How strangers from the same town fell in love and now travel the world

A couple who grew up in the same town but never spoke have told how they’re now travelling the world hand in hand after a touch of serendipity brought them together.  

Charlie Pauly, 27, and Lauren Cliffe, 24, from Peterborough, bumped into each other after both travelling independently to Australia and realised they had an instant connection. 

Soon after the chance encounter they decided to quit their lives in the UK and go globetrotting. Thanks to their on-camera chemistry, the duo have amassed more than 90,000 followers on Instagram, enabling them to make a living. 

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Recounting their love story, the couple said: ‘It’s funny, we were both on separate solo travel trips and bumped into each other in our local shopping centre.

‘We knew of each other but had never spoken before. We started talking about travel and arranged to hang out, and sure enough, one date led to another.

‘Our personalities, morals and values are identical. Within a couple of weeks, it was undeniable that we wouldn’t be leaving the UK without each other.

‘So, we started saving together, set up a clothing brand and got back out on the road.’

To raise money for their travels, the couple pushed on with their clothing brand ‘Wanderers & Warriors’ and they found they were able sell more than 30 packages a week around the world.

But they soon realised they could make the same amount of money from blogging and they went about turning their fashion website into a travel page. 

Their first trip together was to India, which they said really tested their ‘personalities, patience and relationship’ – but in the end, they came out of it with an ‘unbreakable bond’ and they ventured on to the next spot. 

Charlie and Lauren visited eight countries last year, and they intend to visit a total of ten this year, including spending the winter in Europe.

The couple’s favourite destination so far has been the Philippines, thanks to its breath-taking scenery, and the most eye-opening location was the slums in Mumbai due to the incredibly welcoming people.

They are currently based in Bali, Indonesia, where they have spent the last six months setting up and settling in.

The lovebirds say the region is ‘such a beautiful place, full of culture and delicious food’, adding: ‘It’s a good base for us to hop in and out of for travel purposes. 

‘We’re slow travellers, we like to dedicate at least a month to each country to visit because we want to see as much as possible. 

‘The majority of the time we’re living out of backpacks. We’re minimalists, but it’s a lifestyle and it allows us to do what we do.’

Both Charlie and Lauren credit Instagram for helping them to create a career they can run on-the-go.

They explain: ‘It allowed us to sustain our lifestyle of travel thanks to opportunities presented to us. It connected us with people and allowed us to inspire others.

‘Most of all it’s given us a purpose because it makes us want to get out of bed at 5am to catch the perfect sunrise shot. We’re passionate about sharing these experiences with the world.

‘We just embrace everything, from being carted around on press tours to sleeping in a single bunk on overnight trains.

‘It’s all exciting and it’s all an experience. We now have over 90,000 loyal followers.   

‘We are both out to experience everything, the good, the bad and the ugly.’ 

The couple conclude: ‘We hope to show people that travel is accessible to everyone and much easier than you think. If you work hard and love what you do, then anything is possible.

‘Travelling has taught us to stay humble, the world is a huge place and travel will teach you some invaluable lessons.

‘If you have the opportunity to travel, then pack your bags and go and explore. See the world through another perspective and use the experience to grow as a person.’

• To find out more about Charlie and Lauren’s experiences visit @wanderersandwarriors.