travel and tourism youtube

15 Best Travel Vloggers on YouTube to Follow

Written By: Christine Ka'aloa

Digital Nomads

Updated On: June 3, 2023

Living your passion for travel is one thing, but filming yourself doing it daily to weekly for binge watching audiences on YouTube is another! Yet, the list of travel vloggers on YouTube grows as storytelling techniques of its creators evolve to keep you tuned in.

From storytelling editing, daily vlogging, cinematic flair, sexy drone shots, and 360 viewing, these travel YouTubers are committed to pumping out travel inspiration on a regularly programmed basis.

Enjoy this list of inspiring Youtube channels to find great travel content and travel experiences.

Table of Contents

Best Travel Vloggers

Christine chose some great travel vlogs and we don’t want to mess with her, list, but when you are done here, check out some other amazing travel YouTubers! These travel personalities are not only travel hosts, they are their own travel show! We made our own list of best travel vloggers too !

1. Fun for Louis

Louis Cole initially started out enthralling (and grossing out) viewers with his adventurous ability to eat every odd delicacy that was dead or alive.

Today, this U.K. travel vlogger has taken to daily vlogs of his life, inspiring viewers to live the adventure while travelling the world.

A well-loved travel vlog hero of YouTube, not only does he make binge-watching addictive, but he incorporates 360-degree video and has his fans introduce his videos.

Schedule : Daily

2. Mr Ben Brown

Mr. Ben Brown is mostly known as a YouTube vlogger. But he travels a bit and his Visual Vibes series showcases some seriously stunning travel cinematography, which will leave you breathless.

An expert storyteller, his vlogs are partly filmed from his perspective, as if you’re inside his head.

Whether skiing, motorbiking or hiking, you’ll feel like you’re moving vicariously with him, as he traipses around the world to meet up with his posse of YouTuber friends.

Ben joined YouTube in 2006 definitely making him one of the older travel vloggers (at least by channel age) out there.

• Devon Supertamp is very similar and we have him listed on our choices for best travel channels.

Schedule: Daily .

3. Vagabrothers

The Vagabrothers are the wacky boys of the travel vlogging world.

As charismatic travel hosts revving you for the flight,  they offer a cultural soft side into the joys of travelling.

Their travel videos incorporate fun shooting styles, collaborations with other YouTubers, destination guides focused on culture, and lethal drone shots.

Schedule :  Tuesdays

4. Hey Nadine

As the reigning top female travel vlogs on YouTube, Nadine Sykora knows what YouTube audiences want.

As Hey Nadine , she infuses her travel lifestyle channel with a creative flair of fashion, fun, food and entertainment.

From travel tips, to “ What I Eat in a Day in. ..” ,… to playful collaborations with other travel YouTubers, Nadine’s channel drums up an addiction to seeing just what new video she puts out next.

Schedule : Twice a week

5. Migrationology

Would you travel for food? Favorite food vlogger and travel YouTuber Mark Weins does, and boy does he!

A travel and food blog, Migrationology has hit gastronomical stardom on YouTube, making Mark the number one ‘foodie guy’ to both, watch and read.

Mark is the ultimate digital nomad!

He shares his passion for travel by delivering each country through mouth-watering morsels.

You’ll find DIY city guides and of course, lots and lots of food videos!

Schedule: Sundays and Wednesdays.

6. Wolters World

Mark of Woltersworld is my favorite ‘Loves & Hates Travel Guy’, sharing his unchained opinion on what travelers will love, hate and be shocked with about each city.

He tells it like it is and his honesty won’t take away your excitement in experiencing the place for yourself.

His videos are highly informative insights, which crack the travel code of each country.

Schedule: Wednesdays and Saturdays

7. Hopscotch the Globe

Kristin Sarah merges her acting chops with her love for travel in Hopscotch the Globe .

She’s like that fun travel bestie who’s not afraid to be a little silly. Her channel incorporates vlogging with cultural parodies and travel inspired DIY recipes.

Today, she shares her channel spotlight with her husband Siya; together, these travel partners in crime hop around the globe, creating weekly entertainment.

They’ve also recently added a baby drone into their picture!

Schedule : Weekly

8. Psychotraveller

If twenty-something backpacking is your thing, check out Psychotraveller .

Ally dishes backpacking travel tips, vlogs and travel budget information, all with a dose of humor.

Best of all, her favorite filming studio is often a hostel room!

Schedule: Weekly.

9. GRRRL TRAVELER

Does traveling alone freak you out? Christine Kaaloa of GRRRL TRAVELER takes you inside the adventurous world of solo travel and shows you how she survives it.

Experiencing culture shock and filming it , isn’t easy, but Christine finds ways to turn her encounters of taxi scams, Asian squat toilets, airport layovers and getting sick abroad, into travel survival tips to walk away with !

A solo travel blogger, she films and blogs travel tips and city and food travel guides, while playing with video storytelling styles.

Schedule: Fridays or Saturdays.

10.  Sonia’s Travels

Sonia is your female travel MacGyver. From how to pack your makeup to product reviews and how to score a deal on a hotel, she’s got slick tips to make you a savvy traveler.

Her tips are usually around 2-3 minutes, which make her videos perfect to watch with your morning coffee.

Until then, she has hundreds of travel tip videos to keep your travels well-groomed.

Schedule: On hiatus. Let’s hope she comes back.

11.  The Planet D

Dave and Deb of The Planet D , not only live the dream of travel, but they also visit some of the most exotic places that most of us can only dream about!

This zany travel-adventure couple have blogged about adventure travel for the past 10 years, and now they’re on YouTube too, inspiring each other (and others) to take a passion for adventure to the next level. Making the list as one of the couple travel vloggers to watch.

From polar ice plunges in Antarctica to riding the fastest zipline or ballooning over the Masai Mara, their channel covers a bucket list of activities to try when you’re looking to leave your comfort zone.

Schedule: Saturdays.

Expats & Nomads: Travel Youtubers Hitting the Road

12.  gone with the wynns.

Ever think of packing up your family life and hitting the road in an RV?

Nikki and Jason of Gone with the Wynns sold it all and packed it up to hit the highway.

From composting toilets to solar powering an RV (okay, not your everyday travel story), they’ve transformed the concept of an RV travel lifestyle for YouTube.

Their videos are well-shot and occasionally, filmed like a sexy commercial (okay, not your every day RV travel video).

Recently, they’ve made a rather new change in their lives, by trading in their RV for a sailboat!

Schedule : Weekly.

13. Samuel & Audrey

You may know Samuel and Audrey as their travel blogging aliases, Nomadic Samuel and That Backpacker .

As former ex-Korea expats, this adorable travel geek couple are on an indefinite road between expat life and nomadism.

Their channel is prolific with destination guides and food taste tests.

For audiences, who want to get their binge watching on without taking a break, they are also known to occasionally have long format videos.

Schedule: 1-2 times a week.

14. 8 Miles from Home

Inspiring us to take our dream lifestyle (and dog) abroad is 8 Miles from Home .

Sacha and Jymael are British photographers turn expat vloggers, documenting their life in Thailand.

Their vlogs are cinematic video diaries, occasionally incorporate dazzling special FX.

Recently they announced their new adventure~ a move to Portugal and a baby!

15. The Food Ranger

If you love Asian food, Trevor is The Food Ranger of Asia. An expat in Sichuan, China, he chomps and slurps some of the best Chinese cuisine (and uh, some pretty obscure foods too).

Commendable is his ability to upload regular videos while staying under China’s banned radar (YouTube and Google are banned in China).

He’s quickly growing a following as a new foodie channel to watch.

Schedule: Saturdays

How the best travel vloggers were chosen:

Like all lists, people will wonder why they’re not on it. I’m positive I missed some good ones, but this is very loose criteria I’d be using if I were hired to cast, produce or pitch a TV show. Creators did not need to meet all criteria, but most. – Programming: Weekly dedication, quality, storytelling & individual style execution – Audience: Niche, loyalty, & YouTube friendly – Blog worthy and/or binge worthy – Does it bring a new spin to the term “travel video” or “travel show” – Channel Personality/Talent: brand recognition, hosting & entertainment value

Do you have favourite travel vlogger you love on YouTube? Introduce us to them in the comments below!

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That’s a subjective question. If you go by subscribers it is Devon Supertramp or Fun for Louis on this list. Drew Binskey is definitely the most successful travel vlogger out there right now.

Mark Weins t ops the list as the best food travel vlogger. He takes you on a culinary journey around the world.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

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Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
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Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Christine Ka'aloa

Christine Ka'aloa is a freelance television producer , camera operator and travel blogger/YouTuber. She runs GRRRL TRAVELER, where she writes about solo travel, food and travel inspiration. Follow Christine at grrltraveler / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / YouTube

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The Best Travel Vloggers on YouTube in 2022

If you’re anything like me, your YouTube home feed includes a lot of travel stories, with food and travel vloggers, around the world explorers, van life channels, and outdoor adventurers.

Watching travel videos helps me decide where to travel next in the world, and what exactly to do once I get there.

In person travel around the world is difficult with the pandemic right now, so I’ve loved watching travel adventures virtually from my favorite YouTubers. It’s a wonderful way to mentally escape the stress and uncertainty of the last year.

YouTube has more than 2 billion (yes, that’s billion with a b ) monthly logged in users. If you’re a prospective travel vlogger, getting your videos on YouTube can be as easy as filming a video, editing with a video editor , and uploading. Because getting started on YouTube can be so simple, that’s meant plenty of vloggers, with interesting stories to tell, are on the platform.

Many of my favorite vloggers introduce viewers to bucket list travel adventures around the world, while others stay closer to home.

Several travel bloggers on this list, like Kara and Nate, made the transition from around-the-word travel videos to van life during the pandemic. Others have bought and renovated isolated cabins, while others continue their adventures locally.

I enjoy watching their current adventures, but it’s also a great time to dig back in the archives and watch older videos. I even check out a few classic travel TV shows from time to time!

The Best Travel YouTube Channels

Check out some of our favorite YouTube travel channels. We think these are the some of the best travel vloggers on YouTube right now.

Kara and Nate 2.1 Million YouTube Subscribers

I just found Kara and Nate’s channel in the last year. It’s fantastic, and I wish I’d found it sooner! Kara and Nate are a husband and wife team from Nashville Tennessee, who traveled to 100 countries before travel slowed down in 2020.

The production quality of this channel is fantastic, with high quality videography, and great audio as well. These days, they’re making content driving through the USA in a van, with plenty of stops at interesting accommodations and attractions along the way.

Favorite video: We Slept Outside in Antarctica

Eamon and Bec 782K YouTube subscribers

Eamon and Bec are a Canadian couple that I started watching when they were travelling around Europe and Morocco in their self converted Sprinter van. There’s plenty of gorgeous content on here about their travels, their vegan recipes (they even have a vegan cookbook), and life on the road.

These days, Eamon and Bec are vlogging about renovating their cabin in the woods of Ontario, Canada.

