Plane tickets used to come from agents. Now they come from phones. A single reel can push a sleepy town into a weekend hotspot. A casual vlog can sell out hotels by Sunday. That is the quiet power of travel influencers in the US.
They do not wear suits. They wear backpacks.
They do not sell dreams with ads. They share real moments with humor, mistakes, and honesty.
Many started with nothing but curiosity.
Today, they guide millions on where to go, what to skip, and how to travel smarter. This article walks you through the people behind the screens and the journeys behind the fame.
Top 24 Travel Influencers in the US
Below is a carefully curated list of travel influencers in the US who built strong trust, loyal audiences, and lasting digital careers.
1. Drew Binsky
Age: 32 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $3-5 million
Income: Brand deals, speaking, YouTube ads
Interest: Cultures, people, languages
Instagram: @drewbinsky – 1.3M Followers
YouTube: Drew Binsky – 6.54M Subscribers
One of the most recognized travel influencers in the US. Drew Binsky did not start his journey to chase views or fame. He started with curiosity. He wanted to meet people. He wanted to understand how humans live, think, and connect across borders. That simple interest shaped his entire career.
Drew began traveling with a phone and a smile. Instead of showing famous landmarks, he showed faces. He walked into streets, markets, buses, and small homes. He talked to strangers like friends. He asked simple questions. People opened up because he listened.
Languages became his bridge. Drew learned basic phrases from many cultures. This effort made people feel respected. His videos show kindness, not luxury. He shares hugs, jokes, and shared meals. Many viewers say his content restores faith in humanity.
Over time, brands noticed his reach. But Drew stayed focused on his message. His income grew from ads and talks, but his heart stayed with people. His story proves one thing. You do not need fancy gear. You need respect and honesty.
2. Kara and Nate Buchanan
Age: 35 | 34 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $6-8 million
Income: YouTube ads, brand partnerships, courses
Interest: Van life, global travel
Instagram: @karaandnate – 1.1 M Followers
YouTube: Kara and Nate – 4.37M Subscribers
Kara and Nate started as a normal couple with office jobs. They saved money. They planned trips on weekends. One day, they asked a bold question. What if travel became life, not a break from it?
They quit their jobs and began traveling full-time. At first, money felt tight. They filmed simple videos. No drama. No fake excitement. They shared real moments. Missed flights. Small wins. Big lessons. Among the most trusted travel influencers in the US.
Their channel grew because people trusted them. Viewers saw effort and planning. Kara and Nate explained how they budget, book, and stay organized. Later, they moved into van life. That shift made travel feel reachable for many.
Over the years, they built systems. Courses. Partnerships. Smart investments. Yet their tone stayed calm and friendly. Their story shows that consistency beats luck. They turned freedom into a structure. And structure into success.
3. Murad Osmann
Age: 39 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $8 million
Income: Campaigns, photography
Interest: Visual storytelling
Instagram: @muradosmann – 3.1M Followers
YouTube: Murad Osmann – 55.6K Subscribers
Murad Osmann is a travel influencer in the US who changed how people see travel photos. Before him, pictures showed places. After him, pictures told stories. His work focused on mood, emotion, and imagination.
Murad’s rise came from a simple creative idea. He wanted images that felt personal. His photos showed motion, mystery, and connection. People stopped scrolling when they saw his work. That pause mattered.
Luxury brands and tourism boards noticed his style. His images pushed destinations into global attention. Hotels sold dreams through his lens. Cities felt cinematic.
Despite fame, Murad stayed focused on quality. He worked slowly. He planned carefully. His
success did not come from volume. It came from vision. His journey proves that one strong idea can change an entire industry.
4. Chris Burkard
Age: 38 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $5 million
Income: Prints, brand work, films
Interest: Adventure, nature
Instagram: @chrisburkard – 3.8M Followers
YouTube: Chris Burkard – 50.6K Subscribers
Chris Burkard never chased crowded places. He chased silence. His journey began with a camera and cold air. He traveled to places where few people go. Frozen coasts. Empty roads. Quiet mountains.
