There are some moments in life that are almost impossible to put into words, and this is definitely one of them.
When I first uploaded a video, I wasn’t thinking about milestones or numbers. I was simply sharing something I loved and hoping that maybe one person would watch it. Fast forward to today, and 400,000 incredible people have chosen to come along on this adventure with me. That number still feels surreal, but when I stop thinking about it as a number, it becomes something much more meaningful.
It’s 400,000 people who have watched sunsets with me, wandered beautiful streets around the world with me, sat beside me on planes, trains and buses, celebrated the incredible moments and somehow stayed through the embarrassing ones too. If you’ve been here for a while, you’ll probably remember the Hong Kong wind tunnel disaster, the cruise, the multiple times I’ve filmed with something stuck in my teeth, and of course, the Bali hospital saga. Somehow, you’re all still here, and I honestly couldn’t be more grateful.
Success Looks Different Now
When I first started YouTube, I thought success would be measured by subscriber numbers. These days, I see it completely differently.
Success is reading a comment from someone who finally booked their dream trip because one of my videos gave them the confidence to go. It’s hearing that you visited a café, stayed at a hotel or explored a hidden beach because I recommended it. It’s meeting someone on the other side of the world who tells me that my videos helped them plan a holiday they’ll never forget.
Those moments mean more to me than any number ever could. Every time one of you shares a story like that, it reminds me why I love creating these videos so much.
The Times I Nearly Quit
I don’t think people always see the difficult side of building something online. There have been plenty of moments over the years where I’ve questioned myself and wondered whether I should keep going. Like so many of us, I’ve battled self-doubt, imposter syndrome and that little voice asking, “Who am I to do this?”
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you don’t have to feel fearless to move forward. You just have to keep going anyway. Looking back now, I’m so thankful I did because things have a funny way of working out when you refuse to give up.
The Life I Always Dreamed About
A family member asked me recently what has been the best period of my life. Without even thinking, I answered, “Now.”
That surprised me a little, but it’s true.
The last few years have genuinely been the happiest of my life. Travelling full-time isn’t always easy. There are long travel days, lonely moments, burnout and plenty of challenges along the way. But if I could go back and tell my younger self that this would one day be my life, she wouldn’t believe me.
Sometimes I think about the little girl who loved adventure, history, storytelling and performing. Looking back now, it’s amazing to realise that all of those interests somehow came together to become the career I have today.
The Moment Everything Changed
I still remember my very first sponsored trip. At the time, I was working in an office, and an opportunity came through my travel blog to visit Singapore. Flights, accommodation and food were covered, and they were even going to pay me to create content.
I remember thinking, “Hang on… could this actually become my job?”
That one opportunity changed everything. It’s incredible to think that something which once felt impossible has now become my everyday life, and I never take that for granted.
This Community Means Everything
One of my favourite things about YouTube is being able to look back at old videos. I don’t just see destinations. I see different versions of myself. Every country, every challenge and every adventure have shaped who I am, and you’ve been there through all of it.
You’ve celebrated the wins with me, encouraged me through the hard moments, laughed at my embarrassing ones and trusted me with your travel plans. That is something I never, ever take for granted.
So, if you’ve watched one video or one hundred videos, left a comment, shared a recommendation or simply been quietly following along, thank you. You’ve helped build something that brings me more joy than I could ever explain.
A New Chapter for Travel For Phoebe
Reaching 400,000 subscribers feels like more than just another milestone. It feels like the start of a brand-new chapter.
Over the past few months, we’ve refreshed the Travel For Phoebe brand, launched a brand-new website, started sending weekly travel postcards and opened our very first merch store. It feels like everything is finally coming together, and I’m more excited than ever for what’s ahead.
Over the next year, I’m planning even more adventures, more dream destinations and plenty of experiences I’ve wanted to share with you for years. I honestly feel like we’re only just getting started.
Shop the Travel For Phoebe Merch
One of my favourite projects this year has been creating the official Travel For Phoebe merch collection.
I wanted to design pieces that felt like our little travel community. Whether you’re packing for your next adventure or simply dreaming about where you’ll go next, I hope they bring a little reminder of the journeys we’ve shared together.
You’ll find cosy hoodies, travel caps, tote bags and a few other little goodies, and every purchase helps support the free travel guides, blog posts and YouTube videos I create each week. If you’d like to have a look, I’d absolutely love your support.
Thank You
I honestly don’t think I’ll ever find the perfect words to express how grateful I am.
Every flight I’ve taken, every country I’ve explored and every story I’ve been lucky enough to share exists because of you. Thank you for watching, for subscribing, for cheering me on and for making this dream possible.
I’d love to celebrate this milestone together, so tell me in the comments: How did you first discover Travel For Phoebe? What was the very first video you watched? And do you have a favourite? I genuinely read every comment, and I’d love to hear your story.
Here’s to 400,000, and here’s to the adventures still to come. I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us.
Love always,
Phoebe ❤️