Top 40 Travel YouTube Channels. Modern Day Explorers like Marco Polo?

November 28, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving. We hope you had a wonderful day with your relatives or friends. In this post, we go off topic to write a little about travel influencers. 

There are many wonderful travel YouTube channels out there. There are solo travelers, couples, families, young, senior, LGBTQ, etc. Most content is published in English, but you can also find travel vlogs (video blogs) in almost every major language. Actually, the most popular channel based on total subscriptions and views is in Spanish, and the second one is is in Brazilian Portuguese. 

Below is a list of the Top 40 Travel Youtubers follow by a list of a few historical figures that documented their travels centuries before the internet and social media. 

In our opinion, the most influential travel influencer of all times was Marco Polo. What do you think?   

Top 40 Travel YouTubers 

1. Luisito Comunica (43.5M subscribers, 4.2B views): Luis Arturo Villar Sudek, known as Luisito Comunica, is a Mexican YouTuber who explores diverse cultures and destinations worldwide. His engaging content, presented in Spanish, often features street food tastings, cultural insights, and personal travel experiences. Since joining YouTube in 2012, he has become one of Mexico's most prominent content creators, known for his authentic and accessible style.
2. Brincando Como Rafael (14M subscribers, 5.5B views): This Brazilian channel offers playful and entertaining travel content aimed at younger audiences. It features adventures and explorations presented in an engaging manner for children, making travel experiences accessible and fun for a young demographic.
3. Joe HaTTab (14M subscribers, 2B views): Joe Hattab is a Jordanian filmmaker who produces stunning documentary-style travel videos. His content provides insights into the wonders and distinctiveness of each country he visits, captivating viewers with informative and visually appealing storytelling.
4. Nas Daily (13.8M subscribers, 7.97B views): Nuseir Yassin, known as Nas Daily, creates concise daily travel videos that highlight unique stories and cultures worldwide. His energetic and informative style aims to foster global understanding and connectivity through engaging one-minute videos.
5. Outdoor Boys (11M subscribers, 5.4B views): Luke Nichols runs Outdoor Boys, taking his family on various outdoor adventures, including camping, hunting, and fishing. The channel documents these experiences in a way that entertains and educates viewers of all ages, promoting family-oriented outdoor activities.
6. Best Ever Food Review Show (11M subscribers, 775M views): Hosted by Sonny Side, this channel delves into unique and often extreme culinary experiences across the globe. Sonny explores diverse cuisines, aiming to bridge cultural gaps through food, with a humorous and adventurous approach.
7. Mark Wiens (10.1M subscribers, 2.3B views): Mark Wiens is a food and travel vlogger who explores culinary delights worldwide. His enthusiastic approach and in-depth food reviews provide viewers with immersive cultural experiences, focusing on street food and local specialties.
8. The Food Ranger (5.4M subscribers, 1.1B views): Trevor James, known as The Food Ranger, focuses on street food and local cuisines, primarily in Asia. His energetic presentations and deep dives into culinary traditions offer viewers an authentic taste of various cultures.
9. Johnny Harris (6.01M subscribers, 818M views): Johnny Harris is a journalist and filmmaker creating in-depth travel documentaries that explore cultural, political, and historical aspects of various regions. His storytelling is enriched by comprehensive research and compelling visuals, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the places he visits.
10. Strictly Dumpling (Mike Chen) (3.5M subscribers, 800M views): Mike Chen explores global cuisines and cultures, offering diverse culinary and travel insights. His channel features food and travel vlogs, providing viewers with a rich understanding of various culinary traditions and travel experiences.
11. Drew Binsky (3.3M subscribers, 800M views): Drew Binsky documents his travels to every country in the world, sharing stories and experiences that highlight cultural diversity and human connections. His content aims to inspire curiosity and understanding among his audience.
12. Kara and Nate (3.1M subscribers, 700M views): This couple shares their journey of visiting 100 countries, providing travel vlogs that include tips, experiences, and personal stories from around the globe. Their content is relatable and informative for aspiring travelers.
13. The Bucket List Family (2.5M subscribers, 500M views): A family of five traveling the world, sharing their adventures and experiences to inspire others to explore and embrace different cultures. Their family-friendly content emphasizes the joys and challenges of family travel.
14. Araya Vlogs (1.8M subscribers, 405M views): This channel offers personal travel vlogs showcasing adventures and global destinations, providing insights into various cultures and experiences. The content is personalized, giving viewers a unique perspective on travel.
15. Viajando con Vero (1.78M subscribers, 541M views): Hosted by Venezuelan journalist Verónica Weffer, this channel shares global adventures, offering insights into various cultures, traditions, and cuisines, aiming to inspire viewers to explore new places. Her journalistic background adds depth to her travel narratives.
16. SerpentZA (Winston Sterzel) (1.43M subscribers, 244M views): Winston Sterzel, known as SerpentZA, is a South African-born vlogger who lived in China for 14 years. His channel provides personal perspectives on life in China, including travel experiences, cultural insights, and social commentary.
