This week, LUXE chats with the Award-Winning Travel Creator Sarah, aka Salty Luxe. We learn more about how she became a content creator and she shares some of her best experiences with recommendations for where you should visit.
How did you become a digital creator and get to where you are today?
I’ve always loved travel and photography, though it wasn’t until I had a serious health scare that I quit my 9-5 corporate job to follow my passions. I started out sharing my photography with friends, with no intention or desire to make a career of it! When I started 8 years ago the term ‘Content Creator’ didn’t even exist.
It took me many years, fully committed, a lot of hard work and constant learning to make Content Creation my full-time job. It’s been a fun & crazy ride ever since. I feel so blessed to do what I love!
Focusing on resorts in Asia this month, can you tell us about some of your best experiences you have had and where they were?
One of my favourite luxury travel destinations is Maldives (I’m actually here right now!). Of course, everyone knows about the aesthetic beauty of Maldives, however some of my favourite experiences have been interactions in nature. The first time my partner and I swam with Manta rays was an amazing memory, likewise diving untouched reefs in the remote atolls, interacting with majestic whale sharks, turtles & abundant fish life! We also host retreats each year in Maldives and have had some beautiful moments sharing our love of travel with people from all around the world.
What is your favourite and least favourite part of your job?
My least favourite part of being a digital creator is (sometimes) missing out on enjoying experiences organically because of the need to capture the moments for work. Really though, I am so lucky to even experience so many amazing properties and destinations. I honestly love photography and videography so I think I would probably behave the same way even if it wasn’t my job!
Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and constantly being challenged by my surroundings & creativity is what I love about my job.
The top 3 countries for people to add to their bucket list and why?
Oman - I travelled here for the first time last year and loved it! The people are the nicest I have met anywhere. The country has so much to offer, yet is so humble. You can be in the desert, grand mosques, fortress cities or clear turquoise waters all within 2 hours’ drive from the capital! I have never in all my travels been so happily overwhelmed by the incredible beauty of such an untouched travel destination.
French Polynesia - So much beautiful culture and insane scenery. There is a diverse variety across the islands of French Polynesia too. But it’s the clash of the steep mountains & jungle on the islands with the crystal clear lagoons that I find absolutely breathtaking. Swimming with whales in Moorea is an absolute must!
Maldives - The ultimate destination for tropical island lovers! An abundance of marine life and coral reefs to explore across more than 1,000 perfect palm laced islands is my idea of heaven.
What does your daily work routine look like?
My routine is no routine at all! Travelling nearly full-time means that I squeeze in time to do my ‘office’ work (editing, social media, travel planning, contracts, press etc) around my travel and photography schedule. In an ideal situation, I start my day with a swim in the ocean followed by a coffee in the sun before starting any work. We shoot a lot of content throughout the day, so I need to take advantage of airport layovers, transfers, and late nights to keep up with my workload.
Tell us why you love what you do.
I enjoy creating art through storytelling, but mostly I love creating a positive impact through social media. Using my voice to encourage others to follow their dreams, to live sustainably, and to have meaningful travel experiences of their own, is something that fills me with immense joy & keeps me energised. Seeing even just one person positively impacted by something I have created makes me love what I do.
Do you have any exciting trips coming up and could you tell us more?
We have a lot coming up! Over the summer we will be heading to our favourite spots in Europe (especially in the Mediterranean) as well as some new places, before we head to Africa, the Middle East, Mexico and back to Europe for Christmas. We are hosting some retreats in Mexico and Maldives later this year and early next year which will be amazing too!
Your top resort recommendations in Asia and why
Gili Lankanfushi and Soneva Jani in Maldives. Both resorts are beautiful, with amazing people, delicious healthy food and the perfect barefoot luxury concept. We also love that they are extremely conscious of the environment, because this is something we really value in travel.
Any advice for someone wanting to become a travel blogger and content creator?
There’s really so much to talk about, but my top level advice would be to focus on what you are passionate about and what your skills are, then make this the core of how you approach the travel creator space. I think that constantly being on a public forum, it’s so important to remain true to yourself for longevity and for people to connect with your authentic self. And since everyone is unique, use what makes you special to approach the creative space and ‘your people’ will find you! The possibilities are limitless with social media & the space is not slowing down. There is more than enough room for everyone. Believe in yourself, do not give up (all the best things take time) & the rest will follow.
