Ready to conquer the world and become a top travel influencer in 2026? You’ve come to the right place! Our ultimate travel influencer guide is here to help you navigate the ever-exciting and freeing world of travel influencing.
Let’s make 2026 your most adventurous and successful year yet!
The travel industry is booming, and social media platforms are buzzing with new influencers capturing hearts and minds with their breathtaking journeys. With countless opportunities awaiting, this is your moment to shine and collaborate with travel brands eager to showcase their destinations, products, and experiences.
So, buckle up and get ready; this guide will equip you with everything you need to become a standout travel influencer in 2026. Are you ready to embark on this journey?
Who are we?
We are Afluencer, your ultimate platform for connecting with brands across all categories. Our mission is to simplify influencer marketing and help you find the perfect collaborations to elevate your influence and reach.
Our powerful and user-friendly Afluencer app is designed to cater to your needs as an influencer. You can sign up for free, making it easy for you to start exploring opportunities right away. With our Collab Directory, you can effortlessly search for brands that align with your values and goals, ensuring that your Collabs are meaningful and impactful.
One of the standout features of Afluencer is our robust search functionality. You can filter by interests, location, and more, making it easy to find the perfect match for your personal brand. Our app also allows you to join exciting Collabs, offering numerous opportunities to grow your influence and connect with like-minded individuals.
Plus, with our continually updated features and resources (like this travel influencer guide), you’ll always have the tools you need to stay ahead in the dynamic world of influencer marketing.
So don’t miss out!
The Afluencer app is your ultimate tool for influencer marketing success in 2026. Join our community today and take the first step towards creating impactful and lasting collaborations with brands.
Now, back to the headliner of the show.
2026 Ultimate Travel Influencer Guide
Here’s what you will find in our 2026 Ultimate Travel Influencer Guide:
- How to be a Travel Influencer
- What Kind of Posts Should I Share?
- 11 Types of Travel Influencers
- 8 Inspiring Travel Influencers to Follow
- 5 Travel Brands that Work with Influencers
Click on any of the sections mentioned above to easily navigate through the guide.
Whether you’re a seasoned influencer or still in your infancy stage, this in-depth guide to becoming a travel influencer will UP your game.
We have quite a few things to cover in this exclusive travel influencer handbook we’ve created for you. So let’s dig straight into it.
How to be a Travel Influencer in 2026
The first thing you need to understand in this guide is what it means to be a travel influencer. Know about the meaning of travel influencers and what they do.
Not everyone who travels is an influencer. Travel influencers are people who have the power to influence travel-related decisions. You can create a niche by building your online presence and convincing others that you have the skills and abilities to judge hotels, airlines, etc.
This can be done by creating social media profiles on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc. Other than this, you can also build your website or blog.
This is important if you want to be a travel influencer because a lot of companies require that you have a website or social media handle or both to become a travel influencer. Hence, put effort into building a presence.
Travel Influencer Guide 2026: What Kind of Posts Should I Share?
Let’s be real. Travelers in 2026 are over the staged photoshoots. They want the ‘vibe check’ before they book. The secret to winning now isn’t about looking good on camera; it’s about being the most helpful, authentic person in the room—delivering the facts as they happen.
Polished travel photos still have a place. But discovery now happens through short, clear, value-driven content that answers one question quickly.
Travel Influencer Content Formats That Work in 2026
These formats consistently perform well across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts — and they align perfectly with what brands want from travel creators today.
1. Short-Form Video (Your Core Content)
Quick hotel tours. One-minute itineraries. “Would you stay here?” clips.
Short-form video is the backbone of every modern travel influencer guide because it drives discovery, saves, and shares. Brands love this because “Saves” are a much higher indicator of intent than “Likes.”
2. Real-Time Travel Moments
Day-of experiences outperform over-edited recaps.
Think airport mornings, weather mishaps, delayed trains, or first reactions. These make your hotel or airline recommendation feel more honest. When you eventually say, “This place is amazing,” your audience actually believes you.
3. Before-and-After or Expectation vs Reality Content
These formats stop the scroll. They also help brands showcase real experiences instead of glossy promises.
4. Practical Micro-Guides
Enter the “Anti-Gatekeeping” movement. Simple, focused tips win in 2026.
Think of posts like:
- “3 things I’d skip in this city”
- “What this destination actually costs”
- “One mistake tourists always make here.”
Influencers who are willing to say what not to do gain authority much faster. It proves you aren’t just a “yes-man” for every brand that pays you, which makes your paid collaborations much more valuable.
