Top Travel Influencers to Follow in 2025

Travel influencers have become the new tour guides of our generation, shaping how we explore the world in 2025. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to budget-friendly hacks and solo escapades, these creators share authentic, informative content that inspires wanderlust. Thanks to social media (especially Instagram and TikTok), travel content creators can transport us to exotic destinations one post at a time. In fact, platforms like TikTok have turned into a “new travel agency” for Gen Z and Millennials – offering bite-sized itineraries, POV adventures, and real-time travel tips that feel real, not rehearsed.

Why are travel influencers so popular now? A few trends set the stage: The work-from-home boom after 2020 gave more people flexibility to travel and work remotely, giving rise to a new breed of professionals known as travel influencers who combine work and wanderlust. These creators generously share details about their journeys – how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and how to save money along the way. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a budget backpacker, following travel influencers can provide actionable tips (like scoring cheap flights or hidden gems) as well as dreamy inspiration for your next trip.

Instagram and TikTok are the go-to platforms for travel inspiration in 2025. While Instagram still showcases polished postcard-perfect shots, TikTok’s short videos deliver immersive storytelling, local insights, and quick tips that resonate with younger travelers. Many top travel creators maintain a presence on both platforms – but interestingly, some have even larger followings on TikTok than on Instagram, reflecting TikTok’s explosive growth in travel content. For example, travel vlogger Drew Binsky has around 700,000 followers on IG but nearly 4 million on TikTok, and adventure creator Alex Ojeda similarly boasts 660k on IG versus 3.9M on TikTok. The chart below compares a few influencers’ followings on Instagram vs TikTok, highlighting how TikTok has propelled travel creators to massive audiences in 2025:

Comparison of Instagram vs. TikTok follower counts for select top travel influencers (2025). TikTok’s reach for creators like Drew Binsky and Alex Ojeda far surpasses their Instagram following.

As we dive into the top travel influencers to follow in 2025, you’ll notice a mix of big names and emerging stars. Our list spans adventure junkies, budget travel gurus, solo female trailblazers, and more – mostly U.S.-based creators who offer a casual yet informative peek into their globetrotting lives. Each influencer brings something unique, but all share a passion for exploration and content creation. Whether you’re looking to plan an epic trip or just escape through your screen, these 10 travel influencers are must-follows this year.

The 10 Must-Follow Travel Influencers of 2025

Below we’ve compiled 10 top travel influencers (in no particular order) who are making waves on Instagram, TikTok, and beyond in 2025. For each, we highlight their style, platforms, and why they stand out:

1. Nicole Sunderland (@nicolessunderland) – Luxury Travel & Photography
Platforms: Instagram (≈900K followers) and TikTok (≈1.4M).
Niche: Luxury hotels, foodie experiences, and gorgeous photography. Nicole (aka “Nicki”) has an incurable case of wanderlust – by age 18 she had worked seasonal jobs to visit all 50 U.S. states! In the past decade, she’s focused on luxury travel and fine dining, sharing the best hotels and culinary finds around the world. Her feed is a steady stream of 5-star resorts, gourmet meals, and stunning landscapes. Despite the luxe focus, Nicole’s down-to-earth captions make even high-end travel feel accessible. Follow her for aspirational getaways and pro tips on traveling in style (and maybe drool over some exotic meals, too).

2. Drew Binsky (@drewbinsky) – Every Country Adventure
Platforms: Instagram (≈700K) and TikTok (≈3.9M); also YouTube with millions of subscribers.
Niche: Global travel everywhere. Drew is famous for visiting every country on Earth – 197/197! – and documenting it all. His content is the perfect mix of entertaining and educational: one day he’s swerving through Hanoi traffic on a scooter, another day he’s interviewing a World War II veteran in Belarus. Drew’s mission is to highlight the people and culture in each place he visits. By sharing personal stories of the fascinating folks he meets, he educates viewers on the rich tapestry of global cultures. He’s also big on dispelling myths and showing that the world is safer and friendlier than many think. Follow Drew for daily doses of “wow, I didn’t know that” travel facts, country trivia, and infectious enthusiasm that might just inspire you to book a flight somewhere completely off your radar.

