How to Turn Family Travel Into Brand Partnerships (Real Examples + Email Templates)
How to Turn Family Travel Into Brand Partnerships (Real Examples + Email Templates)
Wondering how family travel bloggers actually make money through brand partnerships? After securing 50+ brand collaborations over the past 6 years – from luxury resorts to family gear companies – I’m sharing the exact strategies, email templates, and real examples that transformed our family adventures into profitable partnerships.
Hi! I’m Marae from Brave Family Travel, and I’ve built a business that includes consistent brand partnerships ranging from $1,500 to $8,000 per collaboration. What started as documenting our travels has evolved into strategic partnerships that fund our adventures while serving our audience authentically. Ready to learn my complete system for monetizing family content? Check out The Brave Creator Passport – including my exact brand partnership templates and strategies!
The question I get asked most often isn’t about destinations or logistics – it’s “How do you actually get brand partnerships for family travel?” After building relationships with tourism boards, hotels, and family brands across multiple countries, I’m sharing the honest truth about turning family travel into brand partnerships that actually pay well.
Want to experience how I create partnership-worthy content? Join my 2026 Japan Family Adventure – where you’ll see firsthand how I develop relationships and create content that leads to future collaborations!
Understanding Brand Partnerships for Family Travel
What Brand Partnerships Actually Look Like
Let me be completely honest about how to turn family travel into brand partnerships – it’s not about having millions of followers or perfect content. Instead, it’s about understanding what brands need and positioning yourself as the solution.
Most family travel creators think brand partnerships mean free trips in exchange for a few Instagram posts. However, the reality is much more strategic and profitable when done correctly.
Real brand partnerships for family travel include:
- Paid collaborations with specific deliverables and usage rights
- Long-term ambassador programs with monthly retainers
- Content licensing deals where brands use your content in their marketing
- Speaking opportunities at family travel conferences and events
- Affiliate partnerships with recurring commission structures
The key to successful brand partnerships for family travel is treating them as business relationships, not just free vacation opportunities.
If you’ve always dreamed of working with hotels but don’t know how to get started THIS is the email template I have used to land hotel collaborations all over the world.
My Brand Partnership Journey: The Real Story
When I started pursuing brand partnerships for family travel in 2019, I made every mistake possible. I was mesmerized by seeing people get paid to travel and wanted to be one of them – my first paid collaboration was literally $25.
2019-2020: The Free Work Trap
- Partnerships: Mostly hosted stays and gifted collaborations
- First paid rate: $25 (yes, really!)
- Biggest mistake: Saying yes to massive amounts of free work that didn’t translate to income
When the pandemic hit and I was pregnant and stuck at home, I had to pivot from travel to motherhood content. I was overwhelmed with the amount of work I had to do for free partnerships – pregnancy, baby, and wellness brands – but none of it was generating income. This actually stopped me from reaching out to more brands because I had a massive workload and a bunch of products to sort through and create content for, all unpaid.
2021: The Follow-Up Game Changer
This was my breakthrough year. I turned those free partnerships from 2020 into solid 4-figure deals and, most importantly, into several months of paid work. I discovered you could leverage knowing the brand and them liking your work to create packages that lasted more than one-off payments.
The secret sauce was following up. Brands that ignored or didn’t engage with 5 or even 6 emails would then sign up for 4-digit deals. This lesson completely changed my approach to brand partnerships for family travel.
2022: Diversification Strategy
Since 2021, partnerships became a big part of my income equation, but they were sporadic because most of my brands were USA-based. When we went world traveling in fall 2021, I was making solid income from social media managing other businesses’ accounts.
In January 2022, I launched my first course for creators teaching them to monetize small audiences in the travel space called “How to Become a Travel Family.” That year, most of our income came from the course, social media managing, and collaborations when we were in the States.
2023-2025: Strategic Long-Term Focus
We tried social media managing for brands again through the Travel Family Academy, and I started landing solid multi-month collaborations. In 2024, I started coaching again after stopping in 2022 due to hectic travel scheduling. Coaching was a massive income driver along with brand partnerships.
Currently, I’m focusing on my course rather than group coaching, though I’ll launch a new group coaching session in September.
Current Partnership Reality (2025):
- Monthly partnerships: 1-2 strategic collaborations
- Rate structure: Starts at $2,500 per reel
- Typical range: $1,500-$10K depending on package, length, and touchpoints
- Highest single partnership: $8K for one piece of content
- Goal: $10K monthly from partnerships alone with ongoing partners
Finding the Right Brand Partnerships for Family Travel
Identifying Your Ideal Brand Partners
Not all brand partnerships for family travel are created equal. The most successful collaborations happen when there’s genuine alignment between your audience, your values, and the brand’s goals.
