Sharanya Iyer, a popular travel content creator with over half a million followers on Instagram, revealed she spent over ₹50 lakh in 2024. In an Instagram video that has since gone viral, she detailed her expenses, showing a remarkable shift from her previous habit of saving obsessively.
Sharanya traveled extensively, visiting more than six countries last year. Her trips included visits to Laos and Thailand (₹1 lakh), Madeira (₹1.5 lakh), South Africa with her parents (₹8 lakh), and Greenland (₹3 lakh). Notably, she visited Iceland three times for ₹2.5 lakh, explaining that part of the trip was sponsored. Flights alone accounted for ₹5 lakh of her budget, while accommodations and activities made up the majority of her travel expenses.
Beyond travel, Sharanya spent ₹22 lakh on a new Hyundai car and ₹5 lakh on uncovered medical expenses. Her calculations excluded food, daily expenses, and shopping.
“I used to be an obsessive saver,” Sharanya admitted, crediting her father and friends for encouraging her to embrace spending. “Learning to spend instead of just saving brought me joy and a sense of safety in an otherwise difficult year,” she wrote.
Her video, garnering over 1.3 million views, sparked curiosity and mixed reactions. While some admired her adventurous spirit, others questioned her financial decisions. Despite the debate, Sharanya looks forward to more adventures in 2025.
Sharanya Iyer Biography- Net Worth, Age, Family, Boyfriend & More
Sharanya Iyer Biography: Sharanya Iyer is a travel blogger who documents her experiences and adventures on her social media platforms. She is also an official ambassador and digital influencer for GoPro India.
Some Known Facts Related To Sharanya Iyer Biography
- Sharanya Iyer is a travel blogger and content creator with a demonstrated history of working in the travel and tourism industry.
- She serves as an official ambassador and digital influencer for GoPro India.
- Sharanya Iyer is a rescue diver and soon-to-be Master Scuba Diver, passionate about exploring and documenting offbeat countries and experiences.
- She is known as “TrulyNomadly” on the internet, where she shares her experiences as a solo traveler and backpacker.
- Sharanya Iyer is passionate about ocean conservation and has worked with organizations such as PADI to promote sustainable diving practices.
| Travel blogger & Social media Influencer | Mumbai, India |
| Name | Sharanya Iyer |
| Profession(s) | Travel blogger & Social media Influencer |
| Other name | trulynomadly |
| Famous for | For her travel-related content |
Sharanya Iyer’s Personal Life
| Year of Birth | 1990 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 33 Years |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Zodiac sign | Aquarius |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Mumbai |
| Live in | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| College | Sophia College for Women MICA | The School of Ideas |
| Education | Graduate in Mass Media Postgraduate in Marketing and Brand Management |
| School | National Public School |
| Hobby | Travelling & Content Creation |
How to Become a Travel Influencer ?
Becoming a travel influencer may seem like a dream job, but it requires dedication, creativity, and a strategic approach. Here’s how you can turn your passion for travel into a career:
1. Find Your Niche
The travel industry is vast, so it’s essential to stand out. Focus on a specific niche, such as:
- Budget travel
- Luxury getaways
- Adventure tourism
- Food and cultural experiences
- Solo or family travel
A clear niche will help you attract a targeted audience.
2. Build a Strong Online Presence
- Create a Blog or YouTube Channel: Share detailed travel guides, reviews, and personal experiences.
- Social Media Platforms: Focus on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook to showcase stunning photos and short videos.
- Consistency: Post regularly with engaging content that inspires and informs.
3. Master Photography and Videography
High-quality visuals are a must. Invest in good equipment like a DSLR camera or a smartphone with a great camera. Learn editing tools like Adobe Lightroom, Canva, or Final Cut Pro to make your content visually appealing.
4. Develop a Unique Personal Brand
Create a memorable persona that reflects your style and values. Use a consistent color scheme, tone, and storytelling approach across all platforms.
5. Engage with Your Audience
Respond to comments and messages to build a loyal community. Use polls, Q&A sessions, or live videos to foster interaction and trust.
