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16 Best travel vlogs to follow in 2022

A travel vlog is a video collection of someone who explores our world. Whether it’s a digital nomad, someone living from their van, or good old-fashioned backpackers, these people have an undying thirst for travelling and sharing their stories. I’m sure you’re wondering how these travellers can explore so freely with no ties to one place?

The best travel vloggers have grown a massive fanbase, allowing them to cash in as influencers. They take advantage of their following and promote brands and businesses around the globe, making an income right from their vlogs to continue their adventures.

Is the travel vlog life for you?

If you have a wandering spirit and love to create content, then posting travel vlogs might be the lifestyle for you! Like with any other content creator, consistency is the name of the game. An ongoing stream of videos will slowly create a fanbase that could someday finance your adventures.

READ MORE : We share some of the best travel blogs for you

Below, you’ll find 16 of some of the best travel bloggers and travel YouTubers we could find that share their adventures exploring the world. There are some with millions of views that cater to audiences far and wide, while others might be aimed at a more niche audience.

Here are 16 of the best travel vloggers

• Hey Nadine – Travel inspiration
• TFIL – Lifetime experiences
• International ME – Lesser-known places
• Fearless & Far – New and wild places
• Mark Wiens – Top food tourism videos
• Lexi Limitless – New cultures and fun adventures
• Kombi Life – Van traveller’s lifestyle
• GRRRLTRAVELER – Women solo travel
• Kold – Cinematic documentaries
• The Bucket List Family – Exploring the world
• Sailing La Vagabonde – Sea life
• Phil Good Travel – Positive connections
• Kara and Nate – Daily travel adventures
• Hopscotch the Globe – Tips & inspiration
• Dany #gotaworldtosee – Itinerary ideas and advice
• Lost Leblanc – Adventures with friends

1. Hey Nadine

Nadine Sykora is the brilliant mind behind Hey Nadine . In the last ten years, she’s visited 55 countries. You can expect to see vlogs with packing tutorials and motivational videos that will inspire you to travel.

One of her most successful videos is “ Airport and Airplane Travel Hacks ,” with over 1.4 million views.

Elton Castee became famous after a series of viral prank videos on Vine. Soon after, he began his travel project TFIL (The F*** It List), crossing off items from his list and becoming one of the best travel blogs out there.

He has broken several Guinness World Records and raised over $500,000 USD for different charities.

3. International ME

Angela An was born in New Zealand but has been showing Japan’s secret spots for the last five years on her travel vlog, internationally ME . She specializes in lesser-known places in Japan and has multiple videos with over one million views.

Her most popular videos include “ Tokyo Tourist Traps ” and “ What Not To Wear In Japan .”

4. Fearless & Far

Mike Corey specializes in motivating viewers to their fears and explore the world in Fearless & Far . A BBC television host who has posted YouTube videos for the past five years, Mike takes viewers to the wildest places.

Whether it’s attending exploding hammer festivals in Mexico or staying in an Airbnb on a cliff in Oman, Mike always pushes the envelope to discover new places.

5. Mark Wiens

Mark is one of the top food tourism influencers on YouTube. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, Mark Wiens is one of the best YouTube travel channels. With over 7.5 million subscribers, his videos rack up several million views.

His initial travels explored Asian cuisine starting and have expanded all over the world. You can find episodes of him tasting street delicacies in Dubai, Ghana, Mexico, and more.

6. Lexie Limitless

Currently holding the Guinness World Record for the Youngest Person to Travel to Every Country is Lexie Alford, an American travel vlogger. In fact, she’s been to all 196 countries before turning 21!

Explore and travel the world vicariously on Lexi Limitless while learning about the unique cultures all over the world. She also has videos on travel guides and advice for budget travelling and road trips.

7. Kombi Life

The community of van travellers is growing, and Kombi Life is one of its top exponents. These travel vloggers highlight an alternative, nomadic lifestyle on a van life-focused channel.

Their “ The Longest Road In The World ” video covers three years of adventures on the road.

8. GRRRLTRAVELER | Christine Kaaloa

Women have a harder time travelling alone due to pressures in different countries. Hawaiian native Christine Kaaloa posts videos to GRRRLTRAVELER to give other women confidence when travelling alone.

She’s currently amassed over 25 million views on her channel, making her one of the best travel vloggers out there.

An extraordinary filmmaker, Sam Kolder, takes his time between each video on his channel, Kold . He doesn’t produce content on a massive scale, but when he posts something, it’s a banger.

I love how he mixes animation, live-action video, and drone shots in his Hey Tim – The Story Of My Life video.

10. The Bucket List Family

This family sold everything and has been travelling since 2015. Their channel, The Bucket List Family , focuses on family-friendly content, from safe surfing lessons for kids, healthy eating and workout habits, to how to explore places all over the world with children.

11. Sailing La Vagabonde

After working for eight years on offshore rigs and mines in Western Australia, Riley Whitelum purchased a yacht and began to navigate around the world with his partner Elayna.

They travel thanks to his vlog Sailing La Vagabonde , subscribers, and Patreon account, where they post content on sea life and alternative lifestyles.

