Lithuanian-born Karolina Valeikaite, 23, and Italian Marco Coppola, 25, had never left Europe when they embarked on what was meant to be a two-month backpacking stint starting in Morocco.
But by using their combined photography and graphic design skills, as well as years of experience in the hospitality industry, the couple turned their trip into an eight-month adventure across SouthEast Asia, staying in some of the most luxurious five-star resorts in the world — for free.
Their envy-inducing Instagram snaps have earned them an Influencer-worthy following of more than 60,000 on their respective accounts @outsideboxx and @ gypseetravel , from a base of around 1,000 between them when they left London.
Eventually, they began earning money from sponsored content jobs from luxury hotels and brands.
They calculated that during their travels — to Morocco, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Thailand — over a period of just two months they had stayed in accommodation worth over £20,000.
Business Insider caught up with the couple, who are now back in Europe and living with Coppola's family and dog.
Scroll down to find out how they went from "backpackers to influencers" in a matter of months.
No wonder why this villa is called #skyfall 👌🏽@asianluxuryvillas1101 One day if not me, some #instagrammer will die trying to get a picture walking on the edge of a pool! I'm still alive for the love of my haters!🤘🏽Now heading to the gym with my #bae 🏋🏽 . #travel #luxurytravel #luxurylife #luxurylifestyle #beautifulhomes #pool #kohsamui #drone #dronestagram #thailand #villa #estate #luxuryhomes #architecture #design
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on May 19, 2017 at 3:57am PDT May 19, 2017 at 3:57am PDT
Best mornings in Morocco with you @outsideboxx ♡ 🌊
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on Jan 11, 2017 at 3:47am PST Jan 11, 2017 at 3:47am PST
Good morning from @jwmarriottphuquoc - brunch by the pool, the perfect start to our day 🍣🍉🥐💦 #JWPQ #JWTreatment #TravelBrillianlty
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on Mar 5, 2017 at 7:46pm PST Mar 5, 2017 at 7:46pm PST
However, Coppola said that despite their big following, the interest wasn't initially coming from companies.
"We were thinking of going back home — we never would have imagined doing an eight-month trip with money we had," he said.
Did you really think I could miss the most famous #rope #swing in #srilanka? 🏝 Edited with our Presets (link in bio) . . #beach #sea #ocean #waves #palmtrees #holidays #vacations
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on May 15, 2017 at 6:08am PDT May 15, 2017 at 6:08am PDT
Living in a tree house 🌲 We are soon back on the road, guess where we are going next 🏍🌬
A post shared by KAROLINA VALEIKAITE (@outsideboxx) on Feb 5, 2017 at 7:24pm PST Feb 5, 2017 at 7:24pm PST
"Finding a job in SouthEast Asia is pretty easy — you can volunteer and get your board all paid for," Coppola said. "You just have to go for it, and do whatever it takes.
☼ Summer vibes, always ☼ Link in bio 💦
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on Feb 20, 2017 at 1:21am PST Feb 20, 2017 at 1:21am PST
Floating breakfast next to the waterfall with my favourite human❤️ 🥐🥂🌿💦 @fusionmaiadanang #fusionmaia #fusionfeeling #fusionresorts
A post shared by KAROLINA VALEIKAITE (@outsideboxx) on Mar 26, 2017 at 5:56pm PDT Mar 26, 2017 at 5:56pm PDT
Man, am I lucky! 🐚☼♡ @shangrilahambantota #shangrilahambantota #shangrila Edited with our #PRESETS available through the link in bio 👌🏽 #srilanka #tuktuk #luxurytravel #luxurylife #luxury #swimwear #shell #palmtrees #coconut #beautifulhotels #holidays #vacations #sunny #travel
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on May 18, 2017 at 5:31am PDT May 18, 2017 at 5:31am PDT
Made it to Da Nang and found the perfect spot to relax 🌿🍃 @fusionmaiadanang #FusionMaia #FusionFeeling
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on Mar 25, 2017 at 12:53am PDT Mar 25, 2017 at 12:53am PDT
Every morning should start like this 😉✨ @amanwella_resort is totally giving some incredible inspo for my future house decor😍👌🏽 @aman #amanwella #aman
A post shared by KAROLINA VALEIKAITE (@outsideboxx) on Apr 20, 2017 at 2:08am PDT Apr 20, 2017 at 2:08am PDT
Mornings by the pool at @amanwella_resort with pristine beach views 🏝 @aman #amanwella #aman
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on Apr 23, 2017 at 3:00am PDT Apr 23, 2017 at 3:00am PDT
Above, the duo is pictured at the Villa Vista Mirissa, in Weligama Bay. This was one of the only villas they approached themselves to set up a collaboration — most others reached out to the couple.
