Travel is in our DNA, and we’re always looking for fellow sunseekers who live to make life one long weekend. That’s how we found Nick and Madison Hearn, better known by their followers as @thecapturingcouple. With more than 70k Instagram and 246k TikTok followers, these influencers have inspired millions around the world to make the everyday a getaway.
Based out of Southwest Florida, this content-creating duo of photographers are sharing their life experiences. From beach days to scuba dives to bungie jumps, their love of travel and adventure has taken them all over, making them the perfect experts to share their travel tips.
“There are so many beautiful places we’ve been, and have yet to see,” they said. “Currently, our favorite warm-weather destinations are: British Virgin Islands, Bora Bora and Mo’orea (French Polynesia), Turks & Caicos, Ibiza, and South Africa.”
These seasoned globetrotters have made vacation a lifestyle, and they’ve shared three travel tips to help you make the most out of your next getaway.
Travel Tip #1: Travel Light
When it comes to making your next great escape, @thecapturingcouple had one big message for every jetsetter out there: Never check a bag.
“We feel especially passionate about this as we have been able to hop on earlier flights, save a lot of time, and lower our travel expenses over the last five years,” they said. “Fun fact: We can pack for 2+ weeks with just a personal item and carry on for destinations like South Africa, New Zealand, and Iceland!”
With a personal item and a carry-on bag, Nick and Madison can pack everything they need for their getaway. Thanks to travel-ready, fuss-free styles that pack easily, Tommy Bahama’s wrinkle-resistant clothes have become a staple in their luggage.
Madison's must-have essentials are an IslandZone® dress for tennis or golf, a Bimini cap for beach days, and a reversible swimsuit for snorkeling. Meanwhile, Nick packs Maui Jim® sunglasses for sunsets, Boracay chino shorts for casual dinners, and the NFL Endzone Isles Shirt to represent.
Travel Tip #2: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
When you’re hitting the road and seeing something new, you deserve to experience something you never could at home either. Hike off the beaten path—a new view could be waiting. Get on that paddleboard and enjoy the peace and quiet. Carve some waves and pick up a new hobby.
For @thecapturingcouple, travel is a way of life. Their next destination is New Zealand, where they hope to reconnect with nature and experience their next adventure: bungie jumping.
“Simply put, we love getting pushed outside our comfort zones. Traveling inspires us to see, taste, and try new things, while learning about different cultures and ways of life,” they said. “We’ve always craved experiences over material things, so traveling has become a way to create meaningful memories together that will stand the test of time.”
Travel Tip #3: Indulge In the Simple Pleasures
After all, you’re on vacation! Living life to the fullest and discovering new experiences is important, but you also deserve to treat yourself and let loose, too. After all, your OOO reminder is on—who’s going to stop you?
Your easy gateway into kicking back: A classic cocktail. There’s nothing like a delicious drink that puts everything at ease, and @thecapturingcouple say cheers to that! They’re fans of our craft cocktails at our Restaurants & Bars, but there are two in particular they recommend to pair with a beach day.
For Madison, she goes with the ‘Southern Charm’ cocktail because “she’s always wanted to be a Southern Belle and loves pineapple.” For Nick, a ‘Painkiller #2’ because it “makes him feel like he’s on island time in the Caribbean.”
Living on island time is what it’s all about, no matter where you roam. With these travel tips, you’ve got everything you need to embrace the island state of mind, something that @thecapturingcouple holds close to their hearts.
“To us, living the island life means going with the flow, getting outdoors, and enjoying the present moment… in paradise!”