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

Is it really possible to get paid to travel the world? In this video, I’ll show you that yes, it can happen. But it’s also not as simple as those three magic words might suggest. This is a deep dive into what it takes to become a travel influencer or travel blogger or travel vlogger.
00:22 What I'll be covering in this video
02:13 My background and track record as a travel creator
04:58 What is a travel creator?
05:43 Why are travel creators even a thing?
07:36 How do travel creators make money?
15:06 Which types of travel work pay and which do not?
22:04 What makes for a good travel creator?
23:46 How can you improve your content?
26:02 10-step plan to become a travel creator
27:06 Which social media platforms you should focus on
35:19 What camera and gear you need to get started
New to our channel? We're the Sognonvi family from Top Flight Family, and we're all about luxury family travel, family vacation and kids travel! If you like family travel vlog videos about a traveling family, you'll enjoy what we do here.
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[@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

[@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! 😀🙌🏼

[@radinabambina]

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

[@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 😊

[@Christine-Tina]

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.

[@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

[@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!

[@LifeWithCandis]

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

[@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!

[@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. 💕

[@Maricarrrr]

Carmen, you and your family are amazing for this!! I was determined to get a credit card that allowed me to have free airport lounge access because of one of your videos that discussed being more comfortable in airports. Now, some of my most popular content for my growing channel are lounge reviews! I’m extremely thankful for your knowledge and have been taking notes 🙌🏽

[@TopFlightFamily]

Omg yay! I’m so happy to hear that! Im all about enabling more people to live that lounge life 🤣 Thanks for watching! ♥️

[@Maricarrrr]

@@TopFlightFamily Truly a game changer! You’re welcome!! 😄 I also sent this to my family so they can have a clearer picture of the goals I have for my channel. So thorough!

[@TopFlightFamily]

@@Maricarrrr Love that!

[@ruthadams7133]

Love all of your videos. Which credit caters offer free access to airport lounges?

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@anacanon8939]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@thepinkpeppercorn]

Yikes, I can’t get up early enough for the premiere, but looking forward to the video 😂

[@TopFlightFamily]

Haha that’s ok! It’ll be ready for you to watch on your own time 😀

[@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

[@jerseygurlinmaryland]

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

[@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! :-)

[@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!

[@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! ♥️

[@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!

[@edmund6392]

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

[@TopFlightFamily]

Ah thank you so much! 🙏🏼 Hope so!

[@Geemeel1]

Wow. What an open and honest vid. I have no intention of becoming a KZbinr, but was just interested in how it all works so I can distinguish as a watcher the real from the maybe not that real content. You are such a great presenter and personality ! I was moved and deeply touched by your statement and with that opinion on diversity in the travel niche. Love and Light to you and your family from Amsterdam, Holland. Did you ever visit us? Please do! You will love Holland, and the Dutch are great with that 💞☀️

[@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.

[@whodatpat504]

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

[@DayveeSutton1]

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

[@motheranddaughterabroad]

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

[@sinprisatravel]

Amazing and invaluable insights, thanks so much for sharing! ♥

[@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.

[@MsSkipperkim]

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

[@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!

[@CurlyTravelFamily]

Just starting out our family travel journey. 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 🛩🛶🛳⛴⛵

[@temiymahs_World]

I live in Hawaii and love to travel. Looking forward to this! You guys are goals! Aloha🤙🏾

[@TopFlightFamily]

Aw thank you! Hope you find some good tips in this one!

[@aqueenwhocares2888]

Planning to come there for my 60th birthday

[@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! 🌞

[@Thebeautyfoodchick]

This is awesome. To think that all this info came for FREE. THANK YOU.

[@AlbertLife-nf8mz]

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

[@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 ❤

[@WanderlustBeautyDreams]

This was super transparent! I've been creating travel content since 2015 (blog + youtube) I guess as a hobby but want to be able to make it full time job. I guess my question is how to get those consistent opportunities with press trips and sponsorships to have the income coming in month after month as someone who doesn't have as large of an audience? Also I agree there is such a lack of diversity in the travel space! For many years, you would see the same creators go on press trips and there wouldn't be any BIPOC representation. Hope that changes in the industry!

[@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!

[@passiveaggressive6175]

Thank you for highlighting your tips and insight into the industry. We need more diversity, so THANKYOU❤️ So impressed with your careers, may more follow in your footsteps

[@annaray1688]

Such a great video and So.Many.Gems! I feel like I just took a Masterclass with you! Thank you for taking the time to pull back the curtain and dive deep!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Wow thanks Anna! ♥️

[@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.

[@jackietells8582]

I always look forward to create a travel and food content, now I was inpired. Thank you this is real helpful❤️❤️

[@brianlugo5497]

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

[@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!

[@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 📝

[@armonmunyadzwe5494]

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

[@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!

