In today’s digital age, travel inspiration is often just a click away. Travel Influencers have become a powerful force, guiding our wanderlust and shaping our travel decisions. For those seeking thrilling escapades and outdoor adventures, a specific niche of travel influencers excels at showcasing the beauty of the natural world and the excitement of exploration. This article highlights some of the top adventure travel influencers in the United States who are inspiring millions to pack their bags and discover the world.
1. Eric Stoen
Instagram: 378K followers
Eric Stoen, known online as Travel Babbo, is a leading voice in adventure and family travel. Recognized by Forbes as the fourth most influential traveler globally and by Fodor’s as the best family traveler, Eric’s expertise is widely acknowledged. His ambitious goal to visit all seven continents in 2023 demonstrates his dedication to global exploration.
Transitioning from a healthcare career to full-time travel content creation, Eric’s journey was fueled by a passion for seeing the world. Initially sharing family trips on Facebook to inspire friends, he launched his family travel blog in 2014. This pivotal move allowed him to connect with a broader audience and ignite a passion for travel in countless individuals. His accolades, including the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Bronze Photographer of the Year 2022 and Feedspot’s #3 Luxury Travel Influencer for 2023, underscore his significant impact in the travel influencer sphere. He partners with brands like Unbound Merino, G1G, and AFAR, further solidifying his position as a trusted voice in adventure travel.
2. Renee Hahnel
Instagram: 894K followers
Renee Hahnel, the face behind Renee Roaming, is an Australian native now based in Seattle, championing outdoor adventures and conscious living. Her mission is to inspire her followers to prioritize experiences over material possessions and to find joy in exploring the world’s natural wonders. Renee’s content resonates with those seeking a life enriched by travel and outdoor activities.
Renee extends her influence beyond social media through her book, “Roaming America,” and a collection of photo presets designed for outdoor photography enthusiasts. She also provides valuable travel and outdoor guides, making her a comprehensive resource for adventure seekers. Her dedication to promoting a lifestyle of exploration and appreciation for the planet makes her a standout travel influencer.
3. Lauren Gay
Instagram: 41.1K followers
Lauren Gay, known as Outdoorsy Diva, is a multifaceted travel influencer, podcaster, and TV travel expert. Based in Tampa, Florida, Lauren is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the travel and outdoor recreation sectors. She specifically focuses on empowering Black women to explore and enjoy the outdoors, breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive adventure community.
Lauren’s expertise extends to creating impactful digital media campaigns for travel destinations and attractions. She is also a sought-after public speaker, addressing crucial topics of diversity and inclusion in outdoor and adventure travel spaces. Her work not only inspires travel but also promotes important social change within the industry, making her a significant figure among travel influencers.
4. Brayden Hall
Instagram: 460K followers
Brayden Hall, known as Braybraywoowoo, is a nomadic photographer who captures breathtaking landscapes and outdoor lifestyles from his truck camper. Splitting his time between Seattle and Vancouver, Brayden’s passion for exploration drives his work in lifestyle, adventure, and travel photography. His journey began with a transformative six-month backpacking trip through Latin America in 2014, where he discovered his love for both travel and photography.
Originating from British Columbia, Canada, Brayden excels at visually narrating stories through his photography, often in challenging and remote environments. His portfolio includes collaborations with major brands like Google, The North Face, Hyundai, and Airbnb, highlighting his skill in capturing compelling visual content. Brayden’s unique ability to blend outdoor lifestyles with stunning scenery makes him a highly sought-after adventure travel influencer.
5. Zenovia Stephens
Instagram: 13.4K followers
Zenovia Stephens, founder of Black Kids Adventures, Inc., is dedicated to inspiring Black families to embrace outdoor adventures and travel. Based in Alabama, Zenovia, along with her husband, is raising three sons with a spirit of courage and exploration. Her non-profit organization further emphasizes her commitment to empowering children through outdoor experiences.
Zenovia’s transition from a stay-at-home mom to a work-from-home entrepreneur was guided by strong family values centered around creativity, exploration, exposure, and adventure. Her message encourages families to find adventure in their everyday lives and local surroundings, promoting a lifestyle of present moment appreciation. Zenovia’s focus on family-oriented adventure travel resonates deeply within her community and beyond.
6. Nathanael Billings
Instagram: 159K followers
Nathanael Billings is a Seattle-based outdoor photographer renowned for capturing the essence of adventure across the globe. His photographic journey began during a year-long adventure in Australia, documenting his travels and sparking a decade-long career dedicated to exploration. From quick trips to Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness to extensive expeditions in Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains, Nathanael is always in pursuit of the next great shot.
His impressive client list includes prominent names like Visit California, Tourism South Dakota, REI, and Eddie Bauer, demonstrating his professional acclaim and the high quality of his work. Nathanael’s photography vividly portrays the beauty and grandeur of the natural world, inspiring viewers to appreciate and explore the outdoors. His dedication to capturing outdoor moments makes him a leading adventure travel influencer.
7. Kyana Miner
Instagram: 31.2K followers
Kyana Miner, known as Black Adventure Mom, is driven by her passions for life, travel, family, and adventure. Based in Colorado, Kyana shares her family’s travel experiences to inspire other families to embark on their own global journeys. Her expertise has been recognized on platforms like Good Morning America, highlighting her influence in the family travel sphere.
Kyana’s Instagram showcases stunning visuals from her family’s trips across the U.S. and internationally, including iconic destinations like Yellowstone and Breckenridge. Beyond sharing her adventures, Kyana also offers valuable business insights on leveraging Instagram for marketing, attracting customers, brands, and media attention. Her combined approach of inspiring travel and providing social media marketing advice makes her a versatile and influential figure.
8. Jhamil Bader
Instagram: 110k followers
Jhamil Bader is a nature enthusiast and a social media expert with over seven years of experience in the digital landscape. He specializes in content creation, platform growth, and brand development, offering guidance to businesses and individuals looking to enhance their online presence. Jhamil’s expertise makes him a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of social media marketing for travel and adventure brands.
Jhamil focuses on helping businesses define their brand identity, optimize workflows, and maintain authentic communication. His deep understanding of social media trends and audience engagement allows him to provide tailored strategies for success in the creator economy. For those in the travel industry seeking to elevate their brand, Jhamil offers trusted partnership and expertise as a social media influencer and consultant.
9. Kait VanHoff
Instagram: 102K followers
Kait VanHoff is a passionate advocate for intentional living through outdoor adventure and travel. She empowers women globally through her digital fitness studio and inspiring retreats hosted in locations from Bali to Hawaii. Kait has facilitated over ten retreats, helping women embrace more adventurous and revitalized lifestyles.
Kait’s mission centers on fostering intentional time in nature and promoting personal growth through outdoor experiences. As the founder of Live Revitalize, she has garnered support from brands like CamelBak and Backcountry, further amplifying her message and reach. Kait’s dedication to empowering women through adventure and wellness makes her an inspiring travel influencer in the outdoor space.
Conclusion
These top adventure travel influencers are more than just social media personalities; they are storytellers, photographers, and passionate explorers who inspire us to seek out adventure in our own lives. By sharing their journeys and experiences, they encourage us to discover new destinations, embrace the outdoors, and create lasting memories through travel. Following these influencers is a great way to stay inspired and informed about the world of adventure travel.