Chris believes travel is not always easy. A respected voice among nature-focused travel influencers in the US. His work shows effort. Heavy bags. Long waits. Tough weather. Yet his photos feel calm and powerful. Nature takes the lead in his stories.
Brands value his honesty. He does not fake moments. He waits for them. His films and prints reflect patience and respect for the environment. Many viewers say his work feels healing.
Chris shows that travel does not need noise. It can feel slow. It can feel deep. His story inspires people to value nature, not rush through it.
5. Hey Nadine
Age: 35 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $4 million
Income: Ads, hosting, sponsorships
Interest: Culture, food
Instagram: @heynadine – 93.2K Followers
YouTube: Hey Nadine – 509K Subscribers
Hey Nadine, built her travel career with joy. She loves culture, food, and everyday experiences. Her content feels like chatting with a friend, not watching a guide.
She started with small trips and simple videos. She made mistakes and shared them openly. That honesty made her relatable. Viewers laughed with her. They learned without pressure.
Nadine mixes food, history, and humor in her work. She respects local culture and keeps things light. Brands trust her because audiences trust her first.
Her success came from warmth, not perfection. She shows that travel does not need to look polished. It needs to feel real. Her journey proves that personality matters as much as places.
6. Rick Steves
Age: 69 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $15 million
Income: Books, TV, tours
Interest: Cultural education
Instagram: @ricksteves – 497K Followers
YouTube: Rick Steves – 2.01M Subscribers
Rick Steves did not start as a social media creator. He started as a teacher. His goal was never fame. He wanted people to understand the world better.
Rick grew up in the United States and developed a deep love for Europe at a young age. A veteran educator and one of the earliest travel influencers in the US. Instead of rushing through famous landmarks, he chose to slow down. He stayed longer in small towns. He spoke to locals. He learned their history, food, and traditions.
Before Instagram or YouTube existed, Rick wrote guidebooks. These books focused on culture, not luxury. He explained how churches shaped cities. He showed why local markets mattered more than souvenir shops. Readers trusted him because he spoke like a friend, not a salesman.
His TV show followed the same path. Rick walked through the streets with a calm voice and real facts. He respected every culture he visited. Over time, schools, families, and first-time travelersRick built trust over decades. He proved that travel can educate, not just entertain. Even today, his work reminds people that travel works best when curiosity leads the way. began to rely on him.
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7. Mark Wiens
Age: 37 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $10 million
Income: Ads, food tours
Interest: Street food
Instagram: @migrationology – 2.5M Followers
YouTube: Mark Wiens – 11.6M Subscribers
Mark Wiens turned food into a passport. His journey began with curiosity and a big appetite. He did not chase fancy restaurants. He chased flavor.
Mark started his career by writing simple food blogs. He shared honest reactions. He showed what food looked like before the first bite. When he moved to video, everything changed. His expressions became his signature. Viewers felt like they were eating beside him.
Mark travels to cities, villages, and street corners. He talks to vendors. He respects their craft. He never rushes meals. He listens to stories behind each dish. That respect builds trust with both locals and viewers.
His videos feel real because they are real. No scripts. No rush. Just food and joy. Over time, millions subscribed because his content feels warm and human.
Mark proves that food connects people faster than words. His travel stories begin with hunger but end with connection.
8. Brooke Saward
Age: 34 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $2 million
Income: Blogging, guides
Interest: Solo travel
Instagram: @worldofwanderlust – 504K Followers
YouTube: World of Wanderlust – 250K Subscribers
Brooke Saward started traveling alone at a time when few women did. Fear followed her at first. Doubt followed her, too. She chose to move anyway.
Her blog began as a personal journal. She wrote about small wins and real problems. She shared safety tips. She explained how to plan routes and budgets. Many women saw themselves in her words.
Brooke focused on calm storytelling. She avoided flashy claims. She focused on preparation, awareness, and confidence. Her guides helped women take their first solo trip without panic.
