Shoe Story of a travel vlogger who, instead of glamorizing, serenely reveals
the feasible aspects of a place and its culture.
September 18, 2025
(Updated on: December 13, 2025)
Why would someone watch or read about somebody’s travel experiences? Maybe helping themselves to get the most out of their trips. To learn about a place and its culture. Or want to be entertained, much like we watch a film or TV show. Still, such reasons do not guarantee a large viewership.
From very cinematically appealing shots to ultra luxurious halts unapproachable by many, Travel vloggers strive for magical coverage that lures viewers by virtue of the astonishing perks of holding a renowned label—for instance, brand partnerships, sponsorships, free trips from tourism boards, and personal advancement.
Malini Angelica is a TV presenter and a renowned Travel vlogger (with over four hundred thousand followers across all platforms) who, surprisingly, has not subscribed to any of the perks mentioned earlier. It takes a vivid work enthusiasm to keep embedding meaning and honesty.
She looks inward, not outward. Asking herself, “How can I do my utmost to convey the character of this particular patch of earth?” This might sound like the least ambitious path, but it’s the most demanding one of all, requiring a strong set of beliefs.
A set of beliefs shaped by Malini’s upbringing, background, and choices in her education and professional journey. Angelica’s proficiency in different languages wasn’t an accident, especially Spanish, which she became well-versed in while studying for her degree in English literature, Spanish, and Portuguese at the university in Barcelona.
While her job as an auditor has allowed her to explore various parts of the globe, the pandemic’s impact inspired her to shift from being just a traveler to becoming a travel vlogger. Malini’s role as a TV Presenter and YouTuber has taken her to Japan, Italy, the USA, and the Middle East, with the list continuing to expand.
And her vlogs. They are not a visual run-through of the renowned sites. The destination unfolds over a longer period, conveying the essence (a practice termed Slow Traveling) and rendering a pictorial poise and serenity that can hook even those with the shortest attention span.
Although we love to see her strolling through curious neighborhoods and savoring local cuisine, it’s the soothing voice-over that typically starts her videos and outlines the location, which sets the tone. My absolute favorite is the one about ❝Barcelona.❞
These videos speak the romantic side of a travel vlogger’s grind. However, even for some of the most successful travel vloggers, the journey can be fraught with hazards.
Motivational pitfalls abound as a loyal audience develops, often at the expense of conquering the non-glorious work of consistent planning, filming, editing, and promoting across multiple platforms, all while striving to stay authentic and original in a crowded market.
To immerse oneself in it—this travel vlogging oeuvre—many vloggers crystallise their cinematic as well as get-up style to go with it. With the same Henleys and travel pants, they could navigate from Tunisia’s Djerba Island to London’s Mayfair, which is totally fine, considering the hazards of travel vlogging.
With Malini Angelica, though, you could pull out any frame from any of his vlogs, and it is improbable to notice something out of place. The feat of adding a complementary fashion shade resonating with the residents is something very unique to Malini.
Speaking native languages, recognising the sartorial facet of travel vlogging, her choice to stay honest, and a relaxed approach all extend the immersion for the audience, allowing one to imagine how the scene feels. Malini made some time to sit down and discuss her travel vlogging ethics, how she manages to enjoy the process, and, of course, shoes.
Question 1.
Do you think your trips and travels would be more pleasurable (to you) if they didn’t have to be filmed for an audience?
No, the best part about travelling for me is immersing myself into local life, speaking to the people who live in the places I visit and taking part in their daily routines.
So, filming these shows, I don’t feel that I need to “stage” things too much because it’s all very natural and that’s what I want to convey to the audience, I want them to feel like they are travelling and exploring with me.
That being said filming is an intensive process and therefore I try to make time for rest and relaxation especially after filming an episode in order to recharge and be physically and mentally healthy.
Question 2.
Why do you back ethical travel vlogging?
How do you manage to spurn the typical path of promoting just the glamorous, renowned side, hotels, et cetera of a destination (while knowing that this approach could lead to greater financial rewards, especially for a vlogger with a vast audience) and stay loyal to your responsibilities as a primary shaper of countless aspiring travelers’ opinions and trip plans?
I think we all have a choice to be more conscious travellers who travel with the purpose of expanding one’s intellectual capacity, compassion and empathy.
Travel is a great way to learn about the world in a fun way, and being outside one’s comfort zone is important. I think therefore that I choose to not embark on typical tourist trodden paths and instead go into the unknown to challenge my own beliefs and perceptions and to expand my knowledge. This has resonated well with my audience who are curious about culture.
Question 3.
What makes a shoe travel-appropriate for you?
I am often walking a lot during my travels and filming for several hours so shoes need to be comfortable but also stylish.
I like classic brands like Birkenstocks for sandals and havaianas for flip flops, and I appreciate quality materials like leather which will be strong and durable.
Trainers are also a must for me if I will be doing strenuous activities like hiking. There are times where I will want to dress up for an occasion and therefore change my shoe preference but always with comfort in mind.
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