13+ UGC Content Ideas That Get Travel Creators Paid Deals

Dear travel creator, did you know your cameral roll can bankroll your next big trip?

Yes, that treasure map of stunning landscapes, hidden gems, and unforgettable moments in your camera roll is something a travel brand will actually pay for.

The truth is, brands are less interested in polished, impersonal ads and are investing heavily in authentic, user-centric stories.

They don't just want to see where you went; they want to see how their product or service made your journey better.

These brands need creators who can think like a marketer and create with the heart of a traveler.

So it's not only about the ideas here but a mindset shift.

Before we dive into the ideas, let's make a critical mindset shift.

• Personal Content: "Here's the amazing view from my hotel room."

• Strategic UGC: "Here's how this hotel's blackout curtains and seamless room service gave me the best night's sleep, so I was energized to explore the city."

See the difference?

UGC places the brand's product or service as the hero that enhances the travel experience.

Your job is to create content that solves a problem for the brand by telling that story.

Actionable UGC Ideas for Every Travel Niche

Here are specific, high-value content ideas categorized by the type of brand they appeal to.

For Luggage and Travel Gear Brands

These brands want to see their products in action, proving their value in the real world.

1. The Pack With Me Real-World Test

This is a fast-paced, visually satisfying video showing how much you can realistically fit into their suitcase or backpack for a specific trip (e.g., "Packing for a 3-day weekend at Paris").

It visually answers the #1 customer question: "How much does it actually hold?" It’s practical, relatable, and highly shareable.

2. The Durability Torture Test

Create authentic footage showing the luggage being handled by airport staff, rolling over cobblestones, or getting caught in a light rain shower and keeping everything inside safe and dry.

It builds immense trust and demonstrates product quality in a way a sterile studio shot never could.

3. The Aesthetic Unpacking at the Destination

It is a video showing you arriving at your hotel or Airbnb and neatly unpacking the bag, revealing unwrinkled clothes and organized compartments.

This type of content sells the feeling of an organized, stress-free arrival, connecting the product to a positive travel emotion.

For Airlines and Transport Brands

These brands want to sell a seamless, comfortable, and enjoyable journey.

4. The Smooth Journey Point-of-View (POV)

Consider a series of short clips showing the easy check-in process via their app, the friendly staff, the clean cabin, and a smooth take-off.

It shows the travel process and eases anxiety for potential customers, highlighting efficiency and customer service.

5. The In-Flight Comfort Review

Content focused on specific features: the surprisingly good legroom, the easy-to-use entertainment system, or the quality of the in-flight meal.

These are tangible selling points that differentiate them from competitors. Your authentic endorsement is powerful.

For Hotels & Accommodation Brands

They are selling an experience and a home away from home.

6. The First Impressions Room Tour

Make an authentic, energetic video of you walking into the room for the first time. Capture the "wow" moment, the view, the welcome amenities, the cleanliness.

It’s raw, exciting, and feels more trustworthy than a polished corporate video. It captures the genuine delight they want every guest to feel.

7. The Hidden Gems of the Hotel

A video showcasing features beyond the room, the quiet rooftop pool, the amazing hotel coffee shop, the friendly concierge who gave a great local tip.

It shows the full value and experience of staying at their property, encouraging guests to stay longer and spend more.

8. The A Day in the Life at... Experience

This is one is a montage showing a perfect day without leaving the property: waking up to a beautiful view, enjoying room service, working by the pool, and having dinner at the hotel restaurant.

It sells the destination in itself, appealing to guests looking for a relaxing, all-in-one "staycation" experience.

For Travel Apps & Services (Booking sites, insurance, etc.)

These brands need to show how their digital service provides real-world value.

9. The Problem/Solution Screen Recording

A video starting with a common travel problem (e.g., "My flight got cancelled!") and then a screen recording showing how easily you used their app to find a new flight or file an insurance claim.

It’s a direct, powerful demonstration of their app's core function and value proposition in a stressful, relatable situation.

10. The How-To Mini-Tutorial

A quick, step-by-step guide showing how to use their platform to find the best deals or plan a trip. It educates potential customers, reduces friction, and positions their tool as user-friendly and essential for travel planning.

For Apparel and Accessory Brands (Jackets, sunglasses, shoes)

They want their products to be seen as the perfect travel companions.

11. The Versatility Showcase

A video or carousel post showing how you styled the same jacket or pair of shoes for three different travel scenarios: a city walk, a nice dinner, and a travel day.

It demonstrates value for money and helps travelers pack lighter, a major pain point.

12. The In-the-Elements Wear Test

Showcasing how their waterproof jacket actually holds up in the rain, or how their polarized sunglasses reduce glare on the water. It’s an authentic product demonstration that builds trust in the product's technical features.

13. The Unboxing to Adventure Story

A seamless video that starts with you unboxing a new pair of hiking boots at home and transitions to you wearing them on a scenic trail. It connects the initial purchase excitement directly to the ultimate travel experience, creating a powerful emotional link.

Turning These Ideas into Paid Deals

Having great ideas is step one. Getting paid for them is step two.

• Build Your Portfolio: Create "spec" content based on these ideas for brands you love. This is the first step to getting paid brand deals as a beginner.

• Pitch Proactively: Don't wait for brands to find you. Package these concepts into a compelling pitch. Our guide on email outreach tips for creators can show you exactly how.

• Be Ready for Business: Have your professional media kit and a clear influencer rate card prepared for when they reply with "We're interested!"

Create with Purpose, Travel with a Plan

Your travel content has the power to be more than just a beautiful memory; it can be a valuable asset that brands are actively searching for. By shifting your mindset from a personal documentarian to a strategic creative partner, you unlock a world of opportunity.

Use these ideas as a starting point. Think about the brands you love and how your unique travel style can help them tell their story. The next adventure you book could also book your next paid project.

Want to connect with travel and hospitality brands that are actively seeking strategic creators like you? Join Pitchbrand to get your portfolio in front of companies ready to invest in your creative journey.