travel content on tiktok

Your Flight With TikTok Airlines is Boarding: Destination Everywhere

Apr 15, 2024

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Your Flight With TikTok Airlines is Boarding: Destination Everywhere

In an era where social media platforms are constantly evolving, TikTok has emerged as a powerhouse for offering travel advice, recommendations, itineraries, and inspiration.

With its short-form video format and diverse content creators, TikTok travel trends have revolutionized the way people explore the world and shaped wanderlust in unprecedented ways.

With that being said, let’s dive into the top 15 TikTok travel trends that are capturing the imagination of travellers across the globe!

1. Sustainable Travel Escapes

Sustainable travel is more than just a trend; it’s a movement towards responsible tourism. TikTok has become a platform for eco-conscious travellers to share tips on reducing their carbon footprint, supporting local communities, and exploring destinations with minimal environmental impact. TikTok travel trends such as this one benefits eco-conscious travellers and those seeking authentic cultural experiences.

@visitjyvaskylaregion If you want to travel more sustainably, listen up! Here are five things to do in the Jyväskylä Region that are environmentally friendly! 💚 #visitjyvaskylaregion #jyvaskyla #visitfinland #sustainable #sustainability #ecofriendly #nature ♬ alkuperäinen ääni – Visit Jyväskylä Region

2. Hidden Gems Exploration

From hidden beaches to secret hiking trails, TikTok travel trends unearth countless hidden gems that are off the beaten path. This trend is perfect for adventurous solo travellers and explorers who crave unique experiences beyond tourist hotspots.

@thepetitewanderer Best hidden gems not to miss in Rome 🇮🇹👇 Rome has some of the best hidden gems – and most people skip them and just visit the city’s most popular attractions! 🇮🇹Doria Pamphili Gallery. This is a privately-owned art collection situated in a stunning Baroque palace. It’s one of the most stunning places to visit in Rome and is definitely a must-visit when visiting the city. 🇮🇹Knights of Malta Keyhole: Located on Aventine Hill , you can look through this unassuming keyhole to see Rome’s best view of Saint Peters Basilica. 🇮🇹Church of Saint Ignatious of Loyola: Situated in the center of the church is mirror you can look into to see its beautiful ceiling frescos from a unique perspective. The frescos also create the illusion of a dome inside of the church, which actually doesn’t exist and is just painted to create the appearance of one. 🇮🇹Largo di Torre Argentina These are not only the ruins where Julius Caesar died, but also is now a sanctuary for hundreds of cats. If you love cats this should be at the TOP of your Rome bucket list!! 🇮🇹Theater of Marcellus This ancient theater resembles a smaller version of the coliseum. It offers a glimpse into Roman entertainment history and features a blend of classical and medieval architecture. Save this for your next trip to Rome! Are you familiar with any of these hidden gems? #visitrome #explorerome #visititaly #visititalia #exploreitaly #romehiddengems #rometraveltips ♬ Theme From A Summer Place – Percy Faith

3. Solo Travel Adventures

Solo travel has been on the rise, and TikTok has amplified its appeal by showcasing the freedom and empowerment that comes with exploring the world alone through TikTok travel trends . Whether it’s solo backpacking trips or solo dining experiences, this trend caters to independent travellers seeking self-discovery and personal growth.

@meganhomme 2024 is the year of solo travel im calling it rn ♬ midnight city (slowed reverb) (feat. kadirhho) – ciaffa & fedo DJ

4. Budget-Friendly Getaways

Traveling on a budget? TikTok travel trends h ave got you covered with creative hacks, money-saving tips, and budget-friendly destinations that won’t break the bank. This trend is ideal for students and families looking to maximize their adventures without overspending.

@dens_destinations Not only cheap flights but SO affordable when you get there too – where are you booking for summer 2024? #travel #europeansummer #traveltips #cheaptravel #europetravel #valencia #valenciaspain #ksamil #albaniatravel #lisbon #portugaltravel ♬ life gets hard – iilliaa

5. Foodie Expeditions

Food tourism is a major trend on TikTok, with travellers sharing mouth-watering culinary experiences from around the world. From street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, out of all the TikTok travel trends this one in particular appeals to food enthusiasts eager to indulge in diverse cuisines.

@edita.kaite Foodie tips for your first trip to Poland 🥘🇵🇱 After exploring Poland for a year, here are some things I wanted to share about food in the country 😍🥘 What to expect, what to look for, and things not to miss 🥰🙏🏼 Enjoy your foodie adventures in Poland! 🇵🇱🙌🏽 #polishfood #poland #poland🇵🇱 #polandtiktok #travelfood #eating #foodie #travelfoodie ♬ Theme from “A Summer Place” – Percy Faith And His Orchestra

6. Luxury Travel Experiences

On the other end of the spectrum, TikTok also showcases luxurious travel experiences that demonstrate opulence and extravagance. This trend caters to luxury travellers and jet-setters seeking VIP treatment, exclusive accommodations, and bespoke experiences.

@theblondeflamingo Dreams come true🥹🇨🇭 Finally on board of @glacierexpress.ch We took a magical route from St. Moritz to Zermatt🏔️ The views were insane!🤯 #switzlerland #glacierexpress #glacierexpresss #luxurytravel #stmoritz #switzerlandtourism #switzerlandtiktok🇨🇭 #travel #travelbucketlist #travelblogger ♬ original sound – theblondeflamingo

7. Family-Friendly Destinations

Traveling with family? TikTok offers valuable insights into family-friendly destinations, kid-friendly activities, and tips for hassle-free vacations with little ones. This trend is perfect for parents looking to create unforgettable memories with their children while exploring the world together.

@twinsonthego_x2 2 sets of twins + 40 countries and these are our top 5 most kid friendly destinations #kidswhoexplore #familyadventures #familyfriendlydestinations ♬ original sound – TwinsonthegoX2

8. Adventure Sports Thrills

For adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, TikTok is a treasure trove of adventure sports experiences, from skydiving and bungee jumping to scuba diving and rock climbing. This trend caters to adventurous travellers who crave exciting outdoor adventures!

@tunababytunchi (Adrenaline Junkies Edition) Top 3 Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro #travel #top #gopro ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

9. Cultural Immersion Journeys

Immerse yourself in diverse cultures and traditions with TikTok’s cultural immersion trend, which highlights unique festivals, rituals, and customs from around the world. This trend appeals to cultural enthusiasts and travellers interested in authentic cultural exchanges.

@reginaosilva Our new Yawanawa expedition dates are out🌿 Feb 24- March 4th Come join us on a once in a life time cultural immersion trip as we travel to the Yawanawa village for 1 week. For 1 week you will… ✨sing, dance, play, and awaken your Spirit ✨Learn ancient indigenous traditions from the elders ✨Sit with ayahuasca in the safe care of veteran Indigenous shamans ✨Connect with other adventurers from all over the world ✨come back home to YOU If you want all the details please D M me “Floresta” on the Graham!🌿 ♬ Hinoki Wood – Gia Margaret

10. Digital Nomad Lifestyle

With remote work on the rise, the digital nomad lifestyle trend on TikTok offers insights into working remotely from exotic locations, co-working spaces, and productivity hacks for globetrotting professionals. TikTok travel trends like this one is perfect for remote workers and freelancers looking to combine work with travel.

@dashakofman The best places to work remotely from 💻 #digitalnomad #remotework #travel ♬ Escapism. – Super Sped Up – RAYE

11. Wellness Retreats and Mindfulness Travel

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with TikTok’s wellness retreat trend, which emphasizes mindfulness, self-care, and holistic wellness experiences. This trend benefits wellness enthusiasts and travellers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and inner peace.

@seelautravel Vietnams hidden wellness retreat, you must visit 🇻🇳 #vietnam #tiktokvietnam #travel #wellness #bestresorts #spa #danang ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

12. Sustainable Accommodation Options

In addition to sustainable travel practices, TikTok travel trends like this one also spotlight eco-friendly accommodations such as eco-resorts, eco-lodges, and sustainable hotels. This trend caters to environmentally conscious travellers looking for green accommodation options that align with their values.

@loveofearthco 10 sustainable features in my sustainable hotel!🤩🏨🌎✨🪴♻️ @1 Hotels #zerowaste #ecofriendly #plasticfree #sustainability #sustainable #sustainableliving #recycle #savetheplanet #zerowasteliving #environment #gogreen #reuse #handmade #vegan #noplastic #nature #zerowastesmallbusiness #zerowasteliving #sustainability #organic #lesswaste #sustainablefashion #reducereuserecycle #zerowastelifestyle #plasticpollution #natural #zerowastehome #saynotoplastic #recycling ♬ i’m sorry – CORBAL & LRN Slime & Shiloh Dynasty

13. Road Trip Adventures

Hit the open road and embark on epic road trip adventures showcased on TikTok, featuring scenic drives, hidden roadside attractions, and tips for planning the ultimate road trip. This trend is perfect for road trip enthusiasts and travellers craving freedom and spontaneity.

@therealtarnanlamb Replying to @Jujuu.juliiee.juliieeana ok the full week long Oregon road trip itinerary is HERE 🫶 so hard to condense this into 2 minutes, but I hope this helps everyone plan their future trip to Oregon 🥲 LMK if you have any questions! #oregonroadtrip #pnw #pnwlife #oregoncoast #bendoregon #mthoodoregon #craterlake #roadtriphacks #traveltiktok #itinerary #travellife #travelbucketlist #travelvlog #oregon #travelwithme #hikingtiktok #portlandoregon #pdx ♬ Calm (Lofi) – Faneo sound

14. Volunteer Tourism Initiatives

Give back to local communities and make a positive impact through these TikTok travel destinations with volunteer tourism initiatives, which promote responsible volunteering, sustainable development projects, and ethical travel experiences. This trend benefits socially conscious travellers and volunteers eager to contribute to meaningful causes.

@lovelylivingtravel i could not have asked for a more perfect group trip, with strangers who quickly became best friends if u ever wanna volunteer anywhere in africa please please look into the company you choose and please choose @GIVE Volunteers this local communtiy in kairo taught me so much, they were the most welcoming people i have ever had the honor of coming in contact with on my travels. this is such a special trip huge thanks to GIVE for being a genuinely ethical and sustainable company, we need more companies who are doing so much good for the world.♥️♥️ asante sana, nakupenda!!!! #givevolunteers #give #africantiktok #volunteering #voluntourism #zanzibar ♬ Brazil – fizztaylor

15. Travel Hacks and Packing Tips

Last but not least, TikTok offers a plethora of travel hacks, packing tips, and life-saving tricks to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. From packing light to navigating airport security, TikTok travel tips are essential for all travellers seeking practical advice and insider tips.

@amylittleson I swear this folding technique saves SO MUCH SPACE 🙏🏻🧳 #packing #packinghacks #packingtips #tropicaltrip #tropicaltravel #travelhack #toiletries #folding #foldingclothes #foldingtechnique #hartmannluggage ♬ original sound – Amy Littleson

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The Dos and Don’ts of Using TikTok for Travel Tips

Relaxing woman enjoying her vacation at the beach illustration concept shows a beautiful woman who has dark skin tone sitting on the beach chair when the sunset time for relaxing her mood.

B efore scrolling on TikTok, Caroline Berdugo, a 23-year-old program coordinator at a children’s hospital in Rhode Island, had never thought to take a trip to Thailand.

“It wasn’t a destination that was on my radar. But I’ve seen so many [TikTok] videos and posts about it that made me really curious,” Berdugo says. “I love seeing videos of people going to the food market, which is really cool and definitely something that I want to do.” Berdugo plans on visiting the country in December. And it won’t be the first time Berdugo has gotten travel ideas from the social media app. She also plans on traveling alone to Peru this September—which she’d usually find daunting—but after seeing TikTok posts about women traveling alone on the app, she decided to take the plunge.

Berdugo’s story is not uncommon among a generation that uses TikTok as a search engine for news, events, and other trends. Despite dips in international travel and spending due to the pandemic, the U.S. Travel Association says that travel is up 5.5% since last year . Travel is particularly popular among Gen Z , the most prominent demographic on TikTok. And many people are now using the app for travel tips and an eye into the travel experiences of other users.

TikTok videos tagged with #travel (and its multiple counterparts) have garnered more than 230 billion views on the app. Travel-related content ranges from displays of luxurious getaways to accounts dedicated to sharing affordable flights .

But, creators warn that while many videos on the app can serve as inspiration for travel destinations, users should always do their own research.

