How to Partner with 2026’s Best Travel YouTube Channels

For e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers, the world of travel vlogging on YouTube offers more than just entertainment – it’s a gateway to highly engaged audiences. Travel videos aren’t just about wanderlust; they influence real consumer behavior. In fact, two-thirds of U.S. consumers watch travel videos when planning trips, and viewers are 98% more likely to trust recommendations from YouTube creators than from other platforms. The popularity of travel content is surging (YouTube’s travel category saw a 64% spike in viewership in Q2 2025 alone), meaning these travel vloggers command attention and trust at an unprecedented scale.

Best travel YouTube channels have loyal followings that look to them for inspiration on where to go, what to buy, and how to prepare for adventures. This presents a golden opportunity for brands – especially in the travel, outdoor, and lifestyle sectors – to leverage influencer marketing. By partnering with travel content creators, e-commerce companies can showcase products in authentic settings (from luggage being packed to camping gear in use), while Amazon sellers can drive product awareness through reviews or trip vlogs. Crucially, these creators often produce content that feels like user-generated content (UGC) – which 79% of people say impacts their purchase decisions. In short, aligning with travel YouTubers allows brands to tap into genuine storytelling that builds credibility.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the best travel YouTube channels to follow in 2026 and explain how to partner with these content creators for maximum impact. Whether you’re a direct-to-consumer travel gear startup or an Amazon seller looking to boost sales, the list below and accompanying tips will help you navigate influencer marketing in the travel niche.

Why Travel YouTube Channels Matter in 2026

Travel YouTubers are more than just entertainers – they are influencers in the truest sense. Here’s why these channels are influencer marketing gold for brands in 2026:

• • Massive, Engaged Audiences: YouTube boasts over 2 billion monthly logged-in users, and travel content is a booming segment. Top travel vloggers attract millions of subscribers who actively seek travel tips, destination ideas, and product recommendations. Viewers often binge these videos while planning trips, making them primed for suggestions. A Google/Ipsos study found 66% of travelers watch videos when thinking about a trip – a perfect moment to discover new products or services.

     

  • High Trust and Authenticity: Travel creators build trust by sharing personal experiences from around the globe. Their audiences feel like they are coming along for the ride. As mentioned, consumers are far more likely to trust a YouTuber’s advice than a polished ad. The casual, vlog-style format of travel videos comes off as authentic UGC rather than advertising. This authenticity is critical – 88% of consumers say authenticity is important when choosing brands, and influencers deliver on that.

     

  • Niche Communities with Passion: Many travel YouTube channels cater to specific niches (van life, solo female travel, food travel, adventure motorbiking, etc.). Brands can find micro-influencers in these niches whose followers are exactly their target market. Micro influencers may have smaller followings, but often enjoy significantly higher engagement rates than mega influencers. For example, on Instagram micro-influencers (10k–50k followers) see ~3.8% engagement vs ~1.2% for mega influencers. A similar principle applies on YouTube – a travel vlogger with 50k very devoted subscribers might generate more active interest for a specific product than a bigger mainstream channel.

     

  • Alignment with E-Commerce: Travel vloggers naturally showcase gear, gadgets, services and destinations in their content. This creates organic opportunities for product placement or reviews. An e-commerce brand selling, say, hiking boots or travel backpacks can gain credible exposure when a vlogger uses those items on a trek. Likewise, an Amazon seller’s gadget for travelers can get a demonstration in a real-world setting. The best travel YouTube channels often highlight what to pack, where to stay, or how to travel smarter – seamlessly fitting brand messages into valuable content rather than feeling like ads.

In summary, travel YouTube channels matter because they combine reach, trust, and relevance. Next, let’s dive into the top travel creators making waves in 2026, and how they might fit into your influencer marketing strategy.

Top 10 Best Travel YouTube Channels in 2026

Below are ten of the best travel YouTube channels (2026 edition) that brands should keep on their radar. These creators range from globetrotting couples to solo adventurers and niche explorers. Each has a unique style and audience, offering different collaboration opportunities for e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers:

1. Kara and Nate

This husband-and-wife duo from Nashville documented their journey of visiting 100 countries by the end of 2019 and haven’t stopped since. With over 3 million subscribers, Kara and Nate are beloved for their down-to-earth storytelling and high-quality videography. They’ve taken viewers everywhere from obscure temples in Asia to U.S. national parks in a converted van. Their content spans budget travel (e.g. sleeping in tiny airport pods) to luxury experiences (like $1,000-per-night resorts), making their channel appealing to a broad audience. Brands love their family-friendly, adventurous vibe – a travel company or an app for finding accommodations could easily fit into their videos. During the pandemic, Kara and Nate famously pivoted to van-life road trips, showing an ability to adapt and keep audiences engaged. For a brand, partnering with Kara and Nate means tapping into a community that trusts them for honest reviews and fun travel inspiration.