12. Phil Good Travel

Phil Calvert is all about spreading good vibes in his travel vlog Phil Good Travel. Committed to breaking down negative stereotypes, he strives to create positive connections and has established a community of Black travellers in Europe.

13. Kara and Nate

These travel YouTubers set out on a year-long trip in 2016, covering their adventures through daily videos on their channel, Kara and Nate .

Four years later, they recently launched an hour-long documentary showing their experiences across 100 countries!

14. Hopscotch the Globe (Kristen and Siya)

If you need helpful content for your travels, search no more! Hopscotch the Globe (Kristen and Siya) is one of the most helpful travel vlogs out there, with packing tips, instructions on creating content, and more.

As far as travel vloggers go, they are a great guide for inspiring travel youtubers.

15. Dany #gotaworldtosee

Dany Dev started his travelling escapades in 2015 and has since gained over 32 million views and a healthy following. You can find him trying local cuisines and new cultures, sharing his honest first impressions and giving useful safety tips on his channel Dany #gotaworldtosee .

One of my favourite videos is his hour-long guide on “How to travel Dubai 2022 ” where he shares extensively about his experiences and the ins and outs of travelling Dubai.

16. Lost Leblanc

Christian LeBlanc is one of the most well-known travel vlogers out there. After quitting his job to travel full-time, he decided to embark on some extreme challenges and exciting adventures with his friends. Sharing both the creative, filmmaking side and business side of travelling with his community, the channel has amassed an impressive 192 million views.

He also goes on adventures with his friends and followers, with his most recent one being one to Costa Rica .

Are you the next great travel vlogger?

Many of us wonder what it takes to get started in the world of travel vlogs. I mean, all these people have established solid brands thanks to years of hard work. But they had to start somewhere.

With the dawn of the post-pandemic era and borders slowly reopening, it’s now time to go out there and explore the world. Whether you are seeking advice for a nomadic lifestyle, thrilling adventures or a simple budget-friendly holiday, there is a travel vlogger for you. Follow their advice, pack those bags, and get started!

• travel vlog

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15 Travel Vlogging Tips for Beginners (from a SOLO FEMALE Travel Vlogger)

Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

This post may contain affiliate links. I never leave home without travel insurance. Here’s an tirip insurance finder tool  to find one that matches your budget. I use World Nomads as it covers adventures . I also get the plan that covers gear and travel theft. 

Being a  solo female travel vlogger on YouTube and freelance camera operator, I love shooting stories in exotic and new destinations both, at home and abroad.  The one important rule to acknowledge with travel is that there is no do-over once you leave a destination. You need to get your shots and shot list checklist complete so you can tell the story. Thus, being thoughtfully prepared and packed for my shoot is most important to me. I’m sharing travel vlogging tips to prepare you for shooting a destination .

Read Benefits of Travel Vlogging on YouTube

Table of Contents: 15 Travel Vlogging Tips for Beginners (from a SOLO FEMALE Travel Vlogger)

• 0.1 Travel Vlogging for Beginners: Is travel vlogging for women different from men?
• 1.0.1 1. Never pack your main camera gear in your checked luggage
• 1.0.2 2. Decide on the right gear to pack and which to leave behind
• 1.0.3 3. A wide-angle lens is a must for making travel videos.
• 1.0.4 4. Keep travel camera backpacks compact
• 1.0.5 5. Are you planning vacation or a film shoot?
• 1.0.6 6. Choose the right travel camera bag for solo travel
• 1.0.7 7. Do not assume you can “buy replacement gear” when you arrive.
• 1.0.8 8. Invest in an SSD
• 1.0.9 9. Capturing the details is key to a good story.
• 1.0.10 10. Ask permission to shoot locals
• 1.0.11 11. Prepare for all outcomes
• 1.0.12 12. Prepare for the weather
• 1.0.13 13. Insure your camera gear
• 1.0.14 14. Remember to wipe your lens
• 1.0.15 15. Check camera settings
• 1.0.16 Conclusion
• 1.0.17 What recommendations would you add to this guide on Travel Vlogging tips for beginners and how to start a travel vlog?

Travel Vlogging for Beginners: Is travel vlogging for women different from men?

Being a solo female travel vlogger brings unique challenges compared to male counterparts, even though our camera gear and YouTube styles may be similar. I strive to be authentic with my audience, but sometimes, I hesitate to share my struggles as a woman in a male-dominated industry, fearing I might be perceived as “whiny.” However, being a female vlogger on a solo travel journey presents distinct hurdles.

Safety is a top concern. Navigating unfamiliar territories while being a female traveler demands constant vigilance, especially in societies with traditional gender norms. Cultural differences and societal/dress codes can make it more challenging for me to blend in and stay safe. Additionally, carrying my gear around adds a physical and emotional burden, and dealing with touts and travel scams can feel overwhelming.

Read How to make travel videos for youtube

Each new destination requires me to adapt to a unique set of rules and customs while ensuring my storytelling remains informative for my travel audience. Speaking to my camera in public spaces can attract unwanted attention, leaving me feeling nervous and self-conscious.

