Planning Your 3-Month Travel Vlogging Adventure Down the North American Eastern Coast (USA Version)

It's good to be back! We just hit Old Orchard Beach, ME, for the week and thought it woud be inspiring and fun to write about what it would take to do a 3-month road trip down the eastern coast of North America (USA version!)

Without further ado...

Embarking on a 3-month travel vlogging adventure down the North American eastern coast is a dream come true for many travel enthusiasts. With the perfect blend of surfing, swimming, and general travel experiences, this trip promises to be a thrilling exploration of some of the most scenic and vibrant coastal spots.

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan, prepare, and complete your adventure while making it sustainable and profitable.

1. Planning Your Route and Itinerary: To make the most of your journey, planning your route in advance is essential. Start by listing critical locations along the eastern coast that offer great surfing, swimming, and unique travel experiences.

Some must-visit spots include:

1. Maine: Explore the rugged coastline and experience the chilly waters of beaches like Ogunquit Beach and Popham Beach.
2. New Hampshire and Massachusetts: Check out Hampton Beach in New Hampshire and the surf at Cape Cod’s National Seashore in Massachusetts.
3. Rhode Island and Connecticut: Visit Narragansett Beach in Rhode Island and the scenic beaches of Mystic, Connecticut.
4. New York and New Jersey: Enjoy the bustling vibe of Rockaway Beach in New York and the legendary surf of the Jersey Shore.
5. Delaware and Maryland: Relax at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware and Ocean City in Maryland.
6. Virginia and North Carolina: Experience the Outer Banks, a paradise for surfers and beachgoers alike.
7. South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida: Wrap up your adventure with the warm waters of Folly Beach in South Carolina, Tybee Island in Georgia, and the countless surf spots along Florida’s coast.

Plan for some flexibility in your schedule to accommodate weather changes, local events, or spontaneous decisions.

2. Essential Items to Pack: Packing smart is crucial for a long-term trip like this. Here’s a list of must-have items:

Travel Vlogging Gear:

• Camera: Invest in a good-quality camera with video capabilities. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing landscapes and action shots.
• GoPro or Action Camera: Perfect for capturing water sports and underwater footage.
• Drone: Adds a professional touch to your vlogs with stunning aerial shots.
• Tripod and Mounts: Essential for stable shots and hands-free filming.
• External Hard Drives: These are used to back up footage regularly.
• Portable Power Banks and Chargers: Keep your devices charged on the go.

Surf and Swim Gear:

• Wetsuits: Depending on the season, you might need a range of wetsuits from light to heavy.
• Surfboards/Bodyboards: Bring your own if you’re particular, or rent from local surf shops.
• Swimwear: Multiple sets to ensure you always have a dry pair.

Travel Essentials:

• Backpack or Duffel Bag: A durable, waterproof bag for all your belongings.
• First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies for minor injuries and ailments.
• Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, and cooking equipment if you plan to camp.
• Travel Insurance: Essential for covering medical emergencies, theft, or unexpected trip cancellations.

3. Budgeting for Your Adventure: A clear budget is vital to ensuring your trip is enjoyable and stress-free. Here’s a rough breakdown of the costs:

• Travel Expenses: Gas, tolls, and potential flights (if needed) between destinations.
• Accommodation: Consider a mix of camping, hostels, Airbnb, and budget hotels. Booking in advance can save money.
• Food and Dining: Cooking your meals and eating out.
• Surf and Activity Fees: Rentals, surf lessons, or park entry fees.
• Miscellaneous: Emergency funds, souvenirs, and unexpected costs.

A safe estimate for a 3-month adventure is to save at least $10,000–$15,000. This allows for flexibility and covers unforeseen expenses.

4. Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms: Selecting the right social media platforms is crucial to make your travel vlogging adventure successful. Here’s a guide to some of the best platforms and how to use them effectively:

• YouTube: The primary platform for vlogging. Post regular, high-quality videos showcasing your adventures, surfing tips, beach reviews, and behind-the-scenes content. Consistency is key, so aim to upload at least once a week.

• Instagram is perfect for sharing beautiful photos, short videos, and Instagram Stories of your journey. Use it to connect with your audience, share quick updates, and promote your YouTube channel.

• TikTok is great for quick, engaging content. Share short clips of your surfing skills, scenic locations, and funny moments. This platform is ideal for reaching a younger audience and going viral.

• Facebook: Use Facebook to build a community around your travel adventure. Create a page where you can share your videos and blog posts and interact with followers.

• Twitter: Useful for quick real-time updates, travel tips, and engaging with your audience.

• Blog: Consider maintaining a travel blog where you can write more detailed posts about each location, provide surfing and travel tips, and share personal stories.

5. Monetizing Your Adventure: To keep your trip going, consider these easy ways to make money while travelling:

• YouTube Ad Revenue: Enable ads on your YouTube videos to earn money from views. Building up might take some time, but consistent posting can help grow your audience and earnings.

• Affiliate Marketing: Partner with brands and services relevant to your niche. Promote surf gear, travel accessories, or accommodation booking sites and earn a commission on sales through your links.

• Sponsorships and Collaborations: Contact brands for sponsorships. You can promote their products in your videos and on social media in exchange for free gear or monetary compensation.

• Freelance Work: Use your skills to earn money online. This could be anything from writing articles to graphic design or video editing for others.

• Merchandise: Sell branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, or stickers, with your vlog’s logo or catchphrases.

• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon allow your followers to support your content creation by becoming patrons. As a thank-you to your patrons, offer exclusive content or perks.

6. Tips for a Successful Vlogging Adventure: Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and involve your audience in your journey. This builds a loyal community.

• Stay Organized: Keep track of your footage, edit regularly, and plan your content ahead of time.
• Be Authentic: Share the highs and lows of your journey. Authenticity resonates with viewers and helps build a genuine connection.
• Stay Safe: Always prioritize your safety and well-being. Be aware of local conditions, weather forecasts, and any potential risks.

A 3-month travel vlogging adventure down the North American eastern coast is an incredible opportunity to explore stunning locations, surf some fantastic waves, and create engaging content for your followers. With careful planning, smart budgeting, and a passion for storytelling, you can make this dream trip a reality while making it a sustainable venture. Happy travels!

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See you in the next one!