Meet Brittany Middlebrooks | Travel Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittany Middlebrooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
“I would love to just take videos and pictures of my travels all day and get paid for it”, is a sentiment that I hear the most frequently when I discuss my role as a travel content creator.

As an outside perspective, I can absolutely understand how content creation looks glamorous, absurdly easy, and like a job that takes little skill. However, there is so much more to creating content than just simply uploading TikToks and Instagram posts.

I have a bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertisement, which affords me the opportunity to create travel content that effectively communicates the brand messages of the hospitality brands that hire or invite me to create content. If the goal is to make a career out of travel content creation, then you’re going to need to ensure that your content is extremely brand friendly.

Essentially being a travel content creator entails being your own publicist, videographer, editor, copywriter, and full creative team. All of these various roles are my passion and I actually have the best time drafting pitches, and editing drone videos with Beyonce playing in the background. So yes, I will agree that this field is glamorous and is a lot of fun, but not without hard work and the ability to produce high quality content.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always held a deep love of traveling, experiencing different types of food, and trying new things. Creating content was something that I have always done for fun, because I really enjoy the creative aspect of visual storytelling. In 2023, my boyfriend and I took a trip to Tokyo, Japan where I became extremely intentional with capturing the beauty and moments that make the country so special. We are an interracial and age gap couple and because I consume an embarrassing amount of content and haven’t seen our dynamic, it inspired me to take content creation on professionally to share beautiful destinations through our unique lenses.

I am extremely proud that although we are new kids on the block in the travel creation space we have gone viral several times with videos reaching over 1 million views and our highest being 4.9 million.

It was fairly easy for me to become a travel creator, because I was previously a fashion content creator who relied heavily on videos that involved many transitions, which took hours to edit. The videography and editing skills were extremely transferrable, which is how I impress clients with fast turnarounds. My biggest challenge to becoming a content creator was being honest with myself in that this is something that I’m passionate about and can genuinely make into a career. I occasionally battle with imposter syndrome, which is that little voice that says this could never be possible and job security is more important, but I sincerely believe that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be in life and that I have all of the skills that I need to succeed and that shuts the voice right up. It was this confidence that led me to trading my career as a Realtor for one that is more fulfilling.

One thing I appreciate learning while on this journey of being a full time creator is that consistency is the key to success. Every post isn’t going to go viral, but if you show up for your audience and do the best that you can each time, the results will soon follow.

I would love for the world to know that although @getawaybaes is based in Chicago, IL and Phoenix, AZ (snowbird alert) we love sharing our travel tips, foodie finds, and itineraries from all over the United States and around the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a native Chicago who relocated to Phoenix and I actually get asked regularly for recommendations from my friends back home who want an Arizona getaway.

Here are some of my favorite things to recommend

Activities
Rainbow Ryders: sunrise hot air balloon ride
Not many cities offer this unique experience, so you can cross the ride off of your bucket list while taking in gorgeous views

Cubs Spring Training (seasonal)
It’s so cool to see an iconic team in their home away from home. You can grab a photo opp in front of the Wrigley Marquee in the stadium. If you’re a Phoenix local this is your chance to try a Chicago hot dog, which I emphatically recommend you do!

Lylo Swim Club – for Hawaiian bites and tropical drinks by the pool

Hike Piestewa Peak
There are amazing opportunities for hiking in and around Phoenix. Piestewa although known for intermediate-advanced trails also offers hikes for the beginner.

Brunch:
The Henry – this space is absolutely stunning and each plate is instagrammable. You can either grab coffee and pastries to go or dine in for brunch. If you dine in I really enjoyed their umami brussels sprouts and the spicy tuna & crispy rice

Lunch:
Toduken
@toduken_bbq
Filipino BBQ – served up by John Cornelio is some of the most flavorful meat and dishes you’ll find in the valley

Sake House – some of the best sushi and sashimi you’ll find in Phoenix

Pizzeria Bianco – it may take an hour or longer to grab a seat, but it’s WORTH IT. I recommend checking out Chris Bianco’s story on their website as his story is sincerely impressive

Dinner:
Wren and Wolf
You NEED to try the beef wellington, it’s among the best that we’ve ever tasted

Fat Ox – a vibey restaurant serving up Italian cuisine, I highly recommend the branzino

Bars:
Palma – if you’re in a paradise state of mind you’ll really enjoy Palma. When you step onto the patio you immediately feel like you’re transported to a tropical place. We overheard a guest upon entrance say, “damn this is sexy”, and I must say that I agree!

Bitter & Twisted – has phenomenal service and an extensive cocktail menu. It’s situated next to the Moxy Hotel, which may be extremely helpful to you have a few rounds of drinks

ChamPang Lanes – duckpin bowling, disco balls, vintage decor, and great drinks. Seriously what more could you want?! We love starting out the night here because the vibes are fun and it’s a great place to be social.

Winery:
Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale
If you’re a wine lover you’ll appreciate the attentive service and wine flights. I also love that although the space feels extremely cozy the ambiance still feel refined. All wines are curated by their own vineyard.

Hotel:
Moxy Hotel – if you’re young at heart but still appreciate the refinement you’ll enjoy your stay at Moxy Hotel, which is steps away from amazing nightlife. Dont forget to swing by the bar so that Alaina can make you one of her amazing libations

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not have my love of wanderlust if it was not for my mom who always ensured that my twin sister, dad, and I had the best itineraries planned for our family trips. She always encouraged me to see the world and I still remember her face of pride as she stood in the O’hare Airport terminal as she dropped me off to study abroad alone in Switzerland and France during my undergraduate studies.

I’d also like to shout out my boyfriend Jason, who is known as “the talent” on my social media pages and never hesitates to join an adventure or assist in capturing content.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getawaybaes?igsh=d3BxdjViYWtrZzcw&utm_source=qr

Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@getawaybaes?_t=8lCYUmG4k8Y&_r=1