How We Get Paid to Travel, and How You Can Too

[@TopFlightFamily]

For more tips on the business of influence and content creation, subscribe to my new podcast, Small Steps Big Moves: kzbin.info/door/cbGKIfAHohofDK06YpnwWg Why did I decide to start this podcast?⁠ ⁠ Well, I’ve been creating travel content since 2016 and even as a small, then a mid-sized creator, I’ve generated six figures in annual revenue from paid travel and brand deals every single year since 2018. To me, the business side of this profession is just as fun as the creative side and I can talk for hours about it!⁠ ⁠ Every Thursday, I’ll be releasing a brand-new episode jam-packed with practical, real-world information that creators and influencers need to know. ⁠ ⁠ I’ll tackle topics like how much to charge for brand deals, how to get an influencer manager, negotiation secrets every creator should know, money mistakes to avoid, tips and tricks of the industry and so much more. ⁠ ⁠ Plus, I’ll be sitting down with some of my favorite creators to learn from them practical strategies you can apply in your own career. ⁠ ⁠ So be sure to subscribe now, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @smallstepswithcarmen!⁠

[@emeliahurd3677]

FINALLY a travel influencer explains HOW to contact tourism boards and PR agencies lol. Thank you for being specific and providing helpful tips x

[@joshuacobler918]

For real! This video was GREAT

[@nontsikelelokafundo5081]

Thank you for thorough feedback and explanations on this content 😊✨

[@tjtmzms2187]

This is the most real authentic video ive seen about content online ever

[@kristennelson2480]

My father is a retired pilot and I work for the corporate office for a major hotel chain so I feel I have a good background but I don’t know where to start becoming a travel creator/vlogger

[@CharlieCoopertv]

I love your demeanor! First video I've found on this that is ACTUALLY helpful and I could listen to you speak all day. Super calming and encouraging!

[@radinabambina]

This was a full course in a free (minimal ad) video. Are you kidding me?! You could be charging for this!! Amazing job 🙌

[@iPrimadonaVids]

I love your voice. I have watched a few of these videos today and stopped paying attention because the person was either too dry or too hype. Your voice is perfect. You've gained a subscriber that is going to actually watch. Thank you so much for the content.

[@pamelasaw]

Love your transparency. As much as I love travelling with my family, I will never be able to do what you do. Pls keep the awesome videos coming

[@Tina_KF]

I really appreciate that your videos are straight to the point! So many creators waste so much time in their videos, discussing things that are irrelevant to the topic at hand.

[@KitsTech]

I couldn't be up earlier enough to watch. I watched it several times before my comments. One thing I realize is there are not a lot of all black family in this business. It's sad I had to bring up the "forbidden topic" of race and equality but many of the creators, Successful creators I must say, are either white, very light skinned, or has a mixed race family such as yours. It's sad but it's reality. I love how detailed you are on your videos. I am learning from you a lot and will start my Family's travel creation content. You're our role model, we plan to create even if get sponsorship or paid traveling from airlines, hotels or resorts. Many thanks to you and your beautiful family. I really appreciate you for making this video!

[@TopFlightFamily]

No need to apologize because it’s true! So glad you found the video helpful, and I can’t wait to see where your family takes it! 😀🙌🏼

[@DrAntoinetteLloydMD]

Excellent content! Thank u so much! Wishing you and your family continued blessings.

[@TheeMcMas]

I am shocked that your video here only has 39 thousand plus views since July, You have put on a clinic here about how people can get connected into this industry, amazing information is given and I thank you for giving it out to the people here who might have viewed this video to apply or improve their skills. I have been a subscriber for a few months and your channel is one that I follow for my travel needs when I take my multicultural family to different places worldwide, we have put the Kenya Trip on our bucket list all based on you sharing your family experience there. I am not a content creator but just a senior traveler. Thank You

[@CurlyTravelFamily]

Just starting out our family travel journey. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@tlomsland]

Carmen, Throughout our adult lives, we have traveled a lot and I watched travel shows way before there was a KZbin. But, you are really very, very good at your job. I subscribed a day or so ago, because I was so impressed with your family and particularly with how good you are at this. Very smooooooooth.

