A Simple Guide on How to Become a Travel Influencer in India

In recent years, travel influencing has become a dream career for many adventurous souls in India. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing digital connectivity, India offers a unique backdrop for aspiring travel influencers. This guide will walk you through the steps to establish yourself as a travel influencer in India, along with examples of successful personalities in this field.

Steps to becoming a travel influencer:

1. Find Your Niche

The first step in becoming a travel influencer is to identify your unique angle. India’s vast diversity offers numerous possibilities:

• Cultural exploration (temples, festivals, traditional arts)
• Adventure travel (trekking, camping, water sports)
• Food tourism
• Budget travel
• Luxury experiences
• Sustainable and eco-friendly travel
• Off-beat destinations

Shivya Nath (@shivya) has carved a niche in sustainable travel and off-beat destinations, often showcasing lesser-known parts of India and advocating for responsible tourism.

2. Choose Your Platforms

While it’s good to have a presence on multiple platforms, focus on one or two to start:

• Instagram: Ideal for visual storytelling
• YouTube: Great for in-depth travel vlogs
• Blog: For detailed travel guides and personal stories
• TikTok: For short, engaging travel content

Bruised Passports (@bruisedpassports), run by Savi and Vid, effectively use Instagram and their blog to share stunning visuals and detailed travel stories.

3. Develop Your Skills

To stand out, you’ll need to hone various skills:

• Photography and videography
• Photo and video editing
• Writing (for captions and blog posts)
• Public speaking (for videos and collaborations)
• SEO and digital marketing basics

Isa Khan (@khan.isa) is known for his stunning drone photography and videography skills, which have helped him gain a significant following.

4. Create Consistent, High-Quality Content

Consistency is key in building an audience. Develop a content calendar and stick to it. Focus on:

• High-quality images and videos
• Engaging captions that tell a story
• Useful information for fellow travelers
• A mix of popular and lesser-known destinations

Shenaz Treasury (@shenaztreasury) consistently posts a mix of travel photos, videos, and reels, often featuring both popular tourist spots and hidden gems across India.

5. Engage With Your Audience

Building a community is crucial for influencer success:

• Respond to comments and messages
• Ask questions in your posts to encourage interaction
• Share user-generated content
• Host Q&A sessions or live streams

Larissa D’Sa (@larissawlc) is known for her high engagement with followers, often sharing travel tips and responding to queries in her comments and stories.

6. Network and Collaborate

Connect with other travel influencers and industry professionals:

• Attend travel events and conferences
• Collaborate with other influencers for cross-promotion
• Reach out to tourism boards and travel companies

Ankita Kumar (@monkey.inc) often collaborates with other travel influencers and brands, which has helped expand her reach and create diverse content.

7. Monetize Your Influence

Once you’ve built a substantial following, explore monetization options:

• Brand partnerships and sponsored posts
• Affiliate marketing
• Creating and selling travel guides or presets
• Offering photography or travel planning services
• Hosting tours or workshops

Varun Vagish (@varunvagish) of Mountain Trekker has successfully monetized his influence through YouTube ad revenue, brand partnerships, and by offering trekking tours.

8. Stay Updated and Adapt

The digital landscape is always evolving. Stay current with:

• New social media features and trends
• Emerging destinations in India
• Changes in travel regulations and safety measures

Kamiya Jani (@curly.tales) quickly adapted to the pandemic situation by creating content around safe travel and local experiences, maintaining her relevance during challenging times.

9. Be Authentic and Responsible

Authenticity is crucial in building trust with your audience:

• Share both positive and challenging aspects of travel
• Be transparent about sponsored content
• Promote responsible and sustainable travel practices

Arunima Ip (@backpacker_arunima) is a young creator known for her honest portrayal of solo female travel in India and abroad, addressing both the joys and challenges.

10. Patience and Persistence

Building a successful career as a travel influencer takes time. Stay motivated by:

• Setting realistic goals
• Celebrating small milestones
• Learning from setbacks
• Continuously improving your craft

Siddhartha Joshi (@siddharthajoshi) built his following gradually over years, consistently sharing stories of people he meets during his travels.

Becoming a travel influencer in India is an exciting journey that requires creativity, hard work, and perseverance. By finding your unique voice, consistently creating high-quality content, and engaging genuinely with your audience, you can turn your passion for travel into a fulfilling career. Remember, the path of each influencer is unique – let your authentic experiences and perspective guide your journey.