If you're dreaming of building a career as a travel creator in 2025, you're not alone. The creator economy is growing fast and while social media is always changing, the opportunities are still wide open.
Growth isn't just about going viral anymore, it's about building a real audience that trusts you, engages with your content and follows your journey long-term.
In this post, we’re breaking down exactly how to grow as a travel creator in 2025, whether you're just getting started or trying to level up. From platform strategies to mindset shifts, here’s what actually works this year.
1. Be Authentically You
The fastest way to stand out in 2025? Be yourself and stay authentic to your values. In a sea of curated content, authenticity is what builds trust and long-term engagement. Show your face, share your story and let your personality show through your content.
People follow creators they can relate to, not just perfect travel shots. Talk about the behind-the-scenes moments, the travel fails, the things that make your journey unique.
2. Show Up Consistently
You don’t need to post every single day, but you do need to show up regularly. Consistency builds trust with your audience and signals to the algorithm that you’re active and worth showing to new people.
Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it, whether that’s 3 times a week or daily. Batch create when you can, reuse footage across platforms and don’t overthink every post, the key is to stay visible even when growth feels slow.
3. Utilise all the features on social media platforms
To grow in 2025, it’s not enough to just post photos or videos, you need to fully use the features each platform provides.
For example, Instagram Stories are perfect for behind-the-scenes glimpses and real-time connection, while Reels and TikTok videos get you in front of new viewers fast.
New features like trial reels can help you reach new audiences and test your content, while new apps like Threads offer new ways to connect with different communities.
By diversifying how you share content across features and platforms, you increase your chances of being seen and building a stronger, more engaged audience.
4. Be a Trend Setter, Not a Trend Chaser
It’s tempting to jump on every viral trend, but chasing trends won’t build a loyal community. Instead, focus on creating original content that reflects your unique perspective and niche. When you set trends rather than follow them, you attract followers who truly connect with you and will stick around.
Yes, viral content can give you quick exposure, but real growth comes from content that adds value, solves problems or tells stories only you can tell. Don’t be afraid to experiment and innovate; your authentic ideas can spark the next big trend.
5. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
There is an age old debate on whether you should prioritise quality over quantity or vice versa. Posting loads of content won’t help if it doesn’t provide value or resonate with your audience.
In 2025, smart travel creators focus on quality content that’s well thought-out, engaging, and unique. Invest time in crafting personal stories, editing your content well and making sure every post serves a purpose.
Purposeful content encourages saves, shares and meaningful engagement, which signals to algorithms that your account is worth promoting. That doesn’t mean you need to spend hours on every post, just find the right balance between effort and frequency.
6. Experiment, Then Double Down
Not everything you post will perform well and that’s okay. Growth comes from testing different types of content to see what works and what resonates with your audience. Try a mix of formats: destination guides, personal stories, behind-the-scenes clips, voiceovers, talking to camera or quick tips.
Watch what gets the most views, shares, saves or comments, then lean into it. Once you find your sweet spot, double down on what works for you (not just what works for others).
7. Engage with other accounts
A key part of growing on social media is taking the time to engage with your audience and other travel creators. Take time to reply to comments, respond to DMs and leave thoughtful engagement on other creators’ content (especially within your niche).
You can even use this method to show up infront of brands you want to work with, by following and commenting on their social platforms.
Building relationships with your audience and fellow creators not only strengthens your community, but also boosts visibility through increased interaction, just make sure to stay genuine.
8. Treat It Like a Brand
If you’re serious about growing as a travel creator, it’s time to start treating your content like a business, not just a hobby. That means defining your niche, your voice and your values, so your audience (and potential partners) know exactly what you’re about.
Instead of posting at random, create a simple content strategy: What kind of stories are you telling? What formats work best for you? Who are you speaking to?
If you’re looking to land collaborations, make it easy for brands to see your potential. A simple media kit or landing page that showcases your stats, audience, and past work can go a long way in setting you apart.
9. Learn From Others, But Don’t Compare
There’s so much you can learn from other travel creators, like how they tell stories and engage their audience. Study their content, take notes and get inspired, but don’t fall into the trap of comparison.
Everyone’s growth timeline is different, you might be at chapter 1 while someone else is on chapter 20. Instead of comparing numbers or aesthetics, focus on what makes you unique and how you can improve with each post.
10. Don’t Give Up Too Soon
The idea of “overnight success” is just a myth, most travel creators post 500 or more times before seeing real growth. It takes time and consistency to see progress, so don't get disheartened when growth is slow.
Everyone starts small - it’s normal to feel like you’re barely making progress in the beginning. But growth often compounds after a year or more, so patience and persistence are key.
If you’re serious about landing collabs (& making money) with your travel content - here are the best resources to help make it happen 👇
- 🔓 Travel Collabs Pro - Get unlimited access to the full library of travel collab opportunities - updated weekly.
- 🚀 Travel Collabs Playbook - A system for pitching, following up & securing deals - with templates, scripts and first-hand advice.
- 💸 Travelpayouts - Earn passive income from your blog or social media with the largest affiliate network for travel creators.
- 🏨 Stay22 - Maximize your hotel booking commissions with AI that skyrockets conversions (if you're a travel blogger, you need this).