2. Mark Wiens

A legendary food and travel vlogger, Mark Wiens has built an empire around tasting the world’s most delicious (and sometimes strangest) foods. Based in Bangkok but constantly on the move, Mark has amassed over 10 million subscribers with his enthusiastic food tours across dozens of countries. Each video features him taking an extra-big bite (cue his signature head tilt of joy) of local cuisine – from street tacos in Mexico to spicy curries in Thailand. While Mark’s focus is food, he inherently promotes travel by showcasing global cultures through their flavors. His channel’s success (“Travel for Food Lovers”) demonstrates how niche content can achieve massive reach. For brands, Mark Wiens is a perfect partner if you’re in the food, beverage, or travel hospitality space. A tourism board could invite him to highlight their country’s cuisine, or an e-commerce spice company could sponsor an episode where Mark cooks with their ingredients. The key value is his credibility – viewers know Mark is genuine in his love of food, so a casual mention or logo placement carries weight without feeling forced.

3. Drew Binsky

Drew Binsky is known for doing what few others have: visiting every country in the world. This American travel vlogger hit 197/197 countries by age 30, and he shares quick-hit videos full of trivia, culture, and human stories from his travels. With roughly 6+ million subscribers, Drew’s channel thrives on fast-paced, list-style content (e.g. “10 Unique Traditions in X Country”) and feel-good interactions with locals. His energetic, friendly delivery appeals to younger viewers and casual travel fans alike. For brands, Drew’s global content provides broad exposure – a luggage brand or travel insurance company could partner with him as he’s constantly on the move. Additionally, his achievement of visiting every country gives him media clout (he’s been featured in major press), so collaborations can gain extra PR value. Drew’s videos often highlight inspiring people and cultural insights, aligning well with brands that have a social good angle or globally-minded message.

4. Bald and Bankrupt

An English travel vlogger famous for exploring the off-the-beaten-path, Benjamin Rich (known as Bald and Bankrupt) takes his audience to places few tourists venture. He has journeyed through remote villages in post-Soviet states, forgotten towns in India, and disaster zones – all with a trademark mix of humor and heart. Sporting a shaved head and an unabashed curiosity, Bald has earned around 4.5 million subscribers who tune in for raw, unfiltered travel experiences. As noted by travel bloggers, he often focuses on visiting former Soviet countries and other overlooked regions, breaking language barriers with charm and a smattering of Russian or Hindi. For brands, Bald and Bankrupt offers access to a niche of adventure travel enthusiasts and armchair explorers fascinated by unconventional destinations. Companies selling outdoor gear, translation apps, or rugged apparel might find an authentic advocate in Bald. Just be aware that his style is very candid – any partnership should allow him creative freedom to maintain that authenticity his fans love.

5. Eva zu Beck

Eva zu Beck is a Polish travel vlogger and adventure filmmaker who has made a name pursuing experiences far from the typical tourist route. She’s lived with nomads in Mongolia, driven a 4×4 across remote Pakistan, sailed to Antarctica, and even spent isolation time on a deserted island. Eva’s channel (with over 1 million subscribers) is known for its cinematic storytelling and an emphasis on personal growth through travel. As a solo female traveler, she inspires many women to step out of their comfort zones. Eva’s content is richly emotional and introspective, showcasing not just places but the internal journey of travel. Brands that could resonate with Eva’s audience include outdoor and camping equipment makers, adventure clothing lines, or even tech gadgets for off-grid exploration. Because she often speaks about meaningful travel and cultural respect, any sponsorship should align with those values (e.g. eco-friendly gear or initiatives that support local communities). An authentic collaboration – such as demonstrating a high-quality travel backpack during her mountain trek – would feel organic to viewers.

6. Itchy Boots

This channel, run by Dutch motorcyclist Noraly (aka Itchy Boots), is all about solo two-wheeled adventure. With over 3 million subscribers, Itchy Boots has captivated a niche of motorcycle enthusiasts and adventure travelers by documenting Noraly’s rides across continents. From the highest mountain passes in the Himalayas to the deserts of Africa, she films the journey from her helmet cam, giving viewers a first-person view of the thrills (and challenges) of overland travel. What makes Itchy Boots stand out is the combination of technical skill (she fixes her own bike on the road), bravery, and an infectious enthusiasm for exploring unknown paths. For e-commerce brands in the motorcycle, auto, or outdoor survival niche, Itchy Boots is a dream influencer. Imagine a bike accessories brand providing gear that she then reviews while crossing the Andes, or a rugged apparel company outfitting her for extreme weather. The engagement of her community is exceptionally high – her fans often span motorbike hobbyists and hardcore travelers who trust her recommendations for gear that truly holds up on the road.