Despite these challenges, I’m determined to overcome them and share my amazing experiences with the world. As a travel vlogger, I believe in inspiring other women to embark on their own solo adventures and break through the barriers. Here are some tips that have helped me along the way:

See my conference slides on How to Make Money with YouTube

15 travel vlogging tips for beginners, 1. never pack your main camera gear in your checked luggage.

A rule of thumb is that you never want to separate yourself from your main camera gear because it is both, essential to your film trip and valuable. Your flight can get delayed or your luggage can get tossed, lost or stolen.

So what can you pack in checked luggage?

• Cables, adapters and backup chargers (I always keep one for my main gear bag in case luggage gets lost and I have to charge things).
• Pocket light panels, gorilla pod, tripods and selfie sticks.
• If I pack valuable gear I’ll pack a short lens and wrap it up in my clothes or tuck it away in a shoe or cup.

Avoid packing camera and external batteries. You may carry a lot of batteries like me, but it’s against airlines regulations. I like to pack my accessories in my luggage (although I take mostly carry-on luggage so i’m never far from my gear period).

See my packing list for travel vlogging

2. decide on the right gear to pack and which to leave behind.

When you travel and film, you need to choose the right gear to bring with you, because you’re carrying it for the entire day. It’s like a marriage that has to last for the day.  Pack the wrong stuff – underestimate your shooting needs or the weather– and you’re kicking yourself for hours.

Think about the shots and content you want to capture first and then the weather. Then plan your packing around it.

I know photo journalists who carry two DSLRs, so they do not have to switch out lenses when they shoot for an event or red carpet. But solo travel run and gunning is a beast when you’re sightseeing, walking crowded markets and doing outdoor activities like hiking. It also takes mental preparation when your day spans into a long day of navigating public transportation, taking Uber or rickshaws and getting lost on foot!

Your camera backpack weight, the miles you’re walking, the obstacles of filming the shots you want and the climate…  they all add to the challenge.

• Leave some gear at your hotel or home. Although I pack gear for my trip, I also repack my gear for the day’s itinerary and shooting needs.
• For hiking, landscapes, I leave my heavy 70-300mm zoom lens at home and use my everyday cameras: GoPro , vlog camera and/or mini DSLR .
• For food content, I pack my vlog camera and/or mini DSLR with my camera shotgun mic.
• If filming a safari or street crowds, I’ll pack my zoom lens.
• For travel portrait days (I don’t really do portraits), I might bring a 50mm lens.

3. A wide-angle lens is a must for making travel videos.

A wide-angle lens is a must of travel content creators; you’ll be glad when you make that investment. Other camera lenses will not be able to capture the landscape as you experience it and even your wide lens will not capture the epic greatness you experience.

I’m typically the type of film coach, who advises that it doesn’t matter what gear/brand you get, but this is one piece of glass you will find the most use with.

The 11-24mm ultra wide angle lens offers stellar, high-quality performance and is great for architecture, landscape and weddings. The con is that it can be pricy and a bit more on the heavy side. It is a solidly built camera lens with heavy glass.

These two wide-angle lenses are the best bet to capture your landscape before the image begins to distort.

4. Keep travel camera backpacks compact

When you solo travel, you carry your all your camera gear and luggage with you. You want to have a light and maneuverable equipment backpack , as you’ll be wearing the weight on your shoulders and back within the course of your travel-film days. Check out my camera backpack (I absolutely love it for solo filming)

• Avoid large camera backpacks. I’ve had to fit my camera gear on anything from train lockers, plane cabins to maneuvering small and crowded buses in developing countries. Large backpacks also tempt you to want to pack more than you need.
• Adaptability. You want to comfortably transport your valuable gear on flights (laptop included, if you take one). But you also want to be able to downsize and strip down to the travel-film essential you need, during long haul sightseeing days when you spend a lot of time on your feet.

Being light and nimble helps you move quickly and fit into tight spaces.

See top carryon convertible luggage for solo travelers

5. are you planning vacation or a film shoot.

If your goal is to grow a successful YouTube channel, then plan your trips around your film shoot ideas. Each day is an expense, when I’m traveling a destination and even my sponsored stays come with a time limit.

I am IN for the shoot; OUT when I’ve collected the stories/videos I came for. It’s what is in my film budget. There are times that I certainly want to stay longer, but my time is often shared with freelance videography work at home that offers paying clients vs the passive income that blogging/vlogging brings and must be earned by investing time, energy and money into content.  Generally, it’s hard to take a vacation when your job is to film your “vacation”. I can only truly turn off my camera when I’ve reached home.

Being a solo female travel vlogger involves juggling two distinct aspects: the basic travel budget and logistics, and the filmmaking and content planning. It’s a challenging, rigorous but rewarding journey that requires preparation and adaptability.

