Alright, let’s talk about these fully paid-for vacations that content creators are securing left and right. If you’ve been watching influencers live their best lives at luxury resorts, private island getaways, or exclusive city tours, all covered by brands.. you might be wondering: How do I get in on this?
The secret sauce is strategy, consistency, and how you pitch yourself. Let’s break down the real way to land sponsored travel deals (without waiting for brands to magically notice you).
Establish Your Brand as a Travel Creator
Brands want to work with creators who have clear, cohesive content that aligns with their values. If your page is a mix of travel, hair tutorials, and random memes, they’re going to be confused.
Not all travel influencers are the same. You don’t need to post only travel, but your content should make it clear that you’re a go-to travel influencer. Are you the luxury jet-setter, the budget backpacker, the solo explorer, or the Black girl luxury traveler? Define your niche, and let your content reflect it.
Share itineraries, hotel reviews, destination tips, camera equipment, and high-quality photos/videos that show off your storytelling skills.
Create High-Quality, Engaging Content
If you want brands to invest in your trips, you need to show them that you can create content worth paying for. Here’s what helps:
- Cinematic Reels & YouTube Shorts – Short-form videos showcasing destinations in a way that makes people want to book ASAP.
- Storytelling Captions – Your captions should inspire, educate, or entertain.
- Professional-Looking Photos – You don’t need a DSLR, but your content should look polished and well-lit.
Your goal is to make brands see your page and say, We need this creator to showcase our destination.
Build Relationships with Tourism Boards & Hotels
If you want to land free stays, experiences, or fully sponsored trips, connect with tourism boards, hotels, and travel agencies. Here’s how:
- Tag hotels and brands in your travel posts to get on their radar.
- Engage with tourism boards on social media so they notice your content.
- Email hotels and PR agencies directly with a strong pitch
Don’t think you’re just going to DM a hotel saying, “Hey, can I stay for free?”—that’s not how this works. You need a professional, well-crafted pitch that shows:
- What you offer (content creation, social media exposure, storytelling, etc.)
- Why you’re a perfect fit for their brand
- How they’ll benefit from collaborating with you
Example Pitch:
“Hi [Hotel/Tourism Board Name],
I’m [Your Name], a [Your Niche] content creator with an engaged audience of [X number] travel lovers. I specialize in creating engaging video content that inspires my audience to visit destinations like yours.
I’d love to collaborate on showcasing [Hotel/Destination] to my audience through high-quality visuals, engaging storytelling, and social media coverage. Let’s discuss how I can bring value to your brand!”
Show Proof of Past Work (Even If You’re Just Starting)
If you’ve worked with a hotel or travel brand before, highlight that in your media kit or portfolio. No prior brand deals? No problem! Just create high-quality, organic travel content showcasing hotels, restaurants, and destinations.
Act like you’re already a travel influencer—because that’s how brands will start seeing you.
Pitch brands before you even book your trip. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, reach out to hotels and brands with an email that says:
“Hey [Brand Name], I’m visiting Paris next month and would love to feature your hotel in my travel content. My audience of 50K travel enthusiasts is always looking for the best luxury stays. Let’s collaborate!”
Short, professional, and straight to the point. If you want more examples of pitching templates for paid collabs, gifting, or even follow ups, I got an ebook just for that on my website!
Utilize Influencer Marketing Platforms
Brands will literally pay for your flights, accommodations, and experiences if they see you as a valuable marketing asset. Sign up for influencer marketing platforms like Socialbook, that connect creators with travel brands. Some more great ones are:
Essential Travel Content Creation Kit
Your content needs to look top-tier, so invest in the right gear:
- Camera or smartphone – iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones have great cameras, but a Sony ZV-1 or Canon G7X will level you up.
- Tripod & gimbal – For smooth, cinematic shots (because shaky videos are not it).
- Drone – A DJI Mini 3 Pro can take your travel content to new heights—literally.
- Portable light & microphone – Good lighting and sound quality = professional content brands will pay for.
- Backup hard drive & SD cards (never lose footage!)
- A wide-angle lens for stunning landscapes
Imagine staying at five-star resorts, flying business class, and experiencing bucket-list destinations—all without spending a dime. Sponsored travel opportunities are out here, but they don’t just fall into your lap. You need a game plan. It takes strategy, networking, and high-quality content. If you’re serious about making this happen, start building your portfolio, pitching to brands, and positioning yourself as an expert.
That next flight could be covered by a brand! Check out this ebook to secure brand deals.
Disclaimer: I wanted to be transparent with you - some of the links I share may be affiliate links, meaning I could earn a commission if you choose to buy a product or service after clicking the link. There is no additional charge to you! Your support means the world to me and helps me keep creating valuable content, so thank you for being a part of this journey!