One of the most asked questions we got during our Instagram Summit was “How can I learn more about being a travel creator?” But there’s more to it than jumping on a plane and being fabulous. There’s — gasp — work involved.
So, to learn more about the world of travel content, I sat down with Mel Demi, a.k.a. our former head of social media content, who left her job at Manychat to focus on her full-time jet-setting career.
We Asked, She Answered
This is what she had to say about the questions we got during our sessions.
What actually sucks about being a travel creator?
Balancing being present while also working. You’re traveling, but you’re never really off. You’re constantly filming, constantly on your phone. I became a travel creator because I genuinely love travel and want to encourage other people to experience it — but I also want to enjoy where I am. I end up falling behind on content because I’m trying to live in the moment. Then it’s trip to trip to trip, content piles up, and it gets overwhelming fast.
Do you rely on affiliate links or hotel booking platforms for income?
Not really. My main income doesn’t come from affiliate earnings. Most of my payouts are from brand partnerships, so whether someone books a hotel through my link isn’t a huge factor for me.
Want more? Learn how to land your first brand deal (and keep them coming).
I’ve solo-traveled for years and have tons of unused footage. How do you feel about combining niches?
My original niche had nothing to do with travel; I started as a dog-mom creator. Pivoting takes time, and your audience will change. You’ll lose people, but you’ll gain new ones who actually care about the content you’re making. You can absolutely combine niches as long as it’s something you want to do long-term. Consistency matters more than perfection. People need a reason to stick with you.
What gear do you actually use when traveling?
Most of my content is filmed and edited on my iPhone. That’s where the majority of my growth came from. I do have a DJI Osmo Pocket for long-form content like YouTube because it’s compact and easy to travel with. I’ll bring lav mics if I need audio and a small Canon camera if I want photos — but you really don’t need a ton of equipment to be successful.
Where’s a good place to start if you want to make travel content?
It depends on the kind of travel you want to create. If you want international content, the Caribbean is a great place to start; it’s accessible and easy for U.S. travelers. If you’re doing domestic travel, start with trips you already have planned. Even something like a family vacation can give you a few solid pieces of content. You don’t need to be glued to your phone — just be intentional.
How should brands identify the right travel creators to partner with?
Engagement matters more than audience size, especially for travel, which is a big investment for most people. A smaller creator with an engaged audience will outperform a massive account where no one actually cares. Engagement and conversions go hand in hand.
What are your non-negotiables when traveling?
At least two portable chargers — your phone dies fast when you’re filming constantly. I travel light: one crossbody bag, hand sanitizer because planes are gross, headphones, and my Kindle. I also carry a small pouch with band-aids, pain meds, stomach meds, nausea meds, wipes, the stuff that can save you in a pinch.
How do travel partnerships usually work?
There are trade-based collaborations and paid partnerships. Trade-based means flights, hotels, meals, and experiences are covered in exchange for content, no cash payment. Paid partnerships usually include a flat fee plus covered travel expenses. The key question is whether the experience is worth it to you.
Read more: Instagram Collab Posts: How They Work and When to Use Them.
Have you thought about hosting group trips?
I have, but I haven’t found the right partner yet. TrovaTrip is popular because they handle logistics and bookings, making it easier for creators. But you need to really know the destination and read reviews, some itineraries have issues. Talk to other creators before committing.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Paris feels like home. I could live there tomorrow and be happy. But my most impactful trip was a safari in Uganda. The people, the culture, the experience, it was truly special. Then there’s Japan, Colombia, Albania, Scotland…it’s impossible to choose.
Worst place you’ve been?
I don’t think there’s anywhere I wouldn’t go back to. There are places I’d do differently. Jamaica, for example, I’ve had both incredible and terrible experiences there. I’d return, just not through a third-party tour.
What’s the one thing aspiring travel creators need to understand?
You have to travel for you, not for content. It’s exhausting. There have been months where I’ve slept in my own bed for five days total. If you’re doing this for fame or money instead of loving travel, that exhaustion hits differently, and it shows in your content. People can tell when it’s authentic versus when you’re just trying to look cool online.
If you want to learn more about Mel and her journeys, follow her here.
