Introduction

In the age of social media, becoming a travel influencer or a full-time travel content creator is not only a dream job for many but also a viable career option. With the right approach and practical advice, you can turn your passion for travel into a thriving online presence. In this step-by-step guide, we'll explore the best ways to kickstart your journey as a travel creator in 2023.

1. Define Your Niche and Target Audience

The first thing you'll need to do is define your niche. Are you passionate about luxury travel, solo travel, sustainable tourism, or perhaps world travel hacking? Choosing a specific focus will help you stand out in a saturated market. Additionally, understanding your target audience will allow you to tailor your content to meet their interests and preferences.

My real-life example: Focusing on specific places I’ve visited. Cuba, Vietnam, and Indonesia with a focus on solo and sustainable travel to those places. National Geographic starts their travel guide books defining “geo traveler”.

Geotourism is a partnership between you as a traveler and the people who live at a destination. The ticket to geotourism is "go local." Geotravelers patronize locally owned businesses and guides. You buy from local craftspeople and eat at restaurants serving regional cuisine. You seek out traditional music and dance. As a result, the money you spend helps local people earn a living and preserve the place's authenticity. - National Geographic

2. Start Your Own Travel Blog

A personal travel blog is a great way to showcase your writing skills and share your travel experiences in detail. Write engaging blog posts about your travel destinations, providing practical advice, travel tips, and insider insights. This will not only establish you as a travel expert but also attract readers who are seeking valuable information.

My real-life example: I’ve changed my travel blog name twice now. I started writing about my travels in 2012. The most important thing is to practice writing and develop a writing habit. Then write with intention. Most people come to the internet to either be entertained or educated.

3. Leverage Social Media Platforms

Social media accounts are crucial for any travel influencer. Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share beautiful photos, short videos, and creative content. Consistency with your message is key, so make sure to post regularly and engage with your audience.

My real-life example: The most important tip: pick one platform to master. I have an above-average knowledge of Instagram. At the beginning of my content creation, I tried IG for 3 months, then switched to YouTube then switched to podcasting. It was too much. I honestly suggest you pick one platform for a year to really master it and then learn a new platform repurposing and adjusting it for the new platform.

4. Create Engaging Video Content

In the age of multimedia, video content is king. Start a YouTube channel to document your travels, share vlogs, and create travel guides. Short videos on platforms like TikTok can also help you reach a wider audience and showcase your personality.

My real-life example: I am still mastering IG, so I’ve created vlogs, travel guides, and trendy videos on IG.

5. Utilize Affiliate Marketing and Brand Partnerships

Monetize your travel content through affiliate links and brand partnerships. Promote products and services that align with your brand and target audience. Remember to disclose your affiliations to maintain trust with your followers.

6. Build a Media Kit

A well-crafted media kit is essential for attracting brand sponsorships and collaborations. Think of it as a content creator’s resume, but much more aesthetically pleasing. This is your chance to shine with your graphic design ideas and creativity. Remember to include information about your demographics, reach, engagement rates, and past brand deals. This will give you a professional edge and increase your chances of securing partnerships.

My real-life example: Canva has a ton of templates to choose from. Here’s mine:

7. Collaborate with Travel Brands and Tourism Boards

Contact travel brands, tourism boards, and travel agencies for potential collaborations. This could lead to sponsored trips, free accommodations, and brand deals. Having a strong online presence and a specific focus will give you a higher chance of landing such opportunities.
My real-life example: I booked a trip to Cuba with Reroot - www.reroottravel.com.
I chose them because they were the epitome of my type of travel: National Geographic geo travel principles, tourism dollars go directly to Cuban citizens, and educational classes that no one else was offering. After my trip, I pitched to the founder to host a scuba diving trip in Cuba. Now, we’re hosting a trip for Scuba in Cuba in April 2024!

8. Explore Different Income Streams

In addition to brand partnerships, consider other income streams like selling digital products, offering photography services, or even writing travel guides. Diversifying your sources of income will provide stability and financial security.

My real-life example: (1)I have an ebook and a fillable PDF travel template on Shopify (digital products), (2) a content creation contract, (3) Scuba in Cuba tour.

9. Stay Updated with the Latest Trends

Keep an eye on the latest trends in travel content creation. This could include emerging platforms, new video formats, or shifts in consumer preferences. Adapting to these trends will keep your content fresh and engaging.

My real-life example: I follow accounts like Later Media. They pretty much do all the work for you about what’s trending on each platform. Here’s this week’s trending memes from Later.

10. Practice Patience and Hard Work

Becoming a full-time travel content creator requires dedication and hard work. It may take time to build a following and secure brand partnerships. Remember that the most important thing is to consistently deliver great content that resonates with your audience.

My real-life example: I confused consistency with frequency. Posting for the sake of posting is not the name of the game. Being consistent with your quality and your specific message is the name of the game. I’ve only been in the game for a year and the foundational work is humbling.

Conclusion

Becoming a travel influencer and creating content in the travel industry is not just a job, it's a lifestyle. A lifestyle fueled by the desire for a flexible schedule, free flow creativity, and blazing your own path to financial success. By following this step-by-step guide and creating a system that works for you, you can turn your passion for travel into a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career. Embrace the opportunities that the age of social media presents and start your journey toward becoming a successful travel content creator in 2023 and beyond.