Leading travel advisors from across North America showcased their talents during the inaugural TravelPulse Social Media Video contest this winter.
Nominating a wide range of impressive submissions via Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, contestants highlighted some of the world's most exceptional travel experiences, and ones only they can provide for their clients.
But as in any contest, there can only be one winner.
TravelPulse's 2025 Social Media Video Contest Winner
The winning video for 2025 was turned in by Melanie Rodriguez, an all-star travel advisor with Life is Better Traveling, who comes away with a $200 gift card.
Rodriguez's video was the product of a fam trip in Anchorage, Alaska, before attending the Future Leaders in Travel event earlier this year.
"When I traveled to Alaska, I made a conscious choice to experience it the same way my clients would and be fully present, immersed in the moment, and trusting our guides and hosts," said Rodriguez. "Alaska is a place that resists being captured accurately. It’s huge and beautiful and wild. Whether I’m photographing or filming, my goal is never just to document a destination, but to convey even a small piece of what it feels like to stand there," she added.
"I’m so honored to be recognized this year for my travels. It was a year that took me to truly extraordinary places, and if my work helps someone else feel connected to those experiences, or inspires them to have an adventure of their own, then it’s all been worth it."
Honorable Mentions
TravelPulse received a plethora of show-stopping submissions in only the first year of the contest, so it's only fair to highlight some of the year's honorable mentions.
Travelista Jessica, a luxury travel agent and concierge with Travelista Travels, wowed editors with a colorful reel touting Punta Cana, Dominican Republic's Scape Park nature and wildlife attraction.
Meanwhile, Sheri Frend of Oassence Luxury Travel Design introduced social media users to one of Spain's most breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites via a dramatic hot air balloon ride.
Finally, Tiffany Catchot of Alabama-based Joyous Adventures provided a special behind-the-scenes look at what a dream destination wedding in Saint Lucia is really like.
The inaugural contest also featured a handful of long-form video submissions, with this year's standout coming from MEI-Travel's Heather Grodin. Her 12-minute YouTube video showcased the diverse experiences travelers can look forward to on an AmaWaterways Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia.
North American travel advisors should be on the lookout for next year's TravelPulse Social Media Video contest for a chance to win another exciting prize.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
