I Watched Steve Yalo’s Travel Vlogs. Here’s What I Learned About Escaping the 9-to-5
Steve Yalo quit his 9-to-5 to travel full time. Here’s what I learned from watching his journey across 40+ countries.
I’ve always dreamed of traveling full time, but I’m still figuring out how to get there. Watching people like Steve Yalo helps me imagine what that life could look like and what it takes to actually live it. So I spent time learning about him, watching his videos, and digging through his posts. Here’s what I found.
Quick Takeaways
- Steve Yalo left his office job in 2017 to become a full-time travel vlogger.
- He’s visited 40+ countries, often sharing local stories and cultural insights.
- His YouTube channel has over 170,000 subscribers and 36M+ views.
- He earns through ad revenue, brand sponsorships, and affiliate links.
- Steve often travels with his girlfriend and family, blending work with life.
Biography
Steve Yalo is a full-time nomadic travel vlogger originally from Long Island, New York. After studying advertising at the University of Central Florida, he worked in a traditional office job. But in 2017, he made a big decision to leave it all behind and travel the world.
He sold most of his belongings, bought a one-way ticket to Thailand, and began sharing his journey online. Now in his early 30s, Steve has been to over 40 countries and continues to document his adventures with honesty, warmth, and curiosity.
Family and Relationships
Steve grew up in a close-knit family. He often shares sweet moments with his parents and siblings in his videos. His dad, in particular, appears to be his biggest supporter.
In one of his more personal YouTube vlogs, “Interview with My Biggest Fan”, Steve travels across the U.S. with his brother Andrew and their father, giving us a glimpse into the strong family bond that keeps him grounded even while he lives on the road.
Career
Steve’s journey into vlogging wasn’t overnight. After graduating and working in marketing, he started traveling more seriously in 2017. What started as casual travel updates slowly became a full-time lifestyle.
He now runs a successful YouTube channel with over 170,000 subscribers and more than 36 million views. His content ranges from country safety guides like “Is Sri Lanka Safe?” to immersive experiences, interviews with locals, and long-form storytelling that makes you feel like you’re right there with him.
He’s collaborated with brands such as Airbnb, Red Bull, and JOBY and regularly attends creator-focused events like TBEX.
Social Media
Steve doesn’t just stay on YouTube. You can also follow his journey here:
Steve Yalo Net Worth
Steve doesn’t flaunt his earnings, but based on public stats and monetization models, here’s what we know:
- His YouTube channel is estimated to earn $3,000 to $37,000 per year from ads alone.
- Brand sponsorships and affiliate marketing likely bring in additional income.
- Several sources estimate his net worth between $44,000 and $230,000, depending on fluctuating view counts and partnerships.
While these numbers aren’t massive compared to bigger influencers, they’re a good reminder that you can build a self-sustaining travel life slowly and authentically.
Reflections
Watching Steve’s journey reminded me that leaving a routine life behind isn’t always dramatic. It’s just a series of small, brave decisions. He didn’t start with a huge following. He started with curiosity, a camera, and a one-way ticket.
Even though I’m not traveling yet, learning about people like Steve helps me stay inspired. If he can build this kind of life from scratch, maybe one day, I can too.
FAQ
Does Steve Yalo have a girlfriend?
Yes, Steve has mentioned his girlfriend Alana in several posts and videos. In one vlog, he brought home a flute from Sri Lanka for her, saying they often play music together.
Does Steve Yalo have a brother?
Yes. His brother, Andrew Yalo, is a real estate broker and has joined him on travel vlogs around the U.S.