• On the solo travel front, I meticulously research and plan my trip, trip dates, prices, considering factors like budget-friendly accommodations, transportation options, and personal safety as a female traveler . Dealing with language barriers, managing equipment gear, and navigating unfamiliar situations  … it all happens here . I need to know where I’m going, who I’m meeting and by what mode of transportation I’m using (i.e. bus, overnight train, ride share, rickshaw, etc..). I have to be prepared for every situational variable that’s thrown at me and if I’ve never experienced it, then whoa , there’s always a first time!  How to use a bathroom that’s got a squat toilet, in a stall with no luggage hook and with all your gear on you and luggage with you… that’s a learned female solo travel vlogger skill!
• As a travel vlogger, I dedicate time to plan my film shoots and create content. Researching filming locations, potential story angles, and researching and connecting to sponsors is crucial. Reaching out to sponsors takes much behind-the-scenes work, but it can help travel-to-film expenses be more manageable, unless my YouTube income covers that additional expense or I can upsell a stay into a paid freelance project! (And when I get home to edit all this footage and post social media posts, budget has to be factored in as well!)
• Taxes: I consider expenses associated with video creation, like flights, transportation, meals, activities, guides/fixers, Uber, food haul expenses and visa fees, which can be claimed as Costs of Goods Sold when I earn YouTube income.
• Being responsible for my content, including correctly pronouncing foreign words, is essential, even though mistakes can happen and jerks leave you a stinky comment about how I should know how to speak their language.

Balancing both aspects during a trip can be taxing, especially when facing physical fatigue and challenging weather conditions. Something as small as your ponytail getting caught under your camera backpack strap can be the last straw! Despite the difficulties, proper planning and finding support make traveling and filming more manageable and enjoyable.

Want to monetize your YouTube channel faster? Nab my book bundle on How to Make Money Blogging & Vlogging

6. choose the right travel camera bag for solo travel.

One of the most vital things about choosing the right travel camera backpack is functionality. It needs to be easy to access so you can remove your camera and start shooting immediately. You want your gear to be organized, easily accessible for breaking action. You also need to be protective of your gear and protected from pickpockets… Yes, it can be stressful if you’re a woman traveling alone carrying visibly expensive gear that needs to come out for you to do your job.

You want to think of your backpack in terms of how you’ll maneuver a crowded train in Japan, dirty back alley streets of Varanasi or on a city walking tour, where you’re in a group that has to keep moving.

Photographer’s bag cases that you have to lay on the ground to remove your camera are not practical. Avoid them, unless you specialize in cinematography .  Cinematographers will create more time in a place just to film it properly. Otherwise, some locations won’t afford you the space or privacy to open and expose your equipment. Tip: I’m in love with the Manfrotto NX CSC Camera Backpack. It’s compact, keeps everything organized with top and back loading entrances to the bag. ( check out my review )

7. Do not assume you can “buy replacement gear” when you arrive.

Before traveling, ensure your travel vlogging equipment kit checklist includes backup batteries and charging cables. Some countries may lack Apple stores or offer electronics at higher prices in airports. Moreover, be mindful of varying plug types in different countries. For instance, when I purchased a Mac laptop in Hong Kong at an Apple store, it did not occur to me that it would come with a  Hong Kong plug adapter , which required a specific plug adapter for use in the U.S.

Tip: B&H Photography delivers internationally , so if you need to replace a piece of gear, you may consider this option.  Amazon may also be an option if you are staying at a hotel for a set number of days.  Keep in mind, you may need to open an Amazon account in the country that you’re sending to and their international partners are limited! Amazon operates in over 20 countries, such as: United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey, India, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, and Brazil . Here’s their international shipping policies.

Download my camera equipment buying gear list It’s a little dated but it’s still helpful, as I share reasons behind what I buy.

8. invest in an ssd.

Anything can happen on the road. You can lose your camera, your external drive can get banged up and corrupt, someone can steal your luggage …and whooops there goes all your hard work, planning, and expense.  I like to take two 2TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSDs and split them up in two bags. They  are wallet size and super durable and slim so you can stash them inconspicuously in many things. It allows you to edit and transfer footage anywhere– even on the toilet. TMI, i know. But I’m in love with them!

Avoid: Stop buying the regular brick external storage. Read my SanDisk review here, especially if you do not know what’s the difference between and SSD and external harddrive!

9. Capturing the details is key to a good story.

With vibrant landscapes and exotic cultures unfolding before you, it’s easy to get sucked into getting cinematic portraiture as your broll. Wide shot, wide shot, wide shot … can get boring for YouTube audiences. If you are planning to film your journey for YouTube and not a travel documentary like Baraka , you will likely need more activity, emotions and dynamics to fuel a story.

Find the story in your journey, the destination, its people and culture. If you see holy men on the steps of the Ganges from your Ganges sunrise boat cruise , use your lens to probe deeper into their lifestyle, the ornaments they wear, their actions. A cultural festival has deeper meanings to locals than it does tourists, so probe, probe, probe with your lens. Get close-ups of details! These also make great b-roll.

Pick a story and follow it through to give your videos more insight and a deeper meaning.

Check out my YouTube JumpStarter Kit Bundle if you are starting a new YouTube channel.

10. ask permission to shoot locals.

