A man and woman smiling on a boat in a tropical area with green water, embody the spirit of digital nomads. Both wearing sunglasses, he sports a black tank top and she a black cap with a pink camera around her neck—perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments against lush cliffs.

A woman and a man, embracing the ethos of slow travel, take a selfie under a stone archway. She wears a straw hat, he sports a black cap. Behind them lies the gate to adventure: a beach and clear blue sea with majestic mountains in the distance—a perfect moment for digital nomads.

A couple of digital nomads stands in front of the stone gate at Angkor Thom in Cambodia. They pose on a path flanked by statues, their slow travel lifestyle allowing them to absorb the temple gate's intricate carvings. The clear sky and surrounding trees enhance this Closer Lives experience.

A woman and a man, embodying the spirit of digital nomads, pose for a selfie, both smiling. The woman has long dark hair and wears sunglasses and a dark jacket. The man wears a black cap and hoodie as they savor slow travel moments in front of a large red lantern with black kanji characters.

A man and a woman crouching on stone steps next to a Chinese Pagoda.

A woman in a pink cap and sunglasses kisses a man on the cheek at the beach, capturing a perfect Instagram moment. Both in dark tank tops, they enjoy their slow travel adventure as digital nomads, with kite surfers dancing on the waves under a blue sky.

A person stands in front of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, embracing the slow travel philosophy. A pagoda and traditional red architecture form the backdrop as the sun casts long shadows, with digital nomads and other visitors exploring this vibrant area.

A couple enjoys slow travel as they take a selfie on a bridge overlooking a canal in Venice. They smile, surrounded by historic buildings along the waterway, under a clear blue sky with a domed building visible in the distance—a perfect moment for digital nomads embracing Closer Lives.

A woman in a floral bikini and pink cap, alongside a man in swim shorts, smiles as they pose in clear, shallow waters on a sunny day. The sky is mostly clear with some clouds. Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, they revel in slow travel moments together.

A person in a red shirt and black shorts stands on a sandy area near a small pond, embracing the ethos of slow travel as they gaze at a waterfall cascading from a moss-covered cliff in a lush forest setting.

A man in a cap and a woman with dark hair, embodying the spirit of digital nomads, capture a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower. The woman kisses his cheek against a backdrop of clear skies and sunset hues, as Closer Lives unfold among the lively crowd.

A couple, enjoying their slow travel adventure, pose for a selfie in front of Stonehenge. Wearing blue and pink jackets, the woman affectionately kisses the man's cheek. The partly cloudy sky frames the iconic stones perfectly in their Closer Lives journey.

A group of people stands before ornate archways, wearing traditional costumes. Two individuals in the center, hands joined and smiling, capture the essence of a closer connection between cultures—perhaps experienced through the lens of slow travel. The setting feels like a cultural performance.

A man in a sleeveless black shirt and shorts stands on a rooftop deck near a blue-tiled pool, epitomizing the ethos of digital nomads. The skyline of tall skyscrapers looms under a cloudy sky, perfect for those who savor slow travel and embrace Closer Lives.

A man in a black sleeveless top and shorts stands on a small wooden platform by a turquoise river. He points to a floating sign that reads "Panpao." Beside him is a freestanding white door, framed by vibrant trees and blue sky—a perfect spot for digital nomads embracing slow travel.

A digital nomad in a dress stands by a large window inside a building, gazing at the panoramic cityscape. The sunlight casts reflections on the polished floor, embodying the spirit of slow travel and closer lives.

A person standing on a stone pathway at a historical site with ruins in the background enjoys the slow travel experience. They are smiling and making a peace sign as the sun shines brightly, casting vibrant green hues. The peaceful atmosphere offers digital nomads a serene escape.

A woman and a shirtless man stand close, both smiling. She's in a black cap and sunglasses, while he sports shades too. Against the rugged backdrop of green waters with swimmers in life vests, they embody the spontaneous spirit of digital nomads embracing Closer Lives.

A woman in a cap and sunglasses, and a man in a sleeveless top, embody the spirit of digital nomads as they smile for a selfie on a sunny beach. The blue sea and distant boats provide the perfect backdrop, while trees with leaves frame their leisurely moment of slow travel.

A woman in a black tank top, denim shorts, and a cap sits on a wooden swing near the water, embracing slow travel. Surrounded by greenery, she enjoys the colorful buildings and palm trees visible across the water in the background.

A man and woman, embodying the spirit of slow travel, smile for a selfie inside a dimly lit cave. The backdrop showcases rough rock formations and stalactites. She's in a cap and tank top; he's in a black t-shirt. Their adventure is part of living as digital nomads savoring life's wonders up close.