“With everything on the internet, but especially on TikTok, things go viral so quickly. I always like to use the word discernment…You need to have a filter for all the content that you watch,” says Jo Franco, a Netflix travel show host and CEO of her journaling company JoClub . The 31-year-old created travel-related Youtube content for more than a decade.

Here’s what influencers told TIME about the dos and don’ts of using TikTok for travel tips.

Use TikTok as an entry point of discovery

TikTok is a great way to learn more about traveling in a way that may be more comforting for anxious travelers who do have limited travel experience and do not know what to expect.

That was especially comforting for people like Berdugo, who did not have the chance to travel much before graduating from college. “Before TikTok I never really knew what hostels were,” Berdugo says. “One of my anxieties has been ‘Oh, I don’t know how it would feel like to do things by myself,’ and ‘How do you meet people if you are solo traveling,’ but like, maybe, you know, staying at a hostel, and meeting other people that are traveling by themselves. Like that was something that I would say was like, introduced to me via TikTok.”

Franco adds that TikTok is a great tool for learning about different places. For example, Italy—arguably one of the most popular summer destinations — and #italytravel on TikTok has nearly 846 million views, with videos on everything from what to wear, see and avoid while abroad. Users who are looking for a place to visit can also lookup “travel destinations” in the search bar and the app will suggest other popular searches like “affordable travel places,” “luxury places to travel,” or “best travel destination in the U.S.,” so that users can narrow down their search.

TikTok is also a great place to find suggestions for the best restaurants or tourist attractions in a particular country or city. Users can get advice from locals or other international travelers online.

“If your goal is to learn more about the world, languages and to understand people in places, [TikTok is] a great beginning place,” Franco says. “It will serve you things that you didn’t even know you wanted about places you maybe didn’t even know existed.”

Don’t fall for the viral clickbait

While much of TikTok’s popularity and greater appeal stems from the app’s short-form content and quick virality, Franco warns users that the app can create a space where posts don’t give a balanced view of a destination or experience.

“When you see a video with [a high] level of virality, you’re going to take what is being said in the video with more weight than something talking about the pros and cons of [a destination] that only has 100 likes,” Franco tells TIME. The latter video may be more well-rounded, but many people associate greater likes with accuracy or better content, which can be problematic, Franco adds.

The oversaturation of content on the app can also make it difficult for creators to build a loyal fanbase and to know which creators’ content they can trust. A Youtuber, for example, may build a loyal fanbase that follows them and trusts their advice. But TikTok users don’t always build that sort of relationship with their followers because people are inundated with a plethora of content, Franco says.

Franco specifically warns against believing TikTok videos that seem too good to be true when it comes to travel, like viral videos that say a local government will pay a young person to move to a particular isolated area or region. Videos about moving to Calabria in Italy, for instance, went viral on TikTok last year .

“I think those tips I find fascinating, because we’re able to now connect real-time news to what that means for our travel. And to the same degree, a lot of those posts could over exaggerate,” Franco says. “Like, live here for free. And actually, you need to have an investment [of a certain amount]… There’s always a loophole so all things come with the caveat of doing your own research.” That’s true in the case of moving to the Italian island of Sardinia. Applicants were guaranteed about $15,000 if they moved there, but they also had to live in a town with a population of less than 3,000 and had to put their grant towards renovating into a home, CNBC reports .

Get advice from a diverse set of TikTokers

As the most racially and ethnically diverse generation , creators advise Gen Z to be aware that traveling is a unique, personal experience. Your identity, for that matter, will always play a vital role in travel. Travel content creator Lena Sow tells TIME that it was when she recognized there was a gap in the market for a Black female travel content creator, who also traveled solo, that she decided to start her TikTok account.

She advises people to look for creators who match your race, gender or even sexuality, to get a grasp on what it would be like traveling to the places they feature.

But she also mentions that people should take all of that advice with a grain of salt. “I do post a series where I post how I felt traveling solo, but I don’t want people to use that as like the end all be all,” Sow tells TIME, emphasizing that people will have different experiences.

But overall, Franco adds that TikTok represents a diverse set of travel options.

“What I love about TikTok is that there’s something there for everyone in the travel space,” Franco says. “The availability of inspiration is abundant.”

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These Are Our Favorite Travel TikToks From 2022 — Genius Hacks and Must-have Products Included

Let TikTok be your travel guide.

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The travel industry made an enormous comeback in 2022, and folks everywhere jumped on TikTok to share the information we needed to get back out there and explore the world again.

Whether it’s a tip on how to score a free upgrade, a creative packing hack to save space in our carry-on, or uncovering underrated spots to hit on our next trip to Europe, " TravelTok " always seems to have the answer to our travel woes.

Pre-pandemic, TikTok had a niche Gen-Z following with short-form dance trends and lip-synching sound bites dominating the For You page. But when people were forced to entertain themselves at home during quarantine, users across generations hopped on the TikTok bandwagon. Since then, TikTok has transformed into a massive online community — there are more than 1 billion users across 154 countries — with a wide variety of subcultures , like activism, cooking, comedy, fashion, fitness, and of course, travel. So, we compiled a list of this year’s best viral TikToks about travel — from genius hacks and vacation inspo to life-changing products and funny moments from travelers.

Puerto Rico
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South America
New York Edition
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How to Make the Perfect Travel Videos For TikTok

In the digital age of social media, TikTok has emerged as a popular platform for sharing short videos. With its vast user base and creative features, TikTok provides a unique opportunity for aspiring travel videographers to showcase their talent and engage with a global audience. We already covered some of the most epic locations for TikTok videos in London , so in this article, we will explore the art of creating captivating travel videos for TikTok, focusing on the essential techniques and tools needed to produce high-quality content. If you don’t already have one – you can use an online video editor to edit your tiktok videos.

Understanding TikTok:

Before diving into the specifics of creating travel videos, it is crucial to understand the platform itself. TikTok stands as a dynamic platform, empowering individuals to unleash their creativity by crafting and disseminating concise videos, typically spanning 15 to 60 seconds, fostering a vibrant social media experience. With its algorithm-driven content discovery system, TikTok has become one of the biggest social media platforms on the planet , and a hub for viral challenges, dance trends, and creative visual storytelling. A video background remover is also a good option to remove background from Tik tok videos.

Importance of Travel Videos for TikTok:

Travel videos on TikTok have gained immense popularity due to their ability to transport viewers to breathtaking destinations and inspire wanderlust. These videos offer a unique opportunity for travel enthusiasts, content creators, and influencers to share their experiences, showcase hidden gems, and provide travel tips in a concise and engaging format.

Choosing the Right Online Video Editor:

To create professional-looking travel videos for TikTok, it is essential to choose the right video editor. Several video editing tools offer a range of features, including trimming, transitions, filters, and effects. Look for user-friendly interfaces, intuitive controls, and compatibility with TikTok’s video specifications to streamline your editing process.

Tips for Shooting Travel Videos:

When capturing footage for your travel videos, keep these tips in mind:

Plan your shots: Outline the key elements you want to include in your video to ensure a cohesive narrative.
Steady shots: Invest in a smartphone stabilizer or use a tripod to avoid shaky footage.

Natural lighting: Take advantage of natural light to enhance the visual appeal of your videos.

Enhancing Video Quality:

To make your travel videos stand out, consider enhancing their quality using the following techniques:

Color correction: Adjust the color temperature, saturation, and contrast to create a visually appealing aesthetic.
Stylize with filters: Apply filters to add mood and ambiance to your footage, but use them sparingly to maintain authenticity.

Adding Captions and Text:

Captions and text overlays can enhance storytelling and make your videos more accessible. Use concise and engaging captions that complement the visuals and convey the essence of your travel experience.

Utilizing Video Background Remover:

Sometimes, the background of your video may not align with the desired aesthetic. In such cases, use a video background remover tool to replace or remove the existing background and create a more polished look.

Incorporating Trendy Transitions and Effects:

Stay up to date with the latest trends on TikTok and incorporate them into your travel videos. Utilize trendy transitions, effects, and visual techniques to captivate your audience and make your videos visually appealing.

Adding Music and Sound Effects:

Sound is a crucial element in travel videos. Add background music or sound effects that complement the mood and theme of your footage. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions or use royalty-free music to avoid copyright issues.

Optimizing Video Length and Format:

For TikTok, keep your travel videos short and snappy, aiming for a duration between 15 and 60 seconds. Ensure your videos are in a vertical format, as TikTok is primarily designed for mobile viewing.

Using Hashtags and Descriptions:

To maximize your video’s reach and visibility, include relevant hashtags and descriptive captions. Research popular travel-related hashtags and incorporate them strategically into your video descriptions.

Collaborating with Influencers:

Consider collaborating with influencers or fellow content creators who share a similar niche or audience. Collaborations can help you expand your reach, gain exposure to new audiences, and create unique content through a fresh perspective.

Engaging with the TikTok Community:

Engagement is vital on TikTok. Respond to comments, participate in challenges, and actively engage with the TikTok community. Building genuine connections can increase your following and help your travel videos gain traction.

Creating the perfect travel videos for TikTok requires a combination of creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of the platform’s dynamics. By utilizing the right video editing tools, and shooting techniques, and engaging with the TikTok community, you can showcase your travel experiences in a visually captivating and influential way. Start capturing your adventures, experimenting with editing techniques, and let your travel videos take flight on TikTok.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. can i edit my travel videos directly within the tiktok app.

Yes, TikTok provides basic editing features, but for more advanced editing options, it’s recommended to use dedicated online video editors.

2. Are there any copyright restrictions on using music in TikTok videos?

Yes, TikTok has strict guidelines regarding copyrighted music. Ensure you have the necessary permissions or use royalty-free music to avoid copyright issues.

3. How can I make my travel videos more engaging and shareable?

Focus on storytelling, use visually appealing techniques, incorporate popular trends, and engage with the TikTok community to make your videos more shareable.

4. Can I make money from creating travel videos on TikTok?

Yes, TikTok offers monetization opportunities through its Creator Fund, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing collaborations.

5. Is it essential to have expensive equipment to create high-quality travel videos for TikTok?

No, you can create impressive travel videos using just your smartphone and a few affordable accessories like stabilizers or tripods.

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Document a Day in Your Life While on Vacation

As you're spending your days lounging on the beach or exploring new cities, documenting those moments can be a fun way to capture your vacation.

If you're traveling with friends or family, include them in your video as much as possible. This will help viewers feel like they're right there with you, experiencing the sights and sounds of your destination. Try to film everything – from waking up in the morning to getting to bed at night. If there's something interesting happening that day, be sure to capture it on camera.

By filming everything from the moment you wake up to when you go to bed, you'll have an amazing compilation of footage. Plus, it's a great way to reflect on your trip once you're back home.

Share Interesting Facts About the Place You're Visiting

Traveling to new places is always an adventure. Every destination has its own unique culture, history, and landscape. There's something strangely intriguing about learning a little bit more about a destination beyond what meets the eye.

For example, making a video of Rome and highlighting the history of how it’s built on seven hills. Or Venice, Italy which is made up of 100 islands. A travel video that talks about cool facts will make it an engaging and enriching experience for the viewer.

Top 10 Travel Videos Ideas for TikTok and Instagram Reels

Capture Unique and Exciting Activities you Participate in While Traveling

When most people think of traveling, they imagine sightseeing and visiting historical landmarks. But there's so much more to explore. Don't just focus on the sights and sounds of your destination; get creative and make your travel video stand out from the rest by considering incorporating unique and exciting activities you can participate.

Whether it's rafting down a treacherous river or scaling a cliff face, these clips will add an element of excitement and intrigue that will keep viewers engaged.

Film People Enjoying the Local Food and Culture

To spice up your travel videos, consider incorporating some shots of the local food and culture. Anyone who's been to a foreign country can tell you that one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the native culture is by eating the local cuisine. A very easy way to share this cultural experience with others is by creating a TikTok video or Instagram reel featuring local restaurants who serve native dishes.

To all my Anthony Bourdain fans out there, it can also be a lot of fun to explore different culinary traditions. Who knows, you might even find yourself enjoying some unusual dishes. Foodie travel has a loyal following because so many of us like to eat well on vacation. Bon appétit!

Take Drone Footage of Stunning Landscapes or Cityscapes

While there are many different ways to explore new places, nothing quite beats the view from high up in the sky. And thanks to drones, we now have a way to get amazing aerial footage of landscapes and cityscapes like never before.