Favorite travel video: How to Winter in the Canadian Wilderness

Foresty Forest 245K YouTube subscribers

Foresty Forest is the real deal, if you’re interested in bicycle touring, ascending mountains, and the great outdoors. His crockpot makes frequent appearances, with simple home cooked meals made in the van.

This is old school YouTube, without paid sponsorships, or paid reviews.

You’ll find yourself singing the insanely catchy theme song, “ Foresty Forest, he lives in a van… Foresty Forest! “

I always catch myself smiling when there’s a new Foresty Forest upload.

Favorite video: Living in a Minivan During Freezing Temperatures

Christian Schaffer – 70K subscribers

Christian makes her living as an outdoor adventure and travel photographer, and was a former Abercrombie model and retail manager.

As you’d expect, her travel videography is beautiful, but the channel is also packed full of thoughtful, intelligent tips about van life, making money, and life in general.

Favorite video: Van Life | Parking and Solo Female Safety

The Wild Card: Tom Green 267K YouTube subscribers

Bet you didn’t expect to find Tom Green on this list!

Tom is best known as a comedian, whose career started on MTV in the 1990s. He’s known for quirky and often pretty juvenile comedy like the Bum Bum Song , the Slutmobile , and Hollywood films Road Trip and Charlie’s Angels, as well as being married to Drew Barrymore in the early 2000s.

These days, Green seems a lot more introspective, as he’s vlogging his van life with his adorable dog, Charlie. Green’s still a quirky mix, with gorgeous cinematography, visits to stunning and out of the way places, musical offerings, and rambling, free-form live streams.

Favorite video: Lost Ancient City In America – Tom Green Visits Chaco Culture National Historical Park – Van Life

Slim Potatohead 129K YouTube subscribers

Slim Potatohead is something of an outlier among travel vlogs.

There’s definitely good videography and storytelling here, but this is not the vlog for you if you’re looking for fast paced, high excitement travel. Slim meanders along on his adventures, and it often seems like very little happens in a given blog. That said, he’s definitely an authentic voice that’s well worth checking out.

He travels pulling a small older trailer, spending plenty of time off grid in nature. Older videos feature the USA and Mexico, but these days he’s focusing on travel within Canada. There are videos on frugal camper renovations, camping spots, and plenty of exploring and meandering.

Favorite travel video: Latitude High: The Arctic Circle Campout

Mark Wiens 7.28 Million YouTube subscribers

Enthusiastic and energetic, Mark Wiens is a food vlogger who shares about South East Asia from his home base in Bangkok, Thailand.

I was first introduced to Mark’s Migrationology blog back in 2012, and I’ve loved following his transition to being one of YouTube’s most popular food and travel vloggers.

He features plenty of street food videos, with a strong focus on Thai food and travel.

Favorite video: Extreme Thai Street Food – CRAZY TOM YUM Late-Night Food Tour in Bangkok, Thailand!

Tyler and Todd 77K YouTube subscribers

Tyler and Todd are one of my absolute favorite channels. They’re funny, engaging, and have absolutely gorgeous videography and solid audio.

They’re a Canadian couple who travel with their adorable dogs Charlie and Eddy.

Because of the pandemic, they’re currently not traveling, but I’ve loved following along as they make a home in Nova Scotia, building an off grid cabin.

Incredibly personable and funny, they’re a treat to watch each week.

Favorite video: Gay Couple’s Routine | Living in an RV full time

Vancity Vanlife 145K YouTube subscribers

Vancity Vanlife features Chrome and his adorable bulldog pup, Cruz.

Chrome is a former professional DJ, so this is a fantastic channel if you love great music and great audio. As a former DJ, he has a fantastic voice for audio.

He uploads almost every day, and this channel is a throwback to early daily vlogs of YouTube. Videos are based mostly around Vancouver, British Columbia, but he does sojourn around Canada and into the USA when he’s able. It’s a great channel to get a feel for daily van life realities.

Favorite video: Winter Van Life In The Frosty Canadian Mountains… Is It Lonely Out Here?

Drew Binsky 2.34 Million YouTube subscribers

Drew, an American YouTuber, is definitely an engaging, entertaining presence on YouTube. He’s also controversial, as he continued traveling during the pandemic, and he’s garnered criticism for visiting countries like North Korea.

This is the type of channel that you’ll likely either love or hate.

Favorite travel video: He is the Ice Man (Wim Hof)

Project Amber 57K YouTube subscribers

Project Amber follows the adventures of a UK vlogger and his adorable Spaniel puppy, Lance as they travel in a converted ex-ambulance.

There’s plenty of great content in the archives that features road trips around the UK and Europe.

The man and dog duo just bought off-grid land in Portugal, and I’m looking forward to watching his local Portuguese adventures.

Favorite video: VAN TOUR – Ex-Ambulance Turned Offgrid Home on Wheels, with Log Burner & Upstairs Bedroom

Lost in Europe

Ash Pollard of Lost in Europe is a 27 year old photographer from Leicester/England.

As the channel title suggests, he mostly features van travel around Europe. There’s some gorgeous videography here, and I’ve loved his time in Scotland, as well has his new content on van life in the winter.

Favorite video: Winter Snow Storm Living In A Van / Arctic Van Life

Bald and Bankrupt 2.66 Million subscribers

Bald and Bankrupt follows the adventures of English travel vlogger Benjamin Rich, who mostly focuses on visiting post-Soviet states.

This channel is much more about meeting everyday people, and getting to know them and their lives, than cinematic scenes and views. It’s great entertainment, and I love that it focuses on getting to know people.

Like Drew Binsky, Rich has travelled during the pandemic. Rich was hospitalized for nine days for coronavirus in July 2020 in Serbia, which was not under lockdown at the time. He admitted that he was “blasé” about the pandemic, and has cautioned his viewers to take the pandemic seriously.

Favorite video: Inside The Belarus Chernobyl Zone

These are just some of my top picks for the best travel vlogs on YouTube channel to follow in 2022! I hope you enjoy watching their videos as much as I do.

Do you have any top travel vloggers suggestions that we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

Some really good travel Vloggers in the list! Thanks for the compilation!

travel vlogging is an emerging activity and i am also thinking of starting it in in dubai visit.

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Top 11 travel YouTubers to follow in 2022

YouTube is the top platform for avid travelers to showcase their love for exploration and adventure. Let these 11 travel YouTubers inspire you to book a flight and get out there!

Rachael Let's Grow There

Apr 01, 2023

In the past decade, living the nomadic lifestyle has exploded in popularity, and travel bloggers that are looking to stand out have flocked to YouTube to vlog about their travels instead. The video-based platform is the largest of its kind, a massive search engine owned by Google that offers travelers the chance to monetize their content as they grow their audience .

With so many unique people, places, and perspectives in the world, it's no wonder these content creators have chosen to take the more visual route of sharing their experiences with the world. Videos give these explorers the opportunity to showcase their personality and to relay information that resonates and connects with viewers more than your average blog post could ever do.

Vlogging makes travel personal . There's something about speaking directly to an audience, looking them in the eyes, and taking them along with you on your travels that gets wanderlusters hooked.

If you aren't able to travel but need a little inspiration, you can simply head over to a travel vlogger's YouTube channel and watch them take on the world. With the ability to live vicariously through these YouTube personalities at the touch of a play button, the joy and magic of world travel becomes widespread.

A boring workweek in the office can be escaped when you see through the eyes of a travel vlogger . Not only has technology made visuals that much more stunning to marvel at, but creators have given their channels a life of their own. With engaging storytelling, fresh creativity, clever editing, and informative details, YouTube vloggers and creators can share their expertise and teach aspiring or soon-to-be travelers how to navigate the unfamiliar.

With so much travel-related content existing on YouTube today, it can be hard to sift through the thousands upon thousands of Youtube travel channels to find who produces the best travel video blogs .

Quality and consistency are what make a YouTube channel stand out from the crowd, along with a unique perspective that creates an engaging experience for the viewer. It's important for the best travel YouTubers to inspire, inform, and to create content that gets the mind racing with possibilities.

Ready to embrace the spirit of travel? Grab your comfiest pillow and some snacks as you watch these travel YouTubers take the world by storm! We took the best travel channels on YouTube and narrowed it down to this list of top travel YouTubers to follow in 2022 .

Check them out, find your feet, and start planning that trip you've always dreamed of.

1. Sailing La Vagabonde

These two Australians have lived out their dream of sailing the oceans of the world with absolutely no previous sailing experience . Elayna and Riley are living every traveler's wildest fantasy, to live on a boat, smelling the salty ocean air, and sailing into the sunset as each day comes to a close. They even sail with their new baby, Lenny!

The seafaring couple uploads new videos every Monday that include helpful information for those who are looking to start sailing too! After traveling over 50,000 nautical miles, they have the experience and the know-how to get aspiring sailors out there riding the waves and fulfilling their goal of traveling the world by sea .

Check out Elayna and Riley's website to learn more.

2. Fearless and Far

If you're looking for a taste of the bizarre and extreme sides of travel , Mike Corey is your man. Mike is always on the hunt for weird and unheard-of world travel experiences that spark that sense of adventure in his viewers. He has vlogged about his time at the Exploding Hammer Festival in Mexico, experienced a Kambo Cleanse ritual in Amazonia, and so much more.

Mike is incredibly creative and has amazing skills when it comes to shooting and editing videos. The way he tells a story is not only engaging, but really fun to watch! His YouTube channel is a brilliant smorgasbord of crazy experiences that stretches the imagination and piques curiosity one might have about a certain destination. "Fearless" is the perfect word to describe Mike and his travels!

Check out Mike's website to learn more.

3. Dave and Deb

This adventure couple has traveled to over 100 countries on every continent and lives by the motto " adventure is for everyone ." They have been married for twenty years and were looking for something more out of life when they decided to create  The Planet D . Forbes has named them one of the top 10 travel influencers in the world! In 2008, they started turning their passion for travel into their full-time job .

Dave and Deb share an inspiring message — that you don't have to be rich, adventure-enthusiasts, fit as a fiddle, or a young millennial to travel the world! They love diving into all sorts of unique experiences, and are a valuable source of information for anyone looking to incorporate adventure into their life on a more consistent basis.

4. Drew Binsky

After studying abroad in Prague in 2012, Drew caught the travel bug and hasn't slowed down since. He taught English in Korea and upon leaving in 2015, he used his travel blog and social media to propel him around the world. Today, he has traveled to over 150 countries and has been supported by countless big names such as Lonely Planet, GoPro, Elite Daily, and Huffington Post. He's even a 2x Guinness World Record holder!

He's on a mission to visit every country on earth , and uploads videos of his ongoing journey. Check out his blog and videos for more on the  best ways to save money while traveling  the world and to hear all his crazy travel stories he has amassed over the years.