As her audience grew, she stayed honest. She talked about loneliness. She talked about mistakes. That honesty built trust.
Brooke’s work changed how women viewed solo travel. She showed that independence does not require fearlessness. It requires planning and belief.
9. Louis Cole
Age: 41 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $5 million
Income: Ads, merch
Interest: Daily vlogging
Instagram: @louiscole – 991K Followers
YouTube: FunForLouis – 1.99M Subscribers
Louis Cole did not plan to become famous. He planned to document life. He picked up a camera and pressed record every day. A daily vlogging pioneer among travel influencers in the US.
His videos captured everything. Delays. Lost bags. Bad weather. Joyful moments. Lonely days. Nothing felt staged. Viewers felt included in his routine.
Louis traveled with curiosity. He talked to strangers. He accepted chaos. His daily vlogs felt like postcards sent in real time.
He built a community around positivity. Even during difficult times, he chose optimism. That mindset attracted millions who wanted real stories, not perfect ones.
Louis showed that travel is not about perfect plans. It is about showing up and staying open. His raw approach made him relatable and trusted.
10. Sorelle Amore
Age: 33 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $2 million
Income: Courses, brand deals
Interest: Creative travel
Instagram: @sorelleamore – 504K Followers
YouTube: Sorelle Amore – 1.01M Subscribers
Sorelle Amore began her journey with a camera and questions. She wanted to understand creativity, not just locations.
She traveled to challenge fear. Each trip tested comfort zones. She used travel as a tool for self-growth. Her content mixed emotion, visuals, and honesty.
Sorelle spoke openly about self-doubt. She encouraged viewers to create before feeling ready. That message resonated with young creators and travelers.
Her videos focus on perspective. A place matters, but mindset matters more. She shows how travel can shift thinking and build confidence.
Sorelle turned movement into meaning. Her journey proves that travel can shape identity, not just fill albums.
11. Matthew Karsten
Age: 39 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $1.5 million
Income: Blogging, photography
Interest: Adventure travel
Instagram: @expertvagabond – 131K Followers
YouTube: Expert Vagabond – 60.3K Subscribers
Matthew Karsten did not start his journey with fame or big money. He began with curiosity and a strong need to see the world on his own terms. Before travel blogging, Matthew worked a regular job. He felt stuck. Life felt predictable. So he saved money, sold most of his belongings, and booked a one-way trip.
That single decision changed everything.
At first, Matthew traveled on a tight budget. He stayed in hostels. He took local buses. He learned by making mistakes. Lost luggage. Missed flights. Bad hotels. Instead of hiding those problems, he wrote about them. People connected with that honesty.
Matthew started Expert Vagabond as a simple travel blog. An adventure-driven creator among travel influencers in the US. His goal stayed clear. Teach people how to travel smarter, safer, and cheaper. He explained how to avoid scams. He showed how to plan adventure trips without stress. His photography added depth to every story.
Over time, his blog grew into a trusted resource. Readers valued his practical advice. Brands noticed his clean writing and strong visuals. Today, Matthew earns through blogging and photography. He still travels with purpose. His content proves that adventure travel does not need luxury. It needs courage and planning.
12. Alyssa Ramos
Age: 36 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $1 million
Income: Blogs, consulting
Interest: Solo female travel
Instagram: @mylifesatravelmovie – 199K Followers
YouTube: Alyssa Ramos – 23.7K Subscribers
Alyssa Ramos built her travel career through bravery and honesty. Her story began during a tough phase in life. She faced personal loss and emotional stress. Instead of staying still, she chose movement. Travel became her healing space.
She started traveling solo. Many people doubted her choice. Some warned her. Others questioned her safety. Alyssa listened but moved forward anyway. She documented every step. The good days. The lonely nights. The fear. The joy.
Her blog, My Life’s a Travel Movie, reflected real experiences. No filters. No fake smiles. She talked openly about solo female travel. She shared safety tips. She explained how to handle fear in unfamiliar places. Women around the world related to her words.
