Top TikTok Marketing Strategies for Travel Gear & Accessories Brands to Drive Sales

TikTok is officially the digital runway for travel accessories, and if you're not getting in on the action, well, you're missing the plane. With the travel accessories market projected to soar to $3.68 billion by 2032, it’s safe to say this industry is booming, and TikTok is making it all happen.

The secret? Shoppable videos, influencer magic, and the irresistible pull of interactive content. As TikTok continues to integrate seamless shopping features and influencers take over live shopping streams, the lines between browsing, buying, and discovering are blurrier than ever.

Take Monos, for example. The Canadian travel gear brand didn’t just join the TikTok party—they owned it. By leveraging Video Shopping Ads and collaborating with influencers, they turned Black Friday and Cyber Monday into a massive sales fest, all while making the shopping experience feel like a TikTok scroll rather than a traditional ad.

With a 205% ROAS and 45% lower CPA, it’s clear that TikTok’s social commerce game is a force to be reckoned with.

So, how did they do it? Let’s break down the strategy behind Monos’ TikTok triumph and explore the best practices for travel gear brands looking to dominate the platform. Keep reading to unlock the secrets!

1. Maximize Sales with Shoppable Video Ads: Turning TikTok Engagement into Conversion Gold

Picture this: you’re casually scrolling through TikTok, half-watching dance trends (you’re totally not trying to learn the latest viral moves), when—bam! There’s a shiny suitcase, just casually gliding across the screen like it’s got its own runway. Now you’re interested.

And just like that, you’ve clicked, and within seconds, you’re one step closer to buying that perfect luggage you didn’t even know you needed. Welcome to the magic of shoppable video ads.

When you’re in the travel gear game, the trick isn’t just about showing off your products—it’s about making your ads as seamless and as impulsive as your last online purchase. TikTok’s Video Shopping Ads let you weave your products right into the TikTok experience, making it impossible for viewers to resist clicking that “Buy Now” button.

The beauty? No need to leave the app to make a purchase. It’s like magic, but with better luggage.

Monos, a Canadian travel brand, took TikTok’s Video Shopping Ads for a spin during Black Friday & Cyber Monday, and the results were nothing short of a shopping miracle. By showcasing their sleek luggage in creative, authentic videos, they got TikTok’s travel-savvy crowd to pay attention and—spoiler alert—buy.

And by utilizing TikTok’s interactive features like countdowns and display cards, they turned their sales event into a social media rollercoaster.

The real kicker? Monos not only captured interest but boosted conversions by making shopping effortless and native to the TikTok experience. Talk about hitting all the right notes with the audience!

@aliciaamaclaren Pack with me for a work trip to ✨Vancouver✨ @monostravel is easily the best way to travel in comfort and in style! Featuring the gorgeous Carry-On Pro Plus in Olive green 🫒, Metro Cosmetic Case in ivory, wearing the Algarve Dress in Dune Grass and I will also be bringing along my Metro Tote in ivory vegan leather for day trips in the city! #monospartner #monostravel #monostravelcompanion #vancouvercreator #vancouverinfluencer #vancouverbc #packwithme #travelwithme ♬ MISGUIDED - finetune

Results & Analysis

By leaning into shoppable video ads, Monos turned TikTok’s addictive scroll into a shopping spree. The results speak for themselves: +18% CTR, achieving a +205% ROAS, and -45% CPA. The secret sauce? They gave their audience exactly what they wanted—authentic content with a side of convenience.

Key Takeaway

If you're selling travel gear, your TikTok content must do more than just entertain—turn it into an easy shopping experience! Use shoppable video ads to give your audience what they want when they want it, and watch your sales take off like a jet on a runway.

2. Gen-Z, the Influencer Dream Team: Making Your Brand Feel Like One of the Cool Kids

Let’s face it: Gen-Z is the hardest group to win over. They’re not impressed by flashy ads or generic influencer posts. They’re looking for something real—something that speaks to their experiences and resonates with their digital lives. Authenticity is the golden ticket here, and when you get it right, they’ll engage with your brand in ways that older generations could only dream of.

To get their attention, you need influencers who aren’t just pushing products but are actually living them. Gen-Z influencers don’t just wear your product—they make it a part of their lifestyle, showing their followers why they need it. This isn’t about selling a backpack; it’s about showing how that backpack is part of an everyday adventure.

JanSport nailed this when they launched a TikTok campaign with a Gen-Z think tank (because who else would know what Gen-Z wants?). Partnering with influencers like Bella Cuomo and Nessa Barrett, JanSport didn’t just show off their backpacks—they created a whole challenge, the #unpackthatchallenge.

The influencers got real about their experience, showing how their JanSport bags fit perfectly into their at-home lives. A wave of user-generated content followed, showcasing how JanSport bags can be used to help fulfill travel goals.