A man and woman smile for a selfie on a wooden walkway, embracing the essence of slow travel. The man sports sunglasses and a navy tank top, while the woman dons sunglasses, a pink shirt, shorts, and a cap. Lush greenery and a rustic structure form the backdrop of their digital nomad adventure.

A couple of digital nomads stands in a colorful cave with vibrant, illuminated rock formations in the background. The woman wears a floral dress, and the man is in a light shirt and shorts. They embrace slow travel as they smile and stand close together.

A couple taking a selfie by a canal with boats embodies the essence of slow travel. Behind them, buildings with traditional architecture and a green-roofed corner building stand proudly. A church tower is visible against the evening sky, capturing their Closer Lives journey as digital nomads.

A man and woman, embodying the spirit of digital nomads, smile warmly in matching red Santa hats adorned with gold bows and snowflakes. Wearing gray hoodies beneath dark jackets, they revel in a festive indoor atmosphere, embracing the joy of slow travel during the holiday season.

From One-Way Tickets to Full-Time Travelers: The Story Behind Closer Lives

We’re Jenn & Leon – two dreamers who traded the daily grind in the UK for a life of freedom, exploration, and creativity. In 2019, we packed our lives into two backpacks, booked one-way tickets, and leapt into the unknown. Since then, we’ve traveled across 42 countries and 180+ cities, working and living on the road. Out of that journey came Closer Lives—a platform created not just to share travel stories, but to inspire you to live differently. Whether you're chasing your next destination or dreaming of a slower, more intentional life, we’re here to offer the real, the raw, and the rewarding parts of full-time travel. What began as our personal quest became something more—a community, a lifestyle, and a growing movement for the curious, the bold, and the freedom seekers. We’re not just exploring the world—we’re creating a life we love. And we’re inviting you to do the same.

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Our Story: How We Met

Silhouette of two people sitting closely at sunset, with a mountainous horizon in the background. One wears a checkered headscarf, the other a plain one. As digital nomads embracing slow travel, they cherish moments under skies transitioning from blue to orange near the horizon.

A man and woman, looking like digital nomads, pose for a selfie. The man smiles in a black shirt with a green collar, while the woman, wearing a light pink top and long dark hair cascading down her shoulders, rests her hand gently on his shoulder.

A man and a woman sit back-to-back on a stone ledge, capturing a serene landscape for Instagram. The view showcases manicured gardens, a reflecting pool, and distant trees under scattered clouds. Both dressed casually in shorts and t-shirts, they embody the essence of slow travel.

A man and woman, embodying the spirit of slow travel, smile indoors while holding a tray with four clay pots. The man’s hands are dusted with clay, hinting at their shared pottery endeavor. The rustic room, complete with a brick wall backdrop, feels like a snapshot of their closer lives together.

A man and woman, embracing their digital nomad lifestyle, sit on a ferry bench holding a smartphone for an Instagram-worthy selfie. Behind them, a red flag with a white star and crescent flutters against the sea and cityscape under a cloudy sky. The woman wears a hat; the man wears a cap.

A man and woman stand close together, smiling under bright purple lighting, capturing their perfect Instagram moment. The background features long, vertical strands creating a textured effect, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.

A person with long dark hair stands inside a glass observation deck, embodying the spirit of digital nomads, wearing a plaid shirt and ripped jeans. The background reveals a vast cityscape under a clear blue sky, inspiring thoughts of slow travel and exploring closer lives.

A person in a navy jacket and cap leans on a concrete post that reads "CHIYODA Yes, We love." Clad in leggings and sneakers, they're casually holding a phone, capturing the moment for Instagram. The scene unfolds under a brick archway with shops warmly lit, as pedestrians meander by.

A man and a woman, embodying the spirit of digital nomads, pose for a selfie inside an ancient Egyptian tomb. The walls and ceiling are richly decorated with colorful hieroglyphs. The woman sports a cap, while the man's sunglasses hang from his shirt, both savoring slow travel moments.

A woman wearing a wide-brimmed straw hat with a patterned band, embracing slow travel, gazes towards the Colosseum in Rome. The ancient amphitheater's stone arches and upper levels are visible under a clear blue sky, a perfect backdrop for digital nomads seeking inspiration.

A man and woman, embodying the spirit of digital nomads, don sunglasses for a selfie in front of Rome's Trevi Fountain. The woman's straw hat and the man's beard add charm, while ornate sculptures and flowing water create a picturesque backdrop for their slow travel adventures.

A couple poses for a selfie, embracing the spirit of slow travel outside a historic building with ornate architecture. The man smiles at the camera as the woman leans in, capturing a moment of their digital nomad adventure. Tourists and banners fill the vibrant background.

A man and woman, digital nomads embracing slow travel, smile while posing for a selfie outdoors. The man, in a blue shirt, has short dark hair. The woman wears a black top with long dark hair cascading down. Behind them is a blurred backdrop of greenery and a pool, perfectly capturing their Closer Lives journey.