5. The Bucket List Family

The Gee family describes themselves as "just your 'average' family working from all around the world as Family Travel Journalists ." Of course, when they say "average", they are playing on the idea that an average family is settled down in a nice home, married with kids, and working a normal job to pay the bills. This adventure-fueled family decided they weren't done exploring the world and discovering what life had in store for them, so they opted to skip the whole "settling down" stereotype.

In 2015, they took a huge leap and sold everything in the name of travel and are thankful every day that they were brave enough to do so. Since then, they have explored the globe with their three small children and are having a blast!

Check out the Gee family's website to learn more about this anything-but-average wholesome little family.

6. Travel Yourself

Cailin O'Neil is a Canadian solo travel blogger who creates travel videos detailing the good and bad sides of travel . She loves embarking on new trips and her content is always packed with positive energy! The experience versus the destination is her main focus, and she has a blast trying the various different foods in each country she visits.

The useful tidbits of information and "City in a Minute" videos that she shares about the popular destinations she explores is really helpful to her viewers. Take a look at her travel YouTube channel to see how to get around a certain destination and to learn about the ins and outs of solo travel .

Check out Cailin's website to learn more.

7. Lost LeBlanc

Christian LeBlanc is a travel vlogger whose passion for seeing the world translates into everything he does . From the way he talks about landing somewhere new to the quality and efforts he puts into his videos — this guy lives to travel. With this passion, he strives to motivate people to follow their own desires to see the world. He's big on getting out of your comfort zone and enjoying life to the fullest.

His rightfully dubbed viewership, "Team Get Lost", is becoming a quickly growing community of equally passionate travelers who watch Christian's videos to ignite their wanderlust. Follow his YouTube travel videos and you'll discover a world of possibilities you hadn't thought about before.

Check out Christian's website to learn more.

8. Hopscotch the Globe

Kristen and Siya are pros at globetrotting and post tons of helpful content on their YouTube channel for adventurers to learn and grow from. They make traveling with a newborn look like a breeze! You'll find that their channel is a gold mine full of endless resources on how to embrace the minimalist travel mindset  and travel light, eco-friendly, zero waste, and more.

They have such interesting ideas for content that they are able to flesh out and present in creative and engaging ways. There's a realness to their brand that inspires viewers to perfect their travel habits and to think outside of the box about how to travel on a budget . Check them out to have a few laughs and to prepare for your next trip!

Check out Kirsten and Siya's website to learn more.

9. Wolter's World

If honest travel advice is what you're looking for, you'll find it on the travel YouTube channel Wolter's World! Mark and Jocelyn and their two kiddos have been all over the world, vlogging about their experiences along the way so that other travelers can watch their content and be more prepared for their upcoming trips. They offer practical tips and guidance about world travel , without the fluff.

Tired of seeing travel YouTubers produce exciting videos without any valuable information in it, Wolter's World set out to create a travel channel that tells it like it is . You'll see the ups and downs that they experience throughout their journey, educating their audience on what matters most — the experience.

Check out Mark and Jocelyn's website to learn more.

10. Hey Nadine

Nadine is a fun-loving travel vlogger who documents her adventures around the world. Her travel YouTube channel has videos with tips, hacks, packing guides, and destination advice on all of the many countries she's visited within the past six years. She always finds a way to make her videos funny and relatable, which makes her a blast to learn from.

The energy that emanates from Nadine's storytelling abilities is infectious and she inspires young travelers everywhere to find creative ways to find adventure . Her viewers trust her authoritative voice when it comes to anything travel-related, so you can bet her content is loaded with relevant and beneficial travel information!

Check out  Nadine's website to learn more.

11. Kara and Nate

This married travel duo from Nashville, Tennessee have been traveling the world for over two years, uploading a whopping six videos a week to their travel YouTube channel. They hope to travel to 100 countries by 2020! You can find everything on their channel from destination secrets to dealing with getting sick on the road. If you can believe it, they have over 500 videos on their channel and have grown their audience so quickly for beginning their life of travel just a few years ago.

On their website, you'll find their videos are categorized by country to make it easier for their viewers to find relevant information for their own trip planning. Kara and Nate are well on their way to 100 countries, so make sure you don't miss the videos they'll post when they hit their goal!

Check out Kara and Nate's website to learn more.

If your goal is to discover the world and be inspired to finally hop on that plane, these travel YouTubers will definitely wake you up to all the possible experiences you could be having!

YouTube has become one of the world's go-to search engines for learning something new . These content creators have fallen in love with making fun, informative videos for their viewers, and want nothing more than to change a life in favor of travel .  

If you want to read about travel blogs, check: Best travel blogs to find inspirations for your trips

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Rachael Grow

Let's Grow There

Over the past five years I have worn many hats as a creative freelancer and have been able to pursue adventures across the globe. To me, travel is more than checking a box or sitting on the perfect beach all day. Travel is about self-discovery, keeping an open mind, and learning through culture immersion. In 2017 I was chosen by one of my favorite travel bloggers, The Blonde Abroad, to attend her first ever blogging retreat in Bali with a handful of other inspiring bloggers. It was truly a dream that taught me so much more than I could imagine. Fast-forward to 2019 when I was given the role of one of the lead English writer for Worldpackers. My in-depth articles touched on subjects like volunteer work, overcoming post-travel blues, outdoorsy tips, and boldly adventuring. Inner growth is my jam.

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Jun 04, 2019

Another great article, Rachael. Thank you!

Rachael (Author)

Thank you so much! 😊

Wow, incredible article and amazing top 20 travelers...

So glad you enjoyed it!

May 25, 2021

Great list!

Mar 24, 2022

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Travel content takes off on YouTube

What do Kobe Bryant, Disneyland and WestJet Airlines have in common? They're all featured in some of YouTube's most-viewed travel videos. In recent years, online video has proven to be a powerful channel for information, education and entertainment, particularly in the travel and hospitality industry, where we've seen impressive growth. According to a recent study Google conducted with Ipsos MediaCT, two out of three U.S. consumers watch online travel videos when they're thinking about taking a trip. What exactly are travelers looking for? What's popular? What content are they watching? Here's what we found.

Travel content has proliferated as people around the world share their experiences and seek inspiration for their next adventure. Every month, more than one billion people visit YouTube to watch more than six billion hours of video, making YouTube an ideal place to explore how travelers interact with video content. 1 According to a recent study Google conducted with Ipsos MediaCT, two out of three U.S. consumers watch online travel videos when they're thinking about taking a trip. 2 But what are travelers looking for? What's popular? What content are they watching? To find out, we analyzed aggregated and anonymized views of travel content on YouTube in the U.S. from early 2012 to early 2014. For the purposes of this research, we define "travelers" as those individuals who engage with or search for travel content on Google.com and/or YouTube. Overall, our findings have big implications for marketers looking to connect with travelers, regardless of category.

Videos influence travel decisions

YouTube data shows that travelers are spending more time watching online videos than ever before, with views of travel-related content up 118% year over year (YoY). According to the data, travelers are increasingly using mobile devices to consume travel-related videos anytime and anywhere; in 2013, mobile devices accounted for roughly 30% of all travel video views, with mobile viewing up 97% on smartphones and 205% on tablets, YoY. 3

Across devices—desktop and mobile—travelers are consuming travel-related videos around the clock. Nearly half are viewed during prime time (3:00—10:00 p.m. PST). 4 While desktop users tend to watch videos throughout the day, smartphone and tablet users tend to tune in during the evening hours.

Travel Category Views on YouTube by Device (in PST)

Think with Google

Source: YouTube Data, 2014, United States.

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What's piquing their interest? Eighty-eight percent of YouTube travel searches focus on destinations, attractions/points of interest or general travel ideas. 5

Much like the seasonality we see in the industry overall, travel search activity on YouTube peaks in July, with smaller spikes in March and October. While a large percentage of Google.com travel searches are brand specific and based on purchase-intent activity, searches on YouTube generally occur earlier in the travel-planning process.

Top 1,000 Travel Queries

Source: Google Data, March 2013–March 2014, Search Query Volume, United States.

Compelling content grabs travelers' attention

While travel watchers on YouTube are interested in community-generated content, the majority of travel-related views (67%) are for brand or professionally released videos. In fact, views of branded videos are up 394% YoY, and we see companies with a strong brand presence, such as Turkish Airlines, Disney Parks & Resorts and Expedia, making the most of this opportunity. 6

Travel Video Views by Content Type

Source: YouTube Data, 2012 and 2013, United States.

Viewership across travel categories increased significantly YoY. While most are tuning in to watch videos about tourist destinations and attractions (40% of the total travel views), the largest growth can be seen in the cruises and charters category, up an impressive 262%. 7 This rise is due, in large part, to an increase in videos from companies such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Viking River Cruises and Princess Cruises.

Primary Categories of Travel Videos on YouTube

Travelers are looking to sustain a connection

Travelers want to do more than just watch videos on YouTube; they want to connect with creators and brands. In 2014 year to date, subscriptions to top travel channels on YouTube have increased 106% YoY. 8 And these subscribers watch 86% longer per view than nonsubscribers do. 9

They're also extremely interested in hearing real-life stories. Nearly half of the travel subscriptions are to vlogs (video blogs) that feature personal travel experiences.

Percent of Travel Channel Subscriptions by Format

Source: YouTube Data, March 2014, United States.

Travel vlogs, in fact, receive 4x more social engagement (likes, comments, shares, favorites and subscriptions) than other types of travel content on YouTube. 10 Travelers tend to find them more engaging on a per-view basis.

People of all ages subscribe to YouTube travel content. Fifty percent of travel channel subscribers are aged 25 to 64, while 38% fall in the 18 to 24 age range. 11 The younger audience tends to favor travel vlogs, suggesting they have more of an interest in "authentic" content. Perhaps they're living vicariously through their fellow YouTubers, or, at the very least, getting inspired to travel.

The 25-to-64-year-olds seem to be interested in a broader range of content relevant to frequent travelers. Often these are videos associated with decisions further down the travel purchase path, such as brand information, reviews and tips.

Travel Channel Subscribers by Age Group

Going beyond travel content

It's not all about travel for these YouTube visitors, though. Three in four come to watch videos related to their interests, hobbies or particular topic. 12 Travelers often watch content in categories closely related to travel, such as restaurants, spas and food and drink. Compared with the average YouTube user, travelers are 18x more likely to watch videos about restaurants, for example. 13

As we can see from the chart below, they're also interested in viewing videos about categories tangential to travel such as finance, extreme sports, home and garden, and autos and vehicles. Interestingly, they're less likely to engage with content about computer and video games, comics and animation, and hair care.

Likelihood of Watching Videos in Other Categories

Travel videos drive brand buzz

Viral videos aren't just for the twerkers, laughing babies and anything animal related (for those "aww" moments). There's virality in the travel category as well. That's because travelers, like any other YouTube users, enjoy sharing their favorite videos with friends and family.