@jansport when you packed it all in a carry-on and a backpack #JanSport #JanSportVenturePack #VenturePackSystem #VenturePack #Travel #SpringBreak #SpringBreak2025 #TravelHack #TravelBags #MustHaveBags #MustHaveTravelBags #TravelBackpacks #Backpacks #JanSportBag #collegespringbreak #GapYear #Vacation #backpacking #backpackingtips #backpackinglife #gapyearstudent #gapyeartravel ♬ original sound - JanSport

JanSport’s campaign wasn’t just about selling travel bags—it was about connecting with a generation in a meaningful way. They didn’t just show product specs; they showed real people using their products in real-life moments.

Results & Analysis

JanSport’s TikTok influencers created a wave of engagement and conversation, turning their branded campaign into a viral sensation. The result? 3.7 million views and hundreds of thousands of likes in just two days.

Key Takeaway

Want to capture Gen-Z’s attention? Ditch the gimmicks and work with influencers who live your brand. Make your content authentic, relatable, and a natural fit for their world—and watch your engagement soar. Authenticity wins every time.

3. Expand Your Reach with Strategic Influencer Partnerships: From Niche to Mainstream

If you’re only speaking to your core audience, you’re missing a huge opportunity. The beauty of influencer partnerships is that they allow you to tap into new markets while still keeping things fresh and true to your brand. A solid influencer strategy doesn’t just mean finding the biggest name—it’s about finding the right fit, someone who’ll bring your products to an entirely new audience.

But here’s the trick: it’s not just about partnering with any influencer—it’s about diversifying your partnerships. Take the road less traveled and expand your reach by aligning with influencers from other segments. Get a little bold and use influencers to bridge the gap between your brand and new customers.

Béis Luggage, known for its chic, premium travel gear, had mastered the art of speaking to its female audience. But when they wanted to broaden their reach and get more men interested, they turned to TikTok influencers like NFL player Isaac Rochell and menswear creator Michael Justin.

The result? A stunning Father’s Day campaign, titled "Airport Dad", that not only showcased the stylish luggage but also spoke directly to the men who were ready to embrace travel in style.

@beis Reintroducing: The Airport Dad. Baggage you’ll want to claim. @GirlBossTown @Isaac Rochell @Michael Justin ♬ original sound - Beis Travel

By partnering with influencers who could speak to a new demographic, Béis broke into the men’s market and showed that their bags were more than just for women—they were for everyone.

Results & Analysis

The Airport Dad campaign wasn’t just a fun Father’s Day promo—it was a game-changer. By teaming up with male influencers, Béis was able to increase brand awareness and appeal to a completely new demographic without alienating their core audience. The result? A broader customer base and higher engagement across the board.

Key Takeaway

Want to break into a new market? Get strategic with your influencer partnerships. Find influencers from outside your typical demographic and tap into their audience. This isn’t about pushing your product—it’s about connecting with people who might not know they need your brand yet.

4. App Installs Like a Breeze: How TikTok Micro-Influencers Can Make Your Travel App a Must-Have

Let’s be real: no one enjoys roaming charges. And with travel apps popping up like there’s no tomorrow, how do you make yours stand out? The answer? TikTok micro-influencers. These trendsetters have a knack for showing off the latest and greatest travel hacks, and when they’re sharing your product, you’re basically getting a sneak peek into their travel world.

Now, we’re talking about Airalo, the app that makes eSIMs as easy to grab as your passport at the airport. Airalo didn’t just create another ad—it tapped into the micro-influencer magic. These creators gave their audience value-packed tips on avoiding sky-high roaming charges while jetting off to destinations far and wide.

Airalo’s challenge was clear: reach more travelers and get them to install their app—especially those between 18 and 35 in the U.S. Using TikTok micro-influencers, Airalo didn’t just push a product—they told a story about saving money on global roaming, all while sharing relatable travel scenarios.

@maddieborge #ad Travel with me to Bali! Using @Airalo to make sure I have data from the moment I touch down in 🇮🇩 Pssst! 🤫You get 3$ USD off your eSIM with the code MADDIEB3 (Link in bio!) #travel #travelvlog #travelwithme ♬ original sound - Maddie Borge

By focusing on micro-influencers, Airalo tapped into highly engaged, niche audiences who were ready to download the app. They didn’t just throw random ads out there—they used informative content that was relevant to their target audience's needs. TikTok became a conversion goldmine that kept the app in users’ minds as they packed for their next trip.

Results & Analysis

And did it work? Oh, you bet. 2.1 million video views, 12.3% engagement rate, and $0.23 CPI. That’s not just success; that’s a travel trend on TikTok.

Key Takeaway

Want to get those app installs soaring? Leverage TikTok micro-influencers to create authentic, value-driven content that’s perfectly timed with your audience’s travel plans. When you make travel hacks feel relatable and easy, your app installs will soar like a direct flight.

5. Value-Based Optimization: How to Turn Your Travel Gear into an Irresistible Purchase

Let’s get serious for a moment: when it comes to selling travel accessories, it’s not just about how many sales you make, but about how valuable those sales are. Enter Value-Based Optimization (VBO).

Think of it like packing for a trip—would you just throw random clothes in your suitcase, or would you strategically pick items that are essential and versatile? VBO is the strategic packing method for your ads, and it’s designed to ensure you’re targeting the right buyers who will spend more, not just anyone who clicks.