Drones offer a unique perspective that can turn a mundane travel video into an inspiring work of art. Whether you're looking at snow-capped mountains or the hustle and bustle of a city skyline, drone videos offer a unique perspective on familiar landmarks. From up high, everything looks different — more beautiful, more impressive. It's no wonder that drone videography has become so popular over the last few years.

My best friend is a YouTube content creator and when we travel she packs her travel drone which is very lightweight and compact . I love incorporating her short drone clips into my own videos to make them pop!

Share Your Most Helpful Tips for Traveling on a Budget

Seeing various places and experiencing different cultures is a fascinating way to broaden your horizons. But traveling can also be expensive, so it's critical to make the most of your money while you're on the road.

If you've discovered a clever way to save money on travel, try creating content about it and sharing it with your followers. There’s an entire culture around budget traveling and money saving hacks for frugal and savvy travelers. Make sure to include relevant hashtags such as #budgettravel and #travelhacks.

Viewers Really Love Fall & Holiday Travel

When the summer is over and the fall season begins, there’s a kind of magic in the air. In the autumn months we love everything pumpkin-related, comfy and cozy vibes, sweater weather and of course Halloween. Fall lovers enjoy watching videos with pumpkin patches, fall fashion OOTDs for travel, fall foliage, Halloween destinations and more. See my guide to fall content ideas on the blog . I’ve also created a fall-themed hashtag guide to help your content get discovered by new viewers. Use my recommended tactics to grow your audience.

After Halloween is done, we start with preparations for Thanksgiving which is the beginning of the holiday season. Because so many people have a break from school and work, the holiday season can be a popular travel time. Not to mention that there’s so many sought after holiday places to travel. The Christmas decor, twinkling lights, jolly music and general merriment of the holidays makes it a memorable time to plan a getaway. Bonus points if you go visit the snow for a white Christmas! See my guide to holiday-themed content on the blog .

Document the Process of Packing for a Trip

People have a fascination with watching videos on how to pack for a trip. They can see what works for others and get ideas for their own packing lists. This is a simple way to avoid packing mistakes and maximize space in your luggage.

Start by making a list of everything you will need and then sorting the items into categories. Remember to pack light — you don't want to be overloaded with bags when you're trying to enjoy your vacation.

This is also a great way to incorporate fashion outfit ideas for specific destinations. Think dresses and swimsuits for a tropical island like Hawaii or sweaters and boots for New York City in the fall .

Travel to Hidden, Under the Radar & Off the Beaten Path Destinations

The problem with popular tourist destinations is that you’ll be dealing with crowds of people and over-priced hotels. There’s a growing trend in travel where adventurers are looking to discover rarely seen places such as abandoned ghost towns , hidden hiking trails and swimming water holes . Because these are usually hard to find or difficult to access places, making videos about your visit can garner the attention of many new curious followers.

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Tourism

With sustainability on the top of everyone’s minds, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly tourism is on the rise. Popular hotel booking sites such as Booking.com features hotels that have been awarded the status of “ Travel Sustainable Properties ”. On the left hand side of their website you can see the sustainable hotels filter option .

A fun video idea could be to feature a hotel’s sustainable products and practices, showcasing how they are doing their part to be friendlier to the environment.

repurposing evergreen content

There's something about travel videos that makes people want to hit the road. Whether it's watching someone else explore a new place or getting a sneak peek at its highlights, the video seems to inspire wanderlust in all of us. Maybe we can chalk it up to that old FOMO feeling, but travel videos are a great way to reach new audiences.

On a final note, creating social media videos are a great way to repurpose evergreen content and get the most bang for your buck with the videos and photos that you’ve already taken the time to shoot. If you’ve shot photos and videos from vacations in the past, use creative techniques to make them look fresh and new in a TikTok or Instagram Reel video. I wouldn’t be surprised if you had some hidden gem content buried in your old phones or SD cards. So get started filming today!

Shop Video Filming and Editing Essentials:

Presets for Videos & Photos

Presets are a super helpful editing tool to help you create a consistent look and feel to your photos and videos. Select a preset that matches your brands aesthetics and easily use the same one over and over again in post production. Of all the online marketplaces for editing tools, Etsy has the best and cutest presets available for purchase.

DSLR Mirrorless Digital Camera

I am a loyal Canon photographer and I use my Canon EOS 6D body with a Canon EF 35mm Wide Angle Lens to shoot all my still photos and some videos too. A high quality camera is the best investment I ever made in my content creator career journey.

Foldable Ring Light and Cell Phone Holder

Foldable Ring Light & Cell Phone Tripod

Having a ring light and cell phone tripod can really increase the quality of your videos by brightening them up and providing better hands-free angles for filming. For travel you want to find tripods that fold-up and are compact to fit easily into your suitcase.

See More Content Creator Ideas on the Blog:

The Complete Guide to Launching Your Podcast

The Complete Legal Guide for Professional Bloggers

Bloggers' Guide to Photo Styling with Props

How to Pitch to Hotels as a Blogger

Over 200 Cute + Cool Girl Los Angeles Captions and Quotes for Instagram

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Inside the rise of TikTok travel: why a generation of travellers are planning their trips on the app

“I saw it on TikTok”: words spoken countless times a day, often to be met with disapproving, rolling eyes. The ground-breaking social media platform may not be the most reliable source for news or politics, but when it comes to travel, you may want to rethink any assumptions.

At 20 years old, I still have much to learn about travelling and even more of the world left to explore – but as a budding travel writer and Traveller’s summer intern, I can confidently speak on TikTok. As part of the generation dubbed ‘digital natives’, I’ve grown up in a world where any destination is just a few clicks away, and now TikTok is elevating my – and my peers' – holiday-planning game.

Woman sitting on the meadow in Swiss Alps using smartphone during the hike

It’s not just me using the tech giant for travel either. TikTok recently reported that 71 per cent of its European users were booking holidays using recommendations from the platform. Experienced Gen Z traveller Abena, who has an impressive 230K following on her TikTok account @travellingtuesdays , can vouch for the app too. “TikTok is where I can find recommendations that I wouldn’t necessarily discover through Google,” Abena explains. “It has actually helped me go off the beaten path and avoid crowds.”

Gone are the days of planning holidays based on blurry pictures and unverified reviews. Instead, you can find concise insider tips, itineraries formed for every occasion and immersive videos that make you feel as though you've already arrived at your destination. The catch? You need to tap into a predominantly Gen Z platform to access it all.

Since its global launch in 2018, TikTok has grown an audience of over 1 billion users , making waves among younger generations in particular with 70 per cent of users aged under 34. Its impact reaches beyond the platform's users, forcing businesses to consider the booming trends and new marketing opportunities, with some companies more successful than others. RyanAir, for instance, captured the attention of millions when their light-hearted spoofs went viral, while Duolingo found a whole new audience of wannabe linguists when their green owl mascot became a social media celebrity.

If you're yet to join TikTok, planning a holiday on the app might seem like a strange idea, but for me it has become the first port of call for all my travel needs. I have tried and tested TikTok as the ultimate tour guide, whether looking for new London restaurants , planning a jam-packed Copenhagen city break or exploring the best backpacking routes. Don’t just take it from me – the 728,000 British people who have posted holiday content in the last year would agree that if you haven’t explored TravelTok yet, I can guarantee you are missing out.

View over River Seine showing typical Parisienne architecture. Work began on Notre Dame

How popular is TikTok for travel?

To put it into perspective, TikTok posts shared with a #holiday tag have racked up an impressive 3 billion global views in the last month alone. From weekly itineraries to restaurant recommendations, travel videos are constantly trending on the platform, but with 60 per cent of these viewers aged between 18 and 24, it seems mainly Gen Z is tapping into this treasure trove of content.

How is Gen Z using TikTok for travel?

When even a senior VP at Google confesses that almost 40 per cent of young people go to social media first when looking for a restaurant, it’s clear that people are changing the way they browse. According to Adobe , 64 per cent of Gen Z are now using TikTok as a search engine. When it comes to travel, this may be to find inspiration, check reviews or even plan an entire holiday bucket list .

The best holiday destinations in October

Itinerary expert @traveller_bucketlist is a popular search result, with their ‘How to spend 3 days in…’ videos receiving 4.3 million views for New York , 7.2 million for Paris , and 8.7 million for London . Content creator Abena has also built a following through sharing her travel tips and itineraries. “I’ve had people plan their whole trip around my recommendations!” she tells us. As the Gen Z alternative to a guidebook, the platform attracts huge audiences with its visual-focused advice, delving into a destination within seconds.

Beautiful and delicious italian gelato in waffle cone in front of streets and bridges of Venice. Ice cream in girls...

How is the travel industry using TikTok?

It’s no longer just celebrities and influencers going viral. Restaurants, shops and other notable attractions are becoming overnight hits too. I will never forget when I discovered SUSO, a gelateria in Venice offering a mouth-watering selection of ice cream to be enjoyed with a nearby view of the floating city’s glistening canals, on TikTok. Little did I know this highly-anticipated stop on my trip to Venice would come with a crowd flooding out the doors – a queue of TikTok users who clearly had the same idea as me.

The meaning of ‘viral’ is taken to the extreme on TikTok, which can have its downfalls. A popular category on the app is ‘hidden gems’, sharing highlights of local and undiscovered culture. The problem is that when these ‘gems’ trend on TikTok, they no longer remain ‘hidden’, and the most authentic experiences quickly become oversaturated by tourists.

On the flip side, some travel brands have seen the potential of going viral as a lucrative opportunity. As mentioned, RyanAir is a surprising TikTok star, with 2.3 milliom followers and posts reaching as many as 15 million views. The airline shot to fame for their tongue-in-cheek videos mocking themself and their passengers, a risky strategy which paid off. Using facial filters and trending comedy soundtracks, their less-is-more style kept followers entertained rather than offended, and the airline is now one of the most influential brands on the entire platform.

Shot of a young couple using a mobile phone on a road trip

Why is TikTok better than other social media platforms?

I know what you’re thinking. First, there was MySpace, then Instagram, and now TikTok. Is this just the latest craze in the natural course of digital evolution, destined to have a short-lived stint at keeping the youngest generation entertained until they grow up?

Maybe. But growing engagement in older generations indicates that TikTok may become the breakthrough social media which caters to all ages. TikTok Insights reports that 92 per cent of Millennial and 83 per cent of Gen X and Baby Boomer users from the UK take action following the content they see. This social media is successfully inspiring audiences of all ages, and so, when used correctly, can be a powerful tool for influencing all curious travellers.

So what gives TikTok an edge? The videos are short-form, suitable for busy lives and short attention spans, and accompanied by music, immersing viewers in a multi-sensory experience. The algorithm is powerful, too, giving people an ultra-personalised experience. Look up ‘ things to do in Tuscany ’ just once, and your feed will be flooded with mouthwatering pasta dishes and romantic vineyards.

Girl looking at view of medieval village in Tuscany

However, with offshoots like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels mimicking the short-form video format, the area TikTok really excels in is authentic story-telling. Posts are centred around the content creator, with the acronym ‘POV’ (point of view) being one of the most commonly used captions. “I personally do a lot of voiceover videos so I can share my full experience and opinions,” Abena explains when asked how she makes her content. “Gen Z wants to find honest reviews from those with first-hand experience.”

Particularly with the long task of planning a holiday, users look for real people giving real insights in an engaging way. More so than other social media, TikTok creates a space where anyone can get traction, so travel brands, experienced influencers and even first-time travellers blend together in this open-access and diverse pool of reviews.

TikTok content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

How to get started on TikTok

For all the non-users now tempted by this social media powerhouse (I’m looking at you, Millennials), here are some top tips to ease you into TravelTok.

Look for inspiration

Start by simply exploring what’s out there. The platform provides an endless stream of montages showcasing the most dreamy places in the world, guaranteed to spark the wanderlust of all its users. Be open-minded to the content guiding your travel, and you may discover destinations beyond your wildest dreams.

Try a specific search

From offbeat islands to tiny vintage stores, it’s difficult to find something that has not been on TikTok before. Don’t hold back from searching an obscure restaurant you just booked, as chances are someone will have reviewed it or, at the very least, posted some visuals. While quality varies from influencer films to locals trying their hand at vlogging, it is always useful to see a place through the eyes of a real person.