[@reallyrecap]

found your channel and binged it yesterday, love this thankyou. I would love to do this with my kids

[@jerseygurlinmaryland]

I’m in the hospitality industry and you were dropping some gems.

[@eessuccess]

I am a travel consultant and this video is gold. I really appreciate you paying it forward. I can't thank you enough and my name is Eleanor 😄 I hope some Eleanor's are nice. 😄 Many blessings to you and your family. 💕

[@MelHyde]

This was possibly the most helpful and informational video I've seen in all of KZbin about Travel Vlogging. Keep up the good work!

[@TopFlightFamily]

No gatekeeping here 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@ljanicelee5870]

Awesome Video: I must compliment you on your choice of background music. There are so many channels with great content which I avoid because the music they choose detracts from the presentation. Good job!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you! Haha. It’s tough to find a track that adds some life to a video without being too distracting. Glad this one fit the bill! 😀🙌🏼

[@karaitskara]

@@TopFlightFamily Honestly I would prefer no music at all in videos!

[@MsSkipperkim]

Travel is so beneficial for kids. Seeing a different culture is way better than reading about it.

[@jazzthewayyoulikeit]

What is considered a "sizable audience" on KZbin, IG, and TikTok? 35:11

[@buddingeek]

I started watching your channel when it came up on my KZbin, your attention to detail and all the nifty tips you gave for airline seat selections were great!

[@PeachyKeenes]

Wow! This was fantastic. You definitely could have charged money for all of this information. I really enjoyed the 3 aspects of a good travel channel. Thanks for sharing!

[@theteacherandbeyond]

So smart! And all of your success is much deserved!! I realized I left I comment last night from a different account, so I'll just comment again. There is still an enormous lack of diversity in all of the travel content I've found for sure! Thank you for all that you share. And ACTUALLY this is good advice for most businesses these days.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Yes! We need some new perspectives for sure. Thank you for watching!

[@flairbypierre]

Great travel info! As a small youtuber, I'm almost there, still pushing❤ Staying positive for us all! 🤗

[@anacanon8939]

This is hands down the BEST video on this topic I've seen. Even 2 years later still relevant. Thank you!

[@edmund6392]

This channel will hit 150k subscribers before the end of 2022. I love your content.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Ah thank you so much! 🙏🏼 Hope so!

[@PhillyDom]

Watching from El Salvador the content coming Family

[@cmunch7473]

This is the most helpful video I’ve seen on this topic. I mean… wow. Thank you for sharing this for free!

[@LifeWithCandis]

Girl you really had me writing!!! Im very grateful I found your video, Its so in alignment to what I am preparing to do, Thanks a lot!

[@LifeWithCandis]

I love that your girls get to have such beautiful, educational and fun experiences. Wow. God Bless you all!! 💗💗🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@chubbydiaries1]

Woke up early this morning and wow wow wow just listened to this whole video and it just makes me love what we do even more! This is one of the most Comprehensive videos talking about how to get paid! Literally everything you are talking I recommend and use personally. Love love love y'all!

[@familialetsgo]

Omg we are a travel family as well and this video was great for us, thank you so much, best wishes to the family ❤

[@jaora4297]

I love watching your videos even though I do not have children. Your attention to details is outstanding. I am now in the process of becoming a carry on traveler.

[@winleel]

Wonderful, well made and thorough video. Thank you so much for all the effort. We’re going to Moon Palace bc of you. Also interesting views on all the platforms! Learned a lot from this video.

