Why Has Travel Video Become So Popular?
Three factors have contributed to the growth of online travel video:
- The Internet has completely revolutionized the way travel is researched and booked. Travel agents are a dying breed, and travelers increasingly turn to online resources for vacation inspiration, recommendations and purchases.
- As more homes and businesses have acquired broadband Internet service, the pool of potential video viewers has increased. Broadband makes it easy to download and view video online.
- Travel is an investment, and especially during tough economic times, people want to make wise decisions about how they spend their travel dollars. Travel videos provide travelers with a preview of what they'll experience at a destination or resort.
Where Can I Watch and Upload My Own Travel Videos?
YouTube, Google Video and Yahoo! Video are the top online sites for all types of video, from slick, serious productions to clips that are comical and bizarre to pirated TV segments. YouTube, especially, has plenty of travel videos, so it's worth a search.
Vimeo.com, an up-and-coming community video site, has some nice privacy features for travelers who'd prefer to share their creations with a limited audience, not the whole video-viewing world.
If you're serious about producing travel video, however, or want to search specifically for videos that will help you plan your trip, consider one of these travel-specific sites:
TripAdvisor
The site that made its mark by collecting user-generated hotel reviews now allows registered users to upload vacation videos, as well.
Travelistic
This relatively new site's entire business model is focused on allowing globe trotters with video cameras to share their adventures. As of January 2010, Travelistic had nearly 10,000 videos available for online viewing.
Travel Channel
The Travel Channel not only accepts video submissions from world travelers, it offers a four-day intensive Travel Channel Academy in select cities, where would-be video contributors can turn a hobby into a marketable skill.
TurnHere
TurnHere is About.com's travel video supplier and a site that offers compensation to filmmakers who produce marketable travel videos. If you're a talented travel video producer, investigate TurnHere's paid opportunities.
What Equipment Do I Need to Shoot Travel Video?
Any digital video camera will suffice, but increasingly, travelers are partial to easy-to-operate cameras that are so small, they fit easily into a backpack or tote bag. Two to consider:
The Flip (Compare Prices)
Manufactured by Pure Digital Systems, this tiny camera costs less than $200, and it's ready to use at a moment's notice when you spy a scene worth capturing.
JVC Everio (Compare Prices)
With features that include one-touch upload to YouTube, the compact JVC Everio is easy to use, and at a price of about $300, easy on the budget, too.
What Software Do I Need to Edit Travel Video?
While there are many video editing products on the market, the tools you need to edit video are probably already on your desktop. Many travelers don't realize that current versions of Windows come complete with Windows Movie Maker software. All new Macs are equipped with iMovie.
Characteristics of the Best Travel Videos
What makes a travel video worth watching? Here are the things you should aim for in producing your own travel video:
- It should tell a story. That means it needs a beginning (opening shot), middle and end (wrap).
- It should be fair and unbiased.
- It should be well filmed and edited.
- It should show more than tell.
- It should provide insider knowledge for travelers interested in a destination, attraction or lodging property.
- It should entertain armchair travelers.
- It should not incorporate any "stolen" content: images, footage or music that is copyrighted by others.
You can't believe everything you see. As you're watching online travel videos, keep the following in mind:
- Ask yourself: Who produced this video--and why?
- Just as you might discount a slick, promotional spot, be wary of filmmakers whose agenda seems to be to cause damage to a hotel property or attraction.
- Never make a travel decision based on one video or review. Read as much as you can about your destination or the hotel you're considering, including not only anonymous reviews but those from trusted professional travel writers.
- Keep in mind that every traveler has different needs. A budget motel may be intolerable for a business traveler accustomed to upscale stays but perfectly suitable for your family of five. Try to watch videos produced by travelers with similar perspectives and needs.