17. Lost LeBlanc (1.4M subscribers, 150M views): Christian LeBlanc focuses on travel and lifestyle content, providing high-quality storytelling and insights into destinations worldwide. His cinematic approach offers viewers visually stunning travel experiences.
18. Tev - Ici Japon (1.1M subscribers): Benoit Theveny, known as Tev, focuses on Japanese culture and travel, offering viewers an in-depth look into Japan's traditions, daily life, and hidden gems. This French-language channel serves as a comprehensive guide for those interested in Japanese culture and travel.
19. Indigo Traveller (1.2M subscribers, 100M views): Nick Fisher, known as Indigo Traveller, explores off-the-beaten-path destinations, often in misunderstood regions, aiming to show the human side of these areas. His empathetic storytelling fosters global awareness and understanding.
20. Laowhy86 (Matthew Tye) (1.2M subscribers, 200M views): Matthew Tye, known as Laowhy86, is an American vlogger who spent significant time in China.
21. GeoWizard (1.31M subscribers, 213M views): Tom Davies, known as GeoWizard, is a British adventurer and YouTuber renowned for his "straight line missions," where he attempts to traverse entire countries in a straight line using only a GPS device. His notable expeditions include crossing Wales and Norway, showcasing his determination and unique approach to exploration. 
22. Flying The Nest (1M subscribers, 120M views): Australian couple Stephen and Jess document their global travels, sharing experiences, travel tips, and destination highlights. Their channel offers insights into various cultures and practical advice for travelers, appealing to a broad audience. 
23. FunForLouis (1M subscribers, 150M views): Louis Cole is a British filmmaker and YouTube personality who shares daily vlogs of his global adventures. His content focuses on travel and lifestyle, inspiring viewers to embrace exploration and adventure. 
24. LE GRAND JD (4M subscribers): Swiss YouTuber Julien Donzé, known as LE GRAND JD, explores immersive and mysterious destinations worldwide. His channel blends adventure with cultural insights, appealing to viewers interested in unconventional travel stories.
25. VagaBrothers (900K subscribers, 80M views): Brothers Marko and Alex Ayling create travel videos focusing on cultural exploration and unique experiences around the world. Their channel offers informative and entertaining content for travel enthusiasts. 
26. Gabriel Traveler (606K subscribers, 149M views): Gabriel Morris shares budget travel and solo exploration insights, documenting his journeys across various countries. His channel provides practical advice and personal experiences for independent travelers. 
27. Axolot (626K subscribers): Patrick Baud, known as Axolot, is a French YouTuber who blends travel with storytelling, exploring unusual and intriguing aspects of the world. His channel uncovers hidden and fascinating stories from various destinations. 
28. Wolters World (600K subscribers, 140M views): Mark Wolters provides honest reviews of global destinations, focusing on cultural insights and practical travel tips. His channel aims to prepare travelers for their journeys with informative content. 
29. DavidsBeenHere (500K subscribers, 100M views): David Hoffmann offers travel guides and destination reviews worldwide, focusing on culture, history, and cuisine. His channel serves as a comprehensive resource for travelers seeking in-depth information. 
30. Hey Nadine (450K subscribers, 60M views): Nadine Sykora shares travel tips and lifestyle content with a humorous twist, aiming to inspire and inform travelers through engaging and entertaining videos. 
31. Karl Watson (400K subscribers, 50M views): Karl Watson documents independent travel experiences and backpacking insights, providing viewers with practical advice and inspiration for their adventures. 
32. Evan Edinger (350K subscribers, 70M views): Evan Edinger creates quirky travel content with unique cultural comparisons, offering viewers a distinctive perspective on various destinations. 
33. Allison Anderson (300K subscribers, 50M views): Allison Anderson shares personal travel vlogs focusing on aesthetics, documenting her experiences and tips for fellow travelers. 
34. Island Hopper TV (250K subscribers, 40M views): This channel provides informative travel videos covering islands and beach destinations, offering insights and guides for tropical getaways. 
35. Malo Halna (251.5K subscribers): Malo Halna's French YouTube channel takes viewers on journeys through nature and adventure, focusing on outdoor experiences and the beauty of natural landscapes. 
36. Sailing La Vagabonde (200K subscribers, 30M views): Australian couple Riley and Elayna share their sailing adventures, documenting the lifestyle of living aboard a yacht and exploring the world by sea. 
37. Voyage Voyages (183.4K subscribers): Voyage Voyages offers travel guides and experiences, providing practical advice and insights for travelers exploring various destinations. 
38. Ovini Expéditions (177.5K subscribers): Ovini Expéditions is a French YouTube channel focusing on adventure travel and expeditions, showcasing challenging journeys and explorations around the globe. 
39. Justin & Bee (163.5K subscribers): This French YouTube channel features a couple sharing their travel experiences, offering insights into destinations and travel tips for couples exploring the world together. 
40. Tolt en voyage (55.4K subscribers): This French channel provides cinematic travel videos, capturing the essence of destinations through stunning visuals and storytellingThis structure is easy to reference based on their popularity metrics. Let me know if you'd like any further filtering or additional analysis!