Don’t fall for the viral traps

When somewhere is labelled ‘viral’ on TikTok, chances are that eager crowds will follow. The platform’s clever algorithm keeps TikTok at the forefront of trends, meaning places quickly blow up while others are left overshadowed. Dig a little deeper into the app for alternatives which may have attracted less hype, but are just as worthy of the attention. If the place at the top of your bucket list has gone viral, go at off-peak times to avoid the inevitable queues.

Verify your sources

As much as I advocate for TikTok itineraries, it’s always good to finish off with a little independent research to map out exactly how your day will look. After all, TikTok is social media made up of unregulated and independent voices, so remember that the content you consume has not been fact-checked. A quick web search will help to make sure your travel plan is feasible or even real, as well as find the most up-to-date opening times, transport links and prices.

Don’t pre-visit your trip

Seeing something on screen will never beat the experience of seeing it in the flesh. Once you’ve settled on your place and itinerary, resist the temptation to watch all the clips that the algorithm will inevitably bombard you with. Uncovering a place's quirks is what makes travel memorable, so make sure to leave yourself some surprises on the day.

How to Create Unforgettable TikTok Travel Videos

By Erick Tomaliwan

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Another app? It’s one more thing to add to your social media marketing strategy for tourism . But, before you write it off, I’ll share why it’s worth your time as a tour operator to create TikTok tours.

TikTok is a short-form video app designed to ‘inspire creativity and bring joy,’ featuring personalized content tailored to individuals — meaning no two feeds are the same.. With in-app editing, digestible videos and a high-reach potential, it’s worth a second look.

Built upon sharing short-form content, TikTok videos can be divided into two segments – edu-tainment and informational.

A quick snapshot of TikTok’s statistics: the platform has 800(!) million active users with a primary demographic of 16-39-year-olds. Videos are limited to a maximum of 60 seconds . So, if you’re a travel brand in the business of attracting people from all over the world, this is a pretty amazing virtual space to be in.

Why TikTok for travel brands?

As one of the leading social sharing apps, TikTok keeps on growing. Rising to fame during quarantine, TikTok started attracting travel-hungry millennials beyond the digital-savvy Generation Z group.

Authentic, story-driven content is key on this visual platform, making it ideal for tour and activity operators. The home feed works by integrating new and popular content as you refresh.

Videos will have an increased chance of being seen by more viewers by using location-specific hashtags alongside your company name and the activities your business offers. The beauty of TikTok is its ability to reach multiple demographics on a massive scale with each post acting as an opportunity to share, connect and inspire.

Creating TikTok-friendly tours

As a tour operator, you see first hand how much people love to document their travel experiences with photo and video. Creating opportunities for guests to make use of TikTok while out adventuring is a savvy move to attract, engage with and delight your visitors.

Imagine you have guests excited about documenting the scenery or a wild animal they spot while out on tour. Building in a bit of time at each location is a thoughtful way for guests to capture fun moments as they happen, highlighting what makes your tours and activities worth booking.

You can imagine how amazing it is for guests to see a massive whale pod cruise by while you’re kayaking or exploring on paddle boards, so grant customers the opportunity to capture these moments in real-time.

If you’re focused on connecting with your audience and allowing more people to discover what you offer, these short, personality-driven clips are a fresh, fun way to share content with a broader audience.

Close up of traveler using smartphone taking a Tiktok travel video at Eiffel Tower

TikTok is also an ideal platform for showcasing Sneak Peek Virtual Tours. With guests sharing 15-second video clips from their perspective, it will inspire cooped-up travelers to keep watching. Short, fun videos invite connection and help you to resonate with your guests.

Invite your guests to tag you on TikTok and Instagram with geo-tags. Encourage your guides to share a day-in-the-life from their point of view while out on tour or film while highlighting a noteworthy location.

Showing faces behind the brand helps create trust, making it easier for guests to feel like they can document their own experience in real-time. This heightens the opportunity for more people to see what your business offers.

How to train tour guides on TikTok

Learning how to make a TikTok video is a process of trial and error. Start with the back or front-facing camera. Vertical content performs best on TikTok, so the focus is on recording a steady shot with clear audio.

Fortunately, some of the most popular content on TikTok involves – and I bet you can guess – pets and travel. TikTok has plenty of videos featuring videos listing ‘top 10’ travel locations and clips of people watching their washing machine during COVID-19 while pretending to be looking out an airplane window.

With the anticipated surge of travel post-COVID, think of opportunities to inspire guests to visit by inviting them into your world through short videos. If you search travel on TikTok, you will observe people acknowledging pent-up travel demand during quarantine by showcasing beautiful views or fun activities meant to inspire wanderlust.

Transporting people visually with a quip or funny caption, especially in the world of social media, is marketing gold. Tapping into short attention spans with fun, digestible and relatable content is a way for your company to attract new guests on a global scale. Part of the reason the platform is so addictive is that the videos are entertaining and super short.

High-quality, hyper-polished content is not the goal with TikTok. Driven by people with a camera built into their phones, this is a playground for content creators, influencers and travelers alike. A bit of humour and value-based content goes a long way.

Young asian woman taking a TikTok video at an outdoor market

6 creative TikTok tourism ideas

Encourage guests to capture animals in their videos. Animals are amazing for creating waves of delight on the feed
Tips/tricks and life hacks are useful angles to prep guests ahead of visiting your destination
Allow guests to film activities in action on a big adventure day
If you operate walking or food tours, highlight a few viewpoints guests will see while on tour with you
Create a video including what to pack for a trip along with ‘must-have’ items
Start a TikTok travel challenge that’s specific to your destination

Steps for making TikTok travel videos

Finding yourself lost for ideas? Some videos have hundreds of thousands (and some with millions) of views and you’ll want to follow these steps :

Scan TikTok’s home feed to explore popular content
Explore different hashtags to get a sense for high-performing content
Off-the-cuff moments are winners in this space so focus on being helpful and laidback
Start filming as if you’ll be sharing with a single person, keeping your video lighthearted
Aim to record for 15-30 seconds at a time and save to the TikTok gallery
Adjust recording filters, add sound and text to your video
Press publish and be sure to add a caption along with geotags. Have fun!

How to make your TikTok videos better

Imagine yourself in the viewer’s shoes — you’re probably much more likely to get excited about a new adventure if you already feel connected to the company and who’s behind it. Quick tidbits like getting ready for the day or highlighting something you think people might want to know in advance are valuable.

Anything can be made entertaining with some catchy music and delightful edits. The app performs best with vertical videos. Encourage tour guides to capture guests enjoying the moment by recording for 15-60 seconds as a memento of their trip.

There are two ways for users to enjoy the social video sharing platform — either by re-editing existing content or by creating original content.

Remember, these videos are not meant to be a deep-dive. A glimpse into what your company offers with some behind-the-scenes is a great starting point on the app with a big investment of time and money. The focus is on creating quick, fun and enjoyable content — anything to inspire daydreaming or a lighthearted tip. Learn five tips to create attention-grabbing videos on TikTok.

Play around with what gets eyeballs on your TikTok tourism feed. Feel free to ask for ‘the close’ or give viewers a call-to-action for them to explore your website and maybe even book with your company simply because your videos are fun to watch.

Young blonde female watching TikTok travel video while exploring European city

As a platform that rewards entertaining content, TikTok contains a wealth of easy-to-create, relatable content without investing in videos with a high production cost.

Focus on encouraging guests to post TikTok videos with an amazing view or focusing on a savvy tip that you think fellow guests might appreciate. This approach makes it seem like you’re inside customer’s heads before they even step foot in your door and gives current guests a reason to share their experience online in a visually engaging way.

TikTok is designed to reward embellishment, humour and owning your brand, so have fun with recording and see what sticks. The social platform is not so much about promoting business as it is about showcasing personality.

TikTok for social media marketing

TikTok is a visually stimulating app with a user-friendly design. The in-app editing makes it easy to record separately and stitch clips together with ease. An added benefit of TikTok is in repurposing content. While the algorithm in TikTok is a bit of a mystery, videos grow organically and can see impressive reach , but views don’t necessarily mean results.

You can download the short videos to share on other platforms like Instagram Reels and Stories. Adding a series of videos to your tourism Youtube channel , especially if you want to experiment with “Shorts,” may help boost your discoverability. Cross-pollination on multiple social platforms creates more opportunities for people to find you.

TikTok is a foray into user-generated content (UGC) where savvy tour operators can benefit from encouraging guests to share what they love. It’s ideal for filming and sharing short clips, which means it’s up to you and your team to create space for guests to capture their experience.

Key takeaways

Allot 1-2 hours per week to familiarize yourself with the platform, scanning and watching videos on the #ForYouFeed’
TikTok videos are a fantastic way for guests to showcase adventurous activities where the viewer can visualize themselves in the moment, with added personality and entertainment value. These videos can get to the heart of what makes your tour company exciting and worth booking with. You know your audience best, so experiment with creating content that inspires you
Use TikTok as a tool for showcasing the personality of your brand and your team. Any social platform’s goal is to position your company as a friendly, inviting option to prospective guests. TikTok is much more about ‘show and tell’ with a huge emphasis on fun, digestible content

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Your best travel tip just came from TikTok

Unfiltered advice and clever sustainable hacks are what draw travelers to this viral social media app.

The most viewed TikTok video of all time shows a young man, dressed up as a Hogwarts student, flying a magic broomstick in an industrial park. The 18-second snippet has been watched some 2.2 billion times.

But TikToks about travel haven’t taken off in the same way. Some reasons are obvious: Pandemic lockdowns have clipped the wings of traveling content makers. There are other reasons: The public appetite for glossy influencers posting jet-setting content from around the world seems to be waning.

Still, some creators have found novel ways to explore places that appeal to the TikTok audience and highlight off-the-beaten-path locations. Now, as people armed with vaccines delve into trip planning, the social media platform may end up changing how people approach travel.

This is especially true for American millennials and Gen Z, who are more likely to be on TikTok than other age groups. This cohort is spending more now , especially on travel and dining, than they were pre-pandemic. Their number presents an opportunity for the massively popular platform, which launched in the U.S. in 2018, hit two billion global downloads last August, and was the most downloaded app in 2020.

Two young women dancing in a busy square

It also presents challenges: Can TikTok’s talent for showing unfiltered bursts of life be harnessed to educate travelers without saturating destinations with unwanted attention, potentially leading to overtourism—or worse, sinking into the confusing morass of paid influencers and product placements?

Samanta Rosas, a 28-year-old creator from Houston, believes there’s a way to thread the needle: to produce videos that present destinations authentically, tell engaging little stories, and model responsible tourism.

On a trip to Mexico City , where she has relatives, Rosas posted a TikTok of Grutas Tolantongo , a resort location with heated pools in a box canyon a few hours north of the capital. While most of her posts get thousands of views, this TikTok, showcasing the area’s natural beauty, struck a chord and eventually received more than 3.5 million views.

“A lot of my family has been there,” she says. “People from Mexico go there, but it’s a hidden gem for tourists.”

( Here’s how you can travel sustainably .)

Surfacing unexpected places

On TikTok, users typically spend time on the “For You” page, an algorithm-driven selection of videos based on what the user has watched in the past. Unlike YouTube or Instagram, which surface specific accounts users already follow, TikTok users interact more with new accounts, creating opportunities for creators to be found by new audiences.

For this reason, unexpected content, like Davud Akhundzada’s videos of his trip to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan , can reach global audiences. Based in Prague, Akhundzada, 27, has run a YouTube account for years, gathering a few thousand followers. But after his TikTok video showing him at the dried-up Aral Sea went viral, he picked up 100,000 new followers in a month.

“Americans are really interested in this geographical area,” Akhundzada says. “And they are interested in a unique story.” While he would love to become a full-time traveler, he does not want to become an Instagram-style influencer, and would make TikToks whether or not they bring him money. “I have zero revenue from TikTok,” he says. “But it’s fun for me.”

Like other social media platforms, TikTok includes users who have made full-time careers posting content by partnering with brands or doing advertisements. Alex Ojeda , who has more than six million followers, is one of them.

Based in Austin, Ojeda, 19, has always loved traveling, but started on the platform doing dances and funny sketches. Eventually he realized that travel could be part of what he shared on his account. His TikTok of a hike up Koko Head Trail, in Oahu, Hawaii, starts with the expected beauty shots at the top, but then shows how hard the climb is to get there . He has since partnered with destinations and says he feels driven to help places bounce back after more than a year of limited business.

But there’s a difference in the feel of TikTok videos—they are looser, and less retouched and idealized. This appeals to travelers now, according to Ellie Bamford of RGA, an innovation consultancy.