My ideal brand partnership criteria:
- Family-focused products or services I actually use
- Quality brands that align with our travel style and values
- Fair compensation that reflects my audience size and engagement
- Creative freedom to maintain authentic voice and style
- Long-term potential for ongoing relationship building
Types of brands perfect for family travel partnerships:
- Travel gear companies (strollers, car seats, luggage)
- Accommodation providers (family resorts, vacation rentals)
- Tourism boards (destinations seeking family market)
- Family lifestyle brands (clothing, toys, educational products)
- Travel services (insurance, booking platforms, transportation)
The secret to successful brand partnerships for family travel is focusing on companies that genuinely serve traveling families, not just any brand willing to pay.
Research Strategies That Actually Work
Finding the right brand partnerships for family travel requires strategic research, not random outreach.
My proven research process:
- Analyze competitor partnerships – See who’s working with similar creators
- Study brand social media – Understand their current marketing approach
- Research recent campaigns – Identify brands actively seeking family content
- Check partnership history – Look for brands with positive creator relationships
- Evaluate audience alignment – Ensure their customers match your followers
Tools I use for brand partnership research:
- Instagram insights to understand my audience demographics
- Brand websites to research their family-focused initiatives
- LinkedIn to find marketing contacts and decision makers
- Google alerts for brands mentioning family travel partnerships
- Creator databases to see current market rates and opportunities
The most successful brand partnerships for family travel come from thorough research and strategic targeting, not mass outreach to random companies.
My Proven Email Templates for Brand Partnerships
The Initial Outreach Template That Gets Responses
After testing dozens of approaches, this email template consistently gets responses for brand partnerships in family travel:
Subject Line: “Family Travel Partnership Opportunity – [Your Handle] x [Brand Name]”
Email Template:
Hi [Name],
I'm Marae from @bravefamilytravel, and I help families discover amazing destinations through authentic travel content.
I've been following [Brand Name] and love how you [specific thing about their brand/recent campaign].
Your focus on [family-friendly aspect] aligns perfectly with my audience of traveling parents.
Quick stats about my audience:
• 140K+ Instagram followers (78% women, ages 28-45)
• 30K+ monthly blog readers
• 2K+ email subscribers
• Primary audience: US, UK, Canada
I'd love to explore a partnership opportunity for [specific campaign/product].
I specialize in creating authentic family travel content that drives engagement and conversions.
Recent partnership results:
• [Specific brand]: 2.3M impressions, 45K+ engagements
• [Another brand]: 350K+ video views, 15% click-through rate
I've attached my media kit with detailed analytics and partnership examples. Would you be interested in discussing how we could create something amazing together?
Best regards,
Marae
[Contact information]
Why this template works for brand partnerships:
- Personalized opening shows you’ve researched the brand
- Clear value proposition explains what you offer
- Specific metrics demonstrate your reach and engagement
- Social proof with real partnership results
- Professional tone positions you as a business partner
The Follow-Up Template That Closes Deals
Most brand partnerships for family travel require strategic follow-up. Here’s my template that converts initial interest into confirmed collaborations:
Subject Line: “Re: Family Travel Partnership – Next Steps”
Follow-Up Template:
Hi [Name],
Thanks for your interest in partnering with @bravefamilytravel!
I'm excited about the possibility of working together.
Based on our conversation, here's what I propose for [specific campaign]:
DELIVERABLES:
• 3 Instagram feed posts with detailed captions
• 5-7 Instagram Stories with swipe-up links
• 1 blog post (1,500+ words) with SEO optimization
• 30-day usage rights for social media
• Performance report with detailed analytics
TIMELINE:
• Content creation: [dates]
• Publishing schedule: [specific dates]
• Final report delivery: [date]
INVESTMENT: $[amount] (includes all deliverables and usage rights)
I've attached examples of similar campaigns I've executed, including performance metrics and client testimonials.
This partnership would reach my highly engaged audience of traveling families while creating authentic content that drives real results for [Brand Name].
Are you ready to move forward? I'm happy to adjust the proposal based on your specific needs.
Best,
Marae
Key elements that make this follow-up effective:
- Clear deliverables remove any confusion about expectations
- Specific timeline shows professionalism and planning
- Usage rights are clearly defined to avoid future issues
- Portfolio examples provide social proof and set expectations
- Flexible closing invites negotiation while maintaining confidence
Real Brand Partnership Examples and Results
Case Study: Luxury Resort Partnership in Japan
The Opportunity: The Westin Rusutsu Resort wanted to showcase their family-friendly winter activities and accommodations.