In addition to the 40 above, it is worth mentioning Rick Steves' Europe (1.85M subscribers) (417M views), which is dedicated to European travel, offering a wealth of content to inspire and inform travelers. The channel features full-length episodes from the "Rick Steves' Europe" public television series on various European destinations. Additionally, it includes travel lectures, tips, and behind-the-scenes insights, all aimed at encouraging viewers to engage with Europe as "temporary locals." 

These creators offer a window into the world's diverse landscapes and cultures, inspiring viewers to embark on their own journeys. In addition to the professional travel vloggers there are also many travelers and expats who simply vlog their personal or family travels occasionally every now and then. As everything on social media, some of the "amateur" content is as compelling--and oftentimes more authentic and entertaining--than the "professional" content. 

Some travel vloggers are very fancy in their creations with fancy drone footage and professional video editing while others keep it very simple and almost low tech simply talking to their cameras as they travel around. Some travel vloggers specialize on specific segments of travel interests such as food, accommodations, popular tourist attractions, top things to do, DOs and Dont's, night life, etc. 

There's a world of travel entertainment out there on YouTube and social media. Now, before all that contemporary travel content, there were may travel writers in history. Below we feature a few historical figures that we consider pioneers of travel content genre. 

1. Marco Polo 

Marco Polo was asked by a priest to admit what the world already knew: that he had stretched the truth about his travels. The old voyager is said to have shot back, "I have not told the half of what I saw and did." He died, but he did not give up the spir

Marco Polo: His Life and Adventures

Marco Polo (1254–1324) was a Venetian merchant, traveler, and pioneer who became one of the most famous Western explorers of the Middle Ages. His travels to Asia, particularly to China, are legendary, and the accounts he shared of his experiences inspired future generations of European explorers. His detailed observations were later compiled into a book, "The Travels of Marco Polo," which remains one of the most important works of travel literature.

Early Life and Background

Marco Polo was born in Venice, Italy, into a wealthy family of merchants. His father, Niccolò Polo, and his uncle, Maffeo Polo, were Venetian traders who had already traveled extensively in Asia and the Middle East. In 1271, when Marco was 17, his family set out on another journey to Asia, this time to reach China and the court of the Mongol Empire under the rule of Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan. Marco Polo accompanied them on this expedition.

The Journey to the Court of Kublai Khan

The Polo family traveled by land and sea along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting Europe and Asia. Their journey took them through the Middle East, across the Persian Gulf, and through Central Asia before finally reaching China four years later in 1275. The Polos' arrival at the Mongol court marked the beginning of Marco's long association with the Mongol Empire.