“All of our crisis habits have led to permanent shifts in behavior. The perfectly manicured influencer look is suddenly not so appealing—it isn’t in tune with what we were experiencing,” she says. “When it comes to travel, it’s about the culture, what the cuisine is like, how to think about traveling sustainably.”

Celebrating hometowns

On most social platforms, travel problems, such as overtourism , can get glossed over; on TikTok they get called out. One reason for this is that the platform’s audience is generally younger and more socially engaged than on other platforms, according to Joon Park, a senior cultural strategist at Sparks & Honey, a cultural consultancy firm.

“They are concerned about ethical consumerism and travel,” Park says. “TikTok is going to drive responsible tourism, especially in light of a pandemic.”

These concerns have allowed content to flourish from people showing off their hometowns, with authenticity “considered as a status symbol on TikTok,” Park says. “They are local celebrities because of their knowledge of the cities that they inhabit.”

New Orleanian Lansa Fernandez, 24, had been posting about fashion on TikTok but started to focus on his favorite dining spots right before the lockdowns began. His first video, about snacks he ate growing up , got hundreds of thousands of views, thanks to his straight-talking charm. A typical quip: “I know y’all going to judge me, but I don’t really care!” He has since turned more of his attention to highlighting other restaurants in his city, including a quick tour of his favorite vegan spot (“although I’m not even vegan”).

“People don’t want to do the touristy stuff,” he says. “They want the real New Orleans .” Now that the city is opening up, he wants to spotlight clubs that play bounce music, a homegrown style of hip-hop, and other authentic experiences that won’t show up at the top of a YouTube search.

( New Orleans’ historic architecture is uniquely suited for pandemic living .)

One reason for the growth of travel TikToks is that they successfully impart useful advice. After being fully vaccinated, N’Taezha Davis went to Houston last month with a friend and scoured TikTok for ideas. The bars and restaurants the 25-year-old discovered on TikTok—Hungry Like the Wolf, FAO, and Present Company—were all hits. They even impressed the local friend she visited. “She hadn’t heard of any of the places we found,” Davis says.

Davis is now planning a trip to San Francisco with the help of TikTok tips. “TikTok is going to give you the hole-in-the-walls and the mom-and-pop shops that provide more of an experience,” she says. “You find some of the best-kept secrets on TikTok.”

The new travel agent

The easiest way to start travel planning with TikTok is to follow a hashtag, such as #Mexico or #rollercoasters. Not all of what comes up will be about travel, but even locals doing dances or fawning over a movie star can give travelers a sense of the place they are interested in visiting.

( Here’s why planning a trip can help your mental health .)

A whole genre of travel tips can be found under #travelhack, such as Salt Lake City -based flight attendant Kat Kamalani ’s series of hotel and airplane hacks. She offers advice on how to check into a hotel safely or what drinks to avoid on planes . (Although some viewers don’t always agree with her tips.)

Young people dancing, a large stadium in the background

Travel brands, destinations, and publishers are in on the action. While this brings a diversity of colorful coverage, users should take note of video sources and potential commercial interests. [Disclosure: TikTok helped National Geographic launch an account this year.]

As TikTok’s algorithm learns more about your preferences, the platform reveals more secrets, in the form of unexpected (and sometimes unvarnished) videos. This serendipitous approach mirrors what makes discovering a new destination so rewarding in the first place.

Jackie Snow is a technology and travel writer based in Washington, D.C. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram .

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Inside the Rise of TikTok Travel

“I saw it on TikTok”: words spoken countless times a day, often to be met with disapproving, rolling eyes. The social media platform may not be the most reliable source for news or politics, but when it comes to travel, you may want to give it a chance.

At 20 years old, I still have much to learn about traveling and even more of the world left to explore—but as a budding travel writer and Traveler’s summer intern, I can confidently speak on TikTok. As part of the generation dubbed “digital natives,” I’ve grown up in a world where any destination is just a few clicks away, and now TikTok is elevating my—and my peers'—holiday-planning game.

It’s not just me using the tech giant for travel either. TikTok recently reported that 71 percent of its European users were booking holidays using recommendations from the platform. Experienced Gen Z traveler Abena, who has an impressive 230,000-person following on her TikTok account @travellingtuesdays , can vouch for the app too. “TikTok is where I can find recommendations that I wouldn’t necessarily discover through Google,” Abena explains. “It has actually helped me go off the beaten path and avoid crowds.”

Gone are the days of planning holidays based on blurry pictures and unverified reviews. Instead, you can find concise insider tips, itineraries formed for every occasion, and immersive videos that make you feel as though you've already arrived at your destination. The catch? You need to tap into a predominantly Gen Z platform to access it all.

Since its global launch in 2018, TikTok has grown an audience of over 1 billion users , making waves among younger generations in particular with 70 percent of users aged under 34. Its impact reaches beyond the platform's users, forcing businesses to consider the booming trends and new marketing opportunities, with some companies more successful than others. RyanAir, for instance, captured the attention of millions when their light-hearted spoofs went viral, while Duolingo found a whole new audience of wannabe linguists when their green owl mascot became a social media celebrity.

If you're yet to join TikTok, planning a holiday on the app might seem like a strange idea, but for me it has become the first port of call for all my travel needs. I have tried and tested TikTok as the ultimate tour guide, whether looking for new London restaurants , planning a jam-packed Copenhagen city break, or exploring the best backpacking routes. Don’t just take it from me—the 728,000 British people who have posted holiday content in the last year would agree that if you haven’t explored TravelTok yet, you are missing out.

How popular is TikTok for travel?

To put it into perspective, TikTok posts shared with a #holiday tag have racked up an impressive 3 billion global views in the last month alone. From weekly itineraries to restaurant recommendations, travel videos are constantly trending on the platform, but with 60 percent of these viewers aged between 18 and 24, it seems mainly Gen Z is tapping into this treasure trove of content.

How is Gen Z using TikTok for travel?

When a senior vice president at Google reveals that almost 40 percent of young people go to social media before a search engine when looking for a restaurant, it’s clear that people are changing the way they browse. According to Adobe , 64 percent of Gen Z are now using TikTok as a search engine. When it comes to travel, this may be to find inspiration, check reviews or even plan an entire holiday bucket list.

Itinerary expert @traveller_bucketlist is a popular search result, with their "How to spend three days in…’ videos receiving 4.3 million views for New York , 7.2 million for Paris , and 8.7 million for London . Content creator Abena has also built a following through sharing her travel tips and itineraries. “I’ve had people plan their whole trip around my recommendations!” she tells us. As the Gen Z alternative to a guidebook, the platform attracts huge audiences with its visual-focused advice, delving into a destination within seconds.

How is the travel industry using TikTok?

It’s no longer just celebrities and influencers going viral. Restaurants, shops and other notable attractions are becoming overnight hits too. I will never forget when I discovered SUSO, a gelateria in Venice offering a mouth-watering selection of ice cream to be enjoyed with a nearby view of the floating city’s glistening canals, on TikTok. Little did I know this highly-anticipated stop on my trip to Venice would come with a crowd flooding out the doors—a queue of TikTok users who clearly had the same idea as me.

The Current State of Tipping Etiquette in the United States

On the flip side, some travel brands have seen the potential of going viral as a lucrative opportunity. As mentioned, RyanAir is a surprising TikTok star, with 2.3 million followers and posts reaching as many as 15 million views. The airline shot to fame for their tongue-in-cheek videos mocking themself and their passengers, a risky strategy which paid off. Using facial filters and trending comedy soundtracks, their less-is-more style kept followers entertained rather than offended, and the airline is now one of the most influential brands on the entire platform.

Why is TikTok more popular than other social media platforms?

Maybe. But growing engagement in older generations indicates that TikTok may become the breakthrough social media which caters to all ages. TikTok Insights reports that 92 percent of Millennial and 83 percent of Gen X and Baby Boomer users from the UK take action following the content they see. This social media is successfully inspiring audiences of all ages, and so, when used correctly, can be a powerful tool for influencing all curious travelers.

So what gives TikTok an edge? The videos are short-form, suitable for busy lives and short attention spans, and accompanied by music, immersing viewers in a multi-sensory experience. The algorithm is powerful, too, giving people an ultra-personalized experience. Look up “ Tuscany ” just once, and your feed will be flooded with mouthwatering pasta dishes and romantic vineyards.

However, with offshoots like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels mimicking the short-form video format, the area TikTok really excels in is authentic story-telling. Posts are centered around the content creator, with the acronym "POV" (point of view) being one of the most commonly used captions. “I personally do a lot of voiceover videos so I can share my full experience and opinions,” Abena explains when asked how she makes her content. “Gen Z wants to find honest reviews from those with first-hand experience.”

Particularly with the long task of planning a holiday, users look for real people giving real insights in an engaging way. More so than other social media, TikTok creates a space where anyone can get traction, so travel brands, experienced influencers and even first-time travelers blend together in this open-access and diverse pool of reviews.

TikTok content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

How to get started on TikTok

For all the non-users now tempted by this social media powerhouse (I’m looking at you, Millennials), here are some top tips to ease you into TravelTok.

Look for inspiration

Try a specific search

Don’t fall for the viral traps

When somewhere is labeled “viral” on TikTok, chances are that eager crowds will follow. The platform’s clever algorithm keeps TikTok at the forefront of trends, meaning places quickly blow up while others are left overshadowed. Dig a little deeper into the app for alternatives which may have attracted less hype, but are just as worthy of the attention. If the place at the top of your bucket list has gone viral, go at off-peak times to avoid the inevitable queues.

Verify your sources

Don’t pre-visit your trip

A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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TikTok's algorithm is helping travelers discover the next hot vacation spot and lean into trends like 'destination dupes'

More TikTok users are using the app to find their next vacation, the company's travel lead told BI.
Companies have leveraged the destination dupes trend, promoting alternatives like Bruges over Paris.
And the app's algorithm suggests new destinations it thinks users might like.

TikTok is helping travelers find new places for a vacation as users increasingly use the app for search rather than just scrolling for entertainment.

That's according to Hannah Bennett, the travel lead in TikTok's global business solutions team. "People are now really leaning into TikTok to search for the next destination , where to travel, and who to fly with," she told Business Insider.

Bennett said that since 2021, TikTok has seen a fivefold increase in views of travel content. In a survey of UK users last year, 82% said the app inspired them to consider new destinations.

Bennett told BI the " destination dupes" trend has been noticeable, with users interested in a location that's "not completely off the beaten track, but somewhere that's a little bit more undiscovered."

Travel companies like Booking.com and Expedia have been leaning into the travel dupe hype with videos on the app promoting alternative destinations .

@bookingcom Idk about you but my idea of romance doesn’t involve crowds… ♬ original sound - Booking.com

As examples, Bennett pointed to people choosing to visit Albania or Montenegro instead of Greece or Italy, or the Slovenian capital Ljubljana instead of Prague. Taipei and Zanzibar have also recently seen more traction, she added.

Watch: While Delta's business is 'extremely robust,' the airline's marketing chief stays focused on the data

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Time To Start Posting Your Travel Content on TikTok

People love watching travel videos. For inspiration. For travel ideas and tips. Or simply to satisfy one’s wanderlust, particularly during post-COVID-19 days when many of us are still cautious about travelling. As such, it is not surprising that social media has catapulted travel content into the spotlight. Travel content on TikTok for example has been very well-received. In fact, the hashtag for #travel alone boasts over an amazing 100 billion views!

A popular and trending social media platform, TikTok is an app that lets you create short-form videos or vlogs. With more than 1 billion active users, TikTok grants you access to a wide audience.

If you’re looking to use TikTok for your business, head over to this corporate video production company for more tips.

While the production value for TikTok videos has been increasing, with some even hiring animation studios to produce engaging content, it doesn’t mean TikTok isn’t a place for beginners.

Here are a few reasons why you should start posting your travel content on TikTok.

1. Easy To Use

With how popular it is, it’s no surprise that TikTok is beginner-friendly. There’s no need for expensive equipment and gear. If you’re just starting out on TikTok, a mobile phone is good enough.

TikTok lets you film and edit your videos on the app itself so you don’t have to worry about using video editing software that you may not be familiar with.

However, if you’re looking for a video editing software that’s user-friendly, CapCut is a great choice. Owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, the two apps are meant to be used hand-in-hand. One of CapCut’s unique features includes importing your favourite TikTok tunes.

TikTok encourages you to film anytime and anywhere and it’s a great way to learn the basics of videography and video editing.

