Chelsea, creator of Cheap Holiday Expert, is well known for her engaging travel content filled with budget challenges, affordable luxury and money saving tips. At The BCAs in October (event sponsored by ITV and YouTube), Chelsea was the recipient of the Travel bCreator™ of the Year Award after a busy year including TV appearances on Lorraine and This Morning.
“It’s so nice to see my name Chelsea up there because normally every one online knows me as cheap, and I’m absolutely fine with that” Chelsea said during her acceptance speech in her classic tongue in cheek style.
Cumbrian James, who joined Chelsea at the Awards and is the producer of the Chris Moyles Show on Radio X, announced Chelsea’s win on the radio the next morning.
We caught up with Chelsea post-Awards to find out more about her travel experiences and content journey online…
What do you love most about sharing travel content with your audience?
The thing I love the most is when someone messages me saying they’ve tried a hack or bagged a bargain that I’ve shared on social media. Honestly, it makes my life when they do that, especially if it includes a photo of their free upgraded hotel room!
How do you approach creating accessible and affordable travel experiences?
Like so many others, finding a great price when going on holiday is half of the fun when planning my next trip!! I really love to decide on a budget and then see where the results take me – it’s what has created loads of fun but also helpful travel series including my £100 holiday videos where I managed to get to Albania and back and eat, see and do all for £99.
What’s your process for discovering hidden gems or unique destinations?
The great thing about travelling with a budget in mind is that you have to go to less travelled destinations – because they’re often the cheapest! I also think putting your phone away is so important for this. I too often get lured into only going into places with good ratings, but with that you can often miss out on some real local gems. That’s why chatting to people is so worthwhile – and it gives you a chance to speak the local language!
What’s one place you think everyone should experience at least once?
Diamond Beach in Iceland! When the tide comes in, it brings with it these huge chunks of ice which are then scattered all over the black sand beach and it’s just the most magical thing to witness. What’s more, tourists coming on short trips often don’t go that far and so it’s much less busy than the other top tourist picks.
Are there any new travel trends you’re excited to explore in your content?
I think we’re going to be seeing more and more train travel and as a big fan of a sleeper train, I’m so excited to tick more off my list! I’m currently looking at booking a new NightJet train which has tiny individual cabins for solo travellers.