[@applesntreesshop8690]

I'm not trying to be a travel influencer, but I was REALLY curious about everything you covered (so comprehensively, I might add!). Thank you so much for another amazing video, Carmen! I could truly watch your videos all day long while I'm working, so I'd say you probably do a little better at balancing those three legs than you think!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Omg wow! Thank you so much! 🙏🏼🙏🏼 That means a lot! ♥️

[@davidjele3268]

We booked Moon Palace Cancun the very same day we watched your video! They will have 10 new guests this summer thanks to you!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Omg that’s amazing! 🙌🏼🙌🏼 I hope you all have a great time there!

[@IncogNegro2571]

'Sup, Family 😊 I came across your KZbin channel about a month ago while I was researching my trip to Bali. I was trying to figure out a way to make that 24 hours (in the air) comfortable. I was extremely apprehensive about taking the trip because of the flight time. I ultimately decided on the Q-Suites. It was everything I hoped it would be. I hardly noticed the length of time I was in the air. Now, I'm ready to go EVERYWHERE. LOL!!! I am extremely appreciative of your content. Your review of the Q-Suites definitely influenced my decision. I would love to be able to connect with you all. P.S. This is the first time I've ever sent anyone a message via KZbin. Hopefully I've sent this message to the right place. Hopefully I'll hear from you all soon. Thanks again 😊

[@casscara]

This woman is a Rock Star.

[@BackToMama1]

Thanks for sharing! Any tips for how to find tourist boards?

[@danuelliaramdeen7373]

Wow happy to start my day now. Thanks for sharing this video

[@TopFlightFamily]

Yay! Hope you enjoy!

[@JacindaRenee]

Thank you for sharing your expertise I have been interested in becoming a creator for a few years and I thought about the travel option I will start researching ASAP

[@motheranddaughterabroad]

Travel family goals for sure! Thanks for sharing! We're going to stick with it 😊

[@allison919_]

This video was great. Found it to be really insightful. Will apply much of this as my partner venture to begin our business. So inspired. Very digestible into a perspective steps to take, and information to keep in mind.

[@armonmunyadzwe5494]

This video was so helpful. I am going to start my journey!!!

[@leslyehowell3390]

Fabulous info on travel creator . Just in general this is great info about how to become a creator or influencer. The learning curve is very similar.

[@wellbeingdiva]

Wow. You have given a lot of value information in this video. Thank you.

[@pwwpllc]

Thank you!!! You are a great teacher!!!

[@KenshoQuest]

Thanks so much! We're a family of travel creators. We've been making videos for a few years, and now we're ready to make some money at it. Thanks for all your tips and transparency! 🌺 Heidi

[@TheVanillebluete]

My mind regarding unpaid but full stay is, that even when they cover the food for the week you still have costs to cover at your actual home. So when you are there regular life still needs to be taken care of.

[@ShanayBraxton]

Thank you so much for this informative and entertaining video. As a growing Travel Content Creator the information that you shared is the current path I’m taking to grow my creative business. Your journey to being a full time creator is very inspiring! 🌞

[@amomexplores]

Great video! As a fellow travel creator, I have to respectfully disagree about blogs. Mine is my biggest source of income, and I take my time putting out quality, informative content that's helpful to my readers. I do get what you're saying - SEO is so hard to rank for when you're a smaller website competing against the big brands. Between Pinterest (which I barely put any work into anymore) and ranking for long-tail keywords in SEO my blog is doing very well! Sometimes people are looking for that long form to help them plan the details of their trip. On the other hand, with my blog doing well, I'm now turning my focus to KZbin and video content! I know it's the future, and it's fun to start learning a new skill! Thanks for sharing all your wisdom!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Hey I’m so glad you weighed in with this perspective! 😀 It sounds like you’re doing all the right things with your blog, in terms of publishing useful, high quality content, which is why it’s doing so well! Totally agree that there’s always a demand for long-form content, whether it’s in the form of a blog post or a KZbin video. I do still maintain that for a brand new creator starting from scratch in 2021, they’d probably see more growth from starting a YT channel than a blog. But of course, if writing is their passion then they should always lead with their strength!

