As a travel writer, there are certain things that instantly set off alarm bells in my head, none more so than the so-called “travel hacks” that go viral. This mostly comes from my distrust of viral travel advice from TikTokers who, frankly, don't know what they're talking about. In my experience, many of these hacks are potentially problematic at best, downright dangerous at worst. But before TikTok, there was YouTube, and on YouTube, there were content creators peddling travel tips and tricks before my frontal lobe was fully developed, and certainly before virality was the end goal .
The difference is that there may be no place on the internet – at least when it comes to video-sharing platforms – where you're likely to get more credible, authentic and practical travel content than on YouTube.
This is where you can follow years with couples sailing around the world on a catamaran, lonely backpackers crossing entire continents And children from nomadic families grow up. Where you can find a five minute clip detailing all the Things You Shouldn't Put in Your Checked Baggageor approximately 40 minutes what it's like to stay in Japan's most isolated hotel. And if you've ever wondered the largest airplane seat in the worldor I wanted living vicariously through a digital nomad? It's also on YouTube.
This isn't to say that all YouTube travel content is created equal. It can take some scanning time to get to the really good stuff, like on all other platforms. Luckily, I went ahead and did at least some of the heavy lifting. Below, seven of the best travel YouTubers you, the savvy traveler, should know about.
Family trip
Best channel: The to-do list family
The Gee Family, colloquially known as Bucket List Family, is the first YouTube travel channel I remember following, if not for travel content than for their adorable kids. Garrett and Jessica Gee started their channel in 2015 when they made the decision to leave home and travel the world as a family of four, then five. Their channel is primarily a testament to the fact that you can travel with young children (and full-time at that), but also to all the ways that travel can shape them.
Start here: “Big sperm whales swimming with little children!” Underwater family adventure in Mauritius!”
Travel Tips
Best channel: World Wolters
Mark Wolters started his channel in 2009, after a disappointing trip to a small town in Italy recommended by a AAA guidebook. In the 15 years since, he has posted nearly 2,600 videos of what he calls “honest travel advice.” From the things you'll love and hate as a tourist to tried-and-true tips and advice, Wolters World is the go-to travel channel when you need someone to give it to you straight.
Start here: “From the 90s to today!” How travel has changed over the past 25 years »
Mark's Favorite Channels: SciShow, Jean-Michel Godier, Cool worlds, Anton Petrov, Strange story, Intensive course And Additional story. (None of this, I should point out, has to do with travel.)
The InsideHook Guide to YouTube
For YouTube's 20th anniversary, we're profiling creators, recommending channels, and analyzing the viral, controversial, and unstoppable video-sharing giant.
Digital nomads
Best channel: LeBlanc lost
If you often dream of quitting your job and traveling full-time (or at least traveling full-time while you work), but desperately need a little help, Christian LeBlanc's Lost Leblanc channel offers a real behind-the-scenes look at what it's like – and also what it takes. LeBlanc is, as he puts it, a “former accountant who escaped the 9-5” who bought a one-way ticket to Thailand and “hustled to become a travel YouTuber.” If his two million followers are any indication, I'd say he did it.
Start here: “Should you move to Portugal?” (The Digital Nomads Review) »
Historically Misunderstood Destinations
Best channel: Indigo Traveler
Indigo Traveler is directed by New Zealand documentary filmmaker Nick Fisher and focuses entirely on misunderstood parts of the planet with the aim of showing “the human side of what we read in the headlines”. Sometimes he refutes these headlines, other times he corroborates them. It's incredibly enlightening and at times difficult to watch, but I feel like it should be essential viewing for an avid traveler.
Start here: “Is this Afghanistan? (You won't believe it's Afghanistan) »
Hiking
Best channel: Hiking bananas
There are dozens and dozens of channels dedicated to hiking, but Backpacking Bananas is one of my favorites. It is managed by Christianne Risman, and she started her channel in 2013 to document her travels for friends and family. Today, she is a full-time travel vlogger and entrepreneur who has traveled Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and more, providing true insight into the lifestyle. You'd be hard-pressed to find a serious backpacker who doesn't know about Backpacking Bananas.
Start here (because I also did this pub crawl): “Heli-Pub Crawl Gone Wild: flying, drinking and crocs on the loose!! »
Couple's trip
Best channel: Oskar and Dan
Oskar and Dan met at school in Gothenburg, Sweden. In 2017, they made their first trip together, to Rome. The couple then set a goal of traveling to over 100 countries, which ultimately put them on the YouTube travel map (they've since checked all 100 countries off their list). Their content is honest and incredibly wholesome and will make you wish you and your partner could go on your own world tour.
Start here: “Our disastrous trip to the Maldives”
General travel
Best channel: Drew Binski
There are so many fantastic travel YouTubers posting amazing videos right now, and it's hard to pinpoint the best, but Drew Binsky is a top contender in my book. He's visited every country on the planet and his channel is a mix of “inspiring people, hidden cultures and crazy adventures in faraway places.” If you're looking for storytelling, Drew has it.
Start here: “Visit to the tribe that eats humans (Papua island)”
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