3. Courtnie & Nate (@courtandnate) – Van Life Couple

 Platforms: Instagram (≈541K) and TikTok (≈2.5M).
Niche: #VanLife and nomadic living. This adventurous couple (plus their adorable dog, Tonkins) ditched the traditional lifestyle to live and travel in a custom-built van full-time. Together, Courtnie and Nate journey across the U.S. and beyond, waking up to new landscapes on the daily – one week it’s a desert sunrise, another a mountain lake at dusk. They share the realities of life on the road, from the breathtaking freedom to the mechanical hiccups and cramped quarters. Their content is equal parts inspiring and practical: scenic camp spots, van build tips, and honest chats about the challenges of nomadic life. If you’ve ever daydreamed about hitting the road in an RV or van, this duo shows what it’s really like. Follow for gorgeous on-the-road visuals and insights into sustainable, minimalist travel (they truly embody “home is where you park it”).

4. Alex Ojeda (@alexojeda) – Adrenaline Adventure TikToker
Platforms: Instagram (≈660K) and TikTok (≈3.9M).
Niche: Extreme thrills and theme park adventures. Alex Ojeda is often dubbed TikTok’s favorite travel daredevil, known for exploring the wildest rides and attractions. Think world’s tallest water slides, high-speed ziplines, bungee jumps – if it makes your heart race, Alex has probably done it (with a GoPro in hand!). His TikToks regularly go viral with millions of views, as he takes followers along for the ride – literally – in POV style. Despite the focus on thrills, Alex’s content has broad appeal: he showcases destinations like the U.S., Latin America, and the Middle East through the lens of adventure. Follow Alex for an instant adrenaline rush on your feed, and discover cool parks and experiences you’ll want to add to your bucket list (or maybe just watch from the safety of your phone 🙃).

5. Salah Brooks (@salah.brooks) – Solo Female & Budget Travel
Platforms: Instagram (≈316K) and TikTok (≈3.9M).
Niche: Solo female travel, budget hacks, and nomad life. Salah is a fearless traveler who once lived in a converted school bus while roaming the U.S.. Now she’s hopping around the globe and proving you don’t need a trust fund to see the world. Her content is refreshingly real and candid – she talks about the not-so-glamorous side of travel, from safety tips for women traveling alone to coping with homesickness on the road. Salah shares tons of advice on traveling inexpensively and navigating challenges as a solo female backpacker. Her honesty about the hurdles (and joys) of solo travel has struck a chord with young women worldwide. Follow Salah for empowering travel how-to’s, money-saving tips, and the motivation to chase your own adventures on a shoestring budget.

6. Kiersten Rich (@theblondeabroad) – Women’s Travel Guru
Platforms: Instagram (≈517K), TikTok (~100K), plus a popular blog.
Niche: Women’s solo travel & lifestyle. Kiersten, better known as “The Blonde Abroad,” has been inspiring women to travel solo for over a decade. Her feed is a vibrant mix of sun-soaked destinations, cultural experiences, and stylish outfits – all delivered in an approachable, girlfriend-to-girlfriend tone. From her early solo trips across Southeast Asia to recently navigating trips as a new mom, Kiersten’s journey shows that travel can evolve with your life stages. She’s a go-to expert on female travel tips, whether it’s how to pack, staying safe abroad, or overcoming the fear of traveling alone. (She even runs women-only group tours and has an online course for aspiring travel influencers.) Follow Kiersten for dreamy visuals and practical advice that proves travel is possible for everyone – “blonde” or not! – and that women can explore the world on their own terms confidently.