Always ask permission before you film locals. It’s tempting to just film people without their awareness because you want to capture a beautiful moment and once they notice a camera, they botch that authenticity. But still, it’s their right to their privacy.  I’ve certainly had my moments when I was naive and took photos in secret. Some countries, the locals are happy to have their photo taken, but others may not be. The more western you go, the more stringent the rules get.

Japan can be a challenging country to film, as there are many “No photo” signs up at marketplaces and eateries.  Shops and locals may not appreciate being photographed.

I worked with a sponsor who wanted me to promote one of their many cooking classes in Tokyo . The vendor (aka “cooking teacher”) they chose, who was giving the cooking class agreed to let me film with the possibility the experience could show up on my YouTube channel. However, I didn’t have a filming permissions or media release contracts in place. To shorten a long story,  a few years later I decided to edit and publish that trip experience for my channel. A day after publishing, the vendor contacted me to request I pull the video down. He had a nasty split with the sponsor and didn’t want to be associated with them. I asked if there were ways I could re-edit it. It was possible to remove the sponsor as they had gone out of business during the pandemic.  But no. Was it a personal whim or bigger spat ?   As I did not have a signed contract, I did the honorable thing and pulled the video. But it sucked royally.  I paid to film, produce and edit that video with my personal time and money. I lost money on that video.

The U.S. is another country, where natives don’t like their privacy probed by lenses to the point they have no problem jumping into a lawsuit. It certainly adds to the challenge of filming inspirational travel videos.

I know it’s awkward as hell as a solo female creator to break into a very Real moment that you witness and say– Hey, is it okay if I film you?  It’s a cold shower to the moment and ends whatever real thing you were hoping for.

Filming a YouTube video to fit professional legal standards is a gray line for most creators.  You’re paying out-of-pocket for your trip’s expenses, for what can be considered a home video and you might not be making any money on it. Travel vlogging is an investment.

But if you’re hoping to monetize your videos on YouTube, learning the legality of things helps!

Note: If you are on a paid campaign or assignment, you must request permission from anyone you film. I know in some countries a head nod is the closest language to permission as it gets. Ask if you can film them stating their name and contact number on your recording, in case you ever need to follow up.

Tip: Jotform and Google Forms are free to use and set up a quick talent permissions form.

11. Prepare for all outcomes

Travel is exciting to shoot because you never know what’s around the corner. The downside is that things don’t always go as planned either.  Equipment failures happen when a situation arises that you did not expect.

If you have a content assignment that is paid or work-based, you don’t want to miss a moment and risk a part of your gear going down in the field. When my DSLR died – twice – under the Bangkok humidity,  finding a Canon repair shop to get it fixed took a good chunk of days, stress and wasting time in a search.

On one trip- my first planned solo trip – I had to buy a new point-and-shoot camera, so that I could at least get memories of my trip. It turned out to be a bombass Samsung ST500 camera that wasn’t yet in the U.S. and ultimately, I used upgraded versions of it for travel vlogging! It was a blessing in disguise but it was still time and stress, frantically running around shopping malls when I wanted to be exploring Thai temples!

Today, I travel with two vlogging cameras  , and most definitely,  if I am on a paid campaign!  I’m prepared if one of those cameras go down.

12. Prepare for the weather

Weather changes should always be prepared for when you’re packing sensitive camera gear.

Know how your gear and batteries react in different weather types.  Winter and snow wear your batteries down quickly, so going on an Arctic roadtrip with Mazda , I bought more batteries. This type of weather also causes lens fogging- when going from outdoor cold to indoors. It  can also create brittle plastics– I broke a clip on my extreme selfie stick!

Keep your equipment dry from humidity, condensation and rain are not good. They can cause the fine instruments in your gear to go wonky or corrode. If moisture is trapped in your lens over time , it may be subject to lens haze , a contaminant effect of your lens developing a fungus that makes it look foggy.

Tip: I keep silica gel packets in my camera bag when traveling through humid and moist weather, to keep the moisture from being locked in. These silica gel packets act as absorbers and dehumidifiers. You can order them by packet or save up the packets that come in the packing of new items.

Alternate solution: Buy silica gel dessicant . It’s a tiny container with holes for the gels to absorb condensation, but make sure the container is sealed. I bought one at a camera shop and when I dropped it. All the tiny silica gel marbles scattered throughout my room and I had to worry about my dog finding and eating them. But I have em!

13. Insure your camera gear

If you’re wondering about how to start a travel vlog, you need to think not only on the creative end, but about your business and its tools. What are the odds something could happen to your camera equipment gear when you’re on the road? Homeowner’s Insurance is a popular insurance for covering camera equipment. However, not everyone owns a home.

I purchase  World Nomads travel insurance for its tech equipment coverage for lost, stolen or damaged gear. It also doubles as trip insurance!

14. Remember to wipe your lens

This sounds soooo simple. It’s easy to forget to wipe your lens, when you’re running around famous landmark sites and content gathering gets demanding.

Smudges don’t always show up on your camera viewfinder when the sun is beating down on it, which often it is! But they are visible when you edit.

