storytelling – Adriel

The impact of travel influencers goes beyond ROI; their influence on tourist behaviour is undeniable. Studies show that 83% of travellers are inspired to plan a trip based on the content created by influencers, while 72% consider the opinions of influencers when making travel-related decisions. Social platforms are now surpassing traditional travel agents as 35% of global consumers use social media for trip ideas (compared to just 29% using travel agents!), with this figure jumping to 53% among Gen Z.

This growing influence highlights not only the power of travel creators but also the opportunities available for those entering the space. To better understand this landscape, let’s look at how top travel influencers are harnessing this and the tips and tricks we can draw from their success.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR ASPIRING TRAVEL INFLUENCERS

From polished storytelling to clever use of platforms, today’s standout travel influencers show that thriving in this space takes more than just beautiful destinations. 

A key tip is to design content with both audience and platform in mind. Jack Morris (@doyoutravel) exemplifies this by playing to each platform’s rules: showcasing stunning visual aesthetics on Instagram and utilising social native hooks such as ‘This is why you need to put Bahrain on your travel list!’ in his TikTok videos. He also maximises discoverability by using SEO-friendly captions, trending sounds, and tapping into cultural moments – all while ensuring consistency across his content by having a unifying cinematic feel.

@doyoutravel

See you soon Budapest! @Visit Hungary ad #Budapest

♬ original sound – Jack Morris

Another essential strategy for travel influencing is to prioritise storytelling. 22-year-old travel influencer Kyra-Mae demonstrates the power of this, building her audience through sharing personal anecdotes, her unique cultural perspective, and behind-the-scenes realities of aesthetic travel Instagram posts. She knows her niche and what her audience truly wants to see, increasing retention and encouraging audience loyalty. 

Rather than attempting to cover all travel influencer topics, you should focus on your own perspective and unique interests, be that luxury escapes, sustainable travel, budget backpacking, or family-friendly trips.

@kyramaeturner6

What i spend in a day in thailand when not budgeting.. 🇹🇭

♬ original sound – Kyra-Mae

Adding value is equally important – content should inspire, but also inform and entertain. Kiersten Rich (@theblondeabroad) has built long-term success by doing exactly that, offering travel guides, tips, and resources tailored to her community’s interests. By actively engaging with her followers, she fosters not just an audience but a connected community. To be truly successful as a travel influencer, you must not only engage your audience but also consistently build and maintain this through consistent community engagement. 

Staying adaptable is also vital, as trends and audience behaviours shift quickly on social. Experimenting with different formats and styles can help with this, not only keeping your content fresh but also ensuring it remains relevant to changing preferences. Collaborations can further amplify this by introducing your work to new audiences, creating opportunities for growth as you begin your travel influencer career.

There is no one clear-cut way to become a successful travel influencer, but the overarching lessons we can derive are clear: crafting platform-specific content, leaning into authentic storytelling, delivering real value, nurturing community, and staying adaptable. 

Together, these strategies create the foundation for sustainable success in travel influencing.

CONCLUSION

The travel influencer industry may be tough, but the opportunities are immense. It’s important to remember that becoming a travel influencer isn’t about chasing free trips – it’s about building trust, creating meaningful connections, and consistently delivering value to your audience. 

Success in this space comes from blending creativity with strategy, and passion with persistence. By honing your unique voice, embracing adaptability, and blending storytelling with community engagement, you can turn wanderlust into a rewarding, sustainable career. The journey may be competitive, but for those willing to put in the work, the dream of being paid to travel can become a liveable reality.

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