7. Matt Kepnes (@nomadicmatt) – Budget Travel Expert
Platforms: Blog/Website (millions of readers), Instagram (~150K), YouTube & more.
Niche: Backpacking and budget travel. Known by his blog name Nomadic Matt, Matt Kepnes is arguably the OG budget travel influencer. He’s the NYT best-selling author of “How to Travel the World on $50 a Day,” and his motto is “travel smarter, cheaper, longer”. Matt’s content is all about helping regular people afford amazing trips: he shares money-saving strategies on everything – finding cheap flights, scoring hostel deals, maximizing travel credit card points, you name it. His numerous blog posts on topics like “best budget destinations” or “how to travel with no money” are a goldmine for travelers. While his Instagram shows him trekking through jungles or wandering European alleys, it’s his detailed guides and tips that have built a loyal community. Follow Nomadic Matt for no-nonsense budget travel advice and updates on his adventures (which prove you can see the world without breaking the bank). If you’re dreaming of long-term travel or a gap-year, Matt’s guidance is a perfect starting point.

8. Chelsea Kauai (@chelseakauai) – Outdoor Adventure & Mindfulness
Platforms: Instagram (1.1M), TikTok (~200K), YouTube.
Niche: Adventure + wellness. Chelsea (Yamase) is an adventure athlete and visual storyteller from Hawaii who brings a mindful approach to extreme adventure. One moment she’s free-diving alongside whales or doing yoga on a mountain peak, the next she’s meditating by a waterfall. Her content is a breathtaking blend of outdoor adrenaline and Zen vibes. As her handle suggests, she has island roots (Kauai) and often highlights ocean conservation and nature. Chelsea’s photography and videos have a dreamy, ethereal quality – balancing on a slackline over a canyon at sunrise, etc. – that will ignite your sense of adventure. Follow her for daily doses of inspiration to get outside, push your limits, and appreciate the natural beauty of our world. She also shares thoughtful captions about personal growth, making her feed a refreshing break from the typical “look at me” influencer posts.

9. Jessica Nabongo (@jessicanabongo) – Cultural Explorer & Author

Platforms: Instagram (≈250K), Blog, Book (Catch Me If You Can).
Niche: Cultural immersion & luxury adventure. Jessica Nabongo made history as the first Black woman to visit every country on Earth. Her travel style blends luxury and local experiences: one week she might be riding camels in Mali, the next week dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris. Jessica’s feed is a vibrant tapestry of cultures – she showcases the diversity of our world with a unique lens, often highlighting destinations in Africa and less-traveled countries that many influencers overlook. She’s also an advocate for representation in travel, encouraging people of color to explore the globe. With a background in international affairs and a charismatic personality, Jessica provides insightful commentary on each place she explores. Follow her for eye-opening journeys that combine off-the-beaten-path adventures with a touch of glam. (She’ll have you adding places like Somaliland or Uzbekistan to your bucket list, guaranteed.)

10. Maz (Mary Pascual, @wheretofindme) – TikTok Travel Hacks & Hidden Gems
Platforms: TikTok (≈480K), Instagram (~50K).
Niche: Budget-friendly travel hacks and secret spots. Maz is quickly becoming a go-to voice on Travel TikTok for smart, budget-friendly travel. She serves up bite-sized guides to hidden gems, insider tips, and foodie finds around the world. Whether she’s uncovering a secret speakeasy in NYC or explaining how she snagged a first-class upgrade for cheap, Maz shows how to travel smart without losing style. Her content often focuses on affordable luxuries – like finding that cheap rooftop with a million-dollar view or a local street food that beats fancy restaurants. With an upbeat, info-packed delivery, she’s perfect for the TikTok format. Follow Maz for quick travel hacks, inspiration for your next trip itinerary, and a steady stream of “I never would have found this place on my own!” moments. She proves that being a travel influencer isn’t just about having a million followers – even micro-influencers can provide huge value by sharing unique tips.