2. Curate Your Memories

If pictures capture a moment in time, videos capture time itself. TikTok lets you compile all the exciting highlights from your latest travels into a bite-sized video.

Within a short snippet, you get to relive the best moments from your travels. Of course, that’s not to say you can only include the glamorous times.

Even unfiltered and “unaesthetic” content make for great memories. Travel isn’t always charming and audiences would also love to see the real and authentic side of travel content.

If you don’t want your unedited videos to ruin your TikTok feed, simply change the view settings to friends only.

3. Share Your Travel Tips

Whether you’re a frequent traveller or not, you might know of a few underrated travel tips. TikTok is a great platform to share them with fellow travellers.

In fact, some of the best-kept secrets can be found on TikTok. From lesser known scenic spots to hole-in-the-wall eateries, scouring on TikTok can reward you with some hidden gems.

Viewers also tend to gravitate towards content that features the unexplored sides of a destination rather than its usual tourist attractions. It seems like TikTok audiences tend to favour content that feels less curated.

While it’s tempting to gatekeep your favourite secret spots, shining a spotlight on local businesses or venues might just be the publicity boost they needed.

4. Connect With Like-Minded People

TikTok’s algorithm may work in mysterious ways but we know that it will show your videos to people interested in your content. Posting your content on TikTok can help you reach out to fellow travel content creators, helping you gain new friends and viewers.

TikTok also makes it extremely easy for content creators to collaborate with each other. Features like TikTok stitch lets you combine videos from other creators to produce a new, original video. It’s an excellent tool to use if you want to add on to their content or engage with their following.

Other functions like TikTok duet lets you post your video side-by-side with another creator’s video. This is a great way of showing your response to their content and it’s also easy to use.

Collaborating with other creators on TikTok is simple and effortless, making it one of the best platforms to engage with like-minded people.

5. Grow Your Followers With Viral Videos

If you’re running a travel account, you’d naturally want more publicity and visibility. With how fast TikTok trends change, it can be hard to keep up with them. However, if your video does go viral, your follower count can explode overnight.

To increase your chances of going viral, the very first thing you should do is post frequently. Posting on a regular basis helps your video appear on more people’s feeds, amassing a larger audience.

Next, you should also find ways to create more engagement with your viewers. Through likes, shares or comments, the more engagement your videos receive, the likelier it is to go viral.

Of course, the most essential part of a viral video is the content itself. What makes a “good” video is incredibly subjective but if you manage to create content that strongly resonates with your audience, going viral is just a matter of time.

To kickstart your creative spark, here’s some inspiration from travel content creators on TikTok:

@renee.roaming.

Travel blogger and photographer Renee Hahnel’s TikTok is filled with her adventures. From mountain hikes to tours in national parks, her feed is a visual treat. She often captures gorgeous sceneries from the American wilderness and it’s a great source of inspiration if you plan to shoot landscapes. Some of her TikTok videos also rank some of the best US national parks and other TikTok content include photography and hiking tips.

For a more Singaporean flair, @ohsnapzit’s beautifully edited TikToks capture a lesser known side of Singapore. Thanks to her talented videography, her viewers see a Singapore that’s ethereal and dreamy, it’s one that’s filled with greenery and forest foliage. Recently, she has also posted more neighbourhood and event vlogs that feature the latest happenings in Singapore.

@parkingonthewildside

You can practically smell the flowers through your screen when you watch Aaron and Laura’s TikTok videos. The couple documents their van-life and travels in the European countryside. Their TikTok feed is carefully curated to maintain a consistent aesthetic feel. Think florals and cottagecore. For all the romanticists, their TikToks are made for you.

@blondieinchina

Don’t worry, the travel foodies are not forgotten! An adventurous eater, Amy is an Australian travel vlogger who’s based in China. Her TikToks mostly feature food and they take you on a colourful culinary trip throughout China. She covers some of the most beloved Chinese dishes but also some of the most bizarre. Going through her TikTok may be a wild ride but it’ll make you want to scramble to China for your next meal!

About the Author

Travel on TikTok: Top Trends, Longer Videos and the Future of Booking Trips

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

March 7th, 2024 at 10:56 AM EST

TikTok has become an influential force in travel discovery. Selling travel more directly would make it formidable.

Dawit Habtemariam

Millions of people look to TikTok every day to plan their next vacation. So airlines, destination marketers, and hotels create short videos on the platform to influence final booking decisions.

Over 60% of users in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland say they’re likely to book a holiday based on recommendations they’ve seen on TikTok, according to Stuart Flint , who heads TikTok’s global business solutions for Europe and Israel.

Flint spoke with Skift Wednesday after his on-stage presentation at ITB Berlin, the travel trade show.

Flint discussed the platform’s niche communities, TikTok’s tests of long-form videos, why some celebs struggle on the platform, tips for appealing to users, and other issues.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

How Travel Brands Work With TikTok

Skift: 2022 seemed like the year when travel brands really started using TikTok. How much has your travel advertising revenue grown since?

Flint: As they came out of Covid, people started to think about travel. They wanted to explore the world. People wanted just to get away. And then because TikTok was more front and center than previously, that’s why brands started to use it.

Inspiration is a big part of that. Certainly, using the search and the discovery bar has been a significant shift in the way people behave on the platform. So that inspiration piece is great.

Then there’s the education piece. The idea of airlines like EasyJet or Ryanair, for example, is to really have fun with the platform. They’re quite humorous but stay true to their brands. This also allows them to educate, whether it’s a pilot telling you about turbulence or something else, or sharing a little hack about how to use the sick bag on the back of your seat.

We don’t share any information about revenues. But I can tell you that there’s been some really interesting travel brands working with us.

Booking.com is a very key customer for us. Travel booking, destinations, and airlines have become really, really big for us. So we’ve seen a lot of growth.

By the way, that’s not just paid. They’re also investing a lot of their time and energy into organic.

Food, Fitness, Fashion: Travel Trends to Watch

Skift: Can you go into the diversity of the travel community on TikTok?

Flint: Food is one of the big trends that now bridges the gap between those communities. Travel is such an important part, but we understand that the second most popular reason to book was not just excursions but food and drink. People love to experience different cultures of food, whether it’s a market or it’s a backstreet restaurant.

Fitness is such a big community in itself. It’s about CrossFit but not necessarily related to travel. Some people like to go on travel experiences where it’s a healthy weekend where they’re keeping fit, and they’re eating great food, and they’re not drinking alcohol.

So this becomes this really huge trend now saying, ‘I just want to go up into mountains in Austria and just be zen, be at one with my body and where I have a really great weekend with my partner.’

Fashion and beauty are big communities on our platform, too, and they inspire what to wear when you go to the beach or to a certain destination. For example, how do I get that ‘Cali look’?

It’s really important for travel brands or travel companies to not just associate themselves with that one vertical of travel. You’ve got to be in all these areas and having conversations with users that are inspiring those travels. All of those communities will help drive any inspirational travel decision or purchase that they may make.

Honest Experiences Help Creators Thrive

Skift: What has been the evolution in the creativity of TikTok’s content creators?

Flint: What’s happening is we’re seeing more and more creators become more and more popular. They’re almost becoming celebrities in their own right. They used to be called influencers, but I don’t think they exist anymore. I think the celebrity effect on our platform isn’t there.

I don’t think celebrities necessarily thrive on TikTok in the same way that they do maybe on other platforms. As long as they’re incredibly authentic and they’re creating content that shows you especially travel the highs and the lows of any travel that you go on. It’s not all uphill all the time in beautiful and turquoise waters.

Sometimes, you have a really rough day. It’s not always going to be beautiful sunshine and mountains in the Alps. And so having those honest experiences is what helps creators thrive and become very, very popular, and then bringing that element of humor, which is often overlooked.

‘We’re Always Testing’

Skift: TikTok became successful in large part due to its short-form vertical format, but it has started to allow longer videos.

Flint: We’re testing that. We’re always testing. Right now, it’s a maximum of 10 minutes on the platform. Would we increase that again? I think if it was right.

Right now, we’re trialing the idea of moving and turning your phone 90 degrees and making it in landscape format rather than vertical.

So we’re trying all these things, I think, just to give a point of difference for creators and make it an enjoyable experience.

I remember seeing a video of a man just kind of experiencing the wilderness, and I think it was in the U.S. Imagine that in the landscape format. That’s the opportunity. We’re saying, well, we can bring more creativity to the way that you are constructing your videos.

‘Small Niche Communities Are Driving Mass Cultures Now’

Skift: Meta and Google have adopted short-form videos into Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, respectively. Can they copy your secret sauce?

Flint: When I look at other platforms, potentially they’re a much more glossy experience for me. It’s like reading a magazine, whereas TikTok, it’s authenticity and people being real with each other. It is hilarious.

The humor piece is important. If someone is taking themselves too seriously, you see a lot of responses to that on TikTok.

Being yourself is a plus. It’s a safe space for people to be themselves. And I think that’s what TikTok always stood out to be. You only have to look at the comment section when people are putting themselves out there actually being quite emotional about it.

The responses you get in the comments area are fantastic. People care about their communities and the communities are what’s driving TikTok. These communities are the lifeblood, and they support each other. And these communities, these small niche communities are driving mass cultures now, which I think is a wonderful experience.

Booking Travel on TikTok? ‘Watch This Space’

Skift: TikTok allows users to buy products directly on their platform. Why doesn’t TikTok allow travelers to book directly on the platform?

Flint: All I’ll say is ‘watch this space.’ We see commerce as a really important part of our growth. Commerce is going to be huge. Beauty and fashion are right now the areas where most people are thriving.

It’s fascinating how people interact not only with video content and other users but also how they’re interacting and making purchases based on those influences on a peer-to-peer recommendation.

People they trust that look like them, sound like them, are like them. They’re in the same community as them. And that same type of person, same sort of age. I trust that person and that’s a really cool outfit that they’re wearing or that’s a really cool adventure that they’re going on.

For example, about 60% of DAC [Germany, Austria, and Switzerland] users are more likely to book a holiday based on inspiration on the platform.

Travel ‘Dupes’ Trend

Skift: One thing tourism boards have liked about TikTok is that they can drive traffic to hidden gems without needing a large follower base.

Flint: That’s really the ‘travel dupes’ trend, where people are making recommendations on alternatives, more budgeted alternatives. Say, don’t think about Korea because that’s quite expensive to go to right now and the flight’s expensive. Go to Taipei instead. You’ll have a phenomenal experience both in terms of cuisine, both in terms of culture, of architecture. Someone saying that would be an example.

So, these alternative dupes are one of the big trends that we have started to see. And that’s helping small economies grow as well.

By the way, Taipei is not a small economy, but it’s certainly helping young businesses thrive because more people are going there. I didn’t really think about Taipei, but now I’ve been to Taipei and it’s incredible. It’s a great place to go.

Building a Trusted and Safe Environment

Skift: There’s been recent pushback from the European authorities in regards to data privacy and user safety. What do these recent developments mean for TikTok?

Flint: Well look, we are constantly talking to the European Commission. We’re constantly talking and having communication about how we can do better. I think that’s what we’re all trying to do. And the fact that this is happening is a really positive thing for the industry. By the way, our number one priority, the bedrock of everything we’re doing, is keeping our users safe. I really care about the communities that exist on our platform.

That’s not just about the content, by the way. It’s also about the brands and the importance that brands want to be associated around content that’s relevant to them but also equally incredibly safe.

We’ve now got 40,000 professionals who are effectively trust and safety employees who are looking out for those communities and those brands on our platform. And there are a number of tools that I can control as a parent that allow me to effectively make sure that my son or my daughter are kept safe. And there are a number of things that we’ve put in place that have put restrictions in place to make sure we’re keeping these people safe.

So, if you’re under 17, for example, there is no direct messaging. There are a number of different things that we’re doing that don’t necessarily get the headlines, but we’re always, always looking to build a much more trusted and safe environment for our users.

More context: TikTok Chips Away at Google’s Dominance in Travel Discovery

Skift’s Coverage of ITB Berlin 2024

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October 20, 2020

6 minute read

How Travel Agents Can Best Use TikTok

woman taking selfie in front of mobius arch

If there’s one thing we know about travel and social media, it’s that people absolutely love showing off their adventures. They’re living their best lives, vibing, posting pictures without filters, and generally filling their friends and followers with envy.