Looking at travel videos that have gone viral (defined as content created to drive buzz that's not overly transactional and generated 500,000 views or more), we can see that airline companies account for most of the views (76%). 14 Turkish Airlines'  "Kobe vs. Messi" series, Virgin America's "#VXSafetyDance" and WestJet's "Christmas Miracle: Real Time Giving"  are great examples of videos that are engaging, fun and, at times, touching. Airlines have embraced video as a powerful differentiation tool, one that allows their brands to stand out and be creative with a range of topics.

Nineteen percent of viral video views come from destinations, which include brands such as Disney Parks & Resorts. Two standout examples from Disney Parks are "Grumpy Cat Finds Her Disney Side" and "Disneyland Musical Marriage Proposal."

While a viral video can rack up millions of views (if you're lucky), views are just one measure of a video's success. Shares, subscribers gained and other online actions are important as well.

Implications for marketers

Across industries, advertisers are increasingly embracing online video to drive awareness and engagement, and this trend is only expected to accelerate. For travel advertisers, online video is a powerful way to convey excitement about a destination, product, service or brand. From 2012 to 2013, uploads of travel-related videos (both brand/professionally released and community generated) grew by 190%, and growth in travel video uploads overall outpace those of other major categories on YouTube. 15

Here are a couple of brands that have recently embraced the video opportunity and found success:

Key findings  

Our research revealed that travelers:

• Spend more time than ever watching videos on YouTube
• Use YouTube as a primary source for travel inspiration
• Watch travel videos across devices
• View content across all of YouTube's travel categories
• Ages 18 to 24 subscribe to content focused on inspiration for future travel (video blogs)
• Ages 25 to 64 subscribe to content to help them plan current travel (reviews, travel brands and travel networks)
• Watch video content in other categories during travel research (restaurants, spas and beauty services, finance, extreme sports, and cooking and recipes)

The bottom line

As digital video becomes an even bigger part of the traveler's journey, it's increasingly important for advertisers to seize the opportunity. A strong video strategy can help brands reach, inspire and engage today's digitally savvy traveler in more ways than ever before.

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Travel trends: 4 mobile moments changing the consumer journey

Building a youtube content strategy: lessons from google brandlab, staycations: the most popular destination this summer is in your backyard, how mobile influences travel decision making in can't-wait-to-explore moments, travel booking trends revealed in let's-book-it moments, the future of travel: new consumer behavior and the technology giving it flight, hailey crowel, haley gribben, sources (15).

1 "Statistics." YouTube. n.d. Web. 9 July 2014. 2 Google/Ipsos MediaCT, "The 2014 Traveler'€™s Road to Decision," June 2014. 3 YouTube Data, 2012 and 2013. 4 YouTube Data, 2014. 5 Google Data, March 2013—€“March 2014. 6 YouTube Data, 2012 and 2013. 7 YouTube Data, 2012 and 2013. 8 YouTube Data, 2013 and 2014. 9 YouTube Data, 2013. 10 YouTube Data, May 2014. 11 YouTube Data, May 2014. 12 Google/Ipsos MediaCT, "The 2014 Traveler'€™s Road to Decision,"€ June 2014. 13 YouTube Data, March 2014. 14 YouTube Data, 2013 and 2014. 15 YouTube Data, 2012 and 2013.

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Fact sheet: 2022 national travel and tourism strategy, office of public affairs.

The 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy was released on June 6, 2022, by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo on behalf of the Tourism Policy Council (TPC). The new strategy focuses the full efforts of the federal government to promote the United States as a premier destination grounded in the breadth and diversity of our communities, and to foster a sector that drives economic growth, creates good jobs, and bolsters conservation and sustainability. Drawing on engagement and capabilities from across the federal government, the strategy aims to support broad-based economic growth in travel and tourism across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia.

The federal government will work to implement the strategy under the leadership of the TPC and in partnership with the private sector, aiming toward an ambitious five-year goal of increasing American jobs by attracting and welcoming 90 million international visitors, who we estimate will spend $279 billion, annually by 2027.

The new National Travel and Tourism Strategy supports growth and competitiveness for an industry that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, generated $1.9 trillion in economic output and supported 9.5 million American jobs. Also, in 2019, nearly 80 million international travelers visited the United States and contributed nearly $240 billion to the U.S. economy, making the United States the global leader in revenue from international travel and tourism. As the top services export for the United States that year, travel and tourism generated a $53.4 billion trade surplus and supported 1 million jobs in the United States.

The strategy follows a four-point approach:

• Promoting the United States as a Travel Destination Goal : Leverage existing programs and assets to promote the United States to international visitors and broaden marketing efforts to encourage visitation to underserved communities.
• Facilitating Travel to and Within the United States Goal : Reduce barriers to trade in travel services and make it safer and more efficient for visitors to enter and travel within the United States.
• Ensuring Diverse, Inclusive, and Accessible Tourism Experiences Goal : Extend the benefits of travel and tourism by supporting the development of diverse tourism products, focusing on under-served communities and populations. Address the financial and workplace needs of travel and tourism businesses, supporting destination communities as they grow their tourism economies. Deliver world-class experiences and customer service at federal lands and waters that showcase the nation’s assets while protecting them for future generations.
• Fostering Resilient and Sustainable Travel and Tourism Goal : Reduce travel and tourism’s contributions to climate change and build a travel and tourism sector that is resilient to natural disasters, public health threats, and the impacts of climate change. Build a sustainable sector that integrates protecting natural resources, supporting the tourism economy, and ensuring equitable development.

Travel and Tourism Fast Facts

• The travel and tourism industry supported 9.5 million American jobs through $1.9 trillion of economic activity in 2019. In fact, 1 in every 20 jobs in the United States was either directly or indirectly supported by travel and tourism. These jobs can be found in industries like lodging, food services, arts, entertainment, recreation, transportation, and education.
• Travel and tourism was the top services export for the United States in 2019, generating a $53.4 billion trade surplus.
• The travel and tourism industry was one of the U.S. business sectors hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and travel restrictions, with travel exports decreasing nearly 65% from 2019 to 2020. 
• The decline in travel and tourism contributed heavily to unemployment; leisure and hospitality lost 8.2 million jobs between February and April 2020 alone, accounting for 37% of the decline in overall nonfarm employment during that time. 
• By 2021, the rollout of vaccines and lifting of international and domestic restrictions allowed travel and tourism to begin its recovery. International arrivals to the United States grew to 22.1 million in 2021, up from 19.2 million in 2020. Spending by international visitors also grew, reaching $81.0 billion, or 34 percent of 2019’s total.

More about the Tourism Policy Council and the 2022 National Travel and Tourism Strategy

Created by Congress and chaired by Secretary Raimondo, the Tourism Policy Council (TPC) is the interagency council charged with coordinating national policies and programs relating to travel and tourism. At the direction of Secretary Raimondo, the TPC created a new five-year strategy to focus U.S. government efforts in support of the travel and tourism sector which has been deeply and disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the full strategy here

47 Ideas for YouTube Travel Niches in 2023

• November 22, 2022

The Best Ideas for New YouTube Travel Niche channels in 2023

Who doesn’t love to travel? Since travel is such a broad topic, there’s hundreds of YouTube travel niches out there for big travelers. A travel niche is great for the content creator who like sharing their journey, giving travel tips, and showcasing their life traveling the world.

If you’re a creative traveler looking to make a travel YouTube channel this year, look no further than this list of YouTube travel niche channels to start in 2023.

Plus, there’s tons of opportunity to build a business on YouTube focusing on travel niche videos. You could do product reviews, work with brand sponsorships, become an affiliate, or even launch your own line of products or services geared towards travel and travel-based experiences.

Here's what this article covers

47 youtube travel niche channels to start now, 1. minimalist travel & living.

Check out the subreddit growth for r/OneBag. This is a community focused on travel with “one bag” and basically backpacking around the world. You could turn this into a YouTube channel focused on vlogs, travel gear, and safety tips for the minimal travelers or digital nomads. 

2. Island hopping travel

Launch strategy : Build up a library of several videos and start posting in February before search volume jumps in March during spring break to ride the wave of traffic and push your channel to the top!

3. Airline tips & tricks

If you’re familiar with a couple different airlines, you could start a channel evaluating travel options when it comes to different airlines and what they offer. You could make videos discussing first class options, luggage fees, or rating meals served in flight.

One interesting idea would be making videos on how to optimize travel rewards and benefits as a frequent flyer with different airlines that offer perks for certain customers.  

4. Living as a digital nomad

Becoming a digital nomad has turned into a huge topic over the years since COVID. If you’re a digital nomader or want to become one, turn your interest into a YouTube channel. 

5. Luggage review

A luggage review YouTube channel could be killer at affiliate income if you want to make a little money on the side. If you work out a deal with some manufacturers to review their bags, you could get some for free and then talk about what you do and don’t like and send viewers to affiliate links to purchase online. 

Review-based videos are great, especially if you’re trying to grow as a beginner on YouTube. Why? Because they’re easy to make! It’s completely based off your experience and opinion and doesn’t require a lot of research and due-diligence.

Review channels can be solely focused on your own observations and preferences that can build a great relationship with your audience if you articulate them well. 

6. Alaskan Travel

Alaska! It’s part of the United States but we all forget it exists. I bet you could make a great YouTube channel if you’re interested in Alaska or if you live there because I’m sure there’s plenty of people (myself included) who really want to check it out one day.

Your audience potential might not be as big as if you focused on North American travel or even Canadian travel, but you could carve out a powerful niche talking about Alaska, best places to visit, and touristy activities for newcomers to the area. 

7. Middle Eastern Travel Destinations

Dubai? Saudi Arabia? Israel? Plenty of people visit the Middle East so this is a great opportunity where you could start a channel to talk about places to visit, safety tips, and the do’s and dont’s of traveling in the Middle East as a foreigner. 

8. Living in a van

An interesting subreddit you’ll want to check out is r/VanDwellers. Look how much it’s grown! There’s definitely a growing interest in van life and working remotely from your van. 

9. Cruise Travel Review

Ahoy cruise enthusiasts! If you want to start a YouTube channel about cruise travel, you could make a lot of money! You could make videos to review various cruise lines and compare the amenities like dining, suites, spas, fitness, and service on board. 

Answer people’s questions about cruise if they’ve never been on one before, like what to do and what to avoid while on board, best times of year to travel, and some of the overrated and underrated cruise destinations. 

10. Canadian Travel

So you like Canadian travel, eh? Good news, it could make a great YouTube channel. From the cities like Toronto and Vancouver, to the mountains and parks like Banff, and seasonal resorts, you could make a killing by focusing on Canadian travel. 

Who do you want to target? You could make content for people who love the outdoors like hikers, skiiers, or people coming to Canada for a road trip.

You could also make content for young professionals and digital nomads who want to WFH in Canada. They might want to hear more about the urban setting and night life throughout the major cities in Canada. 

11. Travel gadgets

If you’re into tech and travel gear, you could make a YouTube channel talking all about gadgets for travelers! This could be normal travel stuff like backpacks, luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, or you could talk about some quirky gadgets.

