I began paying for my travel out of savings, and as I grew, I began receiving sponsorship for some of my travel. Brand partnership followed, and while the first year wasn't very monetarily lucrative, things gradually improved. I currently take a couple of trips that are entirely sponsored in addition to travel that I pay for myself and I make a respectable living from brand partnerships.
Retro Kolkata : First of all, thanks a lot for accepting our invitation for an interview. It's a great pleasure to have you as our Guest. Let’s start from the first question… Let's jump into the past. How did you get started with traveling? What inspired you to start travelling?
Jagriti : I was born in Dehradun and have always had a passion for the outdoors and travel, but for a variety of reasons, we were never able to do, either while I was growing up. As a result, I first started traveling when I started my first year of undergrad in Chandigarh. In 2017, I went on my first trek or travel adventure to Kheerganga. The entire experience was so breath-taking, that I began setting aside every penny I received to further my exploration of Himachal.
Retro Kolkata : How did you decide to become a travel Vlogger?
Jagriti : In February 2021, I quit my job to pursue my passion full-time. My goal was to travel extensively and determine whether I would love living this lifestyle. As I published my videos and photos on Instagram, blogging naturally grew. I didn't realize its full potential at the time, but after realizing the media's influence, I devoted my heart and soul to building my personal brand. Our travel community has grown from 10k people in February 2021 to 145k people now, and our material now reaches millions of people each month.
Retro Kolkata : What places have you visited till now, which is your favourite place among them?
Jagriti : I've visited more than 30 places, including 3 international and 8 or more Indian states. That is a topic I have never been able to answer since every place is so different in the way it affects you and the way it makes you feel, but Spiti and Dehradun are two places that are really dear to me.
Retro Kolkata : How do you fund your travel (savings/work whilst travelling/other)?
Jagriti : I began paying for my travel out of savings, and as I grew, I began receiving sponsorship for some of my travel. Brand partnership followed, and while the first year wasn't very monetarily lucrative, things gradually improved. I currently take a couple of trips that are entirely sponsored in addition to travel that I pay for myself and I make a respectable living from brand partnerships.
Retro Kolkata : Have you been anywhere which turned out to be totally different to how you imagined? If so, how?
Jagriti : Well, two of these pilgrimage sites are in Uttarakhand: Hemkund and Kedarnath. Fortunately, I visited these places as the 2nd phase pandemic was coming to an end, so there weren't that many people there and the entire experience was very spiritual. I never thought I would enjoy being at a pilgrimage site, to be honest, but these places are incredibly beautiful, especially Hemkund Lake, where you could probably sit there for hours just admiring the scenery.
Retro Kolkata : Tell us about one of your most memorable adventures, and the impact it had on you.
Jagriti : It has to be my two weeks in Spiti. Even though everything was so beautiful, there was a time when there wasn't any light for three to four days and there was no internet due to snowfall. Despite the beauty of everything, this experience taught me how to appreciate the basic amenities we take for granted in cities and forced me to interact with others, spend time in nature, and reconnect with myself, all of which we've kind of forgotten in today's fast-paced society. I urge people to go to Spiti for a longer period of time so they can genuinely spend time with nature and discover more about themselves.
Retro Kolkata : How has travel vlogging impacted both of your lives personally and professionally?
Jagriti : I feel it to be the finest thing that has ever happened to me professionally since it has brought me so close to achieving my dream of being paid to travel while generating content, but it also needs you to be constantly on your toes and pick up a lot of new skills. To travel most days, you need to be in good physical shape and be active. Sometimes, traveling and truly appreciating the location might take a back seat to create content. After working here full-time for about two years, I believe you need to create a balance between travel and off -travel days and between your work & personal life.
Retro Kolkata : According to you, the top 5 Places in India one should travel to at least once?
Jagriti :
Spiti
Trek to Hemkund
Leh
Kerala
Jaisalmer- Jaipur
Retro Kolkata : Vlogging is increasingly becoming competitive. Do you think it will be a good choice for newbies to opt for travel vlogging in 2022 and further?
Jagriti : Since there is so much untapped potential in India's content market and so much good work that people can contribute, there is still room for everyone. All it takes is for you to tap into your own creativity and offer something fresh. However, keep in mind that all of this creative development takes time and years.
Retro Kolkata : If you were to list top 5 reasons for your success as a travel vlogger, what would those be?
Jagriti : I think I only have two main points to make:
1. Posting content consistently will improve both your work and the algorithm.
2. Make a deliberate effort to learn and hone new skills.
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