Forget brochures. The next generation is discovering the world through social feeds, cinematic vlogs, games and viral travel stories. For Gen Z—and increasingly Gen Alpha—influencers aren’t just entertainers; they’re trusted advisors, storytellers, and cultural translators.

These digital natives are deeply influenced by personalities they follow online, and when it comes to travel, it’s creators—not travel agents—shaping how young people decide where to go, what to book, and what experiences are “worth it.”

Tourism marketers who embrace this shift are already seeing results. The smartest destination brands aren’t just buying reach—they’re building partnerships that feel authentic, story-driven, and aligned with Gen Z values like sustainability, spontaneity, and shared identity.

So who are the creators leading this wave?

2025 TOP 10 GEN Z TRAVEL INFLUENCERS

 

1. Drew Binsky (@drewbinsky) 🌍 Every country. Every story. → One of the few creators who has visited every country on earth, Drew’s content goes beyond pretty visuals—he dives into local customs, history, and misunderstood cultures. Perfect for destinations looking to shift perceptions or showcase hidden depth.

   

2. Lexie Alford (@lexielimitless) ⚡ Youngest to travel the world. Now doing it again—electric. → Lexie’s electric-vehicle world journey adds a powerful sustainability angle. Her solo, future-forward adventure makes her a standout voice for destinations pushing eco-tourism, modern exploration, and female empowerment.

   

3. The Lovers Passport (@theloverspassport) 🏕 Couple. Cinematic. Gear-forward guides. → Their content is built for wanderlust algorithms. Think drone shots, route breakdowns, and cozy campfire vibes. Great fit for national parks, glamping resorts, or tourism boards wanting to promote road trips and nature immersion.

   

4. Renee Roaming (@reneeroaming) 📸 Curated wanderlust meets educational depth. → Known for her rich guides and evergreen photography tips, Renee’s content lives long past the post. A go-to for brands seeking SEO-worthy collabs and informative content tied to scenic travel and long-haul trips.

   

5. The Bucket List Family (@thebucketlistfamily) 🧑🤝🧑 World-traveling family. Multi-platform stars. → Their cross-generational appeal is unmatched. From kids to grandparents, their storytelling is clean, wholesome, and adventure-packed. Ideal for multigenerational campaigns, resorts, or tourism boards promoting family travel.

   

6. Maz (@where.to.find.me) 🛎 The insider’s guide to the world’s boutique best. → Maz is the go-to curator for design lovers, luxe nomads, and people who want to know what nobody else knows. For destinations with boutique hotels, elevated culture, or undiscovered gems, she brings magnetic credibility.

   

7. Steph – Geordie Hiker (@geordie_hiker) 🥾 Solo hiker. Soft adventure. Mental wellness meets travel. → Steph’s story-driven hikes resonate with followers seeking meaning in movement. She’s a strong voice for campaigns emphasizing wellness, women’s travel, rural revitalization, or mental health through nature.

   

8. Gone with the Wynns (@the_wynns) ⛵ Sailing slow. Exploring deep. → They bring escapism to life—slow travel, ocean breezes, off-grid moments. Their community trusts them to vet experiences and recommend places that aren’t on Google’s first page. Great for island, marina, and off-the-map tourism initiatives.

   

9. Abby and Gaz (@abbyandgaz) 🌍 Relatable, real, and infectiously fun. → This duo injects humor and realism into global travel—no luxury filters, just vibes and value. Ideal for tourism brands hoping to connect with Gen Z and millennial travelers looking for cool but affordable experiences.

   

10. Summer McKeen (@summermckeen) 💄 Where lifestyle meets jet-setting. → Summer is the crossover queen—fashion, makeup, music, travel—she does it all with a contagious energy that Gen Z adores. Great for destinations targeting female audiences, nightlife scenes, or content that blends aesthetics with experience.

 

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Why Influencers Drive Travel Decisions Now

• 70% of Gen Z say creators influence their travel decisions
• 52% trust influencer content more than brand advertising
• 3+ hours/day spent on social platforms—mostly on creator-driven content

Influencer content isn’t the icing—it’s the first click. It builds desire, drives discovery, and primes booking behavior.

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Editorial Take: Treat Creators Like Partners, Not Placements

The question isn’t “Should we work with influencers?” It’s “Which ones align with our values—and how can we create with them, not just sponsor them?”

The best-performing campaigns treat creators like collaborators:

• They co-develop stories that feel native to each platform
• They leverage creator expertise on what will actually resonate
• They understand that influence is about trust, not just reach

The messenger is the message. For Gen Z, credibility matters more than polish.

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Need help finding the right influencer?

Destinate helps tourism boards and destination brands match with creators who reflect their identity and connect with the next generation of travelers.

Let us know your goals—and we’ll help you build creator partnerships that inspire action.