A few weeks ago I was on an influencer shoot with Contiki – riding hot air balloons, swimming with stingrays, sharks and eating my way through Latin America. How did I get there? A love of travel combined with the power of Instagram.
There are a few key things that I told myself to stick to while running my account. They were:
The Story
“Share your story – the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRt_Gv4hQuL/?taken-by=janettearacely
I share a lot, including the not so nice stuff like the month I got deported from Australia and had a few weeks notice to move to a new continent. Sometimes travel isn’t all glam, and that’s okay, because I always learn something from it – and get to share those lessons with my followers.
Ps- Being deported actually turned out to be a pretty positive experience.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSbu7HaB1R4/?taken-by=janettearacely
The Nitty Gritty
“Plan.”
Timing: I always check optimal posting times on my Instagram’s analytics and try to post at the best times.
Color Palette: Chose a palette that you think you’re images will consist of. I’m always outdoors on sunny days, so my color palette is green (trees/grass) and blue (sky/ocean). So now, when I’m traveling, I try to take quick snaps of scenery that fit those colors.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRs6HaPhiTc/?taken-by=janettearacely
Consistency (Aesthetics): I keep my profile consistent by setting a picture pattern. I alternate one image of me with one of scenery.
Selecting Photos: Even if you have a beautiful collection of photos, sometimes they don’t look nice when posted together – so I like to use “Unum”, which is an awesome (and free) app that lets you visually plan out your Instagram grid.
The Camera That Changed It All
“Invest in what makes you happy.”
I had mainly used my iPhone 5s for Instagram or a large bulky canon for special occasions, but when I found out about the Contiki shoot, I bought a Canon G7x Mark II to do my first ever travel vlog. My only thought, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?!?!” The selfie mode on it is perfect for solo travel.
Take a look at the video quality of the camera here. As you’ll see, there aren’t many videos on there – this is because I never planned on vlogging until this camera entered my life. I’m so excited to start using video as a new way to share a ton of travel experiences, starting with none other than the Contiki Shoot. I have a “How To Move Abroad” travel series on the way too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR94NA0hyS3/?taken-by=janettearacely
The Followers
“Listen to their stories.”
Others just message to saying “thank you for the inspiration” and tell me how excited they are to go on a brand new travel adventure they’ve just booked.
I love having conversations with them because many that I speak with have a raw adventurous spirit, a lust for life, and don’t want to settle for the ordinary, which is something I can relate to.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSla6bUh7QZ/?taken-by=janettearacely
Sometimes days can get hectic and I can’t reply to everyone, but I always try to respond to someone asking for advice (travel or non-travel) or someone on the verge of moving abroad, since I feel it’s an area I can help in.
The Passion
“Go after what you love.”
I love travel and I love Contiki for being the inspiration behind my move to Australia. One day I decided I wanted nothing more than to work with one of my favourite brands, and to share my story with other travellers right here, on six-two.
ALSO READ: CAN ONE TRIP CHANGE THE COURSE OF YOUR ENTURE LIFE? THIS GIRL SAYS SO
I reached out to the Contiki marketing team and they made my year when they asked me to send over an article. I wrote a second one shortly after. When I emailed about a third, I got an offer to go on a shoot with them instead! After my fangirl moment was over and I was thinking clearly again, I said “yes!”. Three weeks later I was on a plane to Mexico to meet the crew.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRwvI-4h80l/
The Lesson
What I’ve taken away from this whole adventure is that investing in your passion is investing in your happiness. I don’t mean money investments, I’m talking about that even more scarce resource: time. It does take time to build, but if you’re passionate and persistent, it’s well worth the effort.
We want to hear from you! Head here to find out how you could get your content published right here on six-two and who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself travelling with Contiki (for free) sometime soon…