[@amomexplores]

@@TopFlightFamily that's a really good point! It would be much harder to get a blog off the ground today. Still doable, but harder. Thanks again for a great and informative video!

[@karaitskara]

I found Top Flight Family thru google sending me to one of their blogs about Atlantis in 2021, and from there I clicked to the youtube channel and instagram. I am old school, I still love blogs! :-)

[@TheShizz96]

I'm subscribing because I appreciate when people give out the scoop on behind the scenes and how to actually do it! It's a little disheartening to see an ad play every 2 minutes on this video though!

[@elizabethcevallos1211]

I maybe got one ad video and am NOT a premium KZbin user. Also you are watching this video to see how to make money, that is one of them. 😆 A small fee for all these gems!

[@kenishamiller4906]

this video was so informative, I am a travel agent and looking to start my travel blog. thank you for this

[@explore-with-us]

Hi you 4, we are your biggest fans, thank you for the inspiration you are giving us. Based on your channel we also though to give it a try and follow your footsteps :-) Thanks for your infos in this clip here

[@whodatpat504]

Love this video!! ❤️❤️😎 So many things I’m shaking my head at saying yes.

[@kathrynd8055]

Thank you so much for all of this information! You have a beautiful family!!

[@MNTVfamily]

This was a great primer! Got our first sponsor (sunglasses) this week at only 250 subs so it is possible! Thanks!!!

[@EmilGabrielNYC]

OMG you are so absolutely informative. Thank you for all the details, I will have to listen to this over and over again to get in all the important details that you gave us! You rock!!!!

[@MrFire1fred]

This is a excellent video.... This has gave me the perfect starting point

[@donnamckenzie7623]

Carmen..very detailed and transparent..you are truly amazing..love watching all your videos..Thank you!

[@Nomadsou]

Thank you so much! Super useful! Took lots of notes 📝

[@JAdoreQT123456]

I love all of your videos and your voice is so relaxing so I’m watching all of them!! ❤️

[@Zaney11]

For travel videos, have you found that you need to get some type of filming permit, particularly if you are in a private place, like a museum, restaurant, etc.?

[@coulorfully]

Wondering the same

[@lexsharvstheglobe1730]

new sub here! my sister and I are joining the travel vlog game thanks for the tips

[@tylerpearson8443]

I’ve pretty much given up on everything, I’m moving to the US Virgin Islands in spring, I would love to get started I hope I can make this work !

[@gototheantyousluggard2035]

just gained a subscriber from south africa ..... absolutely love ur content

[@JessicaHolmes]

A big mahalo for all the information you just shared! I’m so inspired to get back into what I’ve been wanting to do for YEARS! Most of what you said I already knew and have so many old notes saved on my phone with ideas beaching off of tips you just shared. But what good are ideas on a phone? I need to put them in action. Mahalo, mahalo! Aloha & blessings, Carmen + fam!

[@Milkdud2000]

This was Sooooooo Helpful!! Great job!! Thank you so much!

[@edna2195]

One of the best videos that I have watched on KZbin...thank you so much for the education...

[@DestinationsParrotte]

BEST content on this subject. Thank you !!

[@DayveeSutton1]

this is so great, Carmen. Such valuable info...for FREE!

[@AikenAdventures]

Excellent, informative video! Just subscribed and looking forward to learning more about your family!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Welcome aboard! And thank you!

[@AikenAdventures]

I’ve already watched this video multiple times. It helped me learn some new ways to cut the costs for our video production because we’ve been giving all these places free advertising directly out of our own pockets, and we’ve got to do something about that or it will never be a profitable business, so I contacted travel boards across our state and we have some prospects! I contacted attractions in some of our target areas and have some prospects! We have a museum scheduled for next Friday and they want to give us a private tour!

[@AikenAdventures]

Anyway, your content is excellent. We think you’re brilliant. My wife used to live in Hong Kong so we kind it fascinating when you talk about your time there.

[@ReadByBri]

The honesty >>>

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thanks for watching!