My Approach:
- Researched their target market and recent marketing campaigns
- Proposed authentic family skiing content during our Hokkaido trip
- Negotiated accommodation + $3,500 fee for comprehensive content package
Deliverables:
- 3 Instagram posts featuring family skiing, resort amenities, and dining
- 10+ Instagram Stories showing behind-the-scenes resort experience
- 1 detailed blog post about family skiing in Hokkaido with resort features
- Usage rights for resort’s social media and website marketing
Results:
- 2.1M+ total impressions across all content
- 85K+ engagements with high save and share rates
- 25+ direct bookings tracked through my unique link
- Long-term relationship leading to additional collaboration opportunities
Why this brand partnership worked:
- Authentic fit – we were genuinely planning a Hokkaido trip
- Quality content – professional photos and detailed storytelling
- Audience alignment – my followers are interested in family travel experiences
- Clear ROI – resort could track direct bookings from my content
Case Study: Travel Gear Brand Partnership Success
The Opportunity: A Stroller company wanted to showcase their compact travel stroller with real traveling families.
My Strategy:
- Demonstrated genuine product use during our Japan trips
- Created authentic content showing stroller in real travel situations
- Negotiated affiliate partnership + content fee structure
Content Created:
- Multiple Instagram posts showing stroller in airports, trains, and cities
- Detailed blog mentions in our Japan packing guide and travel tips posts
- Stories content demonstrating ease of use and travel benefits
- Ongoing promotion through my BRAVE20 discount code
Partnership Results:
- Consistent monthly sales through affiliate commissions
- High conversion rate due to authentic product integration
- Long-term relationship with regular content collaboration
- Audience trust maintained through genuine product recommendation
Lessons learned:
- Authentic use creates more compelling content than staged photos
- Multiple touchpoints (blog, social, stories) increase conversion rates
- Discount codes provide trackable ROI for brand partners
- Long-term partnerships are more profitable than one-off deals
Pricing Your Brand Partnerships Strategically
Understanding Your True Value
The biggest mistake I see creators make with brand partnerships for family travel is underpricing their services. Your value isn’t just your follower count – it’s the complete package of content creation, audience access, and marketing expertise.
Factors that determine brand partnership rates:
- Audience size and engagement across all platforms
- Content quality and production value
- Niche expertise in family travel market
- Usage rights and licensing requirements
- Deliverable complexity and time investment
- Brand alignment and authenticity of partnership
My current rate structure for brand partnerships:
- Instagram post: $1,500-2,500 per post (depending on usage rights)
- Instagram Stories series: $800-1,200 for 5-7 stories
- Blog post integration: $1,000-2,000 (depending on length and SEO requirements)
- Comprehensive campaigns: $3,500-8,000 for multi-platform packages
- Usage rights licensing: Additional 25-50% of content fee
Rate calculation formula I use: Base rate = (Followers ÷ 1000) × $10-15 + content production value + usage rights premium
Negotiation Strategies That Work
Successful brand partnerships for family travel require confident negotiation while maintaining relationship focus.
My negotiation principles:
- Lead with value – explain what brands get for their investment
- Be flexible on deliverables but firm on fair compensation
- Offer package deals that provide more value than individual posts
- Include usage rights in initial pricing discussions
- Maintain professional boundaries while being collaborative
Common negotiation scenarios:
When brands request additional deliverables: “I’d be happy to add [specific request]. That would bring the total investment to $[new amount] to account for the additional time and content creation.”
When brands want extended usage rights: “Extended usage rights are valuable for your marketing efforts. I can include 6-month usage for an additional $[amount], which is still more cost-effective than hiring a photographer and model.”
When budgets are limited: “I understand budget constraints. Let me propose a modified package that fits your budget while still delivering great results: [adjusted deliverables] for $[reduced rate].”
The key is maintaining your value while finding creative solutions that work for both parties.
Building Long-Term Brand Partnership Relationships
From One-Off Deals to Ongoing Partnerships
The most profitable approach to brand partnerships for family travel is building long-term relationships rather than constantly seeking new deals.
Benefits of long-term brand partnerships:
- Predictable income through monthly retainers or regular campaigns
- Deeper brand knowledge leading to more authentic content
- Streamlined processes reducing administrative time
- Premium rates as you become their trusted family travel expert
- Exclusive opportunities for new product launches and campaigns
How I nurture long-term brand partnerships:
- Exceed deliverables on initial collaborations to demonstrate value
- Provide detailed performance reports showing ROI and engagement metrics
- Maintain regular communication beyond active campaign periods
- Propose new collaboration ideas based on their marketing calendar
- Introduce them to other creators when appropriate to build goodwill
My most successful long-term partnerships:
- Stroller Company: over 2 years of ongoing relationship with quarterly campaigns
- Tourism boards: Annual partnerships for different seasonal campaigns
- Family resorts: Repeat collaborations for new property openings
The key is treating brand partners as business allies, not just clients. When brands see you as a strategic marketing partner rather than just a content creator, they invest in longer-term relationships.
