From "Close Friends" to FYP: My Guide to Creating Viral Travel Content

I never set out to become a "travel influencer." In the beginning, I was just documenting my trips for my friends, posting raw, unedited updates to my "Close Friends" list on Instagram.

One day, mostly on a whim, I decided to take those same casual stories and upload them to TikTok. I didn't expect much, but the response was immediate. The videos racked up hundreds of thousands of views, not because they were perfectly produced, but because they were honest.

That was the moment it clicked for me: people didn't want a polished highlight reel; they wanted to see what travel is actually like. Since then, I’ve learned that you don't need a massive production crew to go viral—you just need the right strategy.

Here is exactly how I choose my destinations, find the best hooks, and turn every trip into an adventure people want to watch.

How to Choose Viral Travel Destinations in 2026

I never pick a destination at random. My strategy is a mix of data, trend-watching, and budget analysis.

1. The TikTok Search Engine Strategy

I don’t just use Google; I use TikTok. Statistics show that nearly 40% of Gen Z prefers using TikTok and Instagram over traditional search engines like Google Maps for discovery. I look for what is currently trending, but I also look for gaps. If a destination is a "hotspot," I go there—but I look for the angle no one else is covering.

2. The "Everything is Content" Mindset

When I book a trip, I am not just booking a vacation; I am booking a content schedule. I look for:

• Traditional Food: Essential for "Food Haul" videos.

• Aesthetics: I dedicate specific time slots for hotel tours, "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) segments, and local video trends.

• Viral Activities: I research activities that are already going viral and ensure I experience them.

3. Voiceover Viability

I always shoot with the edit in mind. Voiceover videos retain attention much longer than music-only montages because they tell a story. It keeps the viewer entertained constantly, reducing drop-off rates.

Understanding the Algorithm: What Makes Travel Content Go Viral?

Not all travel videos are created equal. Through trial and error, I’ve found that organic virality comes down to four specific pillars.

• Relatability & Accessibility:

  The ultra-luxury, "you can never afford this" content is dying. What goes viral now is adventure and activities that are actually doable. People want to save the video because they believe they can experience it too.

• Weird Food Culture:

  Food is a universal language, but weird food is a viral language. Unique cultural dishes stop the scroll.

• Price Transparency:

  This is my biggest engagement driver. I get the most comments when I break down exactly how much a trip costs. In an economy where 87% of travelers say budget is a primary factor in their planning, transparency builds immediate trust.

• The Hotel Factor:

  People are obsessed with where they sleep. A unique accommodation is often enough to carry an entire video.

Best TikTok Hooks for Travel Creators

You have roughly 3 seconds to capture a user's attention before they scroll. If the hook is weak, the video fails. These are my top four performing hooks:

1. Price-Related: "The cheapest sushi place in Tokyo..." (Appeals to the bargain hunter).

2. Shock Factor: Immediate visual or verbal surprise.

3. Negative Experiences: "How we got poisoned at this restaurant..." (Storytelling based on conflict).

4. Visual Grandeur: "Shockingly beautiful landscapes" that look almost fake.

Pro Tip: Don't save the best for last. Put the most shocking image or statement in the very first second.

Strategies to Boost Engagement and Comments

Engagement is the fuel that keeps a video on the For You Page (FYP). Sometimes, you have to engineer that engagement.

The "Information Gap" Theory

If you leave a small piece of important information out—like the specific name of the location—people will comment asking for it. Even better, other followers will reply to answer them. This back-and-forth doubles your comment count and signals to the algorithm that the video is sparking conversation.

The "Taboo" Trigger (Rage Baiting)

Cultural shocks generate massive responses. Showing something considered taboo in the viewer's culture (like eating insects or roaches) is a form of "rage baiting." While it can be controversial, it guarantees a flooded comment section.

Final Thoughts

Content creation is about interaction. Whether it's a "Cook With Me" video in a hostel kitchen or a tour of a luxury villa, the goal is to make the viewer feel like they are right there with you.

Everything is content. Every interaction is an opportunity.