The idea of being able to travel full time with your best friend without that end-of-holiday dread that most of us experience at the thought of returning to work, is a fantasy many daydream about from their office desks. As we scroll through our Instagram feeds, we have all at some point found ourselves wishing we could be swimming in turquoise waters, hiking in lush green forests and dining under starry skies with our partners, just like the influencers on our screens. What may seem like a dream, however, has become a reality for Salt in our Hair, who have made their fantasy not only into a job, but a lifestyle they love.

When Hannah and Nick, also known as Salt in our Hair, set out on their first backpacking adventure together in 2015, Instagram travel influencers were almost unheard of. The young couple created their page to update curious family and friends on their whereabouts, eagerly photographing their entire journey on a GoPro. Unexpectedly, one of the stunning photos was shared, and the account immediately attracted the interest of thousands of eager travellers and has been growing ever since. Their impressive blog, which features articles on an extensive list of exciting locations, was created as a result of the floods of questions the couple would receive from inquisitive travellers and has allowed them to build a fantastic career in which they travel full time, something which had previously been only a dream and a passion.

Over the phone from their home in the Netherlands, the charming couple came across as both energetic and down to earth and began by eagerly telling me all about how Salt in our Hair began. Hannah initially started out as a talented graphic designer, while Nick had been a web designer for seven years by the time the two started travelling, allowing them to conveniently transfer these skills to build their blog. Even so, both of them were very unsure about turning their hobby into a career at first and travelled alongside their full-time jobs for the first two years. Hannah was more relaxed, but for Nick it was a huge step as he was already flourishing in his previous job but was finally able to take the leap to travel full time once they realised that being travel influencers was a feasible career. The couple also faced judgement and worry from those around them, but they were soon able to prove themselves capable of making their lifestyle more successful than anyone could have imagined.

As is with all travel couples running a business together, there are both benefits and challenges to the relationship’s dynamics. One challenge for Hannah and Nick is that it can be hard to stop and unwind at the end of the day, as they could talk about their travels endlessly. Over the years though, they have managed to find a balance between work and relaxing time together by traveling for longer, allowing them more time as a couple once their work is done. They also recommend spending a few hours apart to do things for themselves while exploring countries. Despite working together being the ultimate relationship challenge, Hannah and Nick seem to have perfected it, and are very grateful to have each other to share their many amazing memories with.

On their successful blog, the travel duo has an article called ‘50 Best Travel Quotes’, providing inspiration for those willing to explore the wonders of the world. When I asked them to pick just one to sum up their travel ethos, they immediately chose: ‘Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport’. This is very much evident in their focus on culture and personal stories, often noting the connections made with unlikely people across the globe.

Unsurprisingly then, when asked what particular memories stand out to them as being the reason why they love to travel full time, Hannah and Nick said that their best memories are always about the amazing people they meet along the way. One special story was from their travels in Bali, where they met a tour guide who made their day spectacular, but later told them of the struggle he had of not being paid unless he received no less than four reviews on Trip Adviser each month. Hannah and Nick loved his company and advice so much that they included him in their blogs, and when returning last year, he invited them to his family home. When they got there, he introduced them to his father, who was battling with cancer, and said that the only reason he was able to afford his treatment was because of the job opportunities that had come out of working with the couple. It is moments like this, of connection and mutual kindness, that make Nick and Hannah’s travels worth every moment.

Sustainable travel is another topic that is very important to Salt in our Hair, and hotels and tour companies are always researched beforehand to make sure they have clean travel programs or that they donate to environmental causes. Asking if hotels use single use toiletries or wash towels daily is also important, as more and more hotels are now choosing to cut down on these unnecessary forms of waste. The couple also say that they check that hotels and agencies don’t promote animal activities that could harm species, such as elephant riding, and this allows them to choose the right place to stay, where they can experience luxury without leaving too large a footprint on the world.

Nick and Hannah’s dedication to sustainable travel is therefore evident in their choice of favourite luxury hotels. When I asked them for their two most memorable stays, both choices were in Asia, and blended surrounding nature with luxurious interiors. One is Sonera Fushi in the Maldives, a small yet thriving chain which focuses on ecological friendliness, providing all-wooden accommodation to immerse guests with their natural surroundings. All the food is made from local ingredients, and the hotel boasts of excellent waste management, even owning their own glass-melt to create beautiful souvenirs from. The couple’s other favourite was Camaya in Bali, as its warm jacuzzi overlooking the hotel’s vast surrounding rice fields makes one feel complete tranquillity amidst nature. Furthermore, the bamboo and wood used to build the houses gives a sense of class while keeping in line with an ethos of sustainability.

In terms of underrated destinations off the beaten track, the travel couple both agree that Uzbekistan will be the top country to experience a huge surge in popularity over the next few years, becoming one of the world most popular travel destinations. When the pair visited in August, they were impressed by the stunning, intricate architecture and rich culture, which travellers will be able to enjoy to its full extent once their new high-speed train line has been completed. They say that the country is hugely underrated, with its delicious dishes, warm and welcoming people, and an atmosphere or total safety and comfort despite the stigma that many have of countries surrounding the middle east.

Though the future is uncertain for every traveller at the moment, Salt in our Hair certainly have big plans. The pair would have currently been in Poland, traveling through green fields, quaint towns and taking in the fascinating yet dark history that the country holds. Next on the list was a road trip through sunny Portugal, before flying to Japan and then New Zealand at the end of the year. Once given a taste of freedom again, Nick and Hannah will surely jump on the opportunity to hear the wheels of their suitcase wheels gliding along the anticipating floors of the airport.

Thinking further forward, it’s fair to say that travel will be impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Nick is certain that this will mean more and more people will travel closer to home to begin with and believes this may be actually an exciting change. For example, many in Europe will take full advantage of interrailing, allowing them to explore beautiful regions they may never have thought to visit before, as well as enjoying the more popular travel destinations on the railways’ routes. Eventually though, the power pair hope to build their website even more and spend time in their new home surrounded by nature in Bali. Though it may seem the world has halted for now, Hannah and Nick look forward to being able to travel full time once again as soon as they possibly can.