Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Elise G @Traveleeza

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

My name is Elise, and I am a 23 year old from Boston! I grew up outside the city, went to school at Boston College, and now live in Beacon Hill! I work in finance at a small hedge fund, and am passionate about traveling and photography! For the past two years, I’ve been in a long distance relationship with my boyfriend of 5 years as he works in Washington, DC and studied in Bologna, Italy – that has really fueled my travel addiction! In the past three years, I’ve visited more than 45 cities in 16 countries and have boarded 99 flights (with my 100th next week!). I love everything about traveling – from planning to packing, touchdown to takeoff, and everything in between. Getting to know other cultures and other places has helped me learn so much about myself, and I love sharing photos, stories and tips with family, friends and other travelers. I am someone who has always been very organized, and planning things is a fun activity for me (it never feels like a chore!) I love looking for the cheapest and most convenient deals to fly somewhere new, and enjoy booking accommodations and activities both for myself and for my loved ones.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

To sum it up – travel, photography, fitness, fashion, real estate and traditions. I have been extremely lucky to travel so much, and taking photos of my experiences bring a permanence to my memories, and helps me include those who couldn’t travel with me! Those photos are absolutely what I post most often on Instagram. Whether I am exploring a new place for the first time and instagramming as I go, wandering around my hometown in Boston to share lesser-known favorite spots, or fondly reflecting on a trip from the past, my travel photos mean everything to me, and they means everything to share! Of course, one of the best parts of traveling is trying new, authentic and local cuisine! We plan our days almost entirely around food (especially when in Italy!), so I love sharing my favorite spots. Who doesn’t love shopping while travelling – they go perfectly hand in hand! I definitely get fashion inspiration from Instagram, and try to share my own (I am rarely stylish enough!) Additionally, I have always loved real estate – both the external architecture and interior spaces – as I feel like it is an important window into the lives of locals. I love imagining what it would be like to live in certain areas, buildings or homes, and I love sharing those photos with others so they can imagine as well. Finally, with all this eating and traveling, it is of course important to stay healthy and fit to maximize enjoyment (and look halfway decent in photos!). I am a spin instructor here in Boston, and also love going to barre classes! I personally find fitness posts to be motivating, and try to share new studios or classes that I have loved!

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy as a junior in college, my name “Elise” was always pronounced “Eleeza.” As my boyfriend calls me that now, he came up with the idea of combining “travel” with my name…Traveleeza was born.

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

I try not to edit my photos too much, as I feel they lose their natural feel. I normally edit photos in VSCO first, both because I love their editing tools, and because I like to share photos that don’t make it to my personal Instagram with friends on that platform. After that, its straight to Instagram!

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

One of my favorite instagrammers is Boston-based @bretclancy. He takes incredible photos all over Boston, and has some really genius edits! He sells prints on Etsy for a really reasonable cost, and I have purchased a couple to decorate my apartment! Based in my second home – Florence, Italy – @girlinflorence captures the city in a very authentic and beautiful way that never fails to make me miss it! Finally (although its impossible to narrow it down!) @thedriftingduo are two Australians who document their travel and styles with bright blues and perfect fashion sense! Scrolling through their Instagram is like a step into summer, and I can’t get enough! All three of these instragrammers, and many many more, inspire my Instagram.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Hmm…well for editing purposes, if you don’t have VSCO yet, download it! In terms of travelling, I cannot recommend Dubrovnik, Croatia more highly. The shooting location for much of Game of Thrones, it has incredible history, delicious cuisine and is stunningly beautiful.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

My favorite part about being an influencer is sharing my positive experiences with others – it makes me so happy and fulfilled when a friend or fellow instagrammer follows some of my advice or visits one of my favorite spots and reports back how much they loved it. The same goes for restaurants, products, clothing, etc. If something makes me happy, it of course makes me even happier to see someone else enjoying it! It also feels wonderful to recognize the hotel/restaurant/store for their wonderful service – I have found it to be one of the best ways to show appreciation and genuine thanks for their hard work!

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

While I am very new to the influencer game, I think authenticity is of paramount importance. I feel the most effective strategy within a marketing campaign is true belief in the product and its benefits. For this reason, I think of my close friends and family when I am writing tips and captions – would I recommend this place or product to them? Would I say those words to them? Being genuine, not an obvious (and sometimes phony salesman) is the best way to attract customers and consumers who are already discerning of gimmicks.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

Again, the best way to share your ideas and products is to genuinely and personally get behind them. You can’t market a place or product you haven’t visited or tried, and any advice would be heresy! To show passion and be genuine in your posts, it is important to use and be excited about your original content. As that content is a representation of self, it is easy and important to hold it to a high standard.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

In the past, I have loved sharing my experiences at hotels and restaurants that have gone above and beyond. I have loved seeing their passion and their hard work pay off in my own satisfaction – it leaves me energized and willing to promote them as a spokesman for their efforts and product. It is getting to know a new brand, the passion and goals behind it, and seeing its success in action that most excites me.

Topics:

• Animals & Pets
• Architecture
• Celebrities
• Cooking
• Design
• DIY & Crafts
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Food & Drink
• Hair & Beauty
• Health & Fitness
• Nature & Outdoors
• Photography
• Travel

Country:

United States of America