How CreatorGPT Supports Travel Content Creation
Creating consistent content is one of the hardest parts of being a travel creator.
That’s where CreatorGPT, our AI influencer marketing tool, fits naturally into this travel influencer guide.
CreatorGPT can help you:
- Generate short-form video ideas based on your destination or niche
- Write hooks and captions tailored for Reels or TikTok
- Turn one trip into multiple content angles without repeating yourself
Instead of staring at a blank screen, let CreatorGPT start you off with structure, and create faster while traveling.
10+ Types of Travel Influencers
We often talk about the best programs or the best influencers to follow, but we rarely talk about the different types of travel influencers. If you want to break the barrier and become a travel influencer, then you must know about the types you can be.
So in this section of our guide, we’re sharing with you the 11 types of travel influencers to help you with picking the one that suits you best.
Here are the types of travel influencers you can be in no favorable order:
#1 The Solo Traveler
Solo travelers travel on their own. They usually post pictures and vlogs from the places they visit. Solo travel influencers typically work with all kinds of brands while pushing the idea of taking solo trips.
They generally also promote backpacking and include tips on things you can do as a solo traveler. There has been an increase of about 80 percent in the number of solo travelers in the last few years which is why solo traveler influencers are now also in demand.
#2 Traveling Couples
Travel influencer couples are generally followed by people looking for a nice honeymoon package. They typically review places and amenities based on how suitable they are for a couple.
Couple travelers usually work with travel agencies that offer special tours for couples. They present cities and countries in a romantic light. Thanks to intimate guides by travel influencer couples, more couples are moving out of traditional cities like Paris and New York to new cities like Bali and Istanbul.
#3 Travel as a Family
Here are influencers who travel with their entire families, including children. These influencers generally target families looking for the next family vacation.
Families often have a difficult time finding a suitable destination since they have to take care of several factors. Family travel influencers help them answer this question by highlighting family-friendly vacations.
#4 LGBT Travel Influencers
LGBTQ travel influencers mainly cover LGBTQ-friendly destinations and resorts so that those belonging to the community can easily plan their next destination.
Their review guides typically include tips on how to carry yourself, how to approach others in the community, and how to find the right accommodation.
This is a concern for many since not all hotels and resorts welcome LGBTQ guests. LGBTQ travel influencers are working to remove the stigma and help everyone have a good time.
#5 Foodies Go Traveling
These influencers bring food and travel into one to offer people tips on the best destinations to enjoy delicious food.
They generally partner with restaurants and promote different travel plans. They share pictures of great food with attractive backgrounds. Some people credit food travel influencers for making Salt Bae and Turkish ice cream (Dondurma) popular around the world.
#6 Travelers on a Budget
Budget travel influencers typically share tips on the cheapest destinations to visit. Some may also cover tips on how to save money when traveling abroad. They work with all kinds of companies including sites like booking.com and hotel chains.
Most travelers have limited budgets and they’re always looking for good destinations that offer a variety of things to do. Budget travel influencers generally target such people and use hashtags like #budgettravel #cheapdestinations to reach more people.
#7 AI-Enhanced & Virtual Travel Creators
AI-enhanced and virtual travel creators are shaping how audiences discover destinations before they book.
These creators use tools like AR tours, AI-assisted storytelling, and immersive walkthroughs to preview real travel experiences and reduce “booking anxiety.”
In this travel influencer guide, this category matters because brands now value pre-travel inspiration just as much as on-the-ground content.
Hotels, destinations, and travel platforms work with these creators to educate, excite, and convert travelers earlier in the decision process.
#8 Community-Led Travel Creators
In the past, an influencer would say, “I went here, look at my photos.” In 2026, a community-led creator says, “We are going here—what should we do?”
Community-led travel creators build influence through participation, not just posts.
Their audiences help shape itineraries, vote on destinations, and share recommendations.This travel influencer guide highlights community creators because brands increasingly prioritize trust and engagement over follower count.
Campaigns with this group often include group trips, shared planning tools, and audience-driven travel content that feels personal and collaborative.
#9 Luxury Travel
Luxury travel influencers typically work with five-star hotels and resorts and airline companies. They are generally the first to review a new facility and travel business class or first class.
There isn’t a very high number of these guys since very few people can afford to spend $3,000 on flight tickets and $1,000 on hotel stays. But there are still some people who are on the lookout for luxury and they will surely be interested in following you.
