Become A Travel Influencer: Tips From Viral Creator Kevin Droniak

Curious how to become a travel influencer—and get paid for your content?

1) Can you share your influencer journey from YouTuber to short form video creator covering day trips?

My journey really started by simply being a budget-conscious traveler. In 2016, I found a Frontier flight to Puerto Rico for $120, but the price only worked if I flew in the morning and out that night.

That was my first day trip, though it took me a few years to realize it was a repeatable format.

I originally started as a YouTuber creating videos with my grandma, who is also influencer. But as I shifted to short form video, it became obvious that the usual travel vlogs—where you stay somewhere for a week like a normal person—weren’t gaining traction.

I realized the draw to what I do now is the extreme aspect. People tune in because it’s chaotic to take two international flights in one day. Essentially, I took the “Day in the Life” vlog to the next level by making the flight and the extreme turnaround the focus.

2) When you headed to the airport for that first extreme day trip, did you feel confident the idea would be a hit?

I always believed people would resonate with it, but I didn’t feel 100% confident until my London trip. Instead of a standard vlog, I used a specific filming strategy where I talked to the camera as if I were on FaceTime with a friend.

While talking to the lens, I mentioned how there is no law against doing a long-haul day trip and that you can actually save money by flying home the same day.

That video got millions of views just with me talking, which was the signal I needed to film a real day trip in a fun vlog style.

As it turns out, this was a brand-new idea for Americans, even though it’s common in Europe where people from London sometimes fly to Paris just for lunch.

People love the extreme part of the story, and it’s something exciting that I also enjoy—which makes it easier to film.

3) How can creators come up with a main focus or even a series angle that stands out and inspires an audience, especially if they’re feeling stuck?

Here are the steps I recommend taking to come up with a social media content focus that gets noticed amongst all of the other videos in people’s feeds.

Find the alternative story. Everyone goes to Paris and films the Eiffel Tower. How can you explore that destination or attraction differently? Look for things that have a stigma, confusion, or a not normal feel around them.

Do a third-person audit. You have to see yourself from the outside looking in while you’re traveling. Ask yourself: “Is that weird thing I just did interesting?” If you catch yourself doing something odd—like an unusual way you pass the time in an airport—that’s your niche.

4) Do you have a go-to shot list or any systems in place to make it easier to stay organized with limited time?

I rely on systems like keeping script and shot ideas in my phone’s Notes App. The most important pieces of this are the:

• video outline, so I have a general direction for the content
• hook, so I can grab attention quickly
• script for the first half of the video, so I have something to start with

A few other ways I stay organized during my day trips:

High clip volume. When creating an engaging travel Reel, I aim for loads of clips to keep the pacing fast. You generally want clips to be no more than 1.5 to 3 seconds long—with a variety of angles and scenes so that the visuals are constantly changing.

This might mean if you’re eating, getting the plate being put down, an overhead shot of the dish, the fork twirling the food, you taking a bite, and shots of the restaurant and any views.

Confidently film in public. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and get over the fear of filming in public. If you act confident and pretend you already have a big audience watching, people will assume you do and that confidence helps you build the actual fan base.

5) How do you balance capturing content with enjoying your trip in such a short amount of time?

I balance the heavy workload of capturing content by genuinely leaning into the excitement of the trip.

Honestly, I’m not a morning person, but the thrill of the trip gives me a natural energy boost, making it easier to stay on camera even when I’m exhausted from a 4:00 AM flight.

When you are truly having fun with the concept, filming doesn’t feel like a chore that takes away from the experience; it simply becomes a part of the way you travel.

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6) The most important part of a video is the hook. How do you come up with your hook ideas? Any tips for scripting videos that really drive views and conversions?

I spend a lot of time coming up with video hooks, as this is how you draw people in. Usually I’ll start with an idea and refine it using ChatGPT or asking a friend if they would stop scrolling for it—which is always the goal. You can also find websites sharing hook ideas, like this one.

Additionally, I perfect my video hook by:

Speaking directly to the camera. All my videos start with me talking directly into the lens to create connection. I’ve tracked the data, and have found that voiceovers don’t perform as well, at least for me.

Target one person. In college, I wrote my thesis on parasocial relationships. This taught me the power of saying “you”—which is way more personal than “you guys.”

Use proven hook phrases. I lean on hooks that speak directly to the viewer’s curiosity. Phrases like “You might not believe me” or “You might not know this” are staples for me because they make the content feel like an insider secret I’m sharing one-on-one.

By the way, if you want additional help scripting travel videos, this tutorial can help:

7) How can creators optimize their social media videos for both views and engagement?

Engagement tells the algorithm to push your video out. When you’re coming up with an idea, ask yourself: “Would someone want to share this with their friend?”

Shares are the most important metric—even more than likes.

Additionally, look at the camera and ask a question. I do this at the end of every video, like “Would you do this day trip?” Again, I’m sayin “you,” not “you guys.”

