Meet the top emerging travel influencers of 2025 who are redefining the travel world. From digital nomads to luxury lovers, these rising creators are shaping the future of exploration with authenticity and style.
Tags:
top emerging travel influencers 2025, travel influencers to follow, rising travel creators, digital nomads 2025, best travel content creators, Instagram travel stars, TikTok travel influencers, travel trends 2025, travel bloggers, influencer marketing travel
Top Emerging Travel Influencers 2025: Who to Watch and Why They Matter
The travel world is evolving, and so are the voices shaping it. As we move through 2025, a fresh wave of travel influencers is redefining what it means to explore the world—with authenticity, sustainability, creativity, and cultural awareness at the core of their journeys. These rising stars aren’t just snapping pretty pictures—they’re setting trends, driving tourism dollars, and forging communities built around real connections.
So, if you’re wondering who the top emerging travel influencers of 2025 are, you’re in the right place. This curated list highlights the must-follow content creators who are changing the game in travel media—whether it’s through jaw-dropping cinematography, immersive storytelling, or under-the-radar destination discoveries.
Why Travel Influencers Still Matter in 2025
While the influencer space has matured, the role of the travel creator is more relevant than ever. Here’s why:
- People trust people over brands. Authentic recommendations drive bookings.
- They influence where travelers go. A viral reel can put a remote island on the map.
- They advocate for conscious travel. Sustainability, local partnerships, and cultural sensitivity are now core narratives.
- They shape trends. Travel influencers lead the conversation from off-grid escapes to slow travel and niche experiences (like food trails or nomad visas).
Top Emerging Travel Influencers of 2025
Here’s a handpicked list of 15 rising travel influencers who are making waves this year across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and newsletters. Whether they specialize in solo female travel, digital nomadism, luxury escapes, or cultural deep-dives, each brings something unique.
| Name | Platform | Niche/Style | Why Follow Them |
| Jade Darwen (@jadeexplores) | Instagram, TikTok | Solo female travel | Her reels highlight hidden gems in Southeast Asia and Latin America with empowering tips for solo women. |
| Luca Tanaka (@lucatravelsfar) | YouTube | Budget + sustainability | Blends cinematic storytelling with eco-travel advice and community volunteering tips. |
| Kaya & Mads (@themodernroamers) | Vanlife couples | Captivating photography and minimalist lifestyle content across U.S. national parks. | |
| Ravi Ghosh (@theglobetaster) | TikTok, YouTube | Food & culture | Travels for food—dives into traditional cuisines in India, Morocco, Vietnam, and more. |
| Leila Nouri (@leilanouri) | Luxury slow travel | Showcases elegant stays and boutique experiences from Provence to Kyoto. | |
| Ezra Miles (@ezrawanders) | TikTok, Substack | Urban explorations | Focuses on overlooked cities with deep cultural heritage—Bucharest, Tbilisi, Valparaíso. |
| Tasha Wu (@sailwithtasha) | YouTube, TikTok | Adventure sailing | Young solo sailor navigating the Pacific—raw, poetic, and visually stunning. |
| Beni Ortega (@wildwithbeni) | Nature + Indigenous connection | Travel through Patagonia, Canada, and New Zealand while sharing ancestral wisdom and nature-based rituals. | |
| Sam & Amina (@ourtribaladventure) | TikTok | Family nomads | Inspiring family traveling full-time with 3 kids—focus on education, bonding, and cultural immersion. |
| Cass Ng (@cassonthego) | TikTok, YouTube | Digital nomad tips | Digital nomad meets lifestyle coaching—shares practical guides to visas, co-living, and remote work. |
| Hugo Serrano (@hugoofftrack) | Instagram, Blog | Off-the-grid expeditions | Jungle treks, desert crossings, and high-altitude trails from South America to Central Asia. |
| Rina Sato (@rinatravelwrites) | Substack, Instagram | Travel writing + essays | Deep, thoughtful storytelling around cultural identity, place, and memory. |
| Leo Chan (@levitatelifestyle) | Instagram, YouTube | Fashion + luxury travel | Blends luxury destinations with high-style travel photography—perfect for aesthetic-seekers. |
| Nika & Haruto (@borderlesssouls) | TikTok | LGBTQ+ inclusive travel | Colorful, celebratory travel stories from safe, welcoming countries for queer couples. |
| Elena Crespo (@elenaontrail) | Blog, YouTube | Hiking + eco-conscious travel | Long-distance trekking routes, gear reviews, and low-impact travel ideas. |
What Makes These Influencers “Emerging”?
While they may not yet have millions of followers, they are:
✅ Gaining momentum across multiple platforms
✅ Collaborating with respected travel and lifestyle brands
✅ Nominated or awarded by travel industry events (like TravelCon or WTM)
✅ Influencing accurate decisions and trends through high engagement
These creators are the next generation of trusted voices in travel.
Key Travel Trends They’re Driving in 2025
The rise of these influencers mirrors broader trends in the industry:
- Offbeat > Overtouristed – Think Albania over Amalfi, Oaxaca over Tulum.
- Experience over luxury – Authentic, local, and hands-on is in.
- Green travel – Conscious choices are becoming standard, not niche.
- Nomadism is normalized – Visas, work-from-anywhere setups, and co-living communities are part of the lifestyle.
- Story-first content – Long-form writing, newsletters, and vlog storytelling are booming alongside fast reels.
How Brands & Destinations Are Partnering With Emerging Influencers
If you’re a hotel, tourism board, or luxury experience provider, partnering with emerging influencers offers:
- Higher engagement rates than mega-influencers
- More targeted audiences with authentic interest in specific travel styles
- Fresh content that feels genuine—not overproduced
- Lower costs compared to top-tier influencers with 7-figure followings
Look for influencers who align with your brand values and bring cultural sensitivity, storytelling depth, and visual creativity to the table.
Tips for Following the Right Travel Influencers
- Look beyond follower count. Engagement and authenticity matter more.
- Watch how they interact. Are they building real community or just collecting likes?
- Notice their tone. Do they respect the cultures and environments they visit?
- Check consistency. Do they post regularly and with quality?
Final Thoughts
The top emerging travel influencers of 2025 are creating more than just content—they’re forging movements, building global communities, and reimagining what travel looks like in a more connected, conscious, and creative world. Whether you’re a travel lover, a brand, or a fellow content creator, keep your eye on these rising stars. They’re not just going places—they’re taking the rest of us along for the ride.