Alyssa’s honesty built deep trust. Her audience grew slowly but stayed loyal. She later added consulting and brand work. Her income increased, but her message stayed the same. Travel can change you. Solo travel can make you stronger.
Today, Alyssa continues to guide women who want freedom without fear.
13. Jack Morris
Age: 35 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $3 million
Income: Brand deals
Interest: Visual storytelling
Instagram: @doyoutravel – 2.3M Followers
YouTube: DoYouTravel – 300K Subscribers
Jack Morris entered the travel world through visuals, not words. He had a background in fashion and design. He understood aesthetics early. When he started traveling, he focused on one thing. Create images that stop people mid-scroll.
Jack shared photos that felt calm and balanced. Clean colors. Perfect framing. Wide landscapes. His Instagram grew fast. People followed his style. They tried to recreate his shots. He turned photography into storytelling.
His account, DoYouTravel, became a visual identity. Hr is a visual storyteller among premium travel influencers in the US. Brands noticed his consistent look. Luxury hotels and tourism boards partnered with him. Jack earned through brand deals and campaigns.
Despite the success, Jack kept things simple. He focused on beauty and mood. His travel stories rely on visuals rather than long explanations. His work shows how strong imagery can shape travel dreams.
Jack proves that travel content does not always need words. Sometimes, a picture says enough.
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14. Eric Stoen
Age: 47 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $1.2 million
Income: Blogging
Interest: Family travel
Instagram: @travelbabbo – 378K Followers
YouTube: Travel Babbo – 50 Subscribers
Eric Stoen changed how people see family travel. Before blogging, he worked in the travel industry. After becoming a father, his travel style changed. He started traveling with kids. He noticed a lack of real family travel advice online.
So he created Travel Babbo.
Eric wrote about hotels that welcome families. He reviewed destinations through a parent’s lens. He explained how to manage flights with children. His advice felt practical and honest.
Parents trusted him because he lived the experience. No staged content. No unrealistic trips. Just real family travel stories.
Eric earns through blogging and partnerships. His influence stays focused. Travel can still work with kids. It just needs planning and patience.
His story reminds readers that travel does not end with parenthood. It simply changes shape.
15. Oneika Raymond
Age: 40 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $1 million
Income: Media, writing
Interest: Culture
Instagram: @oneikatraveller – 304K Followers
YouTube: Oneika Traveller – 22.5K Subscribers
Oneika Raymond did not start traveling to show luxury hotels or perfect photos. A culture-first voice among thoughtful travel influencers in the US. She started traveling to understand people. Her journey began as a writer who loved cities, food, and everyday culture. She walked neighborhoods instead of rushing to landmarks. She spoke to locals instead of chasing trends.
Oneika built her voice through blogs and journalism. She wrote for major media outlets before growing her social platforms. This background shaped her style. Her travel content feels calm and thoughtful. She explains why a place matters, not just where it looks good.
She often highlights Black culture, history, and local stories. Her posts teach respect and awareness. She shows how travel connects lives, not just locations. Many followers trust her because she avoids exaggeration. She stays honest and grounded.
Today, Oneika balances travel with writing, hosting, and media work. Her audience follows her for meaning, not noise. Her story proves that slow travel and strong words still matter.
16. Brian Kelly
Age: 41 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $8 million
Income: Credit card partnerships
Interest: Travel hacking
Instagram: @thepointsguy – 432K Followers
YouTube: The Points Guy – 23.1K Subscribers
Brian Kelly did not plan to become famous. He planned to travel smarter. His journey started when he learned how airline miles worked. He saw a system most people ignored. While others paid full price, he flew for less or even free.
Brian began sharing tips through a small blog. That blog later became The Points Guy. His advice focused on credit cards, reward programs, and airline loyalty points. He explained everything in simple steps. People listened because the savings felt real.