6. Collaborate with Brands and Travel Companies
Start by working with small businesses, local tour operators, or accommodations. As your following grows, pitch your portfolio to bigger brands for collaborations.
7. Monetize Your Content
- Affiliate marketing (recommend products/services and earn commissions)
- Sponsored posts
- Selling digital products like e-books or presets
- Organizing travel workshops or group tours
8. Stay Authentic
Authenticity is key to building trust. Share honest reviews and relatable experiences. Your audience will value your transparency.
9. Network in the Industry
Attend travel expos, join influencer groups, or connect with fellow content creators to learn and grow within the community.
10. Stay Persistent
Success as a travel influencer doesn’t happen overnight. Keep refining your skills, stay updated on trends, and never stop exploring new ideas.
With passion and persistence, you can turn your wanderlust into a thriving career as a travel influencer!
Travel influencers can generate significant income through various channels, including:
- Brand Collaborations: Partnering with travel companies, airlines, hotels, and other travel-related brands for sponsored posts, reviews, and promotional content.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promoting travel products, services, or experiences through affiliate links, earning a commission on each sale generated.
- Selling Digital Products: Creating and selling online courses, ebooks, or travel guides on specific destinations or travel planning tips.
- Selling Ad Space: Placing advertisements on their website or social media channels.
- Revenue Sharing: Participating in revenue-sharing programs with travel platforms, earning a portion of the revenue generated from bookings made through their referral links.
- Direct Bookings: Offering their travel planning services directly to clients, charging a fee for personalized itineraries and travel arrangements.
While the exact source of income may vary for each influencer, these are some of the common ways they can generate revenue to support their travel lifestyle.
Top Courses for Aspiring Travel Influencers and Content Creators
If you’re looking to build a career as a travel influencer or improve your skills in content creation, these courses can provide valuable insights and hands-on experience:
1. Travel Blogging and Influencing
- Nomadic Matt’s Superstar Blogging Course
- Comprehensive guide to starting and monetizing a travel blog.
- Covers SEO, social media strategies, and affiliate marketing.
- The Blogging Blueprint by Wanderful
- Focuses on blogging essentials, storytelling, and audience engagement.
2. Photography and Videography
- Fundamentals of DSLR Photography (Skillshare)
- Ideal for beginners looking to master photography basics.
- Moment Travel Photography Course
- Focuses on capturing compelling travel photos and editing them.
- iPhone Photography School
- Learn to take professional-quality photos using just your phone.
- Adobe Premiere Pro for Beginners (Udemy)
- Great for learning video editing to create engaging travel vlogs.
3. Social Media Mastery
Instagram Domination by Foundr
- Teaches how to grow your Instagram following and create viral content.
- TikTok Growth Secrets (Teachable)
- Helps influencers tap into TikTok’s potential for travel content.
- Social Media Marketing Specialization (Coursera)
- Offered by Northwestern University, covers content strategy for multiple platforms.
4. Content Creation and Storytelling
- Storytelling for Social Media (Skillshare)
- Learn how to tell impactful stories through posts and videos.
- Travel Writing Masterclass by Lonely Planet
- Focuses on writing engaging and authentic travel content.
5. Digital Marketing and Monetization
- Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate (Coursera)
- Covers essential digital marketing techniques, including SEO and analytics.
- Affiliate Marketing Mastery (Udemy)
- Learn strategies for generating income through affiliate programs.
6. Entrepreneurship and Branding
- Build a Successful Online Business (LinkedIn Learning)
- Teaches business fundamentals for content creators.
- Personal Branding Mastery (Udemy)
- Learn to create a memorable brand and grow your influence.
7. Travel-Specific Niches
- Adventure Travel Photography (CreativeLive)
- Perfect for those focusing on outdoor and adventure travel.
- Luxury Travel Influencer Bootcamp
- Guides influencers on creating high-end travel content and collaborating with luxury brands.
These courses cater to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced creators, and offer actionable steps to build a successful career in travel influencing.