Kublai Khan, fascinated by the knowledge of foreign lands, took Marco Polo into his service, making him an envoy and a confidant. Polo traveled extensively throughout the empire, holding various administrative and diplomatic roles. Polo claimed to have visited several parts of Asia, including China, India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Tibet. His travels lasted for about 24 years, and he became highly valued by Kublai Khan.

Marco Polo's Adventures in Asia

Marco Polo's experiences in Asia were vast and varied, and he made notable observations about the cultures, people, and landscapes he encountered.

• China and the Mongol Empire: Polo spent considerable time in China, serving Kublai Khan, and he described the magnificence of the capital, Shangdu, and Beijing (which was then called Khanbaliq). He marveled at the advanced infrastructure of the empire, including roads, bridges, and the use of paper money. He also noted the efficiency of Kublai Khan’s administration and the empire's vast wealth.

• The Silk Road: Polo detailed the trade routes that connected China with Central Asia and the West, describing caravans and merchants, as well as the goods that were exchanged, such as silk, spices, and precious stones.

• Culture and Customs: Polo was fascinated by the customs and daily life of the people he encountered, including the Chinese imperial court, the diverse customs of the Mongols, and the religions such as Buddhism and Taoism. He also described Chinese innovations such as the use of paper money, the Grand Canal, and printing.

• Persia and Central Asia: Polo also ventured through Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Central Asian steppes. He observed the Mongol dominance in these regions and recorded details about local traditions, cities, and the strategic importance of places like Samarkand.

• Southeast Asia: Marco Polo also traveled to parts of Southeast Asia, including Sumatra and Java, observing trade routes, exotic wildlife, and local customs. He wrote about the highly advanced trading practices in these regions and described the islands as places of great wealth.

• India and the Spice Trade: Polo reached parts of India, where he described the spice trade, the customs of the local rulers, and the wealth of the region. He recounted his experiences in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), known for its rich culture and pearl fisheries.

• Tibet and Nepal: Marco Polo’s travels also took him into regions like Tibet and Nepal, where he encountered Buddhist monasteries and learned about the practices and philosophies of the local people.

"The Travels of Marco Polo"

After spending about 17 years in the service of Kublai Khan, Marco Polo returned to Venice in 1295. Upon his return, he was captured during a war between Venice and Genoa. While imprisoned, he dictated the story of his adventures to a fellow inmate, Rustichello de Pisa, who wrote them down. The manuscript was later published as "The Travels of Marco Polo", a book that recounted Marco's observations and experiences in Asia.

The Travels of Marco Polo book, published in the year 1300, was written in a mix of Old French and Italian. The book became a bestseller and was translated into many languages. It provided Europeans with one of the first comprehensive looks at the cultures, geography, and trade of Asia, especially China, and spurred interest in exploration. While some critics have questioned the accuracy of some of Polo's accounts, especially regarding his time in China, his book had a significant influence on later explorers, including Christopher Columbus, who was inspired by Polo's descriptions of the East.

Marco Polo's Legacy and Influence

Marco Polo’s accounts of his travels contributed significantly to European knowledge of Asia, particularly China, during the Middle Ages. His observations about the wealth of the East and the advanced technologies in China influenced later exploration and trade. However, many historians have debated the accuracy of Polo’s account, particularly his claims about his role at the Mongol court and the level of detail in his descriptions. Some scholars believe Polo may have exaggerated or embellished some aspects of his journey, and there is also speculation that he may not have visited some areas he described. Nonetheless, "The Travels of Marco Polo" remains a cornerstone in the history of exploration and the exchange of cultural knowledge between East and West.

Conclusion

Marco Polo’s adventures have become legendary, and his book remains a significant source of historical and cultural information about the medieval world. His role in introducing Europeans to Asia, his descriptions of the Mongol Empire and China, and his experiences along the Silk Road provided a vivid picture of the East and helped lay the groundwork for future explorers. While not all his accounts are entirely accurate, and some may have been exaggerated either by him or his writer and publisher, Marco Polo's name is forever associated with exploration and the spirit of curiosity about distant lands. If Polo were alive today, he for sure would be a popular travel vlogger on YouTube with millions of followers on Instagram.

