10 Wanderlust Warriors: The Travel Influencers of Instagram Redefining Destination Marketing

In today's ever-connected world, travel influencers have become powerful voices, inspiring millions to explore new destinations, cultures, and experiences. As consumers increasingly seek authentic travel recommendations and immersive storytelling, these influencers are not just showcasing beautiful locations - they are shaping travel trends , setting new standards for eco-conscious tourism, luxury escapes, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Brands looking to succeed in influencer marketing in travel need to align with credible, trendsetting voices who can drive real engagement and loyalty. This list spotlights some of the top travel influencers on Instagram , providing marketing professionals, PR agencies, and brand strategists with key personalities to watch for partnerships, trend forecasting, and campaign inspiration.

Whether it's sustainable travel trends, wellness getaways, or luxury adventures, these influencers are at the forefront of redefining modern travel narratives.

Chris Burkard 

Chris Burkard isn't just an award-winning photographer -he's a visual storyteller redefining how brands connect with nature-loving audiences. From a thrifted camera to cover stories for National Geographic and collaborations with Patagonia , Burkard's journey is proof that passion plus purpose equals lasting impact. 

We know what you're thinking: how does a surfer from California become a global voice in adventure photography? Burkard built his following the hard-earned way - consistent, emotionally resonant content shared across social-first platforms like Instagram and YouTube. His style? Cinematic landscapes, human vulnerability, and the raw, untamed beauty of remote places. But what really sets Chris apart is his ability to make you feel the cold. He's not just capturing moments; he's inviting audiences to feel included on his adventures.

Some brands chase quick wins. Burkard's long-view strategy reminds us that trust, storytelling, and values-driven content are what truly build community in a crowded digital world. Adventure isn't a trend—it's a narrative.

Platforms: Instagram, YouTube, Website, Print Publications, NFT Gallery

Focus Areas: Extreme landscape photography, cold-water surfing destinations, environmental conservation, adventure storytelling

Jack Morris 

Jack Morris, known by his social media handle @doyoutravel, is a British travel influencer and photographer who transformed his life from a carpet cleaner in Manchester to a globally recognized content creator. At 21, he left his 9-to-5 job to embark on a journey around the world, documenting his travels through captivating photography and storytelling. His Instagram account boasts over 2 million followers, showcasing stunning images from destinations like Bali, Thailand, and Marrakech .

Morris's content style is characterized by vibrant, dreamy visuals that evoke a sense of wanderlust. He focuses on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he shares travel photos and videos that resonate with a young, adventure-seeking audience . His growth can be attributed to consistent, high-quality content and strategic collaborations with fellow influencers.

Platforms: Instagram, YouTube, Website, Presets Shop

Focus Areas: Luxury adventure travel, photography techniques, off-grid destinations, couple travel content

Lauren Bullen 

Lauren Bullen launched @gypsea_lust on Instagram in 2013 while still working as a dental assistant in Northern New South Wales. Her dreamy, vibrant imagery quickly resonated, and by 2016 she went full-time, relocating to Bali to immerse herself in tropical and luxury destinations. 

In 2018, Lauren took an entrepreneurial leap with Tone Studio, a mobile photo-editing app, and popularized doyoutravelpresets - giving creators the tools to replicate her signature look. Today, her social-first strategy spans over 2 million Instagram followers, plus active communities on Threads, TikTok, and YouTube. In 2023, she was featured among Modern Luxury's top travel creators and ranked in Amra & Elma's top-5 luxury influencers. Building on that momentum, 2024 saw her expand into UMAE Studios and House of LB, offering curated retreats and creative services. 

From dental clinics to global stages, Lauren's journey highlights how authentic storytelling, strategic growth, and values-driven creativity can turn passion into a thriving, multifaceted brand.

Platforms: Instagram, Blog, TikTok, Photography Courses

Focus Areas: Female luxury travel, fashion-forward destination content, boutique accommodations, travel photography tutorials

Drew Binsky 

Drew Binsky, born Drew Goldberg on May 24, 1991, is an American travel creator celebrated for visiting all 197 UN-recognized countries. His journey kicked off during a 2012 study abroad in Prague, where exploring over 20 nations ignited his passion for storytelling. 

After earning economics and entrepreneurship degrees at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he moved to South Korea to teach English - and in 2014 launched his first blog, The Hungry Partier, chronicling food and culture. After receiving the gift of a camera, he shifted his focus to video, and produced a documentary on North Korea which exploded to over 10 million views within 48 hours. On October 29, 2021, he achieved his goal by visiting his #197th country - Saudi Arabia. 

Drew is the author of Just Go, holds two Guinness World Records, and has grown his YouTube channel to nearly 4.9 million subscribers. Today, Drew continues inspiring global exploration across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Book, Speaking Engagements

Focus Areas: Every country challenges, local human stories, travel education, budget travel strategies

Eva zu beck

Eva zu Beck is a Polish travel creator and storyteller known for her immersive, off-the-grid adventures and a philosophy that champions bold, intentional living.

Born in Poland and raised in the UK, she studied languages ​​at the University of Oxford before leaving a corporate job to pursue full-time travel storytelling. Her success came after hosting the 2018 TRT World series A Place Called Pakistan , followed by other roles with Euronews and National Geographic. 

Eva's YouTube channel, which has garnered over 170 million views, features raw, cinematic narratives from destinations like Yemen, Iraq, and Antarctica. In 2022, she embarked on a solo overland journey from Alaska to South America in her Land Rover Defender, “Odyssey,” accompanied by her dog, Vilk.

