The Top 15 Travel Influencers to Follow on Instagram

People value a lot of different criteria when making decisions. Oddly, it isn't the size of the decision or the effort to go through with it that impacts choice. It is the satisfaction of the choice that matters most.

Emotions play stronger than facts in decision-making processes. This is what separates a social media creator from an influencer. Information, delivered with personal passion, hits harder and hooks more firmly.

Travel influencers bring a grounded realism to the sometimes lofty idea of travel. When it comes to measuring the impact influencers have, the largest value is in the personal account. We've already explained the need for this personal imperative in creating a travel blog.

Check out this list of influencers to learn more about the power of influence and what you can do to leverage it.

Travel Influencers on the Go

Instagram travelers know how to make travel interesting. The combination of photos and anecdotes bring the exotic home.

These top travel influencers know how to use their platform and voice effectively. They don't back down in the face of changing social media rules but rely on proven benefits.

Follow these innovative and exhilarating people to see the world through new eyes.

1. Annette White

Annette built a following on Instagram with engrossing photos. Her Bucket List Journey blog informs much of the action and holds the real key to her power.

A list of desires and an explanation of the process of success is crucial. Her regimenting of wants while fulfilling them captivates audiences. Nothing gets people interested in a journey quite like the lingering ultimatum of death.

Of course, she leverages the search for adventure and life against the backdrop of every changing sites to bring out the quest seeker in us all.

2. The Bucket List Family

While many influencers work alone, this family of 5 provides a more en-total view. From their chosen title, it is obvious they also know how to market it against an ultimatum.

As famous world travelers that appeal to a variety of demographics, it isn't surprising they have high engagement.

Their origin as a family looking to travel for six months that found a way to keep the adventure going also inspires. They also present cross-appeal for both how to manage travel and a family, something many struggle to do for a weekend, let alone years.

3. Clint Johnson

Under his Triphackr account, Clint has accrued 81k followers. He takes a more technical approach to travel by providing tips as well as sights.

He's perfect for those looking to travel on a budget or see the lesser known and untouched. His tips also generate interest in the minutia of travel.

It isn't all amazing aerial photos and stunning backdrops. Sometimes, you need to know how to get through customs quickly or find out what soap won't cause a ruckus in your chosen destination.

4. Hitha Palepu

In the same vein of travel tips alongside proof of travel comes Hitha on the Go. Her "How to Pack" book covers every type of travel need and stay length.

Her following is on the small but growing side with 21k followers. Her book sales show the impact she has on people's packing habits.

Her tone puts people in the center of the daily travel grind while keeping the imagination alive. It can be difficult to balance work and play when play becomes your job, but Hitha threads that needle with aplomb.

5. Keira Rumble

Keira represents a rare type of traveler, one running towards a solution to a problem. With health and lifestyle concerns pressuring her, she took to traveling to find answers.

Her blog, Krumbled, shares information on nutritional well-being efforts in varying lands. She seeks out the origins of foods and new recipes for a better you.

With a healthy following of 500,000, she gives daily insights and updates to help people explore their culinary world.

Her cross-section of travel, nutrition, and foodie gives her a lot of reach.

6. Justin Mauldin

Expanding the meaning of reach is Justin of Travelenforced. An expert drone pilot and early adapter, his photography remains grounded. With a background in tech PR, it is not a stretch to see why his 135k followers check in to see his latest shots.

Justin uses his marketing know-how and exposure to the world of photography to create a rich combination of portraits and panoramics.

7. Louis Cole

One of the people that really puts the influence in travel Instagram influencers, Louis has a big personality.

His original rise to prominence came from stunt eating. Since then he's moved on to getting excited and daring about many new things.

His FunforLouis account features an eclectic mix of daring-do. For times when you want travel to be more about doing than being, Louis has some ideas.

His account features a variety of different types of shots spotlighting a nuanced view of world locations.

8. Chris Burkard

No less daring, but somewhat more reserved in his placement of that dare, is Chris Burkard. This self-taught photographer puts his risk in the shots he takes.

Making the world come to life moment by moment is Chris' trademark. His visionary photography puts the viewer at the edge of nature.

His photos rarely manage to do only one thing. The depth of field and his vision reveal more than the components.

9. Eric Stoen

Through his TravelBabbbo account, Eric delivers a safer version of daring photography. Hailed as a family-friendly travel writer, Eric puts his kids first in exploring the world.

This approach grounds the stunning photography to bring out a human touch. It comes together expertly to keep the visuals from becoming overwhelming.

10. Kate McCully

On the other end of the spectrum, AdventurousKate shows what solo travel is all about.

As a young woman traveling solo, Kate gives a bracing account of travel. Her 52,000 followers join in on the journey across her blog and Twitter account as she hits the world.

Kate uses Instagram effectively, providing stories alongside each photo. This capitalizes on the mix of word and pictures in a way few others match.

11. Jessica Stein

Why just travel when you can celebrate fashion at the same time? TuulaVintage is an influencer close to our hearts.

Jessica started out showing off vintage clothing in locations around the globe. She solidified her influence after the birth of her child. The little baby girl, diagnosed with a chromosome disorder, Mosaic Trisomy 3, became the focus.

Today, she continues to discuss the pressures of motherhood and raises awareness. She uses the same eye towards hooking followers with her personal stories and touching photos.

12. Kristen Alana

Kristen is another influencer shifting from one focus to another. She started out as a wedding photographer that just happened to travel a lot to take photos. At some point, she realized it was a bit more fun to just do the travel and photography without the wedding bit.

Her 227k followers agree and follow her colorful photography around the world. Her photography is top notch and her ability to interact with people on a personal level is a plus for her work.

13. Johnny Jet

Looking for someone with more experience? The man behind JohnnyJet has been in the travel business for 30 years. He provides a developed eye towards the modern travel industry.

His photography and posts give depth and class to the hectic travel scene.

As you might expect, he's learned a few things about travel through the years. His travel tips and information hacks give a lot of background on how the industry has changed.

14. David Pomfret

In his SayingYesIs account, David spins out a gimmick to great effect. A combination of "Saying yes to life" and doing so with a single tool, the account gives a travelogue feel.

Many influencers plan a trip and go, bringing the audience along for micro journeys. David takes longer trips in a VW bus. This provides a grounded and day by day reality to his account.

And yes, he explains how he gets the bus around in places like Africa.

15. Murad and Nataly Osmann

The geniuses behind the #followmeto hashtag mark this list's last entry. Their vivacious photography and subtlety command the essence of travel.

Since 2011, the couple has been taking photos of Nataly dragging along Murad into locations. The individual narrative of each photo adds to the next and creates a storybook tale.

Now with 4.5 million followers, the couple continues to find new activities to engage with and explore.

They don't rely on the one gimmick, though they do keep returning to it. Their account features varied activities and interaction in cities all over.

Few influencers can boast about their particular level of viral success. The hashtag extends far beyond their initial series with over 1 million uses.

Make the Scene

Excited to travel? Put the power of travel influencers to work in growing your business. The best thing about using influencers for marketing is that it is a continuous loop.

They are doing what they want to do and you both enable them and benefit. Check out our results and request more information to start an influencer marketing campaign of your own.