For brands like Quad Lock, an Australian company that makes rock-solid accessories for your adventures (we're talking about mountable phone cases and more), this is the difference between generating average sales and seeing a significant boost in purchase value.

Instead of focusing on getting as many conversions as possible, VBO helps you optimize towards the highest-quality conversions, those customers who are ready to invest in premium products, not just any cheap knockoff.

Quad Lock decided to test TikTok’s VBO and refocused their ad spend to optimize for conversion quality rather than volume. By splitting their budget into two groups—one that utilized VBO and one that didn’t—they were able to measure which approach led to the highest-value conversions.

@quadlock Are your motorcycle handlebars thick like this? Keep watching... ⁠ ⁠Elevate your ride with the NEW Handlebar Mount Pro - Large edition.⁠ ⁠#fyp #quadlock #motorcycle #harleydavidson #softail #chrome #harleydavidsonmotorcycles ♬ original sound - Quad Lock

Results & Analysis

The results of VBO were clear: 35% lower cost per acquisition (CPA) and higher-value sales. Quad Lock didn’t just get more clicks; they targeted buyers who were willing to spend more, ultimately delivering greater ROI. This strategy didn’t just push out ads to the masses—it was precision marketing at its best.

VBO allowed Quad Lock to optimize for purchase intent, ensuring that their budget was used more effectively by reaching those who were most likely to buy at a higher value. With VBO, they were able to spend less while making more meaningful conversions.

Key Takeaway

If you’re in the travel gear market, focusing on conversion quality is key to scaling your sales. Value-Based Optimization ensures your budget is spent on high-value customers, targeting those who are ready to spend more on premium products. So, optimize not just for clicks, but for the right clicks—those that lead to meaningful sales and greater ROI.

6. Positioning Your Travel Gear as an Essential: Turning Products Into Non-Negotiable Must-Haves

Let’s cut to the chase: when you’re a traveler, you don’t just want gear—you need reliable gear that can keep up with your adventures, withstand the elements, and help you get the most out of every experience. Travel essentials aren’t just items to pack; they’re game-changers. And if you can position your product as something travelers can’t leave home without, you’re golden.

The key to creating must-have travel gear is positioning it as not just nice-to-have, but non-negotiable—the kind of gear that completes the experience. This is where Salomon’s running shoes stepped in. They didn’t just want to sell shoes; they set out to own the narrative that their products were indispensable for anyone serious about outdoor adventures.

Salomon’s strategy was simple: turn their footwear into the ultimate companion for travelers, adventurers, and active explorers who demand performance and reliability from their gear.

Salomon didn’t just promote shoes—they promoted a lifestyle. By leveraging over 100 influencers across key markets like Germany, France, and the USA, they positioned their new road running shoe line as essential gear for anyone who’s into running, hiking, or any outdoor activity where performance matters. Whether it was a rugged trail run or a mountain ascent, these shoes weren’t just accessories; they were the tool that would get the job done.

@salomon @danimarielister hiking in Patagonia #hiking #outdoors #mountains #hiketok ♬ son original - Salomon

The influencers didn’t just post pretty pictures—they showcased their shoes in real-life, action-packed scenarios, proving that these shoes were made to endure the toughest outdoor environments. This approach ensured that Salomon wasn’t just part of the conversation in the outdoor community—they were leading it, establishing their shoes as the essential piece of gear every active traveler needs.

Results & Analysis

Salomon’s multi-market influencer strategy generated 3.5 million impressions and kept the conversation alive, positioning their brand as the go-to footwear for adventurers. By showing their shoes in action, they didn’t just boost awareness—they demonstrated why their product was a must-have for those who demand quality and performance from their travel gear.

This wasn’t just about selling shoes—it was about marketing reliability and durability in environments where you can’t afford anything less.

Key Takeaway

If you want to make your travel gear stand out, don’t just market it as a product—market it as essential gear for your audience’s adventures. Use real-life scenarios, influencer partnerships, and performance-driven content to show how your product isn’t just nice to have, but necessary. When your gear becomes indispensable, that’s when you’ve truly made it.

Master TikTok Marketing for Travel Gear & Accessories

As brands in the travel gear industry continue to leverage TikTok, the focus on authentic influencer collaborations, value-based optimization, and shoppable video content is clear. These strategies are not just boosting engagement—they’re driving high-quality sales.

To stay ahead, brands must embrace TikTok’s innovative features and community-driven content. Future trends show that as TikTok evolves, the importance of interactive, real-time content will only grow, so stay adaptable and keep experimenting!

About the Author

Nadica Naceva

Writer

Nadica Naceva, Head of Content at Influencer Marketing Hub, is a seasoned writer and reviewer with in-depth expertise in digital and content marketing. Leveraging her extensive experience in guiding content creation and strategic direction, Nadica brings a critical eye and analytical approach to reviewing articles and educational pieces. Her commitment to accuracy, integrity, and innovation with each review helps IMH grow as a leading source in influencer marketing. Her insights are backed by first-party data, ensuring content meets the highest standards of relevance.