Although she paused the trip in 2023, she continued to challenge herself, completing the 250 km Gobi March ultramarathon in 2024 and participating in the 500 km Lapland Arctic Ultra in 2025. Eva's content resonates with a global audience seeking authentic, values-driven exploration.

Platforms: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Newsletter

Focus Areas: Off-the-beaten-path destinations, solo female travel safety, conflict zone tourism, cultural immersion

Kenzie Kay

Kenzie Kay has carved out a distinctive niche in the oversaturated travel space with her raw, unfiltered approach to outdoor adventure content. Based in Colorado, Kay's feed takes followers on adrenaline-fueled journeys through North America's most breathtaking wilderness areas, from backcountry skiing in untouched powder to multi-day backpacking expeditions.

What sets her apart is her commitment to authentic representation—she openly discusses the challenges of outdoor pursuits alongside the triumphs, making adventure travel feel accessible rather than intimidating. Kay's partnerships with outdoor gear brands and regional tourism boards have pioneered a new standard for adventure content that balances aspirational imagery with practical trail information and conservation messaging.

• Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Blog
• Focus Areas: Mountain adventures, wilderness conservation, gear reviews, women in outdoor sports

Martin Licis 

Martin Licis, the 2019 World's Strongest Man, has created a fascinating crossover niche combining extreme fitness with adventure travel. His unique content showcases how he maintains his training regimen in extraordinary global locations—from deadlifting improvised weights on Icelandic black sand beaches to strongman exercises amid Peruvian ruins.

What distinguishes Licis is his talent for using feats of strength as a cultural bridge, often collaborating with local athletes to explore traditional strength practices from different cultures. His partnerships with sports tourism destinations and fitness retreats have opened up an entirely new category in the travel market, attracting a predominantly male audience often underrepresented in the travel influencer space.

Martin's content demonstrates how physical challenges can enhance travel experiences, inspiring a new wave of fitness-focused destination selection.

• Platforms: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
• Focus Areas: Fitness travel, extreme location workouts, sports tourism, strength culture exploration 

Adam Boro 

Adam Boro has established himself as the definitive voice in the growing luxury sustainable travel sector, proving that high-end experiences and environmental responsibility can beautifully coexist.

A former environmental policy advisor, Boro applies rigorous standards to the properties and experiences he features, highlighting carbon-neutral luxury resorts, conservation-focused safaris, and regenerative tourism initiatives. His meticulously composed photography showcases eco-luxury at its finest—from solar-powered overwater bungalows to rewilded private islands.

What makes Boro particularly influential is his development of the widely-adopted "Conscious Luxury Index," a scoring system that helps followers evaluate the true sustainability credentials of luxury properties beyond marketing claims. His consultancy work with premium hospitality brands has helped reshape luxury positioning to meet the demands of environmentally conscious affluent travelers.

• Platforms: Instagram, Website, Newsletter, LinkedIn
• Focus Areas: Eco-luxury accommodations, sustainable high-end travel, conservation tourism, ethical luxury experiences
  
  

Jessica Nabongo  

Jessica Nabongo made history as the first documented Black woman to visit every country in the world, but her influence extends far beyond this achievement. A former UN employee with degrees in development economics, Nabongo creates content that combines stunning visuals with nuanced discussions of geopolitics, cultural context, and the complexities of identity in international travel.

What distinguishes Nabongo is her commitment to highlighting local perspectives—she consistently features and compensates local photographers, guides, and businesses rather than just showcasing her own experiences.

Her partnerships with international development organizations and luxury travel brands have set new standards for inclusive marketing and responsible representation in destination campaigns. Her bestselling book "The Catch Me If You Can" has become required reading for tourism marketing programs.

• Platforms: Instagram, Website, Book, Speaking Tour
• Focus Areas: Global cultural exploration, inclusive travel, luxury experiences, photography

Christina Galbato 

Christina Galbato represents a new breed of travel influencer who not only showcases destinations but teaches others how to build successful travel content businesses. Based in Miami, Galbato has parlayed her travel expertise into a thriving education enterprise, offering courses on content creation, monetization strategies, and destination marketing.

Her feed strikes a perfect balance between aspirational travel imagery and actionable business advice, making her uniquely valuable to both consumers and industry professionals. What distinguishes Galbato is her data-driven approach to content strategy—she regularly shares analytics and case studies demonstrating the ROI of influencer marketing campaigns, making her a trusted resource for tourism boards developing their digital strategies.

• Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Podcast, Website
• Focus Areas: Luxury female travel, influencer business education, Mediterranean destinations, creator economy insights

The Future of Travel Marketing: Authentic Voices Leading the Way

The travel influencers shaping today's Instagram landscape are much more than content creators -they are trendsetters, storytellers, and cultural ambassadors. Each of these influencers brings a unique perspective to the travel world, from adrenaline-fueled adventures and luxurious retreats to mindful journeys and cultural explorations.

These influencers represent the diverse voices currently shaping travel industry trends and consumer behavior. From sustainable luxury advocates and adventure fitness specialists to cultural immersion experts and family travel pioneers, these creators offer unique perspectives that help brands connect with specific traveler demographics. 

For marketing professionals seeking authentic partnerships in the travel space, these ten influencers demonstrate the power of specialized content niches, value-aligned brand collaborations, and genuine storytelling in creating impactful campaigns that resonate with today's discerning travelers. As travel continues to evolve, these top 10 Instagram influencers will lead the charge, inspiring new generations to explore the world with open hearts and curious minds.