Common Brand Partnership Mistakes to Avoid
Pricing and Negotiation Pitfalls
Mistake #1: Undervaluing your work Many creators accept low rates thinking it will lead to more opportunities.
In reality, brands often associate low prices with low quality.
Solution: Research market rates and price confidently based on your value proposition.
Mistake #2: Not defining usage rights Brands may use your content beyond the agreed scope without additional compensation.
Solution: Always specify usage rights duration and scope in your contracts.
Mistake #3: Over-delivering without compensation Providing extra content or extended timelines without adjusting rates devalues your services.
Solution: Stick to agreed deliverables or negotiate additional compensation for extras.
Content and Relationship Mistakes
Mistake #4: Creating overly promotional content Audiences can spot inauthentic sponsored content immediately, leading to poor engagement.
Solution: Integrate brand messaging naturally into your authentic storytelling style.
Mistake #5: Not tracking performance Without data, you can’t demonstrate ROI or improve future campaigns.
Solution: Use analytics tools to track reach, engagement, clicks, and conversions for every partnership.
Mistake #6: Burning bridges with poor communication Late deliverables or unresponsive communication damages your reputation in the industry.
Solution: Maintain professional communication and meet all deadlines consistently.
Your Brand Partnership Action Plan
Getting Started with Brand Partnerships
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1-2)
- Audit your content to identify your unique value proposition
- Create a media kit with audience demographics and engagement metrics
- Develop rate structure based on your follower count and niche expertise
- Write email templates for outreach and follow-up communications
- Research target brands that align with your audience and values
APhase 2: Outreach and Relationship Building (Months 3-4)
- Send 5-10 outreach emails per week to target brands
- Engage with brands on social media to build familiarity
- Create spec content showing how you’d feature their products
- Attend industry events (virtually or in-person) to network
- Join creator communities to learn from other successful partnerships
Then, Phase 3: Optimization and Growth (Months 5-6)
- Analyze successful partnerships to identify what works best
- Refine your processes based on client feedback and results
- Increase rates as you gain experience and prove ROI
- Develop case studies from successful collaborations
- Build long-term relationships with your best brand partners
Essential Resources for Brand Partnership Success
Tools I recommend for managing brand partnerships:
- Canva Pro for creating professional media kits and proposals
- Later or Hootsuite for scheduling and tracking social media performance
- Google Analytics for measuring blog traffic and conversions
- Airtable or Notion for managing brand outreach and relationships
- DocuSign for professional contract management
Learning resources:
- Industry reports on influencer marketing rates and trends
- Creator economy newsletters for partnership opportunities
- Legal templates for protecting your business interests
- Photography courses to improve content quality and value
Ready to Start Landing Brand Partnerships?
Your Next Steps
Building successful brand partnerships for family travel requires strategy, persistence, and professional execution. The opportunities are endless when you position yourself as a valuable marketing partner rather than just a content creator.
Start implementing today:
- Create your media kit with audience demographics, engagement rates, and partnership examples
- Research 10 target brands that align with your audience and values using the strategies I outlined
- Write your first outreach email using my proven template above
- Set up tracking systems to measure partnership performance and ROI
- Develop your rate sheet based on your follower count and niche expertise
Essential next steps for brand partnership success:
- Follow up consistently – remember, brands that ignored 5-6 emails became my biggest clients
- Focus on long-term relationships rather than one-off deals
- Always include usage rights in your pricing discussions
- Track every partnership’s performance to demonstrate ROI to future brands
- Build a portfolio of successful collaborations to show potential partners
Ready to fast-track your brand partnership success? The Brave Creator Passport includes my complete brand partnership system – the exact email templates from this post, rate sheets, contract templates, and step-by-step strategies that have generated over $100K in partnership revenue.
Connect with me on Instagram for daily insights about building profitable brand partnerships while maintaining authentic family content.
The Bottom Line: Brand Partnerships Change Everything
After six years of building strategic brand partnerships, I can confidently say they’ve transformed not just our income, but our entire approach to family travel. Instead of funding trips from savings, our adventures now generate revenue while creating valuable content for our audience.
The key to successful brand partnerships for family travel isn’t having the most followers or the perfect content – it’s understanding your value, communicating professionally, and building genuine relationships with brands that serve your audience.
Your brand partnership journey can start today with a single outreach email. The family travel industry needs authentic voices like yours, and brands are actively seeking creators who can connect with traveling parents authentically.
Start building your brand partnership business today – your family adventures are waiting to become profitable collaborations.