You as a travel agent play a key role in delivering these dream trips. You likely also know the power of social media as a tool to reach and interact with new and existing clients. While you should continue to leverage Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your business, there’s a newer social media platform you should strongly consider adding to your network: TikTok .

The video-sharing app has surged in popularity and now boasts more than 850 million monthly users, including 100 million in the United States. That’s a huge amount of potential clients, and most of them fall under a coveted demographic: Some 78% of active TikTok users are younger than 39 .

If you want to book more travel for millennials and Gen Zers then this is the place to reach them. And if you do TikTok well, you’ll not only grow your audience, but also help clients build their own travel social media brands.

Here’s how travel agents can best utilize TikTok.

General TikTok Tips

TikTok is informative, but more importantly, it's fun . It’s not formal. Brevity is essential, as no videos exceed 60 seconds in length. Some of the most successful videos are far shorter.

That means users make the most of their posts with informal statements, hashtags, and hyped language. For example, they describe travels as "adventures," a word that better encapsulates the spontaneity and excitement of the trip than "vacations," which a lot of younger travelers see as dated.

These distinctions are important to understand as you build your account, so when you start using TikTok really take note of the style and language choices that abound on the app. (There are some great resources to help you with the basics, such as this blog .)

To keep your own presence casual, your profile should include snippets of what you do instead of full sentences. It could read something like this:

Travel hacks Mexico the right way ⛱ Ready for adventure? Click below for my tips [With a link to your business page.]

You should also share your Instagram handle (and yes, you should be on Instagram) and throw in some emojis for good measure.

As far as who to follow, start out with small- to mid-size travel accounts. Check out what they do, and interact with engaging questions and comments. They’re far more likely to respond than large, branded accounts. Finally, track trends by checking in on travel hashtags: #travelhack, #traveltok, and #tiktoktravel, for example. Be active and learn. Soon you’ll carve out your niche.

Share Your Expertise

Sharing your expertise is about finding the right balance. After all, there’s an excellent chance TikTok’s youngest users, who have grown up in an online-booking world, don’t have any experience working with travel agents nor an understanding of their roles. If you fill your TikToks solely with booking information or the ins and outs of your profession, you probably won’t grow your audience.

However, if you mix in fun elements with useful information—the five must-have items when you’re heading to the beach, travel hacks you need to know, the shoes you didn’t know you needed, to name a few—you’ll find your followers are turning to you for more than just booking services. And that’s always the goal to cultivate lasting relationships.

Show Off Your Own Travels

Millennials and especially Gen Zers want to carve out their own paths. The classic locales, high-end hotels, and traditional hotspots don’t necessarily appeal to them. They’re interested in experiences and adventures that are off-the-beaten-path and authentic. If you find them a secret spot they can mark in some ways as their own, that’s ideal.

Keep that in mind as you share your own travels, whether it’s a hike to a beautiful view, a day at a secluded beach, or a city block filled with Instagrammable brick facades. Record video with the camera in front to give your viewers a point-of-view perspective. In doing so, you’ll convey that your trips are true personal excursions and not your run-of-the-mill vacations.

Build a Brand

Once you get the hang of TikTok, don’t be afraid to jump on the trends. Capitalizing on these and memes, so long as they’re done authentically, can boost your profile and establish you as a worthy follow. One example is the "What people think I do vs. what I actually do" meme. It’s an opportunity to show some personality while providing insight into your services, especially given that younger travelers may not know what travel agents actually do.

You can also build your own series, like a "Tuesday Travel Minute" or "Secret Day Trips From New York," or even advertise particularly hot deals the same day, every week.

No matter what you do, have fun with it. No young traveler looks forward to dealing with a booking engine, but they may be excited to speak more with you if you show them what you can offer.

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How the "very demure, very mindful" TikTok trend changed a content creator's life

Over the past week, jools lebron's viral video has helped to fund her gender transition, by kelly mcclure.

If scrolling TikTok over the past week has led to the words "demure" and "mindful" becoming part of your daily vocabulary, you're one of millions.

In her now-viral video , which has been recreated by numerous celebrities such as Penn Badgley , Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis , transgender influencer Jools Lebron gives beauty tips for how not to look like a clown at work and it's taken off to such a degree that the former cashier is now being flown all over the world to host events — earning enough money through her creativity to afford a life-changing procedure.

“I don’t come to work with a green cut-crease,” Lebron says in the video that started the trend which, as of Saturday, has over 3 million likes and hundreds of thousands of shares. “I don’t look like a clown when I go to work. I don’t do too much, I’m very mindful at work. See how I look very presentable? The way I came to the interview is the way I go to the job. A lot of you girls go to the interview looking like Marge Simpson and go to the job looking like Patty and Selma.”

Earlier this week, Lebron posted a new video explaining how her viral status has impacted her, encouraging her followers to pursue their dreams and post their own TikTok videos.

“One day, I was playing cashier and making videos on my break, and now I’m flying across countries to host events, and I’m gonna be able to finance the rest of my transition. TikTok has changed my life," she says.

One of TikTok's most popular restaurants is completely made up

Bistro Huddy has never served a single customer.

But the fictional restaurant created by Drew Talbert has amassed 4.5 million followers and 252.9 million likes on TikTok.

After coming up with the idea for Bistro Huddy in 2020, Talbert — a longtime server — and his wife have been able to quit their jobs to focus on growing their online brand full time. In addition to creating POV skits about what it’s like to work in a restaurant, Talbert earns money by selling Bistro Huddy merch, Patreon subscriptions and creating brand-sponsored content.

“We put ourselves in a financial situation we could have only dreamed of five years ago,” Talbert said. “We went from month to month, barely scraping by, to now be[ing] able to save for retirement.”

From his nine streams of Bistro Huddy-related income, Talbert said he earns in the “upper six-figures range annually.” With the money he’s earned, he and his wife have been able to become homeowners.

In an increasingly fractured media landscape, social media influencers like Talbert are able to bypass traditional Hollywood and media gatekeepers to reach followers directly. Because of his large fan base, Talbert has been able to turn one series of skits into multiple business ventures.

A restaurant worker for 22 years, Talbert was also auditioning to be an actor and teaching at a local improv and sketch comedy school. While they were stuck at home during Covid-19 closures, his wife showed him sketch comedy videos on TikTok. Talbert decided to try to make some of his own.

One of his earliest videos that went viral was a skit about an encounter he had as a server — Talbert played the waiter, the female customer (using his wife’s clothes and wigs from his sketch comedy classes) and the customer’s child.

“Everyone’s looking for their niche,” Talbert said. “I was able to use my sketch comedy background that I’ve been working on for years. The writing, the acting, the characters — all these things kind of came together.”

He named his fake restaurant Bistro Huddy, after his son Hudson.

Talbert never returned to serving. His first brand partnership, which he secured early on, allowed him to replace his serving income. And since then, he said, Bistro Huddy has experienced relatively steady growth.

The writing-to-editing process, which Talbert does with his wife, takes about five or six hours, a relatively quick turnaround that Talbert credits to their experience in acting and social media. Still, he makes sure that his videos remain relatively simple.

“There’s an excitement about seeing just regular people that look like us,” Talbert said.

Originally, Talbert’s videos focused on what it was like to work as a server and deal with rude customers or an overbearing manager. And at a time with growing conversations around tipping culture , Talbert has made educational videos about how restaurant workers are paid and the low minimum wages servers earn.

Now, he said his followers also watch Bistro Huddy for the familiar storylines and drama about the staple cast of characters, including Terry the manager, Pickles the line cook, Amber the hostess and Clint the bartender.

The fan favorite, however, is Nicole, a sarcastic blond server who usually ends up getting her way. The account @nicoleserves , which Talbert created this year for Nicole, has 693,400 followers on TikTok. Talbert says Nicole is inspired by his wife, whom he met while they were both working at a barbecue restaurant.

“People see Nicole, and they picture this gorgeous blond — they don’t even see me anymore,” Talbert said. “People have now projected their own idea of what these characters would be in real life over me. I am just the conduit.”

Inspired by Talbert’s original series, fans have posted their own edits, imagining more storylines for the Bistro Huddy staff and turning the videos into cartoon animations . There’s even a Bistro Huddy Fandom wiki page that provides detailed biographical information.

In addition to the platform he’s building on TikTok, Talbert also has 1.55 million followers on YouTube and 768,000 followers on Instagram .

Fans often ask for Talbert to turn Bistro Huddy into a sitcom. While Talbert said there’s “potential” for that to happen and that he’s had conversations with literary agents and other people interested in further expanding his profile, he emphasized that he’s happy with the brand he’s built now.

“It doesn’t get much better than what’s going on right now,” he said. “We have full creative control. We’re at home with our kids.”

For now, he has one piece of advice for his followers.

“Tip your servers,” Talbert said.

Victoria Feng is an intern on the NBC News technology desk.

'Very demure, very mindful' meaning as TikTok trend buzzword takes over internet

I f your workmates have told you they're keeping it "demure" at the office or in their daily grind, it's likely thanks to one social media user becoming a viral sensation with her unique take on the term. Once you've seen the "very demure, very mindful, very cutesy" video on TikTok, you'll be hooked - just like everyone else online.

The trend took off when Jools Lebron, who describes herself as a "fierce diva" and content creator, posted a tongue-in-cheek clip about how women should conduct themselves in a "modest and respectful" manner at work. Sporting bold winged eyeliner, a generous amount of blusher, and plaits framing her face, she quipped: "You see how I do my makeup for work? Very demure. Very mindful."

Jools continued: "I don't come to work with a green-cut crease. I don't look like a clown when I go to work. I don't do too much. I'm very mindful while I'm at work. You see how I look very presentable?

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"The way I came to the interview is the way I go to the job. A lot of you girls go to the interview looking like Marge Simpson and go to the job looking like Patty and Selma. Not demure. I'm very modest. I'm very mindful. You see my shirt? Only a little chee chee out, not my cho cho. Be mindful of why they hired you. Here's your reality check, diva. What's the name you'd like me to make it out to? ", reports the Mirror .

TikTok star Jools has seen her popularity soar with a staggering 31.8 million views since she posted the initial video on August 5, with followers and TikTok users alike throwing out their own rib-tickling takes on the viral 'demure' speech. Folks across the platform are baffled by what in the world it's all about.

Oxford English Dictionary defines 'demure' as an adjective characterising those who are reserved, serious and modestly shy, not making a spectacle of themselves - often used to compliment women's conduct, like praising someones 'demure smile', or admiring a 'demure blouse'. It's all about keeping it low-key and not being brash or noisy, especially in public.

But Jools is using the word with a hefty dollop of sarcasm, bending its meaning and applying it to any scenario imaginable, from maintaining 'demure' poise in a nightclub to keeping cool on a flight. While talking about airplane etiquette, Lebron quipped: "I don't go overboard, I don't go underboard. I'm not the basement. I'm not the attic. I'm where you live. I'm demure."

Even big-name brands like United Airlines are getting in on the game, dropping a cheeky comment: "Not standing immediately when the plane lands is so demure."

Elsewhere, you've got Jools graciously acknowledging hotel staff for attending to her late-night grub cravings in a subdued way. She's even managed to stay mannered while enjoying a snack or out shopping for groceries.

The latest trend seems to be a cheeky dig at influencers who are all about the "clean girl" look, with their love for minimalism, rocking beige tones and striving for sophistication. On the flip side, those embracing the demure vibe are having a laugh at themselves for being anything but that.

Kylie Jenner's fans were quick to label her as demure after the reality TV sensation and beauty mogul featured in British Vogue's September issue. Spotted on the magazine's Instagram, Kylie was sampling a selection of sandwiches and cakes, embodying the quintessential British afternoon tea experience all while acting adorably demure, naturally.

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Styles Group Chat

Just How Demure Are You?

A TikTok trend has breathed new life into a fusty word.

A still from a TikTok video shows Jools Lebron, wearing dramatic false eyelashes, rosy blush and a flowing golden wig, addressing a camera as she sits in the driver’s seat of a car. The onscreen text reads: “How to be demure and modest and respectful at the workplace.”

By The Styles Desk

If you opened TikTok this week and felt that suddenly everyone was using the word “demure” out of nowhere, you’re not alone.

Your morning coffee with just a little half-and-half? Demure. The way you sit down gracefully on the subway? Very demure. The way you floss your teeth after lunch in the office bathroom before returning to your cubicle? Absolutely, totally demure.

Seemingly overnight, an adjective usually reserved for a reserved woman has become the semi-ironic word du jour on social media.

