Picture a life full of adventures across 110 countries and all 7 continents. Meet Dave Bouskill and Deb Corbeil, founders of the famous travel blog, The Planet D. They moved from the film industry to digital nomadism, a change recognized by Forbes in 2017. Their blog was named one of the Top 10 Influencers in Travel.
Dave and Deb’s journey had hurdles too. They biked Africa and then started The Planet D. What began as a blog to support their dream travel TV show grew. Soon, it was a place for tips and adventure stories for fellow travel lovers.
Switching from regular jobs to travel blogging was tough. It took about three years to earn a living online. But, their hard work and love for what they do shone through. Their blog won big honors, like the Best Travel Blog Award.
Besides awards, Dave and Deb teach others about content and website management. Their blog uses affiliate marketing to support their life on the road. They show how to follow your passions and make it work.
Discovering the World Through Travel
Dave and Deb explored faraway lands, changing how they viewed life completely. They learned that travel inspiration and a big passion for travel could make everything exciting. Even simple things became part of a thrilling adventure travel tale. As they journeyed, they saw deeper truths about themselves and the world. This changed their ideas of real world discovery.
Life as One Crazy Adventure
Dave and Deb’s ordinary life turned into something amazing. They dived into different cultures and found surprises everywhere. Their love for the earth’s marvels got much deeper. Whether climbing high peaks or walking busy streets, they enjoyed every moment of adventure travel. This also helped them grow a lot personally.
Venturing Out to Uncover Deeper Truths
Traveling showed Dave and Deb that life’s never dull. It helped them see many deeper truths they didn’t notice before. This new perspective filled them with awe and greater respect for life’s many facets.
It pushed them to start travel blog The Planet D. There, they share their passion for travel. It inspires others to start their own journeys and discover new things about themselves.
The Planet D: A Multi-Award-Winning Travel Blog
The Planet D is a multi-award-winning travel blog started by Dave and Deb. They use the blog to share amazing stories and helpful travel advice. The blog has won big awards like the Lowell Thomas Awards for Best Travel Blog and Best Illustration of Travel in 2015 and 2016.
Sharing Stories, Tips, and Inspiration for Adventurers
At its core, The Planet D is all about telling stories and motivating adventurers to see the world. Dave and Deb’s compelling stories, and practical travel tips and advice, draw readers in. They offer the latest on their trips and useful tips on how to plan your own adventures.
From Dormant Lives to Rediscovering Passion
Dave and Deb found their passion for travel with The Planet D. They felt like they were just going through the motions. They worked jobs they didn’t enjoy and their marriage was struggling. It was traveling that saved both their marriage and their sense of self. This new chapter led them to become successful travel bloggers.
The transformative power of travel changed Dave and Deb’s lives. After leaving their old jobs in the film industry, they realized a new passion. This passion for exploring the world not only brought them together but also brought new meaning to their lives.
Thanks to their blog, The Planet D, Dave and Deb inspire others to follow their dreams. Their story shows the strength in pursuing what you love, regardless of how things seem. It’s about facing fears and overcoming obstacles, leading to a life full of adventures.
Blogging Success Story of Dave and Deb
Transitioning from Film Careers to Travel Blogging
Dave and Deb started their blog after working in film and TV. They wanted to travel more and share their adventures. They dreamed of a travel TV show but focused on a blog when the show idea didn’t work out.
The Journey of ThePlanetD.com
Their blog, The Planet D, was at first just a way to show off their work. But it quickly became important to them. They shared how they changed from filming to blogging and grew ThePlanetD.com. Their stories about adventures made people follow them and trust their travel advice.
Overcoming Challenges on the Road
Dave and Deb love thrilling adventures. They’ve taken on some amazing challenges during their travels. Through their adventure travels, they’ve stretched their own limits. This has given them experiences that both tested their stamina and changed how they see the world.
Cycling the Continent of Africa
Dave and Deb once spent 4 months cycling across Africa. This journey was tough, testing their bodies and minds. They faced different landscapes, bad weather, and many risks.
Despite the difficulties, their determination helped them overcome it all. They finished their trip with a strong sense of achievement. This adventure showed them how powerful they are.
