Anu Sharma Reveals the Harsh Reality of Being a Travel Influencer

Ever thought about quitting your 9-to-5 job to live the dream life of a travel influencer? Anu Sharma, a well-known travel influencer, breaks down the reality behind this seemingly glamorous lifestyle. In her latest reel, she addresses the frequent comments and misconceptions people have, such as “Your life is set” and “You must have a rich dad.” But what's the real story behind travel influencing? Anu shares her personal experience and the truths that aspiring influencers should know.

1. Everyone Wants to Be "Bunny" from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Anu starts by pointing out that many people dream of becoming like Bunny from the movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani—leaving behind a regular 9-to-5 job to travel the world. She often receives messages assuming that her life is perfect and that money flows effortlessly. However, Anu emphasizes that this perception is far from reality. Quitting your job to travel might sound cool, but the path to becoming a successful travel influencer is filled with hard work, uncertainty, and risks.

2. Income as a Travel Influencer: A Skill-Based Journey

Contrary to popular belief, becoming a travel influencer doesn't guarantee instant success or money. Anu explains that earning as a travel influencer heavily depends on your skills. Beyond just taking beautiful photos, travel influencers often take on roles like videographer, scriptwriter, and editor. These skills allow you to create high-quality content, which is essential for attracting partnerships and growing your audience. But it's not easy—nobody sponsors free travel unless you deliver content that adds value to your community and promotes brands effectively.

3. No Quick Money: Instagram and YouTube Realities

One of the harsh truths Anu highlights is that Instagram doesn't pay and making money from YouTube takes time. You can't rely on these platforms for immediate financial support. Growing your following and monetizing your content is a long-term game, and many influencers struggle to generate significant income from social media in the early stages of their career.

4. Unpredictable Income: Why It Can't Be Your Only Source

Anu advises aspiring travel influencers not to rely solely on influencing as their primary source of income. The world of content creation is highly unpredictable. Income can vary from month to month, depending on collaborations, brand deals, and viewership. She stresses the importance of diversifying income sources and having a backup plan to maintain financial stability.

5. Anu's Journey: Combining Remote Jobs, Freelancing, and Volunteering

Speaking from her personal experience, Anu reveals that she has been involved in content creation for the past four years while balancing other sources of income. She has worked in remote jobs, freelancing, and volunteering to support herself financially. This allowed her to pursue her passion for travel while ensuring financial security. For anyone looking to follow a similar path, she advises finding a way to sustain yourself outside of social media.

6. Risk Appetite: Is This Lifestyle for You?

Finally, Anu poses an important question: Do you have the risk appetite for this lifestyle? While some people thrive on unpredictability, others may find it overwhelming. Anu encourages potential influencers to plan wisely and consider their financial situation, skills, and ability to take risks before jumping into travel influencing full-time. It's essential to use your brain and plan ahead to avoid potential pitfalls.

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A post shared by Anu Sharma• Solo Travel 🇮🇳 (@thevirgocompass)

Anu Sharma's candid take on the harsh realities of travel influencing is a must-read for anyone considering this career. While the idea of traveling the world for a living sounds like a dream, it's essential to understand the challenges that come with it. From developing skills to navigating unpredictable income streams, becoming a successful travel influencer requires hard work, strategy, and resilience. So, before you pack your bags and quit your job, take Anu's advice—plan carefully, diversify your income, and know the risks involved.