#10 Adventure Travel Influencers
Our travel influencer guide would not be complete without mentioning Adventure travel influencers. They are all about pushing limits and seeking out the most thrilling experiences around the globe. Whether it’s climbing mountains, skydiving, or exploring remote corners of the world, these influencers capture the excitement and adrenaline of their journeys. Their feeds are filled with jaw-dropping landscapes, heart-pounding activities, and authentic experiences that inspire their followers to step out of their comfort zones.
These influencers often engage with brands related to outdoor gear, adventure tourism, and extreme sports, helping to promote products designed for thrill-seekers. Adventure travel influencers connect with an audience that craves excitement, making them powerful partners for brands looking to reach those who embrace the adventurous side of life. If you’re someone who loves to travel with a sense of adventure, this category is for you—your content could inspire others to take on their own adrenaline-packed experiences.
#11 Slow Travel & Sustainability Influencers
Slow travel and sustainability influencers reflect a clear shift in traveler values.
Their content focuses on longer stays, responsible tourism, local culture, and environmental impact.
In this travel influencer guide, this category replaces narrower niche segments with something broader and more relevant. In 2026, influencers who used to be just “luxury” or “budget” are now expected by their audiences to have a sustainability layer. A luxury creator who doesn’t mention a hotel’s water conservation or local hiring practices can often be viewed as “out of touch” by 2026 audiences.
You may also want to check out our in-depth pieces on Influencer Rates to find out how much you could earn:
What are Influencer Marketing Rates?
Influencer Rates 2026 (with figures)
8 Inspiring Travel Influencers to Follow
Influencers help people understand the basics of traveling. Though travel numbers are not as high as they were pre-pandemic, they are certainly on the rise. And many folks attribute this rise to the growth in travel influencers who inspire people to get back in the travel spirit.
So, who are these influencers and what do they do?
We’ve compiled a list of the most inspiring travel influencers to look out for in 2026 to go along with this guide. So get to know them a little and don’t forget to follow them on social media.
1) Eric Sierra (@eric.sierra)
If you’re searching for travel and lifestyle content that will get your heart racing, look no further than Eric Sierra. This fearless adventurer is all about promoting healthy, fun, and adrenaline-pumping activities through his incredible photography and daring escapades.
Eric’s feed comes at you with breathtaking shots, capturing moments from skydiving and shark diving to racing Lamborghinis and rope swinging off cliffs. Unlike many travel influencers who showcase luxurious 5-star hotels, Eric’s content is all about the thrill of the adventure and connecting with audiences who share his passion for an active, adventurous lifestyle.
Eric Sierra brings authenticity and excitement to his followers, inspiring them to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the thrill of the unknown. Follow Eric for a daily dose of adventure and get ready to be inspired to live life to the fullest.
2) Lucas Smissen (@thejourneyest2016)
Meet Lucas Smissen, the passionate storyteller behind @thejourneyest2016. Along with his wife and their two beautiful kids, Lucas loves to explore the great outdoors and inspire others to embark on their own adventures. Based in Dallas, Texas, this dynamic family is all about making memories, enjoying good food, and living life to the fullest.
Lucas is a professional photographer and videographer, capturing breathtaking moments and sharing their adventures through stunning visuals. His Instagram feed is filled with inspiring content that showcases the joy and excitement of family travel. From camping trips to mountain hikes, Lucas and his family show us that adventure is best when shared with loved ones.
In addition to his awe-inspiring photos and videos, Lucas offers valuable travel tips and insights, helping his followers plan their own epic journeys. Whether you’re looking for advice on the best outdoor gear or tips on traveling with kids, @thejourneyest2016 is a treasure trove of information and inspiration.
Follow Lucas Smissen and his family for a daily dose of adventure, and get ready to be inspired to live your life to the fullest. Tomorrow is too late—start your adventure today!
3) Valentina Raso (@valentinaraso)
Valentina Raso is a travel influencer who truly stands out in the world of Italian tourism. Hailing from Italy, Valentina’s content goes beyond just telling the story of an itinerary—she seeks out the most spectacular places, unique experiences, and fascinating cultural and gastronomic traditions, transforming them into what she calls social “winning pills.”
Her feed is a visual feast, showcasing breathtaking views, mouth-watering eats, and luxurious 5-star resorts, all presented in beautiful Italian. Valentina’s well-rounded travel content has captivated a diverse audience, making her a must-follow influencer.
In addition to her stunning personal profile, Valentina manages several pages related to Italian tourism and is a prominent speaker at numerous tourism and marketing events. Her expertise and passion for travel are evident in every post, as she invites her followers to explore the beauty and richness of Italy.