Tip: Be sure to clean your lens with a lens cloth at the end of the day, the start of it and the middle. Do this to your iPhone cameras too! (ai… this one is easy to forget)

15. Check camera settings

Checking your camera settings at the beginning of each day while traveling is crucial to avoid mistakes that can become troublesome during post-production. When you’re in a new and exciting location, it’s easy to forget to adjust your camera settings, leading to overexposed or underexposed shots, blurry images, or incorrect white balance.

Additionally, it’s easy to accidentally knock your settings off if you’re in a rush. If you have a camera with knobs, be careful that they don’t accidentally catch on something and turn your notice. If your camera has touch screen menus, then be sure while you’re operating it, you don’t accidentally swipe a feature and turn it on.

On a recent trip, I shot all super-wide footage on a GoPro because I didn’t realize I kept knocking my settings off. Such a rookie mistake! I can rush, when capturing footage as there are many places I try to film in one day. By taking a few minutes each morning to review and adjust your camera settings, you can ensure that your footage is of high quality and ready to use without spending hours fixing issues later.

Here are camera settings to consider:

• Exposure : Check your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings to ensure proper exposure for the specific lighting conditions you’ll encounter throughout the day. Night time is challenging. Use a higher ISO in low-light situations .
• Focus : Check your focus settings to ensure your subjects are sharp and in focus. Consider using manual focus for more control, especially in challenging lighting conditions or when dealing with moving subjects.
• File Format and Resolution: Choose the right file format and resolution for your needs. RAW and 4K/60 fps files offer more flexibility in post-processing and look better tracking motion, but they take up more space on your memory card. I like to keep my settings at Full HD (1920 x 1080) 1080p and 60fps but sometimes, my hand accidentally changes it to 30fps, which drives me nuts! If using a GoPro, make sure you are not on the super-wide settings unless you mean to be. The menu is super sensitive and easy to accidentally nudge or swipe a setting. This was a mistake I made on my last trip!
• Battery and Memory Card: Make sure your battery is fully charged and your memory card has enough space for the day’s shooting. Carry extra batteries and memory cards to avoid running out of power or storage.
• Image Stabilization: Enable image stabilization if your camera or lens has this feature, especially when shooting handheld or in situations with potential camera shake.
• Audio Settings: If you’re recording audio with your camera, check your microphone settings and audio levels to ensure clear sound quality.

By taking the time to review and adjust your camera settings each day, you can avoid common mistakes and capture stunning footage that requires minimal post-production work. This preparation will ultimately save you time and help you tell your travel stories more effectively through your vlogs.

By being true to myself and my journey, I’m confident that my solo travel vlog will continue to grow and inspire others. As a YouTube coach, I’m passionate about helping fellow female travel vloggers achieve their dreams and rise to the top of the travel vlogging community.

What recommendations would you add to this guide on Travel Vlogging tips for beginners and how to start a travel vlog?

Recommended Trip Planning Services: 

Travel with me and join me on   my next group adventure !

Getyourguide  is my favorite tour booking site. Find everything from food tours, city sightseeing discounts, SIM cards and more

• Discover Cars  finds the best car rental price quote.

Booking Yoga Retreats  – a huge directory of yoga, surfing, meditation retreats around the globe.

Skyroam – Global wifi (take 10% off with my referral code  GRRRLTRAVLER )

Booking.com  who I book accommodations with

World Nomads   trip insurance that covers my adventure style in travel.

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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

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

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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GoPro For Vlogging – The Ultimate Travel Vlog Setup?

Thinking about using your GoPro for vlogging or trying to figure out if a GoPro travel vlog setup is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know!

Thinking about using your GoPro for vlogging or trying to figure out if a GoPro vlog setup is right for you?

Well I’ve been using my GoPros whilst travelling for years now – capture all the chaos, vlogging and putting all kinds of setups through their paces on the road.

So if you’re on the lookout for a travel vlog setup and need some help figuring out what gear to invest in here’s a run-through of how I use my GoPro for vlogging, including heaps of handy tips…

Why Use A GoPro For Vlogging?

With so many awesome vlog setups out there why would you even consider a GoPro for vlogging?

• Low entry price point (in comparison to mirrorless and SLR options)
• Small and compact
• Huge range of accessories
• Robust and waterproof (+ an additional dive housing is available at a low price point)
• Huge field of vision
• Easy to use

When you look at some of the vlog setups people are using they’re pretty large, heavy and most importantly expensive – three things anyone looking to get into travel vlogging are trying to avoid!

The GoPro on the other hand is small, lightweight and relatively well priced, so its got the basis of being an awesome setup.

Which GoPro Should You Choose?

First off lets run through the basics of any GoPro vlog setup – the camera itself.

GoPro have been producing epic action cameras for a while now and to some extent all will be fine for vlogging – however in the most recent version they have jumped up heaps in terms of quality and features, so lets run through the last 4 GoPro models in terms of their vlog limitations and advantages.

GoPro Hero 7 Black

The bump in resolution and frame rates opened up a range of slow mo options (great for travel vloggers) and the current pricing gives you a bit of extra cash in your pocket for accessories over the Hero 8 price.

