How Christianne Risman Built Backpacking Bananas Into a Dream Job (And What I Learned From Her)
I’ve followed Christianne Risman’s journey for a while now, and I’ve always been curious about how she made it work….
I’ve followed Christianne Risman’s journey for a while now, and I’ve always been curious about how she made it work. She’s not just a traveler. She’s someone who turned solo backpacking into a real career. If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the 9-to-5 for a travel life, her story might just give you that nudge.
Christianne Alice Risman, now 31, is the creator of Backpacking Bananas, a popular travel YouTube channel and blog that shares honest stories and tips about backpacking, solo travel, and the digital nomad life.
Born on September 30, 1993, in Chertsey, England, she started documenting her adventures in 2013 when travel vlogging wasn’t yet mainstream.
Quick Takeaways
- Christianne Risman is the creator of Backpacking Bananas, a travel YouTube channel focused on solo travel and budget adventures.
- As of 2025, she has traveled to over 45 countries and grown her channel to 225,000+ subscribers.
- Her estimated net worth is $1.2 million, earned through YouTube, brand deals, and her travel clothing line, Solo.
- She skipped university to travel, starting her journey in 2013 with a 7-month trip through Asia.
- Christianne is still a solo traveler today and often shares honest reflections about life on the road.
Backpacking Bananas Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Christianne Risman’s estimated net worth is around $1.2 million. Her main income comes from YouTube ad revenue, sponsored content, affiliate partnerships, and her travel-inspired clothing line Solo. She also sells digital products like trip planners and works with travel brands.
Backpacking Bananas has grown to over 225,000 YouTube subscribers and continues to reach thousands more through Instagram and TikTok. She’s turned her passion into a full-time income through slow and steady growth, not shortcuts.
Early Life and Why She Didn’t Choose University
Christianne grew up in Woking, Surrey, and is the youngest of three sisters. Before she was a traveler, she was a serious athlete. She competed nationally in heptathlon and pole vault before a back injury at 17 changed everything. That recovery period made her rethink her path. Instead of university, she chose travel.
Her first big trip was a 7-month backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia. That’s when she launched her YouTube channel. At first, it was just a way to keep friends and family updated. But soon, other dreamers like us started tuning in for inspiration.
How Backpacking Bananas Became a Brand
Backpacking Bananas wasn’t an overnight success. Christianne worked all kinds of jobs. From receptionist gigs to hotel concierge shifts in New Zealand, she did whatever she could to afford her next trip. In 2017, after attending the Traverse travel creator conference, she decided to go full-time. That’s when things really started to shift.
In 2019, she launched her clothing line Solo, made for backpackers who want travel gear that looks good and feels practical. Since then, she’s released digital guides and started collaborating with bigger brands while still making honest videos about budgeting, planning, and learning on the road.
What Her Life Looks Like in 2025
Christianne has now traveled to over 45 countries and still describes herself as a solo traveler at heart. In early 2025, she spent time with family in Australia and continues to mix adventure content with personal life updates. She’s not currently in a relationship and often shares how being solo has shaped her travel lifestyle.
She’s also been open about her struggles with anxiety while traveling. Over time, she’s learned to recognize burnout and protect her mental health. It’s this honesty that makes her content feel real and relatable.
Where You Can Find Her Online
Christianne is most active on Instagram, where she shares daily updates and behind-the-scenes content. Her YouTube channel is still the heart of her brand, and she also shares quick tips and vlogs on TikTok.
Final Thoughts
What inspires me most about Christianne isn’t just the travel. It’s the way she’s figured things out step by step. She didn’t have it all planned. She worked side jobs, made mistakes, and still found a way to build a life around what she loves.
If you’re also dreaming about travel but feel stuck right now, her journey shows that starting small is okay. You don’t need a perfect plan. Just a bit of courage and a lot of patience.
Want to explore more creators like her?
FAQs
Is Christianne Risman dating anyone in 2025?
No, Christianne is currently single and continues to focus on solo travel.
How tall is Christianne Risman?
She is 5 feet 10 inches tall.
What is Backpacking Bananas known for?
It’s a travel YouTube channel and blog focused on solo travel tips, adventure vlogs, and honest reflections on the digital nomad life.
