After five years of traveling the world and growing my travel vlog “Wanderlust Weekly” to 100,000 subscribers, I’ve learned that having the right editing tools is just as crucial as capturing great footage. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true toolkit that has helped me create content that resonates with viewers across the globe.
Essential Hardware
My Primary Setup
- MacBook Pro M2 Max (16-inch): The backbone of my mobile editing studio. The powerful processor handles 4K footage like a dream, and the large screen is perfect for detailed editing work in hostels and cafes worldwide.
- Samsung T7 SSDs (2TB): I carry two of these. They’re lightweight, incredibly fast, and perfect for backing up footage while traveling. Trust me, you don’t want to lose that sunset footage from Santorini!
- Logitech MX Master 3: This mouse has saved my wrist during those late-night editing sessions in Bali. The customizable buttons are a game-changer for editing shortcuts.
Backup & Storage
- LaCie Rugged Drive (5TB): My trusty companion for long-term storage. It’s survived everything from Moroccan desert sand to Thai monsoons.
- Portable Monitor (ASUS ZenScreen): A second screen is invaluable when editing in tight spaces. I can have my timeline on one screen and preview window on another.
Software Solutions That Changed My Game
Video Editing
- Final Cut Pro X: My main editing software. The magnetic timeline took some getting used to, but now I can’t imagine working without it.
- DaVinci Resolve: I use this primarily for color grading. The free version is incredibly powerful, and learning color correction here took my videos to the next level.
Quick Edits & Trimming
- SliceTube.io: This has been a recent game-changer. When I need to quickly trim YouTube videos or create youtube clips for social media, SliceTube.io is my go-to. No ads, straightforward interface, and it saves me so much time when I’m creating highlight reels or cutting down longer videos for Instagram.
Audio
- Adobe Audition: For cleaning up wind noise from my Iceland waterfall footage or fixing audio recorded in busy Tokyo streets.
- Epidemic Sound: Worth every penny for copyright-free music that doesn’t sound generic.
Thumbnails & Graphics
- Canva Pro: I create all my thumbnails here. The templates are great starting points, and I can quickly adapt my brand style.
- Photoshop: For more complex thumbnail work and creating custom graphics for my travel guides.
My Journey to 100K
Looking back at my first vlogs from Southeast Asia, I can hardly believe how far I’ve come. Here’s what really moved the needle for my channel:
Consistency in Quality, Not Just Quantity
Instead of pushing out three mediocre videos per week, I focused on one high-quality video. This meant spending more time on editing, story structure, and sound design. My Thailand temple video took three days to edit, but it hit 1 million views and brought in 20,000 new subscribers.
Developing My Style
I found my editing groove by combining dynamic cuts for city explorations with longer, contemplative shots for nature scenes. This contrast became my signature style, especially in my “Hidden Gems” series that really resonated with viewers.
The Technical Evolution
I started with basic cuts in iMovie, but as my skills grew, I invested time in learning:
- Advanced color grading
- Sound design and mixing
- Motion graphics for maps and travel routes
- Narrative structure and pacing
The Game-Changing Workflow
My current workflow involves:
- Rough cut organization using SliceTube.io for quick clip selection
- Detailed editing in Final Cut Pro
- Color grading in DaVinci
- Audio enhancement in Audition
- Final polish and export in Final Cut
The path to 100K subscribers wasn’t just about having the right tools – it was about learning to use them effectively to tell better stories. Start with the basics, focus on storytelling, and gradually expand your toolkit as your skills grow.
Remember, the best gear won’t make up for poor content, but the right tools will help you execute your creative vision more effectively. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your setup, focus on tools that solve your specific challenges and fit your workflow.
Happy editing, fellow creators! 🎥✨
What editing tools have you found invaluable in your journey? Let me know in the comments below!