Why not make videos about all the weird travel gear people can buy? Like portable bidets. 

Your content could target specific travelers if you want to niche down. Like travel gear for parents, or students, or backpackers who need a lot of gadgets. The world is your oyster. 

It doesn’t even have to be travel-related gadgets if you’d rather create a YouTube channel talking about tech gear, I have another list of ideas for tech niche channels here. 

12. Airbnb vlogging & reviews

Are you an Airbnb superhost? Or just an avid traveler? Either way, you could make a rapidly growing YouTube channel focused on Airbnb travel.

If you love going to obscure or extravagant Airbnbs, why not show the world? You could make vlogs, video tours, and reviews of some wild and crazy Airbnbs. 

You could show some of the most interesting and lavish places to stay. OR, you could target a specific persona who is looking for Airbnbs. Students traveling for spring break? A group of girls planning a bachelorette getaway? A digital nomad wanting to work abroad? 

There’s a lot you could do here. You’ll want to think about how much your content should focus on 1. The Airbnb, 2. The type of person who would stay there, and 3. You and your opinions as a host or guest of Airbnb. 

13. Best study abroad programs

If you’ve studied abroad before, you know it can be a hassle getting paperwork, visas, housing, and travel plans taken care of before leaving. It can also be expensive. A great YouTube channel could focus on study abroad programs, destinations, and opportunities for students who want to get out in the world and go abroad. 

Your videos could focus on things like: 

• Application process for different programs
• Uncommon ways to study abroad
• Scholarships to study abroad
• Reviews of different programs
• Tips & tricks for the study abroad process

There are a bunch of study abroad programs for all different focuses. The state department has several programs. I did a trip through the US State Department called NSLIY  when I graduated high school.

It was great, but I wish I had watched YouTube videos from other people who had done it before me when I was applying to get a sense of what it would be like. 

14. Mexico Travel Tips

If you love Mexico, why not make a YouTube channel all about Mexico travel tips? You could make videos about the best beaches to visit, the most amazing food to try, and the most vibrant cities to explore.

Share your experiences about the culture, language, and customs of Mexico. You could also talk about safety tips, how to bargain in markets, and how to avoid common tourist scams.

You could target different types of travelers too, like families, solo travelers, or budget travelers. And if you know a specific area of Mexico like the back of your hand, share it with the world!

15. Cheap vacation destinations

If you’re looking for a travel idea that won’t break the bank, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on cheap vacation destinations. Your audience will love to hear your secrets for finding affordable flights, accommodations, and activities.

You could feature different types of destinations, like beach getaways, mountain retreats, or city breaks. Share your tips for saving money while traveling, and highlight the best budget-friendly experiences in each location.

16. Living in cabins

For those who love the great outdoors, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on living in cabins. Share your experiences about different cabins you’ve stayed in, whether it’s for vacation or long-term living.

You could talk about the pros and cons of cabin living, like the peace and quiet, the beauty of nature, and the challenges of being off the grid. And if you have any tips for building your own cabin or living sustainably, share them with your audience.

Feature different types of cabins too, like treehouses, yurts, or tiny homes. And if you know of any unique cabin communities or co-living spaces, your audience will love to hear about them.

17. Weddings Abroad

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, so why not make a YouTube travel channel all about them? Share your experiences about different wedding destinations, from beachfront ceremonies to mountain retreats.

You could feature different types of weddings too, like elopements, vow renewals, and traditional ceremonies. And if you have any tips for planning a destination wedding, your audience will love to hear them.

Talk about the pros and cons of having a wedding abroad, like the cost, the logistics, and the cultural differences. And if you’ve been a guest at a destination wedding, share your experiences and advice for other guests.

18. Dubai travel & tips

Dubai is a fascinating and luxurious destination that’s perfect for a YouTube travel niche channel. Share your experiences about the best things to do in Dubai, from shopping in the world’s largest mall to skiing in the desert.

Talk about the cultural differences in Dubai and how to respect local customs. Share your tips for navigating the city, finding affordable accommodations, and making the most of your time in Dubai.

You could also make videos about the best food to try, the most unique experiences to have, and the most luxurious accommodations to stay in. And if you have any tips for traveling sustainably or responsibly in Dubai, your audience will love to hear them.

19. European Travel

Europe is a fascinating continent with a rich history and diverse culture, making it an excellent travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about the best cities to visit, the most beautiful countryside to explore, and the most delicious food to try.

You could feature different types of travel too, like backpacking, luxury travel, or road trips. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly, and highlight the best experiences in each location.

Talk about the cultural differences in different European countries and how to respect local customs. And if you have any unique experiences or hidden gems to share, why not include some personal stories too!

20. Instagram-based travel

Instagram has become a popular platform for travel inspiration, and you could make a YouTube travel channel based on it. Share your experiences about the most Instagram-worthy destinations, the best photo spots, and the most unique experiences to have.

You could also talk about the pros and cons of Instagram-based travel, like the pressure to take the perfect photo and the impact of over-tourism. Plus if you have any tips for taking great travel photos, talk about them!

21. Family vacations

For families looking to travel together, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on family vacations. Share your experiences about the best family-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities.

You could feature different types of family travel too, like road trips, theme parks, or beach getaways. You could make a bunch of videos specifically on traveling with kids too. Tips, tricks, and smart hacks to make it easier to travel with little ones!

22. Visiting Hawaii

Hawaii is a dream destination for many travelers, making it an excellent travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about the best beaches to visit, the most delicious food to try, and the most unique experiences to have.

You could also talk about the cultural differences in Hawaii and how to respect local customs. Share your tips for navigating the islands, finding affordable accommodations, and making the most of your time in Hawaii.

23. Tropical Travel destinations

For those who love tropical destinations, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on them. Share your experiences about the best beaches to visit, the most delicious food to try, and the most unique experiences to have.

You could feature different types of tropical travel too, like island hopping, snorkeling, or hiking. 

24. Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is a popular way for students to explore new cultures and gain valuable experience, making it an excellent travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different study abroad programs, destinations, and opportunities.

You could make videos about the application process for different programs, uncommon ways to study abroad, scholarships to study abroad, and reviews of different programs. Share your dos and don’ts for the study abroad process, and highlight the benefits of studying abroad.

25. Seasonal travel locations

Seasonal travel locations are a great travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about the best destinations to visit during different times of the year.

You could feature different types of seasonal travel too, like winter wonderlands, fall foliage, or spring blooms. And if you have any tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly during peak tourist seasons, your audience will appreciate it.

Talk about the unique experiences each seasonal location offers, from winter sports to beach activities. Share your tips for packing appropriately and making the most of your time in each destination.

26. International Travel

International travel is a broad travel niche with endless possibilities for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different countries, cultures, and cuisines.

You could make videos about the best destinations for foodies, history buffs, or nature lovers. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly, and talk about the challenges of traveling internationally.

And if you have any unique experiences or hidden gems to share, your audience will love to hear about them.

27. Underrated countries for travel

While some countries get a lot of attention from travelers, others are often overlooked. Consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on underrated countries for travel.

Share your experiences about the best destinations to visit, the most delicious food to try, and the most unique experiences to have. And if you have any tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly in these countries, share them with your audience.

Talk about the cultural differences in these countries and how to respect local customs. Share your tips for navigating the destinations, finding affordable accommodations, and making the most of your time in each location.

28. Living off the grid

For those who love sustainable living, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on living off the grid. Share your experiences about different sustainable communities, eco-retreats, and homesteading.

You could make videos about the challenges and rewards of living off the grid, like growing your own food, using renewable energy, and reducing waste. Share your tips for building your own sustainable home or finding sustainable communities to join.

And if you have any advice for living a more sustainable lifestyle while traveling, your audience will appreciate it.

29. Road tripping

Road tripping is a classic travel niche that’s perfect for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different road trip routes, scenic drives, and roadside attractions.

You could make videos about the best road trip vehicles, how to pack for a road trip, and the pros and cons of different road trip styles. Share your tips for staying safe and comfortable while on the road, and talk about the best places to eat and sleep.

30. Thailand travel tips

Thailand is a popular travel destination that’s perfect for a YouTube travel niche channel. Share your experiences about the best things to do, the most delicious food to try, and the most unique experiences to have.

You could make videos about the best places to stay, the cultural differences to be aware of, and the pros and cons of different types of travel in Thailand. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly, and highlight the best experiences in each location.

31. City exploration

City exploration is a great travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different cities around the world, from the most popular tourist destinations to the hidden gems.

You could make videos about the best places to eat, the most interesting cultural attractions, and the best ways to get around each city. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly in cities, and talk about the challenges of city travel.

32. Going abroad for the first time

Going abroad for the first time can be overwhelming, but it’s an exciting travel niche for a YouTube channel.

Share your experiences about different destinations, the cultural differences to be aware of, and the challenges and rewards of international travel.

You could make videos about the best ways to prepare for international travel, how to overcome culture shock, and how to make the most of your first trip abroad. Share your tips for staying safe and comfortable while traveling, and talk about the best destinations for first-time travelers.

33. US based cities and destinations

For those who want to explore the United States, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on US-based cities and destinations. Share your experiences about different cities, national parks, and cultural attractions.

You could make videos about the best places to eat, the most interesting historical sites, and the best ways to get around each location. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly in the US, and talk about the challenges of US travel.

34. Asian Travel

Asia is a diverse and fascinating continent with endless travel opportunities, making it an excellent travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different countries, cultures, and cuisines.

You could make videos about the best destinations for foodies, history buffs, or nature lovers. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly, and talk about the challenges of traveling in Asia.

35. South American Vacations

South America is a diverse and exciting continent with endless travel opportunities, making it an excellent travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different countries, cultures, and cuisines.

You could make videos about the best destinations for adventure travel, history buffs, or foodies. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly, and talk about the challenges of traveling in South America.

36. Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean Islands are a popular travel destination that’s perfect for a YouTube travel niche channel. Share your experiences about the best beaches to visit, the most delicious food to try, and the most unique experiences to have.

You could make videos about the best places to stay, the cultural differences to be aware of, and the pros and cons of different types of travel in the Caribbean. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly, and highlight the best experiences in each location.

37. Traveling by Train

Traveling by train is a unique and exciting travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different train routes, scenic trains, and the pros and cons of train travel.

You could make videos about the best train journeys around the world, how to pack for a train trip, and the challenges and rewards of train travel. Share your tips for staying safe and comfortable while on the train, and talk about the best places to eat and sleep.

38. Exotic travel destinations

Exotic travel destinations are a great travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about the best destinations to visit, the most delicious food to try, and the most unique experiences to have.

You could feature different types of exotic travel too, like island hopping, jungle trekking, or wildlife safaris. And if you have any tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly in these destinations, share them with your audience.

Talk about the cultural differences in these destinations and how to respect local customs. Share your tips for navigating the destinations, finding affordable accommodations, and making the most of your time in each location.