It’s no wonder Valentina Raso has made it to our travel influencer guide! Follow her for a daily dose of Italian charm and inspiration, and discover the world through her eyes.
4) Emily (@emilyeatsandexplores)
Meet Emily, the fearless solo traveler behind @emilyeatsandexplores. Hailing from Massachusetts, Emily is a full-time adventurer who has mastered the art of exploring the world on her own. Her content is all about inspiring others to embrace the freedom and joy of solo travel, breaking down barriers and encouraging independence.
Emily’s journey began with a passion for travel and a desire to share the tips and tricks she learned from years of solo adventures. Her Instagram feed and blog are a mix of valuable information, inspiration, and personal experiences, aimed at helping others step outside their comfort zones and confidently tackle life alone.
She frequently answers questions like, “How do you eat alone? How do you go to the gym alone? How do you travel alone?” Through her engaging posts, Emily demystifies the challenges of solo activities and empowers her followers to take on life without waiting for others.
But Emily’s influence doesn’t stop there. She also shares insights on becoming a travel influencer, offering guidance and inspiration for those looking to create their own travel content. In this way, Emily is a true travel influencer guide, leading by example and showing others how to turn their solo journeys into influential stories. Her adventurous spirit and practical insights will surely inspire you to discover the world on your own terms. Hey, you might just end up in our next travel influencer guide!
5) Savanna Crowell (@solowithsav)
We all have that ‘one day’ trip saved in our heads, but Savanna Crowell is the reason her followers are finally clicking ‘book.’
Operating out of NYC as @solowithsav, she’s moved past the era of perfect travel photos to show the real, sometimes messy, but always rewarding reality of exploring the world alone. Savanna’s x-factor isn’t just her bravery; it’s her honesty about being scared and doing it anyway.
For brands, she’s more than a creator. She’s a trusted mentor for a community of women ready to trade their comfort zones for a passport stamp.
6) Samantha Wragg (@coco.travels)
Whether she’s flashpacking through the UK or hiking across Crete, Samantha Wragg is the creator who proves you don’t need to choose between a luxury beach day and a rugged, dog-friendly trail. As a cornerstone of this travel influencer guide, Samantha has mastered the art of “hybrid travel”—blending high-energy global adventures with the charm of local staycations alongside her pup, Alfie.
Samantha’s content cuts through the noise because it feels like a FaceTime call from your most adventurous friend; it’s honest, relatable, and packed with the “vibe checks” travelers actually care about. For brands, she is the ultimate bridge between aspirational travel and real-world accessibility. If your campaign celebrates curiosity, empowerment, or the joy of a perfect glamping spot, Samantha is already packed and ready to show her community how it’s done.
7) Stephen and Robyn Howes (@thrills_and_food)
For Stephen and Robyn Howes, a theme park isn’t just a destination. It’s more like an adrenaline-fueled menu. They’ve carved out a unique space in the 2026 travel landscape by proving that the snacks matter just as much as the world-class coasters. Their content captures the “Maximalist” travel spirit of the year: high-energy POVs, big reactions, and deep dives into the hidden culinary gems found inside global resorts.
In an era where travelers are looking for “intentional” fun, Stephen and Robyn serve as the ultimate “Whycation” guides. They don’t just show you the rides; they give you a front-row seat to the full experience—the screams, the laughs, and the must-order bites. For any travel influencer guide, they stand out as the go-to duo for making massive destinations feel personal, accessible, and impossibly fun.
8) Chase Vondran (@explorewithchase)
Travel hits differently when it’s inclusive, local, and rooted in real experience.
Chase Vondran, known as @explorewithchase, creates travel content through an LGBTQIA+ lens that feels both practical and personal. From Chicago city guides to road trips, unique stays, and shopping spots, Chase highlights places where people can show up fully as themselves.
Their content goes beyond sightseeing. Think trans and non-binary travel guides. LGBTQIA+-owned businesses. Queer-friendly things to do in cities that don’t always make the typical list.
Chase stands out for turning travel into something safer, more visible, and genuinely welcoming — without losing the fun along the way. This travel influencer guide would not be complete without influencers like Chase!
5 Travel Brands That Work With Influencers in 2026
A Practical Travel Influencer Guide
Travel spending continues to shift toward experiences, flexibility, and trust.
Most travelers now research destinations online before they book, which is why creators play such a powerful role in the decision-making process.
For brands, influencer partnerships are no longer about visibility alone. In 2026, they’re about conversion-led storytelling. For creators, that means choosing platforms that match both their audience and content style. This travel influencer guide highlights five travel brands influencers commonly work with — and why they still matter.
