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Meet the Gypsies : Lina & David of Divergent Travelers
1. Who are you? Where are you from? Where are you now?
My name is Lina and my husband David and I run the travel blog Divergent Travelers. I was born and raised in Hawthorne, Wisconsin. Although I have done a lot of traveling, I have lived in Wisconsin my whole life. Currently, sitting at my in-laws kitchen table (since we have sold our house!) in South Range, WI, watching it snow. I leave for New Zealand in 4 days!
2. What’s your packing strategy? Heavy or light packer? Suitcase or backpacker?
3. How do you afford your travels? Budget traveler or lean more towards luxury?
4. If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
5. Is there anywhere you won’t travel to and why?
6. Y’all are literally about to set out on one amazing RTW trip. Any anxieties or worries at all or completely care-free?
We are so unbelievably excited about our upcoming trip! We have been talking about and planning this trip for at least 3 years now. We have a mixture of care-free and anxious. this is a huge change for us, we have always been corporate over achievers- working since we were 15, working through college, building our own house before we were both 25, fancy cars, etc. So when we decided to do this, we made the decision to give up all of that. We sold our house, our cars, gave up our expensive hobbies (horses & cars) and quit our high paying corporate jobs. So that does create a certain level of anxiety, but in all reality we have never been more sure about something. So we are really looking forward to this new journey together.
7. You have a great bucket list. Which items are you most excited to be crossing off on your upcoming trip?
Literally, EVERYTHING. LOL I just can’t compare them, each one is so amazing in it’s own right. I just hope I get the chance to cross them all off in my travels.
8. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever eaten?
Oh, I am not an adventurous eater. I gag. So I really do tend to play it safe. Sometimes, under the influence of alcohol, I will put something strange in my mouth- like bugs. But I would never do it sober! LOL I tend to stick to things I can identify and know how they already taste.
9. Lina, I’m a horse girl too. Are you finding it hard to give up one passion to pursue another?
I am a horse lover and have been forever. I started riding horses when I was 4 and have had them in my life since then. Being an equestrian, it was a lifestyle for me, not just a hobby. I had expensive show jumpers that I spend 6 days a week riding and training on. I spent May-October attending national level shows all over the Midwest. It has been incredibly hard to subdue that passion in pursuit of this new direction. I have no doubts in my mind that I will return to it at some point, but the World is calling and this is something I have to do for myself. I am going to miss my nice show horses while I am on the road, but I am hoping I will be able to get my fix from other horse ventures while I travel.
10. Out of the two of you, who’s the biggest risk-taker?
HA! This is a toss up and totally depends on the situation. David will sometimes look at things all gung-ho that I am like, NO WAY. But then there are times when I am ready for something and he thinks I am nuts. Who looks at that cliff and thinks…yea, it’d be a good idea to jump off that? I win this one. I am pretty pumped about skydiving and hang gliding on our trip, David, not so much.
11. Most importantly, where to next?
Who knows! We are about to set off on this amazing journey around the Globe. What’s funny is every single person that has asked me about it has usually asked us, ‘What are you going to do when you get back?’ I have no way of answering this. How could I? This journey is going to change us and we’re welcoming that with open arms. I tell people that we are not intent on the return home. We aren’t making any plans for the ‘end’ of the trip. Whatever happens, happens. And when the time comes that we are nearing the end of our traveling journey, well, we’ll think about it then!
Lina from Divergent Travelers has been traveling for 12+ years, solo and with her partner David, while working full time. They have visited 31 countries and are hoping their stories will not only inspire those of you that are thinking about the jump, but also become a place you can visit for support and information in planning and realizing your dreams! You can follow their adventures on their blog and on social media with Facebook and Twitter.
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Ashely, yet again so much fun Meeting the Gypsies! 🙂
Lina and David, so interesting and fun getting to know you better. The more I read the more excited I got about your upcoming journey and now I can’t wait to hear about it. I’ll be following your blog posts that’s for sure. I agree that you will return home changed but you both seem very balanced so I’m sure those changes will be good and enrich your lives considerably. Happy Travels!
Thanks Daidri! You should definitely follow their trip – this is just a tad outdated as they’ve already begun but they definitely have an awesome two years ahead of them 🙂
If you need someone to carry your bags on all these wonderful travels, I’m your man/lady. Congratulations on a fun contribution to the blogging world.
You and me both Stepheny! 🙂
Thank you for having us!! We are now 60 days into our trip and loving life! The World is an amazing place. 🙂
I think this is so neat Lina! Congrats on getting to follow your heart:) Best of luck on you and Davids adventures!!!
You are leaving in 4 days on an epic journey of discovery, fun and magic. Not too many people would do what you are doing and I tip my hat to you. May you be safe and enjoy every moment. I love the picture of you both at Macchu Picchu as this is on my bucket list even though I will be drooling from all the tranquilizers I will have taken to deal with the heights. From New Zealand to Australia? Then where??
Wow 2 year RTW? Can I come ? haha I can imagine it’d be hard to give up one passion for another but at least it’ll always be there when you get back!
You can find more info and pictures of David and Lina’s story at their website divergenttravelers.com. They are 61 days into their trip and currently in Australia.
I delight in following Lina and David on their trips. We all miss them and as they are enjoying each journey (we go with them), we also count the days…but the reverse way, how long it will be till they are home again and we can just hold them and hug them as long as possible. I know that a lot of us are trying all kinds of ways to meet up with them on their travels and will continue to do so as they list each journey. I am their grandmother on Lina’s side but love Dave as if he was my birth side grandson. So happy for them and hope they continue to be safe and also continue to mark off items on their bucket lists. LOL Gma Melba.
Lina – Good Luck on your RTW!
Ashley – Great interview!
What a great interview! I’m excited to go follow their travels.
This sounds like such an incredible adventure! I’m already “twitter friends” with you guys, but it was great learning way more about you here! I’m now following your blog and can’t wait to read about your travels!