Over time, airlines and banks noticed his influence. Brian built partnerships but kept clarity. He always explained risks and rules. That honesty built trust. Many travelers changed how they book flights because of him.
Today, Brian runs a large travel platform. His work helps millions save money. His story shows that knowledge can be more powerful than destinations.
17. Eva Zu Beck
Age: 30 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $1.5 million
Income: Speaking, brand work
Interest: Extreme travel
Instagram: @evazubeck – 1.2M Followers
YouTube: Eva Zu Beck – 1.9M Subscribers
Eva Zu Beck travels to places most people avoid. Her journey began with fear. She felt stuck in a normal path and wanted answers. Travel became her test. She went where fear lived and faced it head-on.
Eva climbed dangerous mountains. She entered conflict zones. She explored abandoned places. But her message never focused on danger alone. She talked about mindset. She explained how fear shapes decisions.
Her videos feel raw and honest. She speaks directly to the camera. She shares doubt, panic, and
growth. That honesty draws people in. Her audience watches not just for travel, but for courage.
Eva earns through speaking and brand work. She inspires people to face their own limits. Her story proves that travel can change the mind before it changes the map.
18. Samuel and Audrey
Age: 38 | 36 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $2 million
Income: Ads, guides
Interest: Food and cities
Instagram: @samuelandaudrey – 51.1K Followers
YouTube: Samuel and Audrey – 437K Subscribers
Samuel and Audrey started traveling as a shared passion. A practical duo among value-driven travel influencers in the US. They enjoyed food, cities, and simple exploration. Their early videos felt casual. No flashy edits. No dramatic titles. Just real experiences.
They focused on local meals, walking tours, and practical tips. They showed what food costs. They explained transport clearly. This approach helped first-time travelers feel confident.
Their consistency built trust. They uploaded regularly and stayed honest about what they liked and disliked. They did not oversell destinations. That balance kept their audience loyal.
Today, they earn through ads and travel guides. Their channel feels like advice from friends. Their story proves that simple, useful content still wins.
19. Kiersten Rich
Age: 34 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $2 million
Income: Blogging
Interest: Female travel
Instagram: @theblondeabroad – 513K Followers
YouTube: The Blonde Abroad – 39.5K Subscribers
Kiersten Rich started traveling solo at a time when few women shared safety advice openly. Her journey began with fear and curiosity. She learned through mistakes and shared those lessons online.
She created The Blonde Abroad to help women travel with confidence. Her content covers packing tips, safety guides, and destination planning. She avoids risky trends. She focuses on preparation and awareness.
Kiersten built trust by staying practical. She explains costs, common mistakes, and cultural norms. Many women follow her before their first solo trip.
Today, her blog and platforms reach millions. Her story shows that careful planning can turn fear into freedom.
20. Christian LeBlanc
Age: 30 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $1 million
Income: Shorts, brand deals
Interest: Short-form travel
Instagram: @lostleblanc – 714K Followers
YouTube: Lost LeBlanc – 2.25M Subscribers
Christian LeBlanc did not start with fancy gear or big plans. He started with curiosity and a camera. In his early days, he worked normal jobs while saving money to travel. He shared short videos online, mostly for fun. Those videos felt real. They showed quick moments, simple views, and honest reactions.
Christian understood something early. People scroll fast. So his content became fast too. Short clips. Clear shots. Strong visuals. No extra talk. His travel videos fit perfectly into short-form platforms. That choice helped him grow quickly.
Over time, brands noticed his style. They liked his clean edits and high energy. Christian turned short videos into a full-time career. Today, he earns through brand deals and short-form content. He still focuses on movement, light, and mood.
People follow him because his content feels easy to watch. It does not feel heavy or forced. Christian proves that simple travel moments can still feel exciting.
21. Dan Clarke
Age: 34 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $900K
Income: Instagram campaigns
Interest: Urban travel
Instagram: @dancfly – 300K Followers
YouTube: Dancfly – 110K Subscribers
Dan Clarke has a sharp eye for cities. An urban visual creator among modern travel influencers in the US. He loves tall buildings, busy streets, and quiet corners in urban spaces. His journey began with photography. He spent hours learning angles, light, and framing. He did not rush growth. He focused on quality.
