Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast
Welcome to the side of the internet where we get paid to travel. In this podcast, I will teach you how to create UGC content so you can work part-time creating fun content and spend the majority of your days exploring the world, rather than sitting at a desk. All while making MORE money than we did at our soul-sucking 9-5. Does that sound like a dream? Well, it’s my reality and it can be yours too.
I’m your host Maddy Garrett, your UGC Travel Bestie. I help everyday people just like you start their own UGC digital nomad business so that they can achieve this kind of life-changing freedom, too. I’ve taught over 2,000 students in my Masterclasses, Programs, and 1:1 Coaching, and I educate my audience of 40,000+ ambitious dreamers daily on social media.
So tune in every week so you can quit your job and start getting paid to travel.
Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast
12: How To Land Paid Stays As A Content Creator (Without A Large Following): With Full-Time Airbnb Creator Emma Brubaker
Ever dreamt of getting paid to stay in dreamy Airbnbs around the world?
Today we sit down with Emma—Airbnb content creator and social media manager—who went from free stays to fully booked and fully paid… all without a massive following or photography degree.
If you're ready to land paid stays, build your travel creator portfolio, and break into the UGC (user-generated content) world—this one’s PACKED with actionable tips.
In This Episode:
- Exactly how she landed her first free and then paid Airbnb stays
- Why professional photography isn't required to get started (but what helps!)
- What kind of content packages actually convert—and what she charges 💸
- How to stand out when pitching Airbnbs (spoiler: stop copying and pasting bad DMs 🙃)
- The difference between UGC for Airbnbs vs. hotels
- Why adding social media management can 2X your income as a creator
- What Emma would do step-by-step if she were starting over today
Emma and I break down the mindset + game plan to:
- Build your portfolio (even with no experience)
- Pitch with confidence and intention
- Move from free stays → paid packages
Connect with Emma:
- Website: elevatedescapesmgmt.com
- Instagram: @eiffelemma + @elevatedescapesmgmt
Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach
3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator
Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass
Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide
Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8
My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/
For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05
50+ UGC Example Videos: ...