Instagram's Favorite Travelers Will Inspire You To Pack Your Bags

Instagram's Favorite Travelers Will Inspire You To Pack Your Bags
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Murad Osmann

Instagram-stalking our favorite travelers can be almost as satisfying as traveling ourselves -- it's free, after all! When there are such talented people out there showing off the world's beauty, it's impossible not to add a new country to our dream list every week.

Russian photographer Murad Osmann captured the Internet four years ago when he and his then-girlfriend (now wife) Nataly Osmann started posting photos of her in front of stunning landscapes. What made the project unique was that all of the photos were taken of her from the back and in the same position. 

Murad Osmann says that their #FollowMeTo project came from a place of travel frustration. Nataly was growing tired of Murad's taking photos during every moment of their travels -- so she literally took him by the hand and dragged him along.

He snapped the photo and a stunning Instagram account was born. One that over three million people now follow. 

The first #FollowMeTo photo was taken in Barcelona in October of 2011. It's simple: it features a plaid shirt, some graffiti and looks almost like an Urban Outfitters ad. But the pictures Murad and Nataly post today look like they are straight out of Vogue.

HuffPost Lifestyle emailed with the couple while they were on location in Taiwan to check in on how things are going. 

HuffPost: What has surprised you most about how this project has evolved?

Nataly Osmann: We were surprised that it gained such a huge [following]! Now we appreciate the attention and do our best to tell new stories and show amazing places. Our main goal is to prove that the world has no borders and that everything is possible.

What is your favorite part about traveling? 

Nataly: Traveling is the best option of spending time -- to have adventures and then memories. I always say that the greatest part of travel is the people you meet. They can inspire you and open a new world for you.

Which #FollowMe photo was the hardest to shoot?

Murad Osmann: The hardest was the Taj Mahal -- but this is also my favorite one. Although we came in the early morning, there were crowds of tourists. Our friends helped to hold all of them back but it was hard to take a picture without other people on it. Thanks to a wide-angle lens, [you] can't see the tourists on the horizon.

Which was the scariest photo to take?

Nataly: The helicopter in Los Angeles -- we didn't have insurance, and there were no doors!

What places are on your travel dream list right now? And do you ever repeat countries?

Murad: We returned to India and Jordan; these countries were worth coming back [to]. Actually, any place is beautiful -- it depends on you and how [you] perceive the world. Next we want to go to Peru and we dream about Japan, Australia and Norway. 

What are the top 5 things you always pack when you travel? 

Murad: My camera, mobile phone, map, a good mood and Nataly's dresses!

Also on HuffPost:

The Best Places To Travel To Each Month
October: Milan, Italy(01 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $162

Skip Italy during peak tourist season and visit this northern Italian city when the air is crisp and the World Expo is in town.
(credit:Filippo Maria Bianchi via Getty Images)
November: Bangkok, Thailand(02 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $71

Bangkok's best weather months are from November to February, where the city cools off slightly after months of rain and heat. Though monsoon season can sneak into early November, the month marks the beginning of peak tourist season, so prices aren't as steep as around Christmas and New Year's. Not to mention, you'll come back with the best holiday gifts for friends and family.
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December: Vancouver, Canada(03 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $159

Want to go to a place that appreciates winter but doesn't necessarily feel like it? Kayak describes Vancouver as a "toasty cousin to its Canadian relatives." The city hosts festivities including winter markets, ice skating, and nighttime boat parades, but average temperatures hover in the low 40-degrees Fahrenheit. Cold-weather activities like dog sledding, hiking and skiing are just a short ride away.
(credit:Bob Stefko via Getty Images)
January: Cancun, Mexico(04 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $213

According to Kayak, Cancun's lowest airfare rates (that aren't during hurricane season) occur in January, which gives you plenty of time to soak in the sun before the spring breakers arrive.
(credit:Mark Segal via Getty Images)
February: Hong Kong(05 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $134

As the travel site says, choose Hong Kong in February to whisk your love away, or forget your troubles with the city's incredible nightlife.
(credit:Brian H.Y/Flickr)
March: Montreal, Canada(06 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $176

Kayak recommends this Canadian city as the perfect option for those who want a spring break option that has the charm of Europe without the hefty price tag.
(credit:Perry Mastrovito via Getty Images)
April: Fiji(07 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $66

This trip idea is not for sun worshippers. Kayak says April will offer the lowest prices on airfare to Fiji, but the weather can be hit or miss as the month is the tail end of typhoon season. But hey, we're pretty sure this island is stunning even in the rain.
(credit:Takumi Terao via Getty Images)
May: Turks and Caicos(08 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $382

Hotel rates can more than double during peak travel season in the Caribbean -- not to mention the crowded beaches, hotels and restaurants. Head to paradise when the weather is still beautiful, the rates affordable and the island far less packed.
(credit:Chel Beeson via Getty Images)
June: Saint Martin(09 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $299

Like Turks and Caicos, skipping Saint Martin during high season means more affordable rates and fewer crowds. June is considered the best time to visit the island, as the weather is still nice, and the season still (mostly) dry.
(credit:Jules Bloemen via Getty Images)
July: Saint Lucia(10 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $113

You may risk traveling during hurricane season but July in Saint Lucia is not to be missed. With prices at a fraction of the cost, tourists can stay in otherwise pricey hotels and resorts for relatively inexpensive prices. Combine that with St. Lucian Carnival, which fills the streets with music and other festivities, and you've got quite the adventure waiting to happen.
(credit:Fathzer/Flickr)
August: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil(11 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $212

With seasons opposite those in the U.S., Rio in August will let travelers escape the intense heat at home and visit this famous beach city when the weather is mild and the 2016 Summer Olympics are in town.
(credit:rogeriobromfman/Flickr)
September: Toronto, Canada(12 of12)
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Median Hotel Rate: $216

Do you love all things autumn? Then you love Toronto, you just don't know it yet. There are apples to pick, corn fields to maze through and lots of colorful leaves to peep. Take a gander through the city's stunning High Park, or travel outside Toronto to pick some pumpkins.
(credit:Lynda Murtha via Getty Images)

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