**Dave and Deb are well-known travel personalities in both online and mainstream media. Their highly acclaimed travel blog, The Planet D won the 2014 Gold medal for Best Travel Blog and Best Photo Illustration of Travel by the Society of American Travel Writers. **
As spokespeople and international ambassadors, The Planet D have had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s top companies and brands – while discovering more than 100 countries on all seven continents. Dave & Deb push their boundaries living by the motto adventure is for everyone. They’ve have spoken around the world about pursuing passion and what it takes to make it happen.
We received so many requests to interview this inspiring pair that we absolutely had to oblige. It was great for us getting to know Dave and Deb, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy their answers as much as we did.
You inspire so many people, who inspires you?
There are so many people that inspire us but most recently we’ve been following Cory Lee of Curb Free with Cory Lee. He’s a wheelchair blogger and has the most amazing outlook on life. He has so many obstacles to overcome, but he never lets that stop him. He’s positive, fun, and makes us realize that anyone can do anything if they want to bad enough.
What are your highlights of travelling?
The running theme of travelling is overcoming more of our fears and weaknesses. Taking a whitewater kayaking course in Ontario, Canada was definitely a highlight because we never thought we’d be able to run class 2 and 3 rapids in a kayak, let alone master the roll! But our trek to the Arctic Watershed in the middle of winter had to be one of the toughest and most challenging things we’ve ever done.
What are the perks of travelling in a couple?
There are so many perks to travelling as a couple. We love inspiring each other to step out of our comfort zones. Sometimes you can get stuck in a rut and set in your ways, but if your partner wants to try something new, it can really open your eyes to new possibilities. Before we travelled, I wasn’t huge on adventure activities, especially heights and water. Now we’ve done everything from whitewater kayaking and climbing to taking the polar plunge in Antarctica and flying a stunt plane.
Because Dave inspired me, I overcame my fear of the water and heights! Dave, on the other hand, has become more open to cultural experiences and he lets himself be pampered every once in awhile. Like now, he loves a good massage and day at the spa!
Also, when travelling as a couple, you have safety in numbers, you have someone to watch your bags while you go to the loo, and you can barter in the markets much better with two people as one plays the good cop and one plays the bad cop. We always come away with great deals. Most of all though, is that we have someone to share the experience with. A beautiful sunset is nice, but when you are watching it with the one you love, it’s even better. Special moments are made to be shared.
What do you think makes The Planet D unique?
I think we follow the beat of our own drum. We’re not trying to play catch up with other blogs to see what they are doing, but always trying to stay true to ourselves. Each year we switch things up and try something new, but it’s not because we feel it’s something we have to do for the blog, but for ourselves. We started ThePlanetD as an extension of ourselves and we’ve kept it that way. We let our personalities shine, share our ups and downs and we stay open to talk to anyone and give advice.
If you could only take 5 things with you next time you travel, what would they be?
Ooh, tough question as we are notorious over-packers. Ok, -I’m going to leave out electronics. However, our staples when packing always are…
Sarong – So versatile
Lightweight down jacket – Even in warm climates, this can be cosy at night, in cold air conditioning locations, and on flights.
** Sports sandals** – (the fashionable ones) You don’t need to bring hiking boots if you aren’t climbing mountains, these closed toes sandals work for jungle treks, at the beach, or in town.
Gold Bond – it’s good for those hot and sweaty moments. And for trekking when you can’t shower for days.
Buff – This can be used as a bandana, hat, handkerchief to keep the sand out of your nose…so many things. We love our Buffs!
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
Dave used to do lighting in the film business and he spent a media week with the Rolling Stones.He’s had a beer with Mick Jagger. Deb started out as a production assistant in the film business and way back at the start of her career she did a Pizza Hut commercial with Ringo Starr and had a conversation in the park with him about a squirrel.
What came first, the chicken or the egg?
The Rooster haha!
How many countries have you been to?
100 and counting.
Deb, tell us the 5 best things about travelling with Dave?
Best things about travelling with Dave, his patience, his willingness to try anything, his organization and planning skills, his sense of direction, and the way he takes care and protects me.
