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]

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. ⁠
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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!⁠

[emeliahurd]

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

[radinabambina]

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

[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!

[davidjele]

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

[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.

[ljanicelee]

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!

[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!! 💗💗🙏🏽🙏🏽

[jjmarie]

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

[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

[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. 💕

[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

[buddingeek]

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

[tlomsland]

Carmen, Throughout our adult lives, we have traveled a lot and I watched travel shows way before there was a YouTube. 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

[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 🙌🏽

[thepinkpeppercorn]

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

[kristennelson]

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

[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.