*GIVEAWAY* 🗺 I've teamed up with @mapiful to give y'all a chance to design & personalise a print of your favourite place on the world. To enter: 1. Like this post 2. Follow @gypseetravel & @mapiful 3. Tag at least 2 friends in the comments 4. Stay tuned to see if you WIN!! The giveaway will run until Tuesday 11th The winner will be chosen randomly &a announced on the same day. Turn on post notifications to be sure not to miss the announcement! 👍🏽 Bring your places closer to you! 🌎🌍🌏 @fusionsuitesdanang #fusionfeeling #fusionresorts
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on Apr 4, 2017 at 7:25am PDT Apr 4, 2017 at 7:25am PDT
Afternoons in a tropical outdoor bathtub is always a good idea💡😍🌿 @villaweli #tropical #outdoors #heaven #villa #travelgram #roundtheworld
A post shared by KAROLINA VALEIKAITE (@outsideboxx) on May 1, 2017 at 11:57pm PDT May 1, 2017 at 11:57pm PDT
"Some of the requests were really simple, like cropping or applying filters."
We have arrived in Italy and while recovering from traveling, we're already planing our next adventure, stay tuned ⛺️💕 I already miss beautiful @amanpuri by @aman 🌴🌿 #aman #amanpuri #luxurytravel #luxuryhotel #holiday #summer #palmtrees #oriental #moodygrams #moody #class #bestquality #swimingpool #black #cloudy #jungle #thailand #phuket
A post shared by KAROLINA VALEIKAITE (@outsideboxx) on May 27, 2017 at 3:07am PDT May 27, 2017 at 3:07am PDT
Valeikaite , who in London was a production assistant in the fashion industry, says that if you want to become an Instagram influencer, "make sure you have some sort of idea of what kind of audience want to attract, whether it's fashion or travel."
Coppola added that you need to "do your research of hashtags and how they work, and how to get the best visibility and exposure."
Taking a dip in the green goodness🌴🌿 thank you @amenapih for this killer swimsuit! Feeling like a royal at @amangalla palace 🏰 @aman #aman #amangalla #amenapih #amenapihbikini #amenapihswimwear
A post shared by KAROLINA VALEIKAITE (@outsideboxx) on Apr 23, 2017 at 12:51am PDT Apr 23, 2017 at 12:51am PDT
This interaction with followers has been key to growing their numbers so quickly, according to the couple. They've often held competitions to keep their followers engaged.
One of our last days spent by the #beach with @miskawaan before heading back to #Europe planning our next projects 🐶 😉 @asianluxuryvillas1101 Where are you guys going this #summer?✈️ . #thailand #kohsamui #teepee #tent #bohemian #gypsy #dog #travelling #vacations #sand
A post shared by MARCO COPPOLA (@gypseetravel) on May 23, 2017 at 7:51am PDT May 23, 2017 at 7:51am PDT
Their next trip may involve visiting the Philippines, Maldives, Indonesia, and then Australia, where they want to buy a van and travel the coast.
"The best plan is no plan, and don't give up," says Coppola.
Loading comments…