Earning accolades like Best Instagrammer and Best Travel Influencer, Sandeep Rathore has collaborated with brands like Leela, Radisson, Samsung, and Puma and manages social media accounts for luxury hotels and brands. He has also achieved the remarkable feat of running four marathons in under 100 days at the age of 44.

Sandeep Rathore is a Travel and Lifestyle Vlogger who has carved out a unique space on social media where his pages and accounts across different platforms are popular as ‘Sandy’s Travel Tales’. He also runs a construction business to support his livelihood.

What started as a simple Instagram account has now blossomed into a community of over 27,000 Instagram followers and a small digital company that handles the social media presence of 8–10 accounts for individuals and companies, creating a business model that complements his passion for travel and lifestyle blogging.

Vlogger Sandeep’s foray into social media began as a passion for sharing travel stories and experiences, but it quickly blossomed into something much bigger. Within just three years, he earned accolades like the ‘Best Instagrammer Award’ from Instagram and the ‘Rajasthan’s Best Travel Influencer Award’. These awards, along with several others, reflect the impact of his work in the digital space. He has been featured on platforms like Josh Talks, where his interview further amplified his inspiring story.

Sandeep Rathore is also a marathon runner. One of his personal milestones came in 2023, when he ran four marathons in under 100 days, despite being in his mid-40s. This accomplishment, as he explains, was not just about physical fitness but also about proving to himself that age is no barrier to achieving one’s goals.

Vlogger Rathore’s social media posts focus on heritage and luxury travel, which sets his content apart in the crowded world of travel blogging. His unique selling proposition (USP) lies in his ability to showcase super-luxury hotels, five-star properties, and globally renowned brands. His collaborations include prestigious international and national names like Samsung, H&M, and Puma. In the travel industry, he has worked with iconic groups such as Raffles, Leela, Taj, and Radisson, solidifying his reputation as a trusted voice in luxury and heritage travel.

Beyond travel, his lifestyle blogging encompasses collaborations with brands and hotels, giving audiences a blend of experiences that reflect a luxurious and cultured way of living. His commitment to maintaining a niche focus ensures that his followers receive content that is exclusive, polished, and aligned with his personal brand.

His team of experts manages everything from product and property shoots to scriptwriting, editing, and timely posting. Every aspect of their work is handled with precision and professionalism, ensuring a seamless experience for clients.

Rathore emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail and high standards his team maintains in every project. This dedication reflects in the growing success of his digital venture, which is now an integral part of his overall journey.

Sandeep Rathore’s social media journey officially began when he turned 42. During the third phase of the COVID-19 lockdown. While the world was at a standstill, he found himself reflecting on his passions and how to make them meaningful. A lifelong travel enthusiast, he had always loved exploring destinations and experiencing the joy of traveling. It was during those quiet moments that he decided to share his travel experiences with the world. This idea sparked the creation of his Instagram account, which eventually grew to include platforms like Facebook and YouTube.

Over the course of just a few years, Sandeep Rathore has not only achieved significant recognition but has also built a dedicated following and a successful business. Through his candid storytelling, he delves into his achievements, challenges, and advice for aspiring influencers, all while expressing heartfelt gratitude for the support he has received.

Sandeep Rathore candidly shares that when he started, he had no knowledge of social media, hashtags, carousels, or editing. His inspiration to enter the digital world came unexpectedly. While working with his team on branding and designing for his construction business, a suggestion was made to leverage his extensive travel data for social media content. Encouraged by their idea, he decided to give it a try.

The early days were a learning curve, filled with trial and error. Over time, Rathore honed his skills, gaining an understanding of the nuances of digital content creation and engagement. He credits his team for helping him develop expertise in areas like editing, branding, and creating visually appealing content. Slowly but surely, his posts gained traction, drawing in followers who appreciated his authentic and exclusive content.

Through consistent effort and a clear vision, Rathore’s journey from 1,200 to 27,000 followers in just three and a half years reflects not only his passion for travel but also his ability to adapt and grow in the ever-evolving world of social media.

Born in the historic land of Mewar, Sandeep Rathore shares that when he was just a month old, his family relocated to Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh due to his grandmother’s government job there as a Physics Lecturer. A double gold medalist in her field, she became the reason for the family’s move, and Sandeep was raised in Mandsaur, where he spent his formative years.

Sandeep Rathore’s schooling was at Dashpur Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School, the first English medium school in Mandsaur. After completing his school education, he pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Prestige Institute of Management and Research, Indore, further enriching his academic journey. These years built a strong foundation for his professional career.