Trekking the Arctic Watershed: A Test of Endurance
They also ventured on a 10-day Arctic trek. This journey through the icy Northern Ontario was a physical and mental test. They faced extreme cold and tough paths. There was always a danger.
But, they had the courage to keep going. Their experience taught them a lot about their own strength. They learnt that the human spirit is very powerful.
Dave and Deb’s epic travels changed them and their audience. They encouraged people to travel with courage. By sharing their stories, they’ve become leaders in the adventure travel world. They motivate others to seek life-changing adventures.
Monetization Strategies for Travel Bloggers
The Planet D started their journey as bloggers, facing the challenge of making money. At the beginning, they used sponsored posts and brand partnerships to earn from their blog’s fame.
Early Days: Sponsored Posts and Brand Partnerships
At first, Dave and Deb worked as brand ambassadors. They got paid to showcase different travel brands. This helped them make sponsored post deals, adding to their income.
Diversifying Income Streams
But soon, they learned it was smart to have many ways to make money. Now, they also earn from links, ads, tourism promotions, and their big social media fanbase. This mix helps their blogging business stay strong.
Their story shows how important it is to try different ways to make money in travel blogging.
Standing Out in a Saturated Blogging Landscape
The travel blogging scene is now packed with voices. Yet, Dave and Deb from The Planet D stand out. They focus on giving their readers what they need. This includes stunning photos, deep travel guides, and heartwarming content. They believe this keeps people coming back for more.
Providing Value and Consistent Content
Dave and Deb’s success comes from their consistent, top-notch content. They work hard to publish valuable articles and share engaging videos. This keeps their audience always looking forward to the next thing they put out. Their commitment to quality has helped them outshine many others in the blogging world.
Dave and Deb are fueled by their love for travel. They share their adventures and give useful tips to their readers. Their dedication stands out. It turns their blog into a go-to place for anyone planning their next trip. This strategy really works for them, showing that staying true to what you love can take you far.
The Power of Industry Recognition
Dave and Deb’s blog, The Planet D, won top industry awards like the Lowell Thomas Awards in 2015 and 2016. These awards were for the Best Travel Blog and Best Illustration of Travel. Winning boosted their confidence and made people take their work more seriously.
Lowell Thomas Awards for Best Travel Blog
The Planet D stood out among the many travel blogs by winning respected industry awards. They were awarded for their blog and how they illustrated travel. This recognition heightened their standing in the travel blogging world. It also helped them in business negotiations.
Boosting Confidence and Legitimacy
The Planet D’s awards placed them at the top of the travel blogging world. It showed they were leaders. These achievements increased their confidence. They are now more attractive to brands and travel companies for partnerships.
Future Adventures and Plans
After lots of travel, Dave and Deb stopped to call Toronto, Canada home. This is where they catch their breath but keep exploring. Now, they focus on making The Planet D even better with top-notch videos, guides, and a bigger social media impact.
Establishing a Home Base in Toronto
They chose Toronto for a stable place to come back to occasionally. It’s a step towards balancing their future adventures and plans with a need for roots. Here, they can get ready for their next expeditions and keep their blog, The Planet D, flourishing.
Optimizing The Planet D and Expanding Reach
Being in Toronto means Dave and Deb can invest more in The Planet D’s success. They are creating better content and growing online. They’re about to take on key roles at major events, like TBEX and with the California tourism board. This moves them forward as top travel bloggers.
Inspiring Others Through Passion and Living Life to the Fullest
Dave and Deb, through The Planet D, are inspiration for people worldwide. They found their passion for life and turned it into a successful blogging career. Their journey shows the amazing changes living life to the fullest can bring.
They are dedicated to exploring and sharing their adventures. Many have found courage to step out of their comforts because of them. Dave and Deb’s words push people to chase their dreams and face their fears.
With their stories, photos, and guides, they built a community of explorers. They encourage people to live with passion and a love for exploration. The couple’s stories help others see the world’s beauty and vastness.
They believe living life to the fullest is not about things but about the joys of new experiences. Their tale teaches us that with passion and hard work, we can change our lives. And in doing so, we can inspire those around us.