People are very passionate. They’ll often either comment “You’re crazy!” or “I’d try this,” and that back-and-forth drives the video.

8) Do you have any tips for finding and negotiating brand deals while also getting what you’re worth — especially for someone who may be at the earlier stages of becoming a travel influencer?

To profitably work with brands as an influencer, you have to believe in yourself, pitch partnerships with confidence, and advocate for your worth. You don’t need a manager either, you can do this on your own.

A few tips to keep in mind:

Pitch a big fee. Send out a large number that you’re almost embarrassed to send, but that you know you’re worth. You never know their budget. Plus, remember that brands are saving thousands by hiring you because you are the talent, the editor, and the film crew all in one.

Follow up. If they don’t reply, follow up a few days later. Brands often get busy, so they may have missed your initial email. If they say they can’t meet your fee, try to negotiate without going lower than you’re comfortable with.

The good thing is if you start with a big number, you negotiate down from a higher point—verse beginning from a low fee.

Doing this also shows you’re a real person willing to collaborate.

Usage fees. Make sure to charge an additional fee for paid advertising or usage rights if they want to use any photos or videos for marketing. This guide can help you price, license, and sell your travel photography.

9) Do you look for a brand sponsor for each day trip?

Less than half of my trips are sponsored because I never want my feed to feel like one giant commercial.

Maintaining authenticity is my top priority, and I’m very picky with partnerships because a brand deal isn’t worth losing the trust of my audience by promoting something that doesn’t feel natural to my life.

A few ways I balance sponsorships with staying authentic to my audience include:

Breaking up sponsored posts with self-funded trips. If I feel like I have too many paid brand deals and sponsored posts scheduled, I’ll book a trip myself to create content around and balance things out.

Refusing luxury experiences. I’m a budget-conscious traveler who flies economy. Sitting in first class isn’t relatable for the people watching me, so I often turn down upgrades or luxury opportunities. I’m always thinking about my audience first and foremost.

Reinvesting in growth. Especially at the beginning of your influencer journey, I recommend reinvesting the money you earn from brand deals back into your business—like booking trips you can create content around or buying gear to make your videos better, like a microphone and travel tripod.

10) You’ve been a content creator for a decade. Were there ever periods where growth felt stagnant? How did you stay motivated before the day trips blew up?

I’ve had many moments where I felt stuck as an influencer. I remember my manager calling me in college to tell me they were dropping me because my numbers were down. It was disheartening, but I didn’t give up.

Here is how I suggest staying motivated:

Find your “why”. One of the best feelings is getting DMs from people saying they were inspired to take a trip they didn’t think they had time for—like a mom taking her kid to Disney for the day. Finding that impact can be a big motivator and can also help you understand the purpose of your videos.

Audit progress. If you’ve been doing something consistently for six months and it isn’t building, look in the mirror and reevaluate. Try posting daily for 30-60 days to get enough data to see what actually sticks.

Don’t let the self-doubt stop you. It’s inevitable, but you have to push through it to see the success—however you define it—on the other side.

11) If you were starting from zero today with a $500 and a smartphone, how would you build your creator business?

I’d keep it simple. All you really need to get started is a smartphone, a budget-friendly microphone, and travel tripod—like the GorillaPod that wraps around poles.

After buying those few pieces of gear, I’d spend the rest on airfare. I’d find the cheapest round-trip flight from my local airport and make a video about the trip with a really enticing hook. You can even create multiple videos to maximize your budget.

This content is important as it will help you build your channel and get to know what resonates with your audience—so you can do more of it to further grow.

12) Thank you so much for sharing your travel influencer tips! Where can people find you?

• @KevinDroniak (Instagram)
• @KevinDroniak (TikTok)
• @KevinDroniakTravel (YouTube)

Recommended Tools For Influencers

AI Tools. These can be helpful for formulating ideas for your Reels and TikToks, especially your hooks.

ManyChat (includes 30 days of the Pro Plan free). An automation tool that lets you send freebies, blog posts, and other links via Instagram DMs when someone comments a specific word or phrase on your post.

CapCut & InShot. User-friendly mobile video editors with simple tools for trimming clips, adding text, and enhancing vertical videos with transitions and effects.

RØDE VideoMicro II. This portable microphone can help you capture crisp sound for your videos for a better viewer experience.

Joby GorillaPod. This portable travel tripod can help you film yourself on the go—without needing to awkwardly hold your phone.

Bonus Travel Influencer Strategies

Learn how to:

• Land Profitable UGC Partnerships As A Travel Creator
• Get Paid For Brand Deals When There Isn’t A Budget
• Land Brand Collaborations At Travel Conferences
• Grow & Monetize A Travel TikTok Account
• Grow & Monetize On Instagram As A Travel Creator

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Do you have any tips to add to this travel influencer strategy guide?