After completing his education, Sandeep Rathore joined his family’s distribution business. Over time, his life’s circumstances and priorities led him back to Udaipur. His decision to come to Udaipur was influenced by several factors, including his children's education, his parents’ health, and a desire to expand opportunities and improve the quality of life. He humbly expresses that rather than Rathore choosing Udaipur, it was the city itself that accepted him. March 2025 will mark five years since his return to Udaipur, where he has re-established his roots.

Sandeep Rathore draws inspiration from three iconic figures who have left a profound impact on his life. Each one symbolizes a unique set of values that he admires and incorporates into his own philosophy.

Sandeep Rathore holds immense admiration for Sir Ratan Tata, whom he sees as the epitome of innovation and passion. He respects Tata’s ability to transform his dreams into reality, citing the visionary creation of the Tata Nano, a car priced at just ₹1 lakh, as an example. For Rathore, Tata represents the courage to pursue ideas that seem impossible and the determination to make them happen. Tata’s philosophy of bridging simplicity with grandeur resonates deeply with Rathore, who sees him as an example of achieving success with both integrity and vision.

Sudha Murty inspires Rathore with her humility and grounded nature despite her immense success. He shares how her simple acts, like sharing a meal with junior staff on the office lawn, teach a profound lesson about staying connected to one’s roots regardless of stature. Sandeep believes in living a simple life and values the ability to sit on the ground and enjoy a meal of the iconic Rajasthani ‘Dal-Bati-Churma’ with his hands. In Murty, he finds a role model for leading a life of contentment and simplicity, even amidst abundance.

Besides these two, late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is Sandeep Rathore’s source of inspiration for courage and leadership. He marvels at Vajpayee’s resilience in facing global opposition during India’s nuclear tests and his determination to make India a nuclear power. For Rathore, Vajpayee’s unwavering commitment to the nation teaches everyone a valuable lesson in taking a stand for what is right, regardless of challenges. He draws strength from Vajpayee’s example of prioritizing the greater good over individual fears.

Music and words have a special place in Rathore’s life, serving as guiding principles. One song that has deeply influenced him is the ancient classic also featured in the Harshad Mehta biopic on OTT, ‘Scam 1992’, which says:

“Mat Kar Kaya Ko Ahankar, Mat Kar Maya Ko Abhiman.”

The lyrics remind him to remain humble and grounded, no matter how much success or wealth he achieves. It emphasizes the transient nature of material possessions and the importance of staying connected to one’s core values.

Similarly, a famous couplet quoted in the movie ‘Border’ has also left an indelible mark on him:

"Hum hi hum hain toh kya hum hain, tum hi tum ho toh kya tum ho."

This line inspires Rathore to acknowledge the importance of balance and mutual respect in every relationship and field of work. It reflects his belief that no one is superior or inferior, and harmony comes from recognizing the value in oneself and others equally.

Despite his achievements, Rathore acknowledges that the road has not been without its challenges. Social media, as he describes, is a dynamic and demanding field. The need for fresh, engaging content on a daily basis requires a dedicated team and unwavering commitment.

From managing shoots and editing to ensuring timely postings, every aspect of running a social media page demands attention to detail. He recounts instances where unforeseen challenges, like an editor falling sick or tight deadlines, tested his ability to deliver. However, Rathore views these hurdles as an integral part of life and credits his team’s dedication and his own perseverance for overcoming them.

Vlogger Sandeep’s advice to aspiring influencers and digital marketers is clear and heartfelt: passion and integrity must be the driving forces behind your work. He urges everyone not to chase fame or financial gains at the cost of authenticity. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research, understanding the products or brands you represent, and delivering content with dedication and honesty.

He discourages shortcuts or compromising values for short-term success. “Don’t resort to vulgarity or gimmicks just for TRPs,” he says. Instead, he believes in creating content that adds value and builds trust with the audience. Whether it’s a product shoot or a travel vlog, he stresses the importance of being well-prepared and informed.

For those considering a career in social media, he offers a practical tip: start small but think big. His own journey began with a team of just two to three people, managing posts and edits. Today, that team has expanded, and his work spans multiple cities like Udaipur and Jaipur, with clients entrusting him with their digital presence.

What started as a personal Travel Page has now evolved into a Digital Marketing Company managing a diverse portfolio of clients. Rathore recalls how it all began when someone noticed the quality of his own social media presence and asked him to manage their account. That first opportunity snowballed into managing multiple pages, including those of hotels, real estate businesses, and personal brands.

Sandeep Rathore’s message to his followers and well-wishers is to live their passions and to always remember that age is just a number. He invites people to connect with him on his social media platforms —SandysTravelTales— available on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

He expresses his deep appreciation for the support he has received, which has been instrumental in turning his passion into a thriving career.