Influencer Sessions: Get to Know @_daniharris

We caught up with travel influencer, @_daniharris, to talk brand alignment, creativity, and hopes and dreams for the travel industry online. Read on to learn more about how Dani has used her expertise and love for adventure to amass a community of over 80k followers!

Where does your love for travelling and trying new things come from?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep desire to see the world. I think it started with my parents—knowing they travelled and hearing their stories sparked my curiosity from a young age. Then, as I got older, social media definitely played a huge role. Being able to easily see breathtaking destinations and unique experiences from all over the world made me even more eager to get out there and explore for myself. The more I travel, the more I crave new places, cultures, and experiences—it’s an endless cycle of curiosity and adventure!

@_daniharris

This is how I say #kiaora world from New Zealand 👋🏼 home of the bungy 😍🇳🇿 #fyp #nz

♬ Beggin’ – Måneskin

How has the increase in travel brands/companies online impacted the opportunities you receive as a travel influencer?

The rise of travel brands and companies online has hugely impacted the opportunities I receive as a travel influencer. With more businesses—especially startups and small brands—looking to collaborate with creators, there are more chances to showcase unique experiences, destinations, and travel services. Social media has made it easier than ever for brands to connect with content creators, allowing for more partnerships, whether it’s press trips, sponsored stays, or product collaborations.

It’s also changed the way creators can work with brands. Instead of only big-name companies running traditional ad campaigns, we now see niche travel brands leveraging creators to build awareness in an authentic way. This means more diverse opportunities, from boutique stays to adventure experiences, and even helping new brands establish their identity through content.

Which platforms do you predominantly use? Which do you prefer for posting, and which for community building?

I predominantly use Instagram and TikTok. Instagram is my go-to for both posting and community building—I like how it allows me to connect with my audience on a deeper level through stories, DMs, and comments. It feels more personal and interactive.

That said, I owe a lot of what I’ve done to TikTok. The platform’s ability to push content to a massive audience through viral videos has been a game-changer. It’s given me incredible opportunities and helped me grow in ways I never expected. While Instagram is where I nurture my community, TikTok has been key in reaching new audiences and expanding my presence.

How does community engagement vary on your chosen platforms?

Community engagement varies quite a bit between Instagram and TikTok. On Instagram, engagement feels more personal and consistent—I can have direct conversations through DMs, reply to comments in detail, and build relationships over time. Features like Stories, Polls, and Q&A stickers make it easy to interact in a meaningful way.

TikTok, on the other hand, is more fast-paced and discovery-driven. Engagement often comes in waves, especially when a video goes viral. While comments can spark great discussions, they’re usually more fleeting, and it’s harder to maintain long-term connections.

What is your favourite type of content to create, and which works best for your audience? Is there a juxtaposition?

I love creating aesthetic travel videos and exciting adventure content—it’s what first sparked my passion for content creation. There’s something so rewarding about capturing the beauty of a destination and sharing the feeling of exploration. I know my followers enjoy this type of content too, as it always sparks engagement and conversation.

However, there’s definitely a juxtaposition. While my audience resonates with travel and aesthetic videos, they can be really hit or miss in terms of performance. Some go viral, while others barely gain traction, even if they have a similar style or effort behind them. It’s a bit unpredictable, but that’s part of the fun—every post is a new opportunity to inspire and connect with people!

In your own words and experience, how would you define “influencer marketing”?

From my experience, it’s all about authentic storytelling and trust-based recommendations. It’s when brands collaborate with creators to showcase their products or services in a way that feels natural and engaging, rather than like a traditional ad. Unlike traditional marketing, influencer marketing thrives on personal connection—followers trust creators because they see real experiences, not just scripted promotions. At its core, it’s about aligning the right creator with the right brand so the message feels genuine.

Why do you think influencer marketing is so powerful in today’s society?

Because consumers want authenticity. They’re no longer just looking at celebrities promoting products—they want recommendations from everyday people they trust, people they can relate to. Influencers feel more accessible and real, sharing personal experiences that make products and experiences feel tangible and achievable.

With social media, word-of-mouth marketing has evolved into something much bigger. People want to see products in action, hear honest reviews, and feel confident that what they’re investing in actually works. That trust and relatability are what make influencer marketing so impactful in today’s society.

Do you have experience working with brands? How do you decide which brands you would like to work with?

I’ve been so fortunate to work with a number of amazing brands, but I’m quite picky about who I collaborate with—I always make sure the partnership aligns with my values and audience. Here’s how I decide which brands to work with:

• Research the brand – If I’m unfamiliar with them, I do my homework. I check out their mission, values, and past collaborations to see if they align with my personal brand.
• Genuine product use and love – I only promote products or services I’ve personally used and genuinely love. Of course, for tours or experiences, it’s harder to try them beforehand, but I make sure they align with my travel style and what my audience would enjoy.
• Fair exchange for content – I ensure that the collaboration is mutually beneficial, whether that’s through monetary compensation, experiences, or products. Brands need to respect creators and the work that goes into content creation—unfortunately, some still don’t.
• Audience alignment – I always ask myself, “Would my audience actually be interested in this?” If a brand isn’t relevant to my followers, it doesn’t make sense to promote it.
• Creative freedom – I look for brands that trust me to create content in my own authentic way, rather than forcing a rigid, scripted approach. The best collaborations happen when creativity is valued!