39. Activity-based travel

Activity-based travel is a great travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different adventure travel destinations, from hiking and trekking to scuba diving and surfing.

You could make videos about the best destinations for adrenaline junkies, the most interesting cultural attractions, and the best ways to get around each location. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly while being active, and talk about the challenges of activity-based travel.

40. Risky travel destinations

For the more adventurous travelers, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on risky travel destinations.

Share your experiences about the best destinations to visit, the most dangerous places to explore, and the risks and rewards of traveling to these places.

You could make videos about the best ways to stay safe in risky destinations, how to navigate challenging situations, and the unique experiences you can have in these places.

Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly, and talk about the challenges of traveling to risky destinations.

41. Foreign language study abroad

Foreign language study abroad is a great travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about the best language programs, cultural differences to be aware of, and the challenges and rewards of studying abroad.

You could make videos about the best ways to learn a new language, how to overcome language barriers, and how to make the most of your study abroad experience. Share your tips for staying safe and comfortable while studying abroad, and talk about the best destinations for language learners.

42. Travel vlogging

Travel vlogging is a popular travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different destinations, cultures, and cuisines.

You could make videos about the best places to eat, the most interesting cultural attractions, and the best ways to get around each location. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly, and talk about the challenges of travel vlogging.

And if you have any unique experiences or hidden gems to share, your audience will love to hear about them. Plus, the possibilities for creativity in travel vlogging are endless.

43. Resort tour & review

For those who love luxury travel, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on resort tours and reviews. Share your experiences about the best resorts, spas, and amenities.

You could make videos about the best rooms and suites, the most delicious food to try, and the most unique experiences to have at each resort. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly in luxury travel, and highlight the best experiences in each location.

And if you have any advice for travelers on a budget or traveling solo, your audience will appreciate it.

44. Unconventional travel & living

Unconventional travel and living is a great travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about alternative ways of traveling, like van life, RV living, or house-sitting.

You could make videos about the challenges and rewards of unconventional travel and living, the best ways to find affordable accommodations, and how to stay sustainable and responsible while on the road. Share your tips for staying comfortable and safe while traveling unconventionally, and talk about the unique experiences you’ve had.

45. Mountain hiking & exploration

Mountain hiking and exploration is a thrilling travel niche for a YouTube channel. Share your experiences about different hiking routes, scenic views, and the pros and cons of mountain travel.

You could make videos about the best mountain ranges around the world, how to prepare for a mountain hike, and the challenges and rewards of mountain exploration. Share your tips for staying safe and comfortable while on the mountain, and talk about the best places to eat and sleep.

46. Living in Canada

For those interested in living in Canada, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on Canadian living.

Share your experiences about the best cities to live in, the cultural differences to be aware of, and the challenges and rewards of living in Canada.

You could make videos about the best places to work, the most interesting cultural attractions, and the best ways to get around each location. Share your tips for living sustainably and responsibly in Canada, and talk about the best destinations for each season.

47. Remote travel locations

For the adventurous travelers, consider making a YouTube travel channel focused on remote travel locations. Share your experiences about the best destinations to visit, the most remote places to explore, and the challenges and rewards of traveling off the beaten path.

You could make videos about the best ways to get to remote locations, how to stay safe and comfortable while traveling, and the unique experiences you can have in these places. Share your tips for traveling sustainably and responsibly, and talk about the challenges of traveling to remote locations.

And if you have any unique experiences or hidden gems to share, your audience will love to hear about them. Plus, you could inspire your viewers to venture out of their comfort zones and discover the beauty of these hidden destinations.

Start a YouTube Travel Niche Channel

No matter what type of travel niche you choose to focus on, creating a YouTube travel channel is a great way to share your passion for travel with the world. So why not start your own YouTube travel niche channel today?

Be sure to check out our ultimate list of YouTube growth tips for beginners if you’re just getting started with your YouTube channel!

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Open Access

Peer-reviewed

Research Article

Topics and destinations in comments on YouTube tourism videos during the Covid-19 pandemic

Roles Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Resources, Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Affiliation Facultad de Economía y Empresa, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador

Roles Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Affiliation Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador

Roles Conceptualization, Methodology, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

* E-mail: [email protected]

Affiliation Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanísticas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Guayaquil, Ecuador

Roles Conceptualization, Investigation, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

• Orly Carvache-Franco, 
• Mauricio Carvache-Franco, 
• Wilmer Carvache-Franco, 
• Olga Martin-Moreno

• Published: March 2, 2023
• https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281100
• Reader Comments

This study examines the comments posted on tourism-related YouTube videos during the Covid-19 pandemic to establish sustainable development strategies in destinations. Its objectives were: (i) to identify the topics of discussion, (ii) to establish the perceptions of tourism in a pandemic crisis, and (iii) to identify the destinations mentioned. The data was collected between January and May 2020. 39,225 comments were extracted in different languages and globally through the YouTube API. The data processing was carried out using the word association technique. The results show that the most discussed topics were: “people,” “country,” “tourist,” “place,” “tourism,” “see,” “visit,” “travel,” “covid-19,” “life,” and “live,” which are the focus of the comments made on the perceptions found and represent the attraction factors shown by the videos and the emotions perceived in the comments. The findings show that users’ perceptions are related to risks since the “Covid-19” pandemic is associated with the impact on tourism, people, destinations, and affected countries. The destinations in the comments were: India, Nepal, China, Kerala, France, Thailand, and Europe. The research has theoretical implications concerning tourists’ perceptions of destinations since new perceptions associated with destinations during the pandemic are shown. Such concerns involve tourist safety and work at the destinations. This research has practical implications since, during the pandemic, companies can develop prevention plans. Also, governments could implement sustainable development plans that contain measures so that tourists can make their trips during a pandemic.

Citation: Carvache-Franco O, Carvache-Franco M, Carvache-Franco W, Martin-Moreno O (2023) Topics and destinations in comments on YouTube tourism videos during the Covid-19 pandemic. PLoS ONE 18(3): e0281100. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281100

Editor: Tauseef Ahmad, King Saud University, SAUDI ARABIA

Received: March 12, 2022; Accepted: January 15, 2023; Published: March 2, 2023

Copyright: © 2023 Carvache-Franco et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Data Availability: The data were collected through the YouTube API using Mozdeh big data text analysis software ( http://mozdeh.wlv.ac.uk/ ). The book "Social Web Text Analytics with Mozdeh" ( http://mozdeh.wlv.ac.uk/resources/SocialWebResearchWithMozdeh.pdf ), the Youtube Data API v3 key ( https://developers.google.com/youtube/v3/docs and http://lexiurl.wlv.ac.uk/searcher/YouTubeKeyRegister.html ), and the video "Social Media Data Analysis 5: Gathering and analysing YouTube comments with Mozdeh" by Mike Thelwall ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvpJQXvI-XA ) contain the full information on how to extract and analyze YouTube data with the software. The keyword used for queries in data collection was "tourism" in the title of the video or in the description of the video (videos with titles or descriptions matching queries). The comments of the YouTube videos were obtained from January to May 2020.

Funding: The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

1. Introduction

A growing number of studies have been focusing on tourism crises and change in recent years. Yet only a few have explicitly investigated health-related crises [ 1 – 4 ]. In 2020, the COVID-19 virus, has triggered an unprecedented global crisis with enormous impacts on our political, social, and economic systems [ 5 , 6 ].

The Chinese government first reported this virus to WHO on December 31, 2019. WHO declared the pandemic on March 11, 2020 [ 7 ].On March 26, 2020, UNWTO [ 8 ] announced that the United Nations Specialized Tourism Agency expected international tourist arrivals to decrease by 20% and 30% in 2020 compared to 2019 figures, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 7, 2020, UNWTO [ 9 ] announced that international tourism decreased by 22% in the first quarter and could fall by as much as 60%-80% throughout the year. The Covid-19 crisis currently presents the opportunity to reconsider sustainable tourism transformation on a global level [ 10 ]. For Yu et al. [ 11 ], future studies should examine how the crisis affect the quality and efficiency of tourism companies’ services: performance and image of the destination and mediation of tourist emotions expressed in social networks during a health crisis.

The tourism activity produces a large amount of data, which can be addressed through social networks [ 12 ]. In this way, with the development of information and communications technology, people can share their opinions online, creating user-generated content [ 13 ]. These comments from social networks can serve as sources to know tourists’ perceptions and impressions [ 14 ]. Nationality and culture are critical elements for tourists’ preferences, and with the processing of tourists’ comments on social networks, the preferences of various nationalities and cultures can be understood [ 15 ].

In this context, the present study sets the following objectives: (i) to establish the issues that are discussed in user comments on YouTube videos related to tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic, (ii) to establish the perceptions of tourism in a pandemic crisis, and (iii) to establish the destinations mentioned in the comments on the YouTube videos related to tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. Literature review

2.1. tourism in pandemic crisis.

The tourism industry is vulnerable to risks, including pandemics, epidemics, crisis, terrorism, or any risk threatening tourist safety [ 16 , 17 ]. Pandemics and travel relationships are fundamental to understanding health, security, and global change [ 18 ]. Consequently, crises can be a trigger for change, but no crisis has so far been a significant transition event in tourism [ 19 ].

The 21st century has already experienced four pandemics: SARS in 2002. Avian influenza in 2009, MERS in 2012, and Ebola, which peaked in 2013–14. Risk often restricts travel and has a negative relationship with tourism demand. For example, SARS and the bird flu in Asia [ 20 , 21 ], swine flu [ 22 ], Ebola [ 23 ] and MERS [ 24 ].

Few reasearchers have studied the crisis of tourism during a pandemic. Yu et al. [ 11 ], concerning Covid-2019, established that the key issues identified and discussed in social networks including the perception of tourists risk, which changes dynamically, the effects of the quality of the service of tourism companies during a crisis, quarantine issues in public health, the authenticity of media coverage, and racial discrimination. Similarly, for Nguyen and Coca-Stefaniak [ 25 ], there are significant changes in planned travel behaviors after the Covid-2019 pandemic. More specifically, there is a decrease in the intentions to use public transportation and an increased willingness to using private cars. Therefore, the adverse effects of Covid-2019 on tourism can exacerbate income imbalances and harm social equity. As time passes without a vaccine, the adverse effects will intensify, and this can cause a significant delay in economic recovery [ 26 ].

Studies on the perception of risk in tourism during a pandemic have been carried out on the tourist or demand side and the resident side of tourist sites or supply [ 27 ]. On the risk of a pandemic by tourists or demand, existing studies focus on consumer behavior and mention that tourists perceive risks differently. This risk is associated with some factors such as health and safety. These risks make tourists change their preference for destinations that they believe have a lower level of health and safety risk [ 28 ]. On the demand side, some studies have focused on managing tourism crises that affect destinations, response and recovery strategies, and planning practices [ 29 ].