2. Ibn Battuta – 

Over a period of thirty years from 1325 to 1354, this Moroccan traveler documented his extensive travels across the Islamic world, Asia, and Africa in his work: The Rihla (The Journey). The Rihla chronicles his extensive travels across the Islamic world and beyond, covering North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of China and Africa. The book offers detailed observations on the cultures, politics, religions, and geography of the regions he visited, providing a rich historical account of the medieval world through the eyes of a Muslim traveler. 

The primary motivation for his travels was religious devotion. Ibn Battuta completed the Hajj multiple times and visited numerous Islamic holy sites. The Rihla provides detailed descriptions of the places Ibn Battuta visited, including their customs, governance, and economies. For example, in India, he served as a judge under the Delhi Sultanate. In China, he marveled at the grandeur of Chinese cities and their trade systems. In West Africa, he documented the Mali Empire and its ruler Mansa Musa’s wealth and generosity. 

Ibn Battuta faced shipwrecks, bandit attacks, and political intrigues but also experienced hospitality and support from rulers and locals alike. His accounts emphasize the importance of the Indian Ocean trade and the interconnectedness of the Islamic world. 

Ibn Battuta often critiqued societal practices and compared them with Islamic norms, offering insight into his worldview. The Rihla is a key primary source for understanding the medieval Islamic world and global connections in the 14th century. It highlights the spread of Islam, shared cultural practices, and the diversity of Muslim societies.

Ibn Battuta is often compared to his contemporary, Marco Polo, but his travels were more extensive and culturally immersive. Though not widely known in Ibn Battuta’s time, The Rihla gained significance in later centuries as a remarkable record of human exploration and cultural interaction during the Middle Ages. Today, it is celebrated for its rich ethnographic detail and as a testament to the interconnectedness of the medieval world.

3. Christopher Columbus

Columbus lived during the Age of Discovery, a period in history that began with his voyages and led to the colonization of the Americas: 

• 1451: Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy 
• 1492: Columbus set sail from Spain on his first voyage to the Americas, landing on an island in the Bahamas 
• 1493–1496: Columbus returned to Hispaniola 
• 1498–1500: Columbus searched for a strait to India 
• 1502–1504: Columbus's final voyage 
• 1506: Columbus died in Valladolid, Spain 

Columbus's voyages were sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Ferdinand II and Isabella I. He is often called the "discoverer" of the New World, though Vikings like Leif Eriksson had visited North America centuries earlier. Columbus's voyages led to the European colonization of the Americas, the Columbian exchange, and the beginning of the modern era

4. Ferdinand Magellan – Although he did not write about his own journey, Antonio Pigafetta, a member of his crew, chronicled the first circumnavigation of the Earth in First Voyage Around the World. 

• Birth: Born around 1480 in Portugal 
• Portuguese Navy: Joined the Portuguese Navy in 1505 
• Spanish expedition: Set sail from Spain in 1519 to find a western route to the Spice Islands 
• Strait of Magellan: Discovered the Strait of Magellan on October 21, 1520 
• Pacific Ocean: Crossed the Pacific Ocean for the first time as a European 
• Death: Killed in the Philippines on April 27, 1521 
• Circumnavigation: The Magellan-Elcano expedition completed the first circumnavigation of Earth from September 20, 1519 to September 6, 1522 

5. James Cook (1728 - 1779) His voyages were well-documented, and he published several detailed accounts, including The Journals of Captain Cook.

• 1728: Born in Marton-in-Cleveland, Yorkshire, England 
• 1746: Became a sea apprentice for John Walker, a shipping firm owner 
• 1755: Volunteered for the Royal Navy 
• 1763–1766: Surveyed the coast of Newfoundland 
• 1768–1771: First voyage to the Pacific Ocean, where he observed the transit of Venus in Tahiti, crossed the Pacific to New Zealand, and circumnavigated both North and South Island 
• 1772–1775: Second voyage to the Pacific Ocean 
• 1776–1779: Third voyage to the Pacific Ocean 
• 1779: Died in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii 

Cook is known for being the first European to make contact with the eastern coastline of Australia and the Hawaiian Islands, and for the first recorded circumnavigation of New Zealand. He also became the first navigator to cross the Antarctic Circle in 1773. Cook is also credited with helping to pioneer new methods for preventing scurvy, a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C. He brought several tons of sauerkraut on his voyages to help keep the disease at bay. 

Oh well. That's a lot of information for today. Let's keep reading, writing and learning as we continue this journey through space time.

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