Honorable Mentions: Kara and Nate (YouTube’s famous travel couple with 100+ country adventures), Eric Stoen (@travelbabbo) for family travel inspiration, and travel TV icon Rick Steves (who’s now on TikTok!). The travel influencer world is huge, but we focused on a mix of established and rising creators who best embody the adventure, budget, and solo travel spirit of 2025.

Travel Influencer Trends in 2025: Micro Influencers, E-Commerce & UGC

The travel influencers above are at the top of their game – but they’re also part of a bigger movement in the digital world. Here are a few key trends shaping travel influence (and how brands are tapping into it):

• The Rise of Micro-Influencers

Bigger isn’t always better in 2025. In fact, micro-influencers (creators with roughly 5K–100K followers) often have higher engagement rates and trust with their audience than mega-celebrities. It’s common to see micro accounts with engagement in the 5–20% range, whereas million-follower accounts might only get ~1–3% engagement. One study found micro-influencers are about 3× more engaging than big influencers! For travel content, this means a niche travel blogger with 50K followers may actually drive more action (like trip bookings or gear sales) than a famous globetrotter with 5 million fans. Authenticity and community are the micro-influencer’s strength – their recommendations feel like advice from a friend, so followers are more likely to trust and act on it.

• UGC and Realness

Travel brands and tourism boards are craving user-generated content (UGC) that feels genuine. Glossy magazine ads are out; TikToks of a real traveler enjoying a destination are in. Many of the influencers on our list collaborate with brands to create content that can be repurposed as UGC – for example, a hotel might invite a creator to stay and share honest posts about the experience, which the hotel then features on its own socials. This kind of content works because it’s relatable and unscripted. Even Amazon sellers are leveraging UGC by sending products like travel gadgets to micro-influencers, then using those review videos in their Amazon listings. Expect to see more travel gear and services promoted through casual influencer content rather than traditional ads.

• E-Commerce and Travel Gear

The line between influencer and entrepreneur is blurring. Many travel influencers monetize through e-commerce, whether it’s via the Amazon Influencer Program, their own online shops, or affiliate marketing. For instance, some maintain Amazon storefronts listing their favorite travel products (from backpacks to camera gear), earning commissions when followers shop their picks. For Amazon sellers, teaming up with travel content creators has become a savvy strategy – these influencers can showcase a product (like a new travel accessory) in action to a trusting audience, driving traffic and sales on Amazon. According to Stack Influence (a leading micro-influencer marketing platform), micro influencers have become go-to partners for niche e-commerce brands because they provide high trust and targeted reach. In short, travel influencers are not just inspiring trips; they’re also influencing purchase decisions for travel products and services in a big way.

• Multi-Platform Storytelling

While Instagram and TikTok dominate, many travel influencers diversify their presence – think YouTube vlogs, blogs/newsletters, or even podcasts. YouTube remains key for long-form travel series (for example, Drew Binsky’s documentaries or Kara and Nate’s travel vlogs). Blogs are still relevant for SEO-friendly guides (Nomadic Matt’s detailed itineraries are a prime example). The best creators tailor content to each platform: you might see a 15-second TikTok tip, an in-depth YouTube episode, and a detailed blog post all from the same trip. This multi-platform approach not only broadens their audience, but also solidifies their brand as travel experts. For followers, it means you can consume their content in various ways – a quick fix on TikTok during your commute, and a long read on their blog when actually planning a trip.

Conclusion to The Top Travel Influencers to Follow in 2025

In conclusion, the travel influencers of 2025 are diverse, innovative, and more accessible than ever. They invite us along on their journeys – whether it’s sailing to Antarctica or uncovering a cheap eats spot in New York – and in doing so, they turn the big wide world into a place we all can feel connected to. By following a mix of these creators, you’ll get a well-rounded feed of adventure inspiration, money-saving tricks, cultural insights, and maybe even the confidence to embark on your own trip. Safe travels! ✈️🌍