1) Booking.com
Booking.com remains one of the most creator-friendly platforms in travel. Its biggest strength is flexibility. Creators can promote everything from budget stays to luxury hotels, anywhere in the world.
For influencers, Booking.com works well across blogs, social media, and destination guides. Deep linking allows creators to send audiences directly to relevant properties, making it easier to connect inspiration with action.
This makes Booking.com a solid option for creators who want scale without narrowing their niche.
2) Agoda
Agoda continues to stand out for creators focused on Asia-Pacific travel. It’s especially popular with audiences that value competitive pricing and regional accommodation options.
In this travel influencer guide, Agoda fits best for creators producing destination-specific content, deal-focused recommendations, or long-stay travel across Asia.
Its strength lies in reach and affordability, making it a natural match for budget and mid-range travel creators.
3) Skyscanner
Skyscanner has evolved beyond flight searches into a broader travel discovery tool. In 2026, it’s widely used by creators producing itinerary-based, multi-city, and budget-conscious content.
Rather than pushing individual bookings, Skyscanner supports comparison-driven travel planning. That makes it ideal for influencers helping audiences explore options before committing.
For many creators, Skyscanner partnerships work best when paired with educational or planning-focused content.
4) Trip Advisor
Tripadvisor now plays a much bigger role in experiences, tours, and activities. This shift has made it increasingly relevant for influencers who focus on what travelers do, not just where they stay.
Creators often link to curated lists, destination guides, or experience collections that help audiences plan entire trips in one place. Tripadvisor stands out in this travel influencer guide for creators who influence travelers early in the planning journey.
5) Airbnb
Airbnb’s creator partnerships have shifted toward hosts, local experiences, and community-driven travel. Instead of guest-focused incentives, the platform now rewards creators who help grow its supply and highlight authentic stays.
This makes Airbnb a strong fit for influencers focused on slow travel, unique accommodation, and local storytelling.
For creators aligned with values-based travel, Airbnb partnerships feel more natural than transactional.
Here’s an Afluencer special on how to become an Airbnb influencer.
Choosing the Right Brand for Your Audience
This travel influencer guide is a starting point, not a checklist. The most successful creators in 2026 choose brands that align with how their audience travels — not just where.
Some audiences want flexibility. Others want affordability, authenticity, or experiences. The key is matching your content style to the platform that supports it best.
When your audience trusts your recommendations, brands follow.
How Afluencer and CreatorGPT Support Travel Influencers in 2026
A Practical Travel Influencer Guide
Finding brand deals is one thing. Being ready for them is another.
This travel influencer guide wouldn’t be complete without addressing how creators actually connect with brands — and that’s where Afluencer and CreatorGPT play different but complementary roles.
Afluencer is where travel influencers showcase their profiles and get discovered by brands looking for creators across destinations, niches, and content styles. It’s built for visibility, collaboration, and long-term partnerships.
CreatorGPT, available separately in the GPT Store, supports the creation side. Travel influencers use it to brainstorm content ideas, shape brand pitches, refine bios, and plan campaigns before they go live on Afluencer or social platforms.
Used together, they help creators move faster and show up more confidently — without replacing creativity or authenticity.
Why This Matters in 2026
Brands expect clarity. Audiences expect honesty.Creators who can communicate both clearly stand out.
This travel influencer guide reflects a simple truth for 2026: the creators who succeed aren’t just great travelers. They’re organized, prepared, and intentional about how they present their work.
Your Next Steps as a Travel Influencer in 2026
Now that you know how to be a travel influencer, we hope you will find it easier to make a mark in the industry. We suggest that you concentrate on one specific niche and build an audience so you can get good results.
Remember that it will be a while before you’ll begin to make a decent amount of money. Or any money at all until you get your foundation firmly laid out. In fact, most big brands will not work with influencers with fewer than a thousand followers. So start by building your brand image and then find the right platform to work with.
If you’re struggling to get started as a travel influencer even after reading our 2026 ultimate guide, then you can always reach out to us. We make it our business to bring brands and influencers together. So let us guide you through your beginning days as a travel influencer. We will help you reach out to brands, or better yet, brands may very well reach out to you!
If you’re serious about growing as a travel creator in 2026, the next step is simple.
Create a profile on Afluencer to get discovered by brands looking for travel influencers across every niche and destination. Next, ask CreatorGPT, available in the GPT Store, to refine your content ideas, brand pitches, and positioning before you reach out.
This travel influencer guide gives you the foundation. The right tools help you put it into action.