• Hypersmooth stabilisation
• High frame rate for 2.7k and 4k
• TimeWarp mode
• Compatible with all GoPro accessories
• Image stabilisation doesn’t apply to all frame rates or 4k
• Still low audio quality (although better than the Hero 6)

Click here for more info and to buy

Gopro hero 8.

It added in Hypersmooth 2.0 which is available on all resolutions and frame rates (a HUGE plus) and most importantly it brought with it the GoPro Media Mod (but more about that later).

If you don’t already have the Hero 7 or 8 this is the GoPro I’d most recommend.

• Hypersmooth 2.0 on all frame rates and resolutions
• TimeWarp 2.0
• Compatible with most GoPro accessories
• GoPro Media Mod compatible
• New supersuit housing (if you already have one for a previous model)
• Audio still isn’t the best (but still an improvement on the Hero 7)

I’ve added in the GoPro MAX as a bit of a curve ball here. Some people are touting it as the ultimate GoPro For vlogging, but I’m still not sure it deserves that title.

Sure the 360 filming is handy and opens up some really creative options to play with and Hero mode (where it shoots like a normal GoPro, through only one lens) is the most stable filming on any GoPro – but it is limited to 1080 which is a bit of a confusing move by GoPro and a deal breaker for a lot of vloggers.

For those new to travel vlogging (and presumably video editing) the 360 stuff can be confusing to work your head around editing wise, so you’d be better off with the standard Hero 9.

Although the in built audio is also the best of the GoPro range – but a Hero 9 + media mod still comes in cheaper than the MAX on its own.

• Shoot in full 360
• Also option to shoot in standard Hero mode
• Best stabilisation of any GoPro
• Best audio of the GoPro range (but still not the best)
• 360 video can be hectic to edit, especially for those new to video
• Hero mode limited to 1080p
• Video doesn’t really work underwater (and no dive housing option)
• Not as robust due to 2 protruding lenses
• Most expensive option

GoPro Hero 9

Launched in Sept 2020, the GoPro Hero 9 was marketed as “more of everything”. It brought 5k @ 30 FPS to the game, upgraded the GoPro sensor to 20MP, increased the battery life by 30% and brought back the detachable lens (which was a massive gripe for many GoPro fans on the Hero 8).

When it comes to using a GoPro for vlogging the biggest new feature was the much anticipated front facing screen. This makes vlogging with the GoPro Hero 9 super easy as you can now frame your shots on the go – whether that’s talking to camera pieces or simply taking selfies!

Another awesome feature is the Horizon Levelling mode (borrowed from the GoPro MAX) which makes for super steady footage.

As with the Hero 8, the new GoPro Hero 9 is also media mod compatible for the external audio options (admittedly I was hoping for a dedicated 3.5mm jack), but if you are upgrading from the Hero 8 you’ll need an entirely new, Hero 9 Media Mod.

R ead my full Hero 9 review here.

• Front facing screen
• Hypersmooth 3.0 on all frame rates and resolutions
• TimeWarp 3.0
• Auto horizon levelling

Max Lens Mod

• GoPro Hero 9 Media Mod compatible
• New Supersuit housing and Media Mod (if you already have one for a previous model)
• Audio still isn’t the best (but still an improvement on the Hero 8)
• Slightly bulkier form factor

GoPro Hero 10

Boasting up to 5K at 60 frames per second, super slow mo 2.7K at 240 frames per second and even 4K at 120 frames per second – if you’re dealing with action or slow mo footage this is the GoPro for you.

It also upgraded to the GP2 processor, which has significantly improved the overall speed and handling of the camera too.

So for those looking for the best GoPro on the market the GoPro Hero 10 is the way forward.

That being said though, if you want to save a bit of cash, the reduced price of the Hero 9 makes it super tempted and is still and incredible GoPro for vlogging if 5K or super slow mo in higher resolutions isn’t a game changer for you.

Check out my full goPro Hero 10 review here

• Hypersmooth 4.0 on all frame rates and resolutions
• 2.7K @ 240FPS
• GoPro Hero 9/10 Media Mod compatible
• Audio still isn’t the best (but still an improvement on the Hero 8 and 9)

At the moment if you’re looking for the best GoPro for vlogging the Hero 10 is the way to go

Click for More Info & To Buy (USA)

Click for more info & to buy (uk).

• GoPro Media Mod

Now the GoPro range have never been known for their epic audio quality – and although the Hero 7 upped the game and the Hero 8 built on this even more, for serious creators audio was still a huge barrier for using a GoPro for vlogging, especially over the likes of the Canon G7 X or Sony A6400  with their option for external mics and flip up screens.

There are a few decent options out there but still not ideal as they were pretty clunky – but they did sow the seeds for the Media Mod.

With the release of the Hero 8 it has became apparent that as a company they’ve seen the potential market in using a GoPro for vlogging.

So alongside the Hero 8 the GoPro Media Mod, Light Mod and Display Mod were also launched.

Oh and it’ll only fit the Hero 8 – if you opt to upgrade for the Hero 9 or 10 you’ll need to buy the dedicated Hero 9/10 Media Mod!