[@FarmtoTravel]

We love your videos and so glad you made this deep dive video on how you do what you do! REALLY helpful info here and inspired us to start a channel and create our first videos.

[@PJ-hs5gl]

You listed ways to start travel content but did not give short description or how to start each one. Some things weren’t clear on how to get started.

[@amywamala]

I guess we have to Google it??? I was wondering the same thing 🤔!!

[@PJ-hs5gl]

@@amywamala Exactly so dumb. Why be such a popular KZbinr and get so caught up that you can’t even help people. Just half A information.

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍🤩💝Good info 😞It was extremely difficult to stay for the whole video because even though the background music is nice, it is too loud and shouldn’t be playing for the whole entire video.😩

[@jjmarie2002]

This was the most extensive, informative, and professional video I’ve watched on this topic yet! I’m currently saving to travel the world with hopes of eventually making it a lifestyle. Thank you so much for the transparency

[@ninakhan7752]

So so good! What an excellent video. Thank you for sharing this information! ❤️

[@BukolaRY_TV]

I enjoyed your video and I wrote down notes. Thanks for sharing 😘

[@marissagoldstein3867]

This is super helpful! Thank you!

[@zureetv9375]

Very insightful. I am about to start my travel vlogs as a black single mom and you have given me so much insight. Thank you very much!

[@miyaelsewhere]

Very detailed video. Thank you for your advice. I like your different point of you when you are talking about Social media.

[@Thepavedpaths]

Thanks you for this content has been really helpful!

[@kelliewilkinson1523]

Trying to transition from food blogging to travel vlogging now. I can definitely relate to the “Eleanor” experiences over the last 6 years. Thanks, this was very helpful!

[@flynai2959]

This is quite the detailed video! Thank you so much for this!!!!!

[@TheKidventurist]

My mom and I are new to this. We have searched and searched for something that we could learn from or caught our attention. Looks like our search has come to an end! We NEED you!!! Can we hire you? 😃

[@brentandmolly]

travelling full time is incredible :) well done on this vid

[@shipsngigglesfamily]

Thank you for this video! Excellent information as we just recently decided to start vlogging our personal travels.

[@sebastianjanicki3366]

Wow, so good informations... THANK YOUUU!!!

[@brianlugo5497]

These are great tips ! Love how transparent you are👌🏾

[@oldmanc2]

Great video - shame we didn't have the Internet when I was in North Korea in 1991...and 70 other countries working for the airlines. I'm just trying to write an autobiography of it all!! I have 1 million stories, 60000 photos from the 20th Century but zero video

[@mariade1033]

Thank you so much for your videos and all the information really appreciate it! God bless you guys!

[@AmandaBenny-gw9ch]

Thanks for sharing this video, I too want to get paid to travel.

[@CaseyWiggin]

This was really helpful, thanks. T he video confirmed the knowledge I already knew and I also learnt new things too.

[@myers19761]

GREAT VIDEO with AMAZING INFORMATION thanks for sharing

[@TopFlightFamily]

Ah thank you so much for watching! Glad it was useful! 🙏🏼

[@cosminandcosmina8736]

That's so amazing! Thanks for the vid. One question I have, how do you know if they already run adds using your content?

[@WaaProductions]

New subscriber- you’re details and explanations are on point and so refreshing for other families of color like mine. Looking forward to watching your journeys and being inspired!

[@AlbertLife-nf8mz]

Yes so nice to ACTUALLY get some real info ❤ thank you!!

[@nohesitationtravel]

Just subscribe. Love this. I started a travel agency and definitely learning along the way. I lobe your point of view of travel. Addidng this to my playlist ronwatch over and over again. Thank you for sharing.

[@myrtlehall7753]

I love watching you and your family travels ,the girls have grown so much started watching, continue to encourage,inspire me to travel other countries and cultures and cities, don't stop please, and the girls will try all the foods from the countries, safe travel 🛩🛶🛳⛴⛵