Ultimately, I choose partnerships that feel natural and exciting—ones I’d talk about even if I wasn’t being paid!

@_daniharris

A sailing trip around Croatia is definitely a MUST DO Europe summer experience and even better with @Roam Sailing An EPIC company, a boat full of people in their 20’s and 30’s , Island hopping, sight seeing, luxury cabins, 3 course meals, daily swim spots, cliff jumps and even a few visits to some of Croatias best night clubs🕺 How good! P.S enter their current giveaway for a chance to win a spot for an August tour 😮 #roamsailing #roamwithus #sailingcroatia #brandambassador #roamsailingcroatia #solotravel #visitcroatia #europesummer #summertravel

♬ original sound – Dani 🌼🥥🐚

How do you foresee the influencer marketing space changing within your niche in the next 12 months?

The influencer marketing space is always evolving, and within my niche—travel and lifestyle—I see a few key shifts happening over the next 12 months.

• More Focus on Authenticity – Audiences are becoming more selective, craving genuine experiences and unfiltered content over overly polished, “perfect” posts. Brands will likely prioritise creators who share real, raw, and immersive travel moments rather than just highlight reels.
• Long-Term Partnerships Over One-Off Deals – Instead of quick, one-time collaborations, I think brands will invest more in ongoing relationships with creators. This builds stronger trust with audiences and allows for deeper storytelling.
• More Creator Control – As influencers become more business-savvy, I expect to see more creators setting clear boundaries, demanding fair compensation, and having greater creative control over collaborations.
• Shift Toward Sustainable & Meaningful Travel – With conscious travel on the rise, I predict more partnerships with eco-friendly brands, local tourism initiatives, and brands that focus on responsible travel. Travellers want to support experiences that have a positive impact, and influencer marketing will reflect that.

Overall, influencer marketing is shifting toward deeper engagement, more transparency, and a focus on real, relatable experiences rather than just aspirational content.

Based on your experience, what would you advocate to change about the travel industry?

One of the biggest changes I’m excited to see in the travel industry is the increasing use of AI. Key players are already transforming the way we plan and experience travel—with personalised itinerary recommendations, real-time language translation and AI-powered customer service that makes travel smoother and more accessible. AI has the potential to enhance the entire travel experience, making it more seamless and tailored to individual needs.

Beyond AI, there are a few other things I’d love to see evolve in the travel industry:

• More Sustainable Travel Options – The industry is making progress, but there’s still a long way to go. I’d love to see airlines, hotels, and tour companies take bigger steps toward eco-friendly practices, from reducing carbon footprints to supporting local communities in a meaningful way.
• Fair Compensation for Travel Creators – As influencer marketing becomes more integral to the industry, it’s important that brands recognise the value of creators. A travel influencer puts in a huge amount of work to showcase destinations and experiences, and fair compensation (both monetary and experiential) should be the norm, not the exception.

The travel industry is changing fast, and it’s exciting to be part of the conversation!

@_daniharris

Kicking off 2025 exploring Aotearoa 🇳🇿🥝🌿 Follow along for the adventure 🤠 #nzroadie #newzealand #backyardroadies #purenewzealand #travelnz #newzealandtravel @Backyard Roadies

♬ original sound – Dani 🌼🥥🐚

How do you balance your online and offline lives?

I’ll be honest, balancing my online and offline lives is something I’ve been struggling with lately. It’s easy to get caught up in the constant flow of content and notifications, but I’ve found a few ways to help create balance. First, I try to get out early in the morning and exercise, which helps me start the day on the right foot without diving straight into my phone or checking emails and social media. I make it a priority to take breaks throughout the day to rest my eyes and give my brain a chance to recharge. Make time with friends weekly, and be fully present—this is something I’m definitely working on more, putting the phone away but it tests me especially with those gorgeous photo ops. But I know the memories I make with friends are far more important than the perfect Instagram shot. In the evenings, I focus on activities that don’t involve screens, like cooking or reading. It’s a work in progress, but I’m learning to set clearer boundaries between work and personal time.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I see myself still deeply involved in the social media marketing realm, but with even more focus on helping others. I’d love to be working with both brands and creators, sharing my experiences, guiding others in content creation, and helping them build their own journeys. Whether that’s through consulting, mentoring, or developing educational resources, I’m passionate about making the process more accessible and helping others succeed in this space.

I also envision continuing to grow my personal brand, diving into new opportunities, and maybe even exploring new aspects of the digital world, like e-commerce. Ultimately, I want to keep evolving, travelling, learning, and helping others navigate this exciting and ever-changing industry.

@_daniharris

Always an absolute treat QT 💌

♬ original sound – Dani 🌼🥥🐚

What is a piece of advice you would give to your younger self when starting out as a travel influencer? 

The best piece of advice I’d give my younger self when starting my travel journey is to just start, even if your content isn’t perfect or up to the standard you’d like. Don’t worry about what others think—those who truly matter will be there to support you along the way. If posting on social media is what allows you to travel and live the life you want, then go for it. Instead of stressing about posting perfect content, look at it as one big learning experience—you’ll get better and better as you go. The most important thing is to take that first step and embrace the journey, imperfections and all.

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@sociallypowerful