2.2. YouTube on social media and in tourism

YouTube videos have emerged as a source for research [ 30 ]. Social media can facilitate responses from multiple voices from organizations and consumers [ 31 , 32 ]. Understanding online dialogues helps understand communication during crises [ 33 ]. YouTube is a video-based social network. The main reason for watching videos is that it is relaxing entertainment. At the same time, interacting with others leads them to comment on said videos [ 34 ]. The comments posted on YouTube videos are interesting and provide information on the public’s reaction to the videos [ 35 ]. In this sense, videos with informative content have high validity when large samples are extracted from different regions [ 36 ].

YouTube is a website for broad content distribution and viral content sharing [ 37 ]. It is possible to find patterns in the themes and differences of gender and feelings while analyzing YouTube comments [ 38 ]. The comments on YouTube allow us to know the users’ emotional states [ 39 ]. Approximately 60 to 80% of the comments on YouTube from users may contain opinions, which is why it is an important source for obtaining user opinions, which can affect an organization’s reputation [ 40 ].

Various studies have used YouTube as a means of researching social media: analysis of user comments on science YouTube channels [ 41 ]; analysis of user comments on museums to establish gender differences [ 35 ]; analysis of video comments on anti-tourist incidents [ 42 ]; analysis of patterns and trends in YouTube video viewing [ 43 ]; and analysis of user behavior associated with the comments made on YouTube [ 44 ]. Few studies have raised the influence of social media in disasters and pandemics [ 45 ], and social media is considered as an important way of expressing oneself after pandemic disasters [ 46 ].

YouTube videos about tourist destinations have been used as a tool to communicate identity and brand. YouTube videos about tourist destinations are promotional and commercial videos, generally of an informative nature that communicate the destination’s brand through attraction factors and emotional values [ 47 ].

The offer of tourist destinations is of an intangible nature and due to the fact that they cannot be tested before their acquisition, service providers can take advantage of technology and its advances so that marketing managers in this area can give to know their services through audiovisual content, the purpose of audiovisual advertising material is to help destinations create a positive image, improve perceptions and attitudes, as well as influence visiting behavior, that is, in the visit attempt, in the return, sharing, recommending destinations, among other aspects [ 48 ].

Specifically, YouTube allows you to measure DCE (Digital consumer engagement), which consists of the level of interaction that a brand can have in a digital environment, through "clicks" on a video, "likes" "dislikes", comments and the fact of sharing the content. Writing a comment requires attention, time, involvement and cognitive resources of the users, so this gives a high indicator of the DCE mentioned above [ 49 ].

Given the success of the YouTube platform, companies have found that creating their own channels is an excellent way to achieve a high level of DCE, reach new audiences and convert visits into sales. YouTube makes it possible to characterize how users react to videos, which allows for a quantitative analysis (through the number of likes, clicks, etc.), as well as a qualitative analysis (analysis of the detailed information in the comments) [ 50 ].

2.3. Crisis communication theory

The crisis communication theories that have been applied to tourism are: (a) Situational crisis communication theory [ 51 , 52 ] and Networked crisis communication theory [ 53 , 54 ]. The latter is used for communication in social media using media such as Facebook or YouTube. The literature on communication in crisis in health-related tourism is still scarce [ 55 , 56 ].

The theory of situational crisis communication suggests that organizations can use various communication strategies during crises. These strategies depend on the type of crisis, the situation of the crisis, and the organization’s responsibility in the crisis [ 57 ]. The theory of situational crisis communication tries to establish strategies of responses to crises with positive results for the organization in the public perception of the crisis and its attitude to protecting its reputation and reducing those adverse effects [ 51 , 52 ].

During crises, response strategies represent the words or terms and the actions that organizations can take during the crisis [ 51 ]. In crises when there is a minimum responsibility of the organization, the appropriate communication strategies are instructions and information adjustment, to achieve positive results for organizations such as protecting their reputation and reducing negative effects [ 57 , 58 ].

The theory of situational crisis communication in tourism was tested in social media. Barbe and Pennington-Gray [ 54 ] used Twitter. While Möller et al. [ 55 ] and Ki and Nekmat [ 58 ] used Facebook. Sandlin and Gracyalny [ 59 ] used YouTube to examine comments on public figures.

The theory of situational crisis communication, like the classical theories of crisis communication, focuses on the interaction of the type of crisis and the communication strategy. It does not consider the importance of the medium used in crisis communication in social media that could have a more significant effect than the effects of the type of crisis [ 57 ]. In this sense, for Schultz et al. [ 53 ], the consumer has different media types in social media in the context of different responses to the crises.

The Networked crisis communication theory considers that crisis communications distributed by social media can provoke different responses, which are affected or impacted by the medium used, the type of crisis, and also by people’s emotions [ 53 , 54 ]. Therefore, there is a gap in the literature on the effect of crisis communication in social networks from the recipient’s perspective, since social networks can facilitate responses from multiple voices of organizations and the public or consumers [ 31 ].

In summary, the literature indicates that tourists associate health risks during pandemics with the quality of service and safety, which makes them change their preferences for destinations with a lower level of risk. However, little literature addresses the perceptions and reactions in user comments about tourism videos on YouTube at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic concerning whether these perceptions denote risks and show preferences in certain destinations. Therefore, in light of this research gap, this study asks the following research questions:

• RQ1. Which topics are discussed in comments in tourism YouTube videos during the Covid-19 pandemic?
• RQ2. What perceptions do users have about the tourism crisis during the Covid-19 Pandemic?
• RQ3. Which destinations are discussed in comments in tourism YouTube videos during the Covid-19 pandemic?

3. Methodology

3.1. techniques for data analysis.

In recent years, modern techniques have emerged from analyzing social media’s big data, such as association mining or word associations and the technique of analysis of sentiment of comments. This research uses the technique of word associations or association of word content for comments on YouTube videos.

3.1.1 Association mining or word associations

The association technique is used to find syntagmatic relationships between terms or words [ 60 ]. It is a technique to find patterns in texts processed in large volumes [ 61 ]. It is also a technique used to find the knowledge derived from the extraction of previously unknown patterns [ 62 ], and it is a quantitative technique to relate words [ 63 ]. When it has large volumes of data, this technique is used to classify and explain using existing knowledge or test hypotheses or interrelations between constructs [ 64 ].

Through the analysis of tourism data in the network, connections between textual data terms are found [ 65 ]. The word associations generally uses a quantitative approach to analyze more extensive text volumes. It helps discover knowledge by increasing the text’s volume to be analyzed [ 66 ].

Association mining or word association has been used in tourism to process volumes of online comments from restaurant customers [ 67 ], as well as to process online opinions of travelers [ 68 ], to process online comments of tourism products [ 69 ], to process online comments of restaurants, hotels and attractions [ 70 ], to process online comments of the image of a tourist destination [ 71 ], to process online comments that serve to analyze the behavior of tourists to market tourist destinations [ 72 ], to process comments online on hotel satisfaction factors [ 73 ], to compare various online platforms on hotel population comments [ 74 ], to process comments online restaurants [ 75 ], to process online comments of customer satisfaction in hotels [ 76 ], and to predict tourist demand [ 77 ].

Language is the most reliable and common way for humans to make their inner thoughts known in a way that other people can understand [ 49 ]. Texts are the direct expressions of users’ needs and emotions, so text-based analysis in the tourism sector has the potential to transform the industry, since decision-making is undoubtedly directly influenced by the experiences of trips of other tourists, made in comments on social networks or through blogs [ 80 ]. These texts can provide valuable insights for potential tourists and assist them in optimally choosing a destination, as well as exploring travel routes, or they can also help entrepreneurs in the tourism sector to improve their value proposition [ 78 ].

In general, "word association" techniques have been used to propose and perform tourism analysis to develop tourism value analysis models, build tourism recommendation systems, create tourism profiles and create policies to supervise tourism markets [ 78 ]. The advanced analysis of information provided by customers is a way to acquire, maintain, engage and satisfy their needs in an optimal way. It also allows creating transparency, segmentation of the population, replacement or support in the decision-making of individuals [ 79 ]. This is the importance of carrying out data analysis, since through comprehensive evaluation indicators, the analysis can be used to create an offer of personalized intelligent services for both tourists and tourism providers [ 80 ].

The analysis of social networks or social media analytics—SMA is considered as the structured and unstructured analysis of data obtained through social networks. Carrying out an SMA includes sentiment analysis and is useful to access and understand the behavior of users, or the group of users more broadly defined as society, especially in uncertain conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. An SMA generates new leads through customer experience and operational efficiency [ 79 ].

3.2. Data collection

The data was collected through the YouTube API using Mozdeh big data text analysis software. 158,578 comments were extracted in different languages from different countries. 39,225 comments corresponding to the Covid-19 pandemic, from January to May 2020, were obtained. These comments met the condition that the video included, in its title or the video description, the term “tourism”.

3.3. Data analysis

As part of the processing, the data analysis followed these steps:

First, data cleansing was performed checking and removing duplicate comments to improve the quality of the data to be analyzed.

Second, the word association technique was used to obtain the words associated with the term tourism in the YouTube data collected using Mozdeh big data text analysis software automatically check for associations between a query keywords extracting the words from all matching texts, and further analysing the statistically significant terms with a quantitative process with Pearson’s Chi-square statistical test, derived from a 2x2 contingency table used with a critical threshold value of 3,841. The Benjamini and Hochberg [ 81 ] method was used to reduce the risk of falsely believing that a word is significant when examining multiple Chi-square values. This procedure tests all the words simultaneously and shows all the words as results or meaningful terms. This method controls the risk of false positives when running multiple tests. Explanatory tables were prepared with the results.

Third, a dendrogram of clusters was developed to identify the most relevant terms or those that belong to each cluster. Fourth, for each discussion topic, the word association technique was used to obtain the five words associated with each discussion topic found in the collected YouTube data. Lastly, the videos’ comments were analyzed to identify the users’ perceptions related to the five words associated with each discussion topic.

4.1. Topics discussed in the comments of YouTube videos during the Covid-19 pandemic

The data processing using the word association technique is shown in Table 1 . The most discussed topics in the YouTube comments were: “people,” “country,” “tourist,” “place,” “tourism,” "see,” "visit,” "travel,” "covid-19,” "life,” "live," and others, those topics reflect the main aspects on which users commented at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Table 1 , the “Match” column displays the percentage of comments that contain the word that matches the term Covid-19. The “NoMatch” column displays the percentage of comments that contain the word that does not match the data collected with the search term Covid-19. The “Matches” column is the number of comments that match the word with the term Covid-19. The “Total” column is the number of comments that contain the word. The “DiffPZ” column is the difference in proportion z. The “Sig” column shows if the relationship was significant to the Chisq test performed.

• PPT PowerPoint slide
• PNG larger image
• TIFF original image

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281100.t001

From the terms found in Table 1 , a dendrogram of clusters was obtained in SPSS software using data from matches column of Table 1 to determine the most hierarchical terms based on the frequency of comments for each term, shows that the terms people, country, tourism, tourist, place, see are the most significant in the hierarchy.

