Traveler Tuesday – Dianne of Slight North

I love traveling couples. Don't get me wrong, I'm seriously impressed with solo travelers, but I think there is something to be said for couples who travel together. Di and Dan of Slight North are a couple that began traveling together right out of school and right into Abu Dhabi which they used as their home base while teaching English. They got engaged there (seriously love these engagement photos) and got married in their hometown of Dayton, Ohio, but are now freelancers traveling the world.

Let’s meet Dianne (and Dan)!

[1] When and how did you become a traveler?
The first time I went abroad alone, it was as a solo female traveler in Cairo. Then I went to Israel and Palestine and finished the trip in Florence for a five-month study abroad program. I had dreamt about seeing the world as a little girl, and the experience of traveling not only lived up to my expectations but totally surpassed them. Since then, I’ve been hooked. I started traveling full-time in 2014 and haven’t looked back!

[2] What kind of traveler do you define yourself as?
I guess I will have to go with “digital nomad.” My husband and I both work online so we travel for 7 to 10 months at a time. I like to spend at least five weeks in every city we visit so I have a chance to get settled, meet people, and explore on the weekends.

[3] What do you love most about traveling?
Honestly, traveling is fun. Every day is a new adventure and I never get bored or stuck in a routine. As we grow up we’re kind of trained to believe that adult life should be offices and boredom and hard work… travel is the antithesis of these expectations.

[4] What do you dislike about traveling?
My biggest problem with traveling full-time is the inability to have a dog. I don’t want to give up my lifestyle but I really, really want a dog of my own. I solve this by volunteering at animal shelters in the cities I visit to give love to some pups who need it, but that’s only going to get me by for so long…

[5] Why should people travel?
There are lots of different reasons to travel and it’s truly up to each person to decide for themselves. Maybe you’re young and looking for adventure, overworked and want to relax, a foodie in search of new dishes to try… there’s not really one reason to travel or one way to travel, so I’d say the most important thing is to just book the flight and see for yourself!

[6] What famous person would you like to travel with?
Anthony Bourdain, without question. He was the one who inspired me to travel when I was just a kid, totally enthralled watching “No Reservations” in suburban Ohio. I really admire the way he was able to hold onto his real and authentic self despite his fame. I would have loved to get a peek at his perspective on any destination we visited together.

[7] Travel essentials – 3 things you always travel with.
Vibrant All-In-One travel bottle. This thing is magic. It has a tea infuser, makes flavored water, and keeps cold drinks cold or hot drinks hot for ages. Totally changed my hydration game and I could not live without it.

UE Boom wireless speaker. When we travel our Airbnbs vary wildly. It’s nice to have a trusty speaker on hand for Netflix or music no matter what.

Portable charger. No more worrying about my phone dying on a long bus ride or trying to preserve battery while taking photos on a hike, ‘cause my portable charger always has my back!

[8] If you’re a foodie, what's your favorite food city? Do you have a restaurant recommendation?
I’m a total foodie so this question may just be the toughest on the list. Some food cities that immediately pop into mind are Chiang Mai, Berlin (I probably gained 10 pounds from the Christmas Markets there) and Mexico City, but the truth is that Portland seriously blew me away. I highly recommend Marukin Ramen in the Pine Street Market.

[9] What's one location on your bucket list?
I’ve been dreaming of visiting Cape Town for years. Someday!

[10] Do you have a piece of advice for bloggers starting out?
Consistency is key. Don’t wait for an idea to start writing, but develop the habit to write two or three posts weekly. As you get the hang of it, the ideas and content will come.

[11] What are three other blogs that inspire you?
The Planet D
Travelling Buzz
Nomadic Matt

Dianne's Lightning Round of Favorites

Airport: Dayton International, because it means I’m home 🙂
Mode of Transportation: Bicycle
City or Country: Mexico or Peru
Travel Gear: Love my Osprey backpack
Travel snack: Gummy Worms
Book: The Poisonwood Bible
Movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Song: This is ever-changing, but at the moment it’s Baby Blue by Rence
Quote: “Of all the roads you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir

Thanks Dianne!

You can keep up with Dianne (and Dan) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and of course on their blog. Wherever you catch them, I am sure you will enjoy their travel adventures!

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