On Aug. 2, a TikTok creator who goes by the name Jools Lebron posted a video with tips about managing makeup and mustache sweat and being demure.

Later that day, she posted another video , which has been viewed four million times, offering tips on how to be demure at work. “Very demure, very mindful," she says, explaining her perfume, clothing and hairstyle choices for the workplace. Ms. Lebron has since posted dozens more such videos discussing how to be demure in all sorts of situations, like nail salons, hotels and drag shows.

Ms. Lebron, who did not respond to requests for comment, is one of several trans creators on TikTok whose playful use of “demure” in recent videos has helped the word catch on with other users.

“There has been so many demure divas who have come before me,” Ms. Lebron said in a video , naming two fellow content creators as well as Venus Xtravaganza, a trans performer who featured prominently in the influential documentary “ Paris Is Burning .”

On TikTok, the word has spread far beyond its original roots. Now, the viral term has become fodder for brands, like the restaurant chain Chili’s and the New York City Department of Sanitation, which posted on Instagram that the city’s new official garbage bins were … you know what .

Members of the Styles desk gathered to discuss how anyone and everything, it seems, can be demure.

Madison Malone Kircher Let’s start with the big question on everyone’s minds: What exactly does “demure” mean in this moment?

Callie Holtermann Every few weeks, a new word starts getting repeated ad nauseam online in ways that only sort of relate to its original definition. Last week, that word was “brat.” This week, it’s basically the exact opposite: “demure.”

Gina Cherelus Someone who is demure is typically reserved and modest, so it’s always fascinating to see how a word has strayed from its meaning. Now, people online are using it to describe their style of dress, hair or even their simple latte order.

Melissa Guerrero I’ve also seen people use the word to describe manners, their cleaning habits and setting boundaries with other people.

Gina Cherelus Someone who is mindful, perhaps even cutesy?

Madison Malone Kircher Right, Gina, there also seems to be a constellation of related words: “mindful,” “cutesy,” “respectful,” to name a few.

Anthony Rotunno Some of these terms bring to mind another recent word of the week: “wholesome.” What makes something demure versus wholesome?

Madison Malone Kircher Demure seems much more feminized.

Callie Holtermann Demure is not bold and flashy. It’s tucking your hair behind your ear. It’s a Peter Pan collar. It’s nibbling on some raspberries!

Madison Malone Kircher Nibbling DEMURELY!

Callie Holtermann I don’t think the people using this term online are actually pushing for people — women, especially — to be more restrained and deferential. I think it’s all kind of a bit.

Melissa Guerrero There’s a hint of sarcasm in demure. I don’t know if wholesome feels like that.

Callie Holtermann They’re saying it with a wink: I know that this is typically the affect we associate with femininity, and I’m going to subvert it a bit by applying it to my coffee order or my favorite Real Housewife.

Gina Cherelus I think what’s also happening is that people are tailoring it to themselves with additional phrases and words in an attempt to prove they are better at it then the next person. It’s slightly competitive. Like, You might wear your hair in big curls, but I wear a tight bun because I’m demure, not extra.

Madison Malone Kircher Patrick Ta, the makeup artist, invited Jools Lebron to a brand event in New York this week, which feels like a textbook example of how viral moments quickly become corporate these days.

Anthony Rotunno The word-of-the-week-to-brand-ambassador pipeline strikes again! When was the last time any of you used the word “demure” before this past week? It feels so old-timey.

Gina Cherelus Almost never, but TikTok reminded me that Emily Gilmore from the show “Gilmore Girls” once referred to Rory as such, so yes: old-timey.

Melissa Guerrero Demure’s been a word that I have heard the Filipinas in my family use.

Madison Malone Kircher Demureness inherently feels like it is the opposite of everything brat. Is this the end of “brat” summer ?

Anthony Rotunno If Jake Tapper says “demure” on CNN, or if Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia says it while riding a tractor, it is.

Callie Holtermann I’m sure the think pieces are incoming, but it seems pretty tongue-in-cheek for now. Still, I bet Tim Walz will be getting described as “demure” within the week.

Madison Malone Kircher Is Tim Walz demure? Don’t answer that. We’ve seen several recent trends — coquette , the rise of the trad wife — that emphasize the ultrafeminine. Is this related?

Callie Holtermann The way it’s being used now feels related to the great “girl”-ification of the internet last summer: girl dinner , hot girl walk . I think it’s being used in a way that’s broader than the actual definition. Some of this stuff isn’t actually shy or modest.

Madison Malone Kircher Exactly. Making videos for millions on the internet isn’t actually demure. And that’s the point.

Callie Holtermann It feels like a way of establishing one’s own parameters for femininity (and maybe even poking fun at the old ones). Trad wives might be demure in a literal sense, but the people using the word online now are going to stretch and reshape its definition into something that feels authentic — or at least fun and silly — to them.

Madison Malone Kircher Fun, silly and everywhere. I feel like my For You Page is entirely people making demure content at this point.

Anthony Rotunno And with THAT, I’m leaving the chat.

Madison Malone Kircher Please do so demurely, thank you.

Madison Malone Kircher , Callie Holtermann , Gina Cherelus , Melissa Guerrero and Anthony Rotunno contributed reporting.

The Rise of TikTok

News and Analysis

If you opened TikTok recently and felt that suddenly everyone was using the word “demure” out of nowhere, you’re not alone.

The trend of “underconsumption core” romanticizes buying and using only what you need . Yes, being normal is now trending. Experts say it’s a response to a period of economic hardship.

Carlos Espina, who has become something of a one-man Telemundo, is among a new kind of influencer viewed by politicians and others as a modern-day broadcaster.

Ignore vitriol, or turn it into content? Creators like Kacie Rose and Drew Afualo share their tips for dealing with a harsh comments section on the platform .

Urban Tandoor, an Indian restaurant in southwest England, is using terrible music video parodies made by its staff to bring in new and younger guests.

A food editor documents the high, the low and the mid from a week’s worth of influencer restaurant suggestions on TikTok.

Brat summer is almost over. Get ready for 'demure' fall, a new viral TikTok trend.

Brat summer 's been fun. But now it's time to get "demure."

The internet has a new buzzword, aesthetic and mindset − and it comes in stark contrast to this summer's trend of embracing all things messy and brat . (And, if you understand every word of that sentence already, you should probably spend less time on the internet.)

It's called being "demure," an attitude that's going viral in major part thanks to Jools Lebron, a TikTok personality with 1.2 million followers who has clarified what the trend means and what it stands for in several videos.

Basically, being "demure" is all about being cutesy, clean and mindful. It's not drawing attention to yourself. It's not being messy or loud. It's getting things done and going about your day with quiet confidence and gentility. Dressing modestly at work? That's demure. Patiently waiting to get out of your seat until the plane is ready to de-board? So demure.

"You see how I do my makeup at work? Very demure, very mindful," Lebron says in one video with more than 10 million views . "I don't come to work with a green-cut crease. I don't look like a clown when I go to work. I don't do too much. I'm very mindful while I'm at work. See how I look very presentable? The way that I came to the interview is the way I go to the job."

What does it mean to be demure?

It's unclear whether the trend is sincere or satirical. Still, people can't stop talking about or embracing it, even if in an ironic way.

Bob the Drag Queen, for instance, posted a TikTok putting on outrageous makeup to Lebron's audio describing a demure makeup look in the workplace. Another TikToker said it was demure to take psychiatric medication.

"You see how I take my antidepressants every day? Very demure, very mindful, so I don't fall into a manic episode, depressive episode," the TikToker says. "Be mindful of why your doctor prescribed you an antidepressant. Very demure."

Being demure isn't just an aesthetic, but a way of life. Lebron has described how to be demure while boarding a plane , responding to drama and ordering food .

"I don't do too much. I do just enough," Lebron says in a video . "I don't go overboard. I don't go underboard. I'm not the basement. I'm not the attic. I'm where you live. I'm very demure."

Brands have gotten in on the trend too. "Not standing immediately when the plane lands is so demure," United Airlines commented on TikTok. "Vacation responder set to on, very demure," Google added.

Is 'color analysis' real? I put the viral TikTok phenomenon to the test − and was shocked.

Are you demure or brat?

The demure trend stands in stark contrast to the brat trend. Inspired by the Charli XCX album of the same name, "brat" is all about unabashedly embracing your messy side. This includes loud makeup, clubbing, partying and general chaos.

Esthetician Sean Garrette indicated a tide seems to be turning, declaring on X : "brat summer, demure fall."

In a TikTok interview , Charli XCX broke down her definition of the word "brat": “You are just that girl who is a little messy and maybe says dumb things sometimes, who feels herself but then also maybe has a breakdown but parties through it. It is honest, blunt and a little bit volatile. That’s brat.”

'Brat summer' is upon us. What does that mean? Kamala Harris is game for it.

Charli XCX fans aren't throwing tantrums like a badly behaved child; being a brat to them means indulging in pleasure and not concerning yourself with societal expectations. Rather than conforming to the status quo − on matters of aging, clean living or etiquette − brats focus more on having fun, embracing their community and unapologetically embracing individuality.

More: Kamala Harris is embracing 'brat summer.' It could be cool or cringe. It's a fine line.

It's "being confident, putting yourself out there, being out, being about, being the center of attention."

It's pretty much the opposite of demure, which has made some social media users excited for the switch-up. As one X u s er put it: "This demure lore is way more fun than the brat nonsense."

Contributing: Alyssa Goldberg

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One content creator said people should act 'very demure, very mindful' in a number of satirical, viral videos. Here's exactly what the TikTok trend buzzword means.
Very Demure, Very Mindful: The TikTok Trend, Explained
A TikTok trend has breathed new life into a fusty word. By The Styles Desk If you opened TikTok this week and felt that suddenly everyone was using the word "demure" out of nowhere, you're ...
Raw-dogging on planes: Heroic or just plain stupid?
"Just raw-dogged it, 15 hour flight to Melbourne," boasts Australian music producer Torren Foot on TikTok, blinking hard as if to stay awake. "No music, no movies, just flight map." Some also ...
What is the 'demure' trend taking over TikTok? Brat summer is done
Esthetician Sean Garrette indicated a tide seems to be turning, declaring on X: "brat summer, demure fall.". In a TikTok interview, Charli XCX broke down her definition of the word "brat": "You ...

Your Flight With TikTok Airlines is Boarding: Destination Everywhere

1. Sustainable Travel Escapes

2. Hidden Gems Exploration

3. Solo Travel Adventures

4. Budget-Friendly Getaways

5. Foodie Expeditions

6. Luxury Travel Experiences

7. Family-Friendly Destinations

8. Adventure Sports Thrills

9. Cultural Immersion Journeys

10. Digital Nomad Lifestyle

11. Wellness Retreats and Mindfulness Travel

12. Sustainable Accommodation Options

13. Road Trip Adventures

14. Volunteer Tourism Initiatives

15. Travel Hacks and Packing Tips

Ella Proctor

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How to Make the Perfect Travel Videos For TikTok

Understanding TikTok:

Importance of Travel Videos for TikTok:

Choosing the Right Online Video Editor:

Tips for Shooting Travel Videos:

Natural lighting: Take advantage of natural light to enhance the visual appeal of your videos.

Adding Captions and Text:

Utilizing Video Background Remover:

Incorporating Trendy Transitions and Effects:

Adding Music and Sound Effects:

Optimizing Video Length and Format:

Using Hashtags and Descriptions:

Collaborating with Influencers:

Engaging with the TikTok Community:

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

2. Are there any copyright restrictions on using music in TikTok videos?

3. How can I make my travel videos more engaging and shareable?

4. Can I make money from creating travel videos on TikTok?

5. Is it essential to have expensive equipment to create high-quality travel videos for TikTok?

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Top 10 Travel Video Ideas for TikTok and Instagram Reels

Top 10 Fantastic Travel Video Ideas

Document a Day in Your Life While on Vacation

Share Interesting Facts About the Place You're Visiting

Capture Unique and Exciting Activities you Participate in While Traveling

Film People Enjoying the Local Food and Culture

Take Drone Footage of Stunning Landscapes or Cityscapes

Share Your Most Helpful Tips for Traveling on a Budget

Viewers Really Love Fall & Holiday Travel

Document the Process of Packing for a Trip

Travel to Hidden, Under the Radar & Off the Beaten Path Destinations

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Tourism

repurposing evergreen content

Shop Video Filming and Editing Essentials:

See More Content Creator Ideas on the Blog:

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