A man in a blue jacket and jeans leans against a railing in front of a large fountain. Behind him, the Hagia Sophia and its minarets stand majestically. Embracing slow travel, he savors the clear blue sky and surrounding trees that offer solace to digital nomads like him.

Silhouette of two people at sunset, one kneeling and holding the hand of the other standing. The gradient sky from deep blue to orange near the horizon evokes a peaceful and reflective scene, reminiscent of digital nomads embracing the moment through slow travel.

A couple embraces and smiles in an outdoor nighttime setting with candlelit tables. Engaging in slow travel, the woman wears a striped jumpsuit, while the man sports a blue shirt and dark pants. People dine nearby as a palm tree glows softly in the background.

A woman in a black dress strolls toward a festive display of red lanterns and floral patterns. The arch, marked with a Chinese character at the top, draws people closer to its vibrant allure. Among the decorations is a large cat figure, capturing the eye of digital nomads and travelers alike.

As the sun sets on the desert horizon, a couple, embodying the spirit of slow travel, stands hand in hand. They lean in for a kiss, headscarves fluttering gently. The warm glow envelops them, capturing their closer lives in this serene and timeless moment.

A woman in a black cap and sunglasses smiles alongside a man in black sunglasses on a sunny street. As digital nomads, they embrace slow travel, enjoying the greenery and stone wall with a scenic view of the ocean and buildings in the background.

A woman in a pink tank top and black cap stands next to a man in sunglasses and a dark sleeveless shirt. Embracing slow travel, they smile in front of an ornate stone temple with intricate carvings, embodying the essence of digital nomads exploring the world.

A couple of digital nomads stands on a rocky beach facing the ocean. Both have arms raised enthusiastically, wearing casual summer clothes. Waves crash on the rocks, and the sky is clear and blue, embodying the spirit of Closer Lives with their adventurous journey.

Three digital nomads in casual attire are fist bumping in an open plaza, surrounded by historic buildings. The person on the left showcases a tattoo and braided hair. It's a sunny day, embodying the slow travel lifestyle and bringing lives closer together amidst rich history.

A couple stands in clear turquoise water near a rocky shore, embodying the spirit of slow travel. Smiling and embracing, with a wooden boat and lush greenery behind them, the woman dons sunglasses and a hat under the bright sun—a perfect digital nomad's retreat.

A couple poses in front of an ancient stone gateway with a pointed arch and intricate carvings, embodying the essence of slow travel. Trees flank the entrance as a dirt pathway leads to this hidden gem under a clear blue sky.

A man and a woman sit on a boat in a tropical lagoon, embodying the spirit of slow travel. With turquoise waters and lush green cliffs around them, they bask in serenity—him in a tank top, her in a black sun hat and dress—both smiling behind their sunglasses.

We were both recovering heartbroken poets on Instagram (cliché we know but it's true) in Feb. 2019, where we met and found a fairy tale of a relationship (funny how the universe likes to do these things right!?). Jenn lived in Canada and Leon was in England. As Jenn once wrote, love may not always move mountains but it can certainly cross seas! We've shared our physical meeting for the first time in Australia for a Royal Caribbean cruise and our story from there with our followers, fans and friends on Instagram. It was a pretty natural and unintentional thing for us to do really, especially after both being quite active members of the poetry community on there prior (yes there is such a thing!).

A couple of digital nomads pose on a rooftop, their relaxed vibe echoed by the casual clothes and hats they wear. With historic minarets behind them and blue chairs scattered around, they savor the moment, embodying the spirit of slow travel on this sunny day.

A smiling woman in a sun hat and a man with a cap pose for an Instagram-worthy selfie along a garden path lined with hedges, capturing their digital nomad journey. A large building with ornate architecture looms beautifully in the background.

A man and woman, living as digital nomads, smile for a selfie in front of a historic stone tower. The woman wears a wide-brimmed hat and gray sweater, while the man sports a cap and sunglasses around his neck. Lush greenery beautifully frames their slow travel adventure.

We got engaged at Aphrodite's Rock in Cyprus after four months and a previous one-month-long date (imagine a first date lasting one month and covering 5 countries, needless to say, we got to know each other QUITE well!). We then celebrated our engagement in Paris, France. Yes, it's been THAT magical! We can't tell you how many border/customs agents have swooned over our story. Except that first time when Jenn flew to England from the cruise on a separate flight from Leon as it was unplanned; she was supposed to stay cruising and go to Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Hawaii; in our haste, Jenn forgot to get Leon's home address, and he was in air when she needed it and she was questioned as to why she didn't know her boyfriends home address and why she was there when he wasn't even in the country yet! SO MANY travel stories and tips to tell - that is for sure!

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