For McCool Travel’s 185th travel interview, I am pleased to present Divergent Travelers. I love when people leave their cushy, comfortable, complacent traditional situations and discover something amazing in our world. Lina and David, Divergent Travelers, did that but also have continued exploring the world and making a better living doing so.
Divergent Travelers bio:
David and Lina Stock are the creators behind the multi-award-winning travel blog, DivergentTravelers.com. After leaving the American Dream behind in February 2014 to travel full time, they utilized their travels to build up their blog and create a lifestyle that aligns with their passions. Their travels have taken them to more than 100 countries, and all seven continents. Their mantra is to Dream. Dare. Diverge. and encourage others to do the same through world exploration and adventure travel.
Divergent Travelers
HOMETOWN …
We both grew up near Superior, Wisconsin – but also consider Duluth, MN part of our hometown because it’s the Twin Ports! We still keep a base there even after nine years of full time travel blogging.
ON EVERY TRIP I MUST BRING …
Lina – Bose Noise Cancelling Ear Buds
David – Chaco sandals
3 FAVORITE HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME PLACES …
- Florida Keys
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Chicago Airport (haha we spend so much time there in transit)
A FAVORITE TRAVEL MEMORY …
The day we left for our two-year Around the World trip in February 2014. We has just sold everything we owned, including our house, and were flying on a one-way ticket to Auckland, New Zealand.
3 FAVORITE TRAVEL BRANDS …
- Chacos – we both live in these sandals
- Sony – because we cannot live without our camera gear
- Eddie Bauer – most of our travel clothes are from here and we love the brand
3 MONEY-SAVING TRAVEL TACTICS I USE …
- Fee free ATM cards
- Points/Miles Credit Cards
- Lounge Access
3 WAYS THAT I HAVE FUN WHILE TRAVELING …
- hiking
- road trips
- kayaking
8 WORD (OR LESS) TRAVEL MANTRA …
“Life’s too short to not travel now.”
FAVORITE NON-TRAVEL WEBSITE …
We love to use Instagram for inspiration, travel planning, and entertainment
MOST MEMORABLE SOUVENIR …
Hand-woven Harpy Eagle mask purchased from the Embera Tribe in the Darien Gap
FAVORITE CHEAP EAT …
Haha, McDonalds. I know that sounds very American but it’s cheap comfort food. No matter where you go in the world, it always tastes the same, too.
RECENT DISCOVERY …
that our audience wants to travel with us! So we’ve re-launched our group trips with great success.
I WOULD LIKE TO MEET …
inspired and passionate people from all walks of life.
Thank you so much, Lina and David, for sharing your travel advice and inspiration.
Follow Divergent Travelers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and their website.
McCool Travel presents tips from travel experts in our 5 Minutes travel interview series—featuring travel industry giants, super frequent travelers, and adventurous persons.
Previous 5 Minutes travel interview: Jen Ruiz from Jen on a Jet Plane.