The Most Popular Travel Influencers Shaping How We Explore

The way people organize their journeys evolved with social media platforms. Tourism planning no longer requires the use of guidebooks together with word-of-mouth recommendations. Travel influencers take up our screens with real-time travel advice and insights into undiscovered locations. From rugged backpackers to luxury seekers, these creators make the world feel smaller—and more accessible. Let’s dive into the ones leading the charge.  

Why Travel Influencers Matter Today

Travel influencers aren’t just posting pretty pictures. They’re reshaping tourism. A stunning photo of Bali might convince someone to book a flight. A TikTok video about hidden hikes in Switzerland could inspire a detour. These creators blend storytelling with practicality, offering advice on budgets, safety, and cultural norms. For many, they’ve become trusted guides in a crowded online space.  

Best Multi-Channel Influencers  

The top travel influencers don’t stick to one platform. They spread their reach across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and blogs. This multi-channel approach lets them connect with diverse audiences. Here are a few standouts:  

• Jessica Nabongo @jessicanabongo: The first Black woman to visit every country, she shares vibrant stories on Instagram, detailed vlogs on YouTube, and quick tips on TikTok.

• Benny Lewis @fluentin3months: A language-learning nomad, he uses blogs, podcasts, and social media to teach travelers how to connect through local dialects.

• The Planet D @theplanetd: Married duo Dave and Deb mix adventure travel with eco-conscious advice, balancing Instagram reels with in-depth blog guides.

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These traveling influencers prove versatility is key. By adapting content to each platform, they stay relevant and relatable.  

YouTube Travel Influencers  

YouTube’s long-form style suits deep dives into destinations. Creators here often blend cinematic shots with personal narratives.  

Kara and Nate @karaandnate

This couple started with a goal to visit 100 countries. Now at 6 million subscribers, they document everything from van life to luxury resorts. Their secret? Raw, unfiltered moments—like missed flights or food mishaps—paired with stunning landscapes.  

Mark Wiens @migrationology 

If you love food, Mark’s your guy. His viral “food coma” videos showcase street eats from Thailand to Mexico. His genuine reactions (think: wide-eyed first bites) make viewers feel like they’re right beside him.  

FunForLouis @funforlouis  

Louis Cole’s channel is a mix of spontaneity and activism. He’s sailed across the Pacific, explored Chornobyl, and highlighted social issues in developing nations.  

Instagram Travel Influencers  

Instagram’s visual focus makes it ideal for wanderlust. These creators master the art of the “Instagrammable” shot.  

Murad Osmann @muradosmann

Famous for his FollowMeTo series, Murad posts photos of his wife leading him to global landmarks. Each image feels like a love letter to both travel and partnership.  

Jackmorris @jackmorris

Jack Morris turned a backpacking trip into a career. His feed features tropical beaches, minimalist aesthetics, and tips for aspiring nomads.  

Lauren Bullen @gypsea_lust

Partnered with Jack Morris, Lauren’s account balances fashion and travel. Think flowing dresses on Santorini cliffs or hammocks over Philippine lagoons.

TikTok Travel Influencers  

TikTok’s quick clips are perfect for bite-sized inspiration. Trends here spread fast, and traveling influencers ride the wave.  

Drew Binsky @drewbinsky

Drew’s mission? Visit every country. His 60-second recaps highlight quirky facts (e.g., “I ate reindeer in Finland”) and cultural deep dives.  

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Chelsea Yamase @chelsea.yamase

Based in Hawaii, Chelsea merges adventure with mindfulness. Her videos feature free diving, jungle hikes, and reflections on sustainable travel.  

Lost LeBlanc @lostleblanc  

Christian LeBlanc’s edits are sleek and fast-paced. He’ll pack a week in Iceland into 30 seconds, set to pulsing music.  

Family Travel Influencers  

Traveling with kids? These family travel influencers prove it’s possible—and fun.  

The Bucket List Family @thebucketlistfamily  

The Gee family sold everything in 2015 to travel full-time. Their posts mix kid-friendly activities (think: swimming with pigs in the Bahamas) with parental hacks, like packing light for four.  

Travel Mad Mum @travelmadmum.  

A solo mom from Ireland, Kirsty shares tips for budget travel with toddlers. Her honest take on jet lag and picky eaters resonates with stressed parents.  

Our Tribe Travels @ourtribetravels  

This Australian clan focuses on outdoor adventures. Camping, hiking, and surfing trips show that nature is the best playground.  

How to Pick the Right Influencers for You  

With so many top travel influencers out there, focus on those who align with your style:  

• Budget: Follow backpackers like Nomadic Matt for hostel recs.  
• Luxury: Check out Luxe Adventure Traveler for 5-star guides.  
• Sustainability: Green Global Travel highlights eco-friendly spots.  

Final Thoughts

Travel influencers adopted wanderlust for the creation of a universal travel language among their followers. Different users can find content suitable to their preferences on both TikTok through brief quick tips and on YouTube by watching longer documentary-style videos. Beginning your journey starts with finding inspirational leaders to follow through either clicks or steps.  

For more insights, check out Forbes’ list of top travel influencers or Travel + Leisure’s platform guides.