Leveraging Social Media and Building a Brand
In the beginning, The Planet D founders Dave and Deb didn’t stress too much over SEO. They put their energy into connecting with the blogging world. They chatted with others in the field, shared thoughts, and mingled on social media. This helped them create a powerful brand presence. Choosing brand development over SEO brought big wins. They soon found companies willing to make them brand ambassadors. They also landed sponsored campaigns.
Interacting with the Blogging Community
Dave and Deb saw the value in being active in the blogging community. They connected with fellow travel bloggers. Leaving insightful comments on their posts and building friendships was key. This not only broadened their connections but also kept them in the loop with the industry’s latest developments.
Skipping SEO and Prioritizing Brand Development
Instead of diving deep into SEO like many bloggers, Dave and Deb favored brand building initially. They were certain that by forging a memorable brand and gaining a strong following, good opportunities would come. They aimed to position themselves as travel blogging authorities. Their foresight has paid off. They now boast a large following on social media. They are recognized as leading voices in the travel world.
Advice for Aspiring Travel Bloggers
Dave and Deb offer clear advice to those dreaming of travel blogging: follow your passion and set goals. They are the minds behind the widely renowned The Planet D blog. They stress that staying passionate is crucial for overcoming challenges.
Doing What You Love and Setting Goals
Dave and Deb believe loving travel and storytelling boosts your chances of success. They suggest, “Focus on achievable goals and a solid plan.” This advice aims to guide aspiring bloggers toward a successful and satisfying career in the field.
The pair’s story highlights how passion and clear objectives lead to success. After leaving the film industry, Dave and Deb pursued their fondness for adventure. This journey led them to create a celebrated blog, recognized by Forbes.
The Evolution of The Planet D
Let’s talk about The Planet D, a famed travel blog created by Dave and Deb. Originally, it wasn’t a go-to place for thrill seekers. It all began as an idea for a travel TV show. But after the show didn’t happen, the couple switched gears. They decided to focus on making their blog grow. This change turned their blog into a top online spot for travelers.
From TV Show Pitch to Successful Travel Blog
When Dave and Deb kicked off The Planet D, they planned to use it for their TV show idea. The blog quickly got attention and followers. This led the couple to see that their real passion was in digital storytelling. They shared adventures and travel advice. Over time, their blog won many awards and became famous worldwide.
Persistence and Adapting to Change
Dave and Deb showed great persistence and a knack for adapting. Even after their TV dream dropped, they persevered. They changed their focus to the blog and built a business from it. It’s been their livelihood for more than ten years now.
The couple’s ability to change with the times has been critical to their success. The blogging world keeps getting more crowded. But, by being flexible and always improving The Planet D, they’ve stayed on top.
Inspiring Adventures Around the World
Dave and Deb have taken on many inspiring adventures across the globe. They’ve traveled to 110 countries on seven continents. Their toughest challenges, like biking Africa and walking the Arctic Watershed, have tested their limits. These adventures helped them find personal strength and tenacity.
These trips have changed their lives. They motivate others to seek adventure and push their own limits too.
Covering 110 Countries on 7 Continents
As the people behind the The Planet D travel and adventure blog, Dave and Deb have seen a lot. They’ve visited 110 countries, covering all seven continents. Their journey has enriched their own lives. Also, they’ve shared important insights, tips, and motivators with their readers. They encourage others to break out of their comfort zones and see the world differently.
Pushing Beyond Limits and Discovering Inner Strength
Some of the toughest and most rewarding adventures for Dave and Deb were the ones that tested their limits. They biked across Africa and trekked in the Arctic. These challenges pushed them hard. They reveal their hidden strengths and resilience.
Through these odysseys, they’ve found their real potential. They inspire their audience to enjoy overcoming challenges and discovering their personal strength.
The Planet D’s Global Recognition
The Planet D, Dave and Deb’s famed travel blog, is known worldwide. In 2017, Forbes acknowledged it as one of the Top 10 Influencers in Travel. This recognition boosted the blog’s standing and marked Dave and Deb as top authorities in the field.
The blog’s photos, stories, and articles have been published by well-known names. These include BBC World, Red Bull’s Red Bulletin, and more. Dave and Deb have used these platforms to share their incredible experiences with a growing global audience.
Dave and Deb have shown true dedication and passion through their blog. Their work speaks to readers everywhere. By continually innovating, they are making a big mark in the travel blogging world, encouraging more to explore the world.