Obviously the advantage of the Hero 9 or 10 though is already having the inbuilt, front facing screen, so no need for the LCD Mod on that one.

Even though the fact the Media Mod had its own set of inbuilt mics, the thing that a lot of vloggers focused in on was that the Media Mod allowed a clean and contained solution for attaching external microphones – which opened up a whole range of options.

Now obviously the perfect solution to this whole audio thing would be a built in 3.5mm jack as standard (maybe Hero 10?!) or even great inbuilt audio, but for now the Media Mod provides a pretty clean solution and opens up the option for a range of external mics.

Click here for more info and to buy GoPro Mods

With the release of the GoPro Hero 9 also came the new Max Lens Mod – which is an epic tool for vloggers.

Not only does it boost the field of vision for Max Superview – a whooping 155 degrees FOV – it also unlocks 360 horizon levelling – so no matter how much you move around you GoPro/selfie stick/mounts it’ll keep the image perfectly level.

This basically takes Hypersmooth to the next level and gives almost gimbal quality stabilisation to you shots – so it’s well worth the invesment if you’re serious about vlogging with your GoPro.

Great news too, it also works with the GoPro Hero 10 as well.

Click here for the full guide to the Max Lens Mod

External Microphone Options

So if you’re looking at the Hero 8 or Hero 9 as your GoPro for vlogging and are prepared to make some additional investment to bump up the audio quality the Media Mod + external mic combo is the way to go. 

And there are plenty of options to choose from for all setups and of course budget, but here are some of the most commonly used ones;

Shotgun Mics

These are the most commonly used option for Vloggers and attach to the cold shoe mounts on the top of the camera (or GoPro media) mod. Often seen with the fluffy “dead cat” wind stopper. Easy to install and instantly ready to go as soon as you power on the camera.

• Rode VideoMic Pro
• Rode VideoMic Go
• Rode VideoMicro  – best value for those starting out!
• Sennheiser MKE 400
• Sennheiser MKE 600

Lavalier Mics

Although not as common as the shotgun mics, lavalier mics can be a great option for travel vloggers as they are attached to the lapel of your shirt (or even under your clothing if you dont want it to be seen) allowing for clear commentary even in amongst a lot of hustle and bustle.

The big downside is the length of the wire from the camera to your lapel, however wireless lavalier mics free this up and even allow you to have crystal clear audio commentary a long distance away from the camera.

• Rode SmartLav+ (lavalier mic for use with smartphones)
• Rode Wireless Go (wireless lavalier mic)  – my personal recommendation (more about this later!)
• Rode Lavalier Go (lavalier mic)
• Boya BY-WM2G (wireless Lavalier mic)

Of course you dont have to jump in right away and splurge on these – you can always see how you get on with the standard GoPro audio before investing in the Media Mod and an additional external microphone setup.

Honestly though if you’re setting off soon, want to sort everything before you go, are serious about getting into vlogging and of course have the budget then I’d say audio is something you really need to be thinking about.

I put off audio for far too long and looking back I should’ve certainly upgraded it sooner.

My GoPro Vlog Setup

Ok so this brings me nicely to how I’m personally using my GoPro for vlogging!

• GoPro Hero 10 (although for most people the 9 will suffice)
• GoPro Max Lens Mod
• Shorty Mount
• Rode Wireless Go
• Rode Lavalier Go Mic

Total cost = $885USD

I then also have the GoPro Supersuit (aka the dive housing) so I can capture underwater footage too, although the GoPro on it’s own (WITHOUT the media mod attached!) is also still waterproof to 10m, which should cover most people! For more info on scuba diving with your GoPro check out this guide .

Check out my top GoPro travel accessories here .

One of the main other accessories I’d add to any setup would be the Floaty Handle , which allows you to safely make use of the waterproof GoPro setup – something that is a huge advantage over traditional SLR and mirrorless setups.

I always travel with the GoPro Portable Power Pack too which allows me to keep everything charged on the road, even on a long day of shooting.

When it comes to the audio setup above, to be honest I could’ve easily got away with going with a cheaper shotgun mic (like the Rode VideoMicro ) or even a cheap lapel mic setup – there are plenty of cheap options on Amazon for under $20 !

But the Rode Wireless Go and Rode Lavalier Go combo gave me the most options in terms flexibility and audio quality – and most importantly in a small, lightweight package.

So if you have the budget to play with those are two items I’d highly recommend investing in.

How Are You Using Your GoPro For Vlogging?

Obviously the proof in how good a GoPro For Vlogging really is are the real life examples of videos created by everyone with them.

Check out my YouTube channel here and feel free to share your YouTube channels in the comments so we can all check out what GoPros are capable of in real life situations!

And of course if you have any questions or suggestions about GoPro vlog setups or gear add them in so we can all share the knowledge.

Do you use your GoPro For Vlogging?

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I purchased a Gopro 9 and a Rode Videomicro but there is no 3.5 por to plug the mic into. Do you know of a solution to add an external mic to the Hero 9?

Hey Margaret – to plug an external mic into the Hero 9 you’ll also need the Media Mod as it has a 3.5mm jack on it