7. The Bucket List Family

Many brands target young families, and The Bucket List Family proves that travel content isn’t just for solo backpackers. This channel follows the Gee family – parents Garrett and Jessica and their three kids – as they slow-travel the world one country at a time. With ~1.5 million subscribers, the Bucket List Family’s weekly vlogs are equal parts heartwarming and wanderlust-inducing. They showcase kid-friendly adventures: swimming with whales in Tonga, homesteading in Tonga, visiting Disney parks, and experiencing different cultures through the eyes of children. Their content is clean, upbeat, and family-oriented, which is a huge plus for brands concerned about safe, positive associations. Family travel products (like luggage, travel-friendly baby gear, educational travel games) are a natural fit for partnership. Amazon sellers who offer family or travel lifestyle products could benefit from the Gees’ Instagram and YouTube presence – for example, a travel journal for kids or a snorkeling kit could be featured in one of their vacation videos. The key is that this family’s followers trust them as fellow parents who prioritize experiences and education, so a genuine endorsement goes a long way.

8. Eamon & Bec

A Canadian couple who turned their van-life dream into a social media career, Eamon and Bec film their lives living and traveling in a converted Sprinter van. Their channel (~1 million subscribers) is known for a mix of travel vlogs, van conversion DIY tips, and even plant-based recipes on the road (they’re entrepreneurs who started a chai and coffee brand during their travels!). The authenticity of Eamon & Bec’s content – from breakdowns on desolate roads to cozy van remodels – resonates with viewers seeking alternative lifestyle inspiration. For brands, Eamon & Bec present a relatable image: young, entrepreneurial travelers who integrate products into everyday life on the road. They’ve previously partnered with services like VPNs (for secure internet while traveling) and showcased travel-friendly cookware and solar panels. If you’re an e-commerce brand with a product suited for #vanlife or camping, this duo could demonstrate it in action. Amazon sellers of portable chargers, compact furniture, or outdoor cooking gear, for instance, could see strong engagement by having Eamon & Bec use their product in a vlog. The key is alignment – they only feature gear they truly use in their tiny home on wheels, which lends credibility to sponsored content.

9. Lost LeBlanc (Christian LeBlanc)

Lost LeBlanc is a channel that combines travel vlogging with entrepreneurship. Christian LeBlanc started as a budget traveler in Southeast Asia and evolved into a travel filmmaker and online business owner teaching others how to make a living while traveling. His channel (about 2.3 million subscribers) features stunning drone shots and guides to destinations, but also covers topics like quitting the 9-to-5 for a life of travel. Christian’s content often highlights digital nomad life, luxury resort reviews, and travel hacks. This dual nature – aspirational travel and practical advice – attracts a wide demographic of viewers who want both inspiration and how-tos. Brands can leverage Lost LeBlanc in a few ways: a tourism board or hotel chain might invite him for a beautifully shot destination series, whereas a tech or financial service (think VPNs, travel credit cards, or freelance platforms) might partner with him given his entrepreneurial angle. Since Christian often discusses the gear he uses for filmmaking and travel (cameras, backpacks, etc.), tech and gadget companies also find a good fit. His audience sees him as an expert in travel and content creation, so a product shout-out or in-depth review from him can carry significant weight in purchase decisions.

10. Wolter’s World

Run by travel educator Mark Wolter, Wolter’s World is a treasure trove of practical travel advice. This channel (hovering around 1 million subscribers) might not have the flashy cinematics of some others on this list, but it has something perhaps more important: trust through honesty. Wolter is famous for his “travel shocks and dislikes” videos where he doesn’t just show the beautiful side of a destination, but also gives an unvarnished heads-up about the worst parts of traveling there. This balanced approach – highlighting both what to love and what to beware – has earned him a very loyal following of travelers who want the real deal. Wolter’s World covers everything from how to avoid pickpocketing in Europe to the culture shocks Americans might feel in China, presented in a friendly, professor-like tone. For brands, Wolter’s World offers access to an audience actively looking for travel solutions and products. If you sell travel accessories, safety gadgets, or guidebooks, Mark’s viewers are likely interested. A collaboration might involve him testing your product on a trip and giving his candid assessment. Given his style, expect any review to be straightforward – which is a positive, as viewers will trust that it’s not overly sugar-coated. As one of the best travel YouTube channels for actionable tips, Wolter’s World demonstrates that influence isn’t only about huge subscriber counts but about consistency and credibility.