Platforms for Travel Influencers
Travel influencers can leverage a variety of platforms to showcase their content, engage with audiences, and build their personal brand. Here are some of the most popular platforms:
1. Instagram
- Why it’s great:
- Perfect for sharing visually appealing photos, short videos, and reels.
- Offers high engagement rates with features like Stories, Highlights, and interactive polls.
- Ideal for:
- Stunning travel photography, behind-the-scenes content, and quick travel tips.
2. YouTube
- Why it’s great:
- Best for long-form video content such as travel vlogs, destination guides, and tutorials.
- Monetization through ads and partnerships.
- Ideal for:
- Sharing immersive travel experiences and storytelling through video.
3. TikTok
Why it’s great:
- Focuses on short, engaging videos with potential for viral reach.
- Fun trends, challenges, and quick travel hacks perform well here.
- Ideal for:
- Quick destination highlights, packing tips, and relatable travel humor.
4. Blogs/Personal Websites
- Why it’s great:
- Long-form content such as in-depth travel guides, itineraries, and reviews.
- Helps build authority and monetize through affiliate links and ads.
- Ideal for:
- SEO-optimized articles that attract organic traffic over time.
5. Pinterest
- Why it’s great:
- A visual search engine perfect for driving traffic to blogs or websites.
- Great for sharing travel inspiration, itineraries, and tips.
- Ideal for:
- Creating evergreen content like “Top 10 Destinations” or “Travel Packing Lists.”
6. Facebook
- Why it’s great:
- Offers group interactions, community building, and live videos.
- Suitable for sharing detailed posts, photos, and travel stories.
- Ideal for:
- Building a loyal community or engaging in niche travel groups.
7. Twitter
- Why it’s great:
- Ideal for real-time updates, travel news, and quick tips.
- Hashtags can help gain visibility during trending discussions.
- Ideal for:
- Sharing personal anecdotes, destination updates, or engaging in travel chats.
8. LinkedIn
- Why it’s great:
- Professional platform for collaborating with brands, tourism boards, and industry experts.
- Great for sharing case studies or promoting travel-related services.
- Ideal for:
- Networking with travel professionals and showcasing your expertise.
9. Travel-Specific Platforms
- Platforms like:
- TripAdvisor: Sharing reviews and tips for global destinations.
- Couchsurfing: Engaging with travel communities and offering local insights.
- Ideal for:
- Building credibility and connecting with fellow travelers.
10. Podcasts
- Why it’s great:
- Perfect for sharing personal travel stories, interviews, and expert advice.
- Growing medium with high listener engagement.
- Ideal for:
- Diving deep into niche topics like sustainable travel or cultural experiences.
Using a combination of these platforms allows travel influencers to maximize their reach, diversify their content, and connect with a broader audience.
Conclusion
Travel influencers have a plethora of platforms at their disposal, each catering to different content formats and audience preferences. Whether it’s Instagram for stunning visuals, YouTube for immersive storytelling, or blogs for in-depth guides, the key is to align your strengths and niche with the platform that best supports your content style. Combining multiple platforms allows influencers to build a versatile presence, engage diverse audiences, and create multiple income streams. Consistency, creativity, and authenticity remain the cornerstones of success in the competitive travel influencer industry.
FAQs
1. Which platform is best for travel influencers starting out?
Instagram is a great starting point due to its high engagement and focus on visual content. It’s easy to grow a following and showcase your travel experiences through photos and short videos.
2. Can I be successful as a travel influencer without a blog?
Yes, platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok allow influencers to succeed without a blog. However, a blog provides a centralized space for long-form content and SEO-driven traffic.
3. How do travel influencers monetize their platforms?
They earn through brand collaborations, affiliate marketing, selling digital products, ad revenue, and offering personalized services like travel planning.
4. Should I focus on one platform or multiple?
Start with one platform to establish your presence, then diversify to others as you grow. For example, pair Instagram with YouTube or a blog for broader reach.
5. Is it necessary to use professional equipment for content creation?
Not necessarily. Many influencers start with a good smartphone and later invest in professional equipment as their skills and audience grow. Quality editing and storytelling matter more than expensive gear.