It is observed that in cluster 1, there are the terms “people,” “country,” “tourist,” "place," "tourism," and "see" identified as the group with the highest hierarchy ( Fig 1 ).

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281100.g001

The results show the topics that users had discussed most frequently in YouTube tourism videos. These topics reflect the main aspects on which users commented at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic: the terms that are the focus of attention of the comments. The findings are shown in Table 1 . These results respond to RQ1: Which topics are discussed in comments in tourism YouTube videos during the Covid-19 pandemic? The study found that the most commented topics are mainly: people, country, tourist, place, tourism, see, visit, travel, and others.

The results of YouTube users’ perceptions of the tourism crisis during the pandemic are shown in Table 2 show the perception of users about the situation of destinations, people, tourism, tourists during the pandemic. These respond to RQ2. What perceptions do users have about the tourism crisis during the Covid-2019 Pandemic? The findings show the perceptions grouped into three aspects:

• The perceptions and impressions of users of tourism videos on YouTube during the Covid-19 pandemic indicate that tourists relate destinations to countries, their people, and the things they can see in those destinations.
• The term "Covid-19" is associated with the effect or impact on tourism, people, destinations, and countries affected.
• The tourist perceives the need for work from the destination and the problems they could have in those places.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281100.t002

4.2. Destinations discussed in the tourism YouTube videos

The most mentioned destinations in the comments of the YouTube users in the tourism videos are shown in Table 3 , these destinations focus on in the perception of users. The answer to the RQ3: Which destinations are discussed in comments in tourism YouTube videos during the Covid-19 pandemic? is given. The most commented destinations were: India, Nepal, China, Kerala, France, and Thailand.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281100.t003

5. Discussion

YouTube videos about tourist destinations are informative and communicate the destination brand through attraction factors and emotional values [ 47 ]. Comments on YouTube represent tourists’ perceptions and their impressions [ 15 ]. The main discussion topics found in the comments were: "people", "country", "tourist", "place", "tourism", "see", "visit", "travel", "covid-19", " life "," live ", which shows the themes that focus the perceptions and impressions of tourists about the videos and the emotions perceived in the comments.

These perceptions show that tourists relate the destinations with the countries, their people and the things they see in those destinations. Tourists perceive the need for work from the destination and the problems they could have in those places. The findings show that users’ perceptions are related to risks since the "covid-19" pandemic is associated with the impact on tourism, people, destinations, and affected countries. This result is related to other authors’ studies that have found tourists perceive risks in pandemics [ 11 , 28 , 29 ]. Also, with studies on tourism crises that affect destinations [ 30 ]. Besides, risk restricts travel and negatively affects tourism demand [ 11 , 21 – 25 ]. As a contribution, it is established that these responses incorporate preferences such as tourist safety and work from the destination, which the tourist has associated with the destinations related to the Covid-19 situation, which is concerning other studies that mention significant changes in tourist behavior during pandemics [ 29 ] and changes in planned travel behaviors after the covid-19 pandemic [ 26 ].

Other terms used were "information" and "guide" that indicate that consumers considered the videos in information and guides about destinations appropriate, and terms such as "hotel," "culture," "history" that showed characteristics of the destinations and "money" what they needed to stay in the destinations. Destinations mentioned in the comments that correspond to consumer perceptions and impressions include: India, Nepal, China, Kerala, France, Thailand and Europe, these destinations were promoted in the tourism videos that tourists focused their reaction on. on the comments.

YouTube videos comprise a type of communication from tourism providers to consumers [ 47 ]. However, during tourism crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, these videos available on YouTube, can be considered as a type of crisis communication from organizations to consumers. This crisis communication analyzed under the theory of situational crisis communication, in the case of crises with minimal responsibility of the organizations, corresponds to communicative strategies of adjustment of instructions and information [ 51 , 52 ] and these YouTube videos related to the tourism are considered informative videos and intended to preserve the reputation of the destination and companies. Analysis of the comments shows that there is a favorable consumer reaction to crisis communication from organizations and destinations related to the countries, their people and the things that can be seen in those destinations. The responses to said consumer crisis communication expressed through comments refer to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourist destination, producing an impact on the people, the problems and the work from that place. Tourism service companies using crisis communication strategies through YouTube can preserve the reputation of the destination and the companies.

The responses or crisis communication analyzed through the network crisis communication theory show that videos on YouTube that generally seek to promote tourist destinations can generate various responses driven by the emotions of consumers. Research findings indicate that such responses and reactions range from comments related to people, culture, history, country, the money needed, and the impact of Covid-19 on people and the destination. These being clear problems that can be found in a tourist destination. YouTube, as a medium or social networking, can influence the consumer’s response to the crisis.

As recommendations for the sustainability of destinations in times of health crisis due to the fact that tourists in tourist videos during the pandemic show concern for the people and places affected, it is necessary for governments to take measures in destinations such as: worry that people have work, serve communities in situations of health risk or poverty, worry about the safety of tourists, worry about changes in tourist behavior, collaborate with the planning of tourist trips, improve the stay of tourists in hotels, create tourist packages with biosecurity, and preserve the history and culture of the affected places. For this, all governments could contribute with sustainable plans for tourist trips because they are a source of income that, if properly managed in this sector of the economy, can contribute money and work to the affected areas in times of health crisis and times of pandemics.

6. Conclusions

The processing of user comments about tourism videos on YouTube through big data techniques, such as word association, is a suitable means to obtain the perceptions and impressions/reactions of users written in comments to the videos.

The perceptions and impressions of users of tourism videos on YouTube during the Covid-19 pandemic are mainly concentrated on the topics: "people," "country," "tourist," "place," "tourism," "see," evidencing that the tourist in the "Covid-19" pandemic perceives an effect or impact on tourism, people, destinations and affected countries. Interest is shown in the need for work from the destination and tourists’ problems in those places. Destinations mentioned in the comments include India, Nepal, China, Kerala, France, Thailand, and Europe.

This research has theoretical implications regarding the perceptions of tourists about destinations, since the data examined shows new perceptions that tourists have associated with destinations during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as tourist safety and work from destinations, this being the contribution to academic literature.

Comments on tourist videos, analyzed from the situational crisis communication theory [ 51 , 52 ], show that tourist service companies use crisis communication strategies through videos on YouTube to try to preserve the reputation of destinations. The companies and the comments to the tourist videos, analyzed from the theory of network crisis communication, show the ability of YouTube as a means to influence the response of tourists or consumers in the perception of risk and at the same time show the reactions driven by the emotions of tourists.

This study has practical implications since, during tourism crises caused by pandemics, companies can, through YouTube video, improve business crisis communication strategies and develop pandemic crisis prevention plans. To improve the sustainability of destinations, due to the concern that tourists show in the videos for the people and destinations affected, it is necessary for governments to develop sustainable plans aimed at tourists to generate employment and safety in planned trips so that they contribute to the sustainable development of the affected destinations by conducting responsible and sustainable tourism in times of health crises or pandemics.

Finally, the study’s main limitation is the temporality of the data collected during January and May 2020. As a future research line, it would be interesting to analyse the YouTube data to examine changes in consumer tourist behavior due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Sustainable Tourism & Habitat Conservation: Responsible Travel Guide Released

Ever Wonder Adventure, an online resource on sustainability, has released a new guide with recommendations on eco-friendly tourism.

Singapore, Singapore - April 22, 2024 —

With overtourism becoming an increasingly pressing issue in many parts of the world, Ever Wonder Adventure aims to highlight the impacts it has on climate change and environmental degradation. The new guide also explores ways for readers to visit tourist attractions responsibly.

For more information, please visit https://www.everwonderadventure.com/sustainable-tourism

One article by National Geographic notes that overtourism can have a significant impact on ecosystems in regions that are popular travel destinations. For example, coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef and Maya Bay have been degrading at a startling pace due to excessive snorkeling, boating, and handling. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) states that by 2030, transport-related carbon emissions from tourism are projected to increase by 25% compared to 2016 levels.

Ever Wonder Adventure says that overtourism can also have socio-economic implications, as locals are at risk of being displaced when tourism becomes the sole economic driver of a region. This can also result in exploitation, cultural appropriation, and the loss of tradition. Furthermore, tourist activities tend to generate large amounts of waste, leading to pollution in local communities.

However, sustainable tourism can play a vital role in preserving ecosystems, and many natural habitats are now protected due to their value as tourist destinations. To contribute to these efforts, Ever Wonder Adventure encourages readers to choose eco-certified operators, travel only to destinations accessible by sustainable travel options, and engage in low-impact activities. Additionally, they can support native communities by dining at and purchasing souvenirs from local businesses, minimizing waste, and respecting local customs.

Readers can also keep themselves informed with the UNWTO’s Sustainable Tourism Development Index (STDI) and Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI), which measure countries’ progress toward sustainable tourism. These indices cover eco-friendly infrastructure development, wealth equity, and visitor quotas, allowing travelers to determine which regions are committed to responsible practices and plan their trips accordingly.

About Ever Wonder Adventure

Ever Wonder Adventure was founded with the goal of bringing attention to the consequences of environmental degradation. Through their merchandise sales, the website supports efforts to protect fragile ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.

Interested parties can learn more by visiting https://bit.ly/Buy-Sustainable-Travel

Contact Info: Name: H C Yip Email: Send Email Organization: Ever Wonder Adventure Address: One Oxley Rise Singapore, Singapore, Singapore 238714, Singapore Website: https://www.everwonderadventure.com

Source: NewsNetwork

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Amsterdam Bans New Hotel Construction to Help Curb Tourism

The dutch capital is hoping to limit the number of tourists who visit throughout the year., tori latham, tori latham's most recent stories.

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Amsterdam is taking some extreme measures to curb tourism and overcrowding.

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Alongside the ban, the city is hoping to limit hotel stays by tourists to fewer than 20 million a year, The New York Times noted. Prior to the pandemic, Amsterdam experienced 25.2 million hotel stays in 2019, according to city data cited by the newspaper. Last year, that number was even higher—not even including stays in Airbnbs or on cruise ships.

“The effect won’t be very big,” Ko Koens, a professor of new urban tourism in Rotterdam, told the Times . But “without such a stop, Amsterdam’s center would become one big hotel. . .You don’t want that either.”

Koens added that the limited supply may make hotels in the city more expensive in the future, which could in turn deter visitors. Right now, the city has 42,000 hotel rooms that can hold 92,000 people, according to Statistics Netherlands data cited by the newspaper. Twenty-six more hotels have already been approved to open, which will add to that total. But beyond that, new hotels will only be able to open if another property closes, and the newer hotel can’t have more rooms than were previously available.

That deals a blow to property developers who were hoping to cash in on Amsterdam’s tourism boom. But it’s not clear whether it will actually tamp down on the tourism itself.

Tori Latham is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. She was previously a copy editor at The Atlantic, and has written for publications including The Cut and The Hollywood Reporter. When not…

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