Dan’s edits feel smooth and balanced. Colors stay natural. Lines look clean. Every post feels well planned. That visual discipline helped him stand out in a crowded space. His Instagram became a portfolio of city life.
Brands working with travel and lifestyle noticed his consistency. Dan began working on Instagram campaigns that matched his style. He never overdid promotions. That helped him keep the audience’s trust.
Today, Dan creates content that feels calm yet modern. He shows cities as places to feel, not just visit. People follow him for visual peace and creative inspiration.
22. Rachel Jones Ross
Age: 36 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $800K
Income: Blogging
Interest: Responsible tourism
Instagram: @hippieinheels – 83.5K Followers
YouTube: Hippie in Heels – 95K Subscribers
Rachel Jones Ross travels with a purpose. She does not rush from one place to another. She spends time. She listens. Her travel story began when she chose freedom over routine. She wanted a life with meaning, not pressure.
Rachel started blogging honestly about her travels. She wrote about mistakes, budget limits, and culture shock. Her voice felt real. Readers connected with her honesty. Over time, her platform grew.
What sets Rachel apart is responsibility. She talks about respecting local culture, supporting small businesses, and traveling slowly. She avoids flashy content. Instead, she focuses on meaningful experiences.
Her income comes mainly from blogging. She keeps things transparent. Her audience trusts her advice because she never hides the hard parts. Rachel shows that travel can be kind, thoughtful, and still fun.
23. Alex Strohl
Age: 33 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $2 million
Income: Photography
Interest: Nature
Instagram: @alexstrohl – 1.9M Followers
YouTube: Alex Strohl – 56.9K Subscribers
Alex Strohl sees the world differently. He looks for silence, space, and balance. His journey started with photography during trips into nature. Mountains, forests, lakes. These places became his canvas. A calm nature-focused artist among travel influencers in the US.
Alex spent years refining his style. Soft light. Wide views. Calm colors. His photos do not shout. They breathe. That calm feeling became his signature. People instantly recognized his work.
His Instagram grew fast because his images offered peace. In a loud online world, his content felt like a pause. Brands in outdoor and travel spaces wanted that feeling. Photography became his main income.
Alex also shares knowledge through videos and workshops. He teaches others how to see nature with patience. His story shows that slow growth can lead to a strong impact.
24. Wolters World
Age: 44 | Country: USA | Net Worth: $1.5 million
Income: YouTube ads
Interest: Travel tips
Instagram: @woltersworld – 42.1K Followers
YouTube: Wolters World – 1.16M Subscribers
Wolters World feels like advice from a friend. The channel started when Mark Wolters traveled for work and fun. He noticed that travel guides often skipped real problems. He decided to talk about them instead.
His videos focus on what travelers should know. Cultural mistakes. Common scams. Things that annoy locals. He speaks clearly and honestly. No drama. No hype.
That honesty built trust. Travelers began to rely on his advice before trips. His YouTube channel grew steadily. Ads became his main income, but he never changed his tone.
Wolters World helps people travel smarter. His content saves people from stress and confusion. He proves that helpful truth lasts longer than flashy trends.
Conclusion
The rise of travel influencers in the US shows how stories now guide suitcases. These creators mix humor, honesty, and experience. They shape choices without pushing sales.
The best part feels simple. Anyone with curiosity, patience, and a phone can start. Travel changed. People lead the way now. And the road ahead looks wide open.
FAQs
Q1. Why do people trust travel influencers in the US more than ads?
Ans. They share real trips and mistakes. That honesty builds trust.
Q2. How do travel influencers earn money?
Ans. They earn through ads, brand deals, courses, and digital products.
Q3. Are travel influencers still relevant in 2026?
Ans. Yes. Short videos and honest reviews keep them powerful.