[@ninakhan7752]

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

[@krystle6648]

Carmen!!! You forever amaze me! Great video and VERY informative. I have four pages of notes from this video. Lots of additional free gems within the video (downloads, etc.) which I love!!! Going to apply all of your teachings and follow back up with you! great great job! I look forward to this journey! I get sad sometimes because I don't have kids or a significant other to travel and do fun things with (I get tired of doing fun things alone... lol) but I'm going to def get creative and make a path of my own outside of the solo travel world. Thanks again!!!!!

[@CoverGirlLauryn]

This is the most informative and transparent video I’ve seen on KZbin . Thank you for all of the tips . I really loved the stool exercise. I’m a new subscriber here so I’ve been binging your videos . I’m so excited to see the 22 cities in 2022 series !! Love your channel !😁

[@marsharlivingherbestlife6619]

I have been looking for a video likes this I am 60 years old and would love to see the world with my family ❤

[@FrolicAndCourage]

Wow! This video is so well done that I am speechless!! Where do I begin? 😂 First, as a travel creator working to build my channel, you have dropped more knowledge in this one video than I’ve seen from watching a dozen others! THANK YOU for paying it forward, I know this video took a lot of time and effort!! ❤️👏🏽👍🏽 Next, as a person of color I’ve often wondered why I haven’t seen adequate representation in travel/tourism materials and even while out documenting my own trips. Thank you for shedding light on this disparity with grace, class, and optimism. As creators we have the power to share our experiences and change the narrative. Third, I’ve been debating about joining TikTok. I think it’s important to understand your audience and know where they are on social media. Although TT is popular, my audience are millennials and Gen Z, who tend to frequent KZbin so I think it’s important to know the trends, but also join the platform(s) that most resonate with your audience. Finally, just an all around THANK YOU again for sharing! I look forward to the follow up to this video and for your future content on your journey to 21 resorts! 🥂

[@youandmeexploring]

This was so awesome! Thank you for all the details about how to become an inspiring travel creator. I had ideas but now I have more confidence in what to be doing more. Thanks so much ♥️✨

[@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

[@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.

[@PhillyDom]

Watching from El Salvador the content coming Family

[@ViewAndYou]

Thank you so much for making this video! This is the most informative and down to earth video we've seen so far. My fiancé and I learned so much by watching this video. The most transparent video on this topic by far. More power to you and your lovely family! 🙌🏻

[@JAdoreQT123456]

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

[@littlemisshowei]

Hearing the bit about reels jn 2024 made me chuckle 😆, since they ended up helping IG stay relevant. But I do agree IG isn't the main platform to be on anymore. And all the rest of the info is still so relevant and useful in 2024. Thank you for this throughout video! ❤

[@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? 😃

[@OblongPolkaDots]

Your videos have inspired me to travel with my family. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences through quality content. I'm looking forward to watching more!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Wow thank you! That’s my goal so I’m thrilled to hear it! ♥️♥️

[@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 !

[@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.

[@cmunch7473]

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

[@danuelliaramdeen7373]

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

[@TopFlightFamily]

Yay! Hope you enjoy!

[@TheresaD235]

Great video! So much information. I love watching your family travel. I get a lot of great ideas from the videos. 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!

[@MarvandAnnMarie]

Well done🙌🏾😍Thanks for making this video. Lots of great tips that will help us with monetizing!!

[@schaundah8985]

Yes!! I hate blogs because I can’t read anything because of the wacky ads and auto play videos. I don’t read blogs😕

[@flairbypierre]

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

[@MrFire1fred]

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

[@chitramoontarot]

This video is amazing! Congratulations on doing something you love!

[@lifewithaydk]

This video was so informative! Loved it a lot.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you for joining us live on the premiere! 😀🙌🏼

[@JulienRelmy]

Excellent video ! I’ve found your Chanel recently and my wife and I are really inspired by what you do. I feel like mixed families are not often (never) represented in this industry and it is such great feeling to be able to see yourself. My wife and I are teachers in New York and we have 2 daughters. Your video sent us to Camel Back resort and it was amazing. Thank you for your amazing work! Really inspiring!

[@sebastianjanicki3366]

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

[@casscara]

This woman is a Rock Star.

[@fravolousfilm]

This is such an amazing content, you are providing us so much value and inspiring all of us ❤ you guys are crashing it!! living the dream

[@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

[@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!!!!

[@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

[@shipsngigglesfamily]

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

[@wherenexttravel]

Just listened to your video again. Outstanding. We appreciate the detail you put into this content. 👏. Thank you.

[@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!

[@Just2gofoods]

Love this post! Love your channel, I'm learning a lot❤

[@TopFlightFamily]

I’m so glad you found it useful! Thanks for watching!

[@AmandaBenny-gw9ch]

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

[@BukolaRY_TV]

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

[@gototheantyousluggard2035]

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

[@lexsharvstheglobe1730]

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

[@lifeasladresha]

This was very insightful. Thank you ❤️

[@beautifulcrazy]

Oh wow!

[@reallyrecap]

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