How to Collaborate with Travel YouTube Creators

Now that we’ve covered the best travel YouTube channels of 2026, how can e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers actually work with these content creators? Here are some influencer marketing tips to ensure a successful partnership:

• • Choose the Right Fit: Identify channels that align with your product and target audience. If you sell high-end luggage, a luxury travel vlogger or family travel channel (families need durable suitcases!) might be ideal. If you offer a camping gadget, look to van life or adventure motorcycling channels. The closer the fit, the more authentic the integration will feel.

     

  • Micro-Influencers = Big Impact: Don’t overlook smaller or micro influencers in travel. A channel with 50k devoted subscribers may yield higher engagement and conversions than a mega-channel with passive viewers. Micro travel creators often have very tight-knit communities and might be more flexible in partnership terms. Plus, they can be more cost-effective. In 2025, marketing studies showed micro-influencers outperform larger ones in engagement, delivering higher like and comment rates relative to their following. For Amazon sellers with modest budgets, a few micro-influencer collaborations can drive a better ROI than one big sponsorship.

     

  • Authentic Story Integration: Work with the creator to integrate your product or service naturally into their travel story. Rigid ads or scripted messages won’t resonate. Instead, aim for placements like a use-case demonstration (e.g., the YouTuber uses your travel pillow on an overnight flight and shares their experience) or an honest review segment within a vlog. Allow the creator to explain or show the benefits in their own style and voice – this maintains authenticity. Remember, these influencers built their audience on trust, so any partnership must feel genuine. Influencers often know what will or won’t fly with their viewers, so collaborate and listen to their creative input.

     

  • Leverage UGC and Social Proof: When a travel YouTuber features your product, you not only reach their audience but also create content that you can amplify (with permission). For example, you might repost a clip of them using your product on your brand’s social media, capitalizing on it as UGC. Such content can be potent – people love seeing real usage in an exciting context. Just ensure you arrange rights or proper credit. Many brands also set up unique discount codes or affiliate links for the influencer to share, which both incentivizes the audience and lets you track results.

     

  • Consider Long-Term Partnerships: One-off shoutouts can work, but building an ongoing relationship with a creator often yields better results. Maybe you become a recurring sponsor for a series of their trips, or they become a brand ambassador. Long-term collaborations help reinforce your brand message repeatedly to the audience and deepen the influencer’s authentic connection to your product. For example, if an outdoor apparel brand consistently outfits a travel vlogger across a 6-month expedition, viewers will repeatedly see and trust that gear in action.

     

  • Use Platforms and Agencies for Scale: If managing individual relationships is daunting, there are influencer marketing platforms and agencies that can streamline the process. Stack Influence, for instance, helps brands connect with a network of micro-influencers (including travel niche creators) to run campaigns efficiently. Such services can be useful for e-commerce companies and Amazon sellers who want to activate multiple creators at once without handling all the logistics solo.

By approaching collaborations thoughtfully, brands can harness the storytelling power of these travel YouTube channels to create engaging, persuasive marketing that doesn’t feel like marketing at all. It’s word-of-mouth on a global scale. 

Conclusion to How to Partner with 2026’s Best Travel YouTube Channels

In 2026, the best travel YouTube channels are more influential than ever – not just in inspiring wanderlust, but in shaping consumer decisions. From globe-trotting couples like Kara and Nate to niche adventurers like Itchy Boots, these creators offer brands a unique convergence of reach and authenticity. For e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers, partnering with travel content creators can drive tremendous value: increased brand awareness, higher engagement, and yes, even boosted sales. The key is to choose the right influencers and collaborate in a way that adds value to the viewer’s experience.

As you plan your marketing strategy, remember that today’s consumers (especially travel enthusiasts) crave genuine content. A well-executed influencer marketing campaign with travel YouTubers can position your product in front of an engaged audience in a credible manner – the kind of exposure that traditional ads struggle to achieve. Whether you’re selling travel gadgets, outdoor gear, fashion, or services, there’s likely a travel vlogger out there whose style and audience align perfectly with your brand.

In summary, don’t just watch travel videos for fun – leverage them as a business opportunity. The journey these YouTubers take their viewers on could become the journey that leads new customers to your brand. As the saying goes, it’s not about the destination, but the journey – and in this case, the journey is content, and the destination is a win-win for both creator and brand. Start reaching out, form those authentic partnerships, and let these travel storytellers help drive your brand’s growth in the year ahead.