Honesty, Fear and Triumph – Dear Reader

166 Responses to Honesty, Fear and Triumph – Dear Reader

1. Wow. As someone who also gave up a secure, safe existence to pursue a life that many people (including myself on some days) consider insane, I can really relate to this post. Just know that you’re not alone and keep fighting the good fight

   

   Heather May 27, 2011 at 9:59 am Reply

   • Thanks for the positive support Heather it is always good to know that others feel the same way.

     

     davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:10 am Reply

2. Thanks so much for your awesome Everest photo essay!

   

   Sonya May 27, 2011 at 10:01 am Reply

3. Hello you two, thank you for this great posting. I know exactly how you feel. I left a good paying job to start my own travel company and it has been a very tough and wonderful 2 years! Struggling with getting people to book on a few of our groups. Japan earthquake happening just before our first group tour was suppose to be in Japan, Egypt revolution as we start to promote an amazing group tour there. Struggles and insecurities abound.

   But I love what I do and truly believe in our company and our passion for travel and helping people realized their travel dreams. It is all worth the struggle I am sure of it. In a few years you two and my partner and myself will look back and say wow look where we are now!

   Keep on doing what you love and spreading your passion!

   Big hugs
   Anna

   

   Anna May 27, 2011 at 10:15 am Reply

   • You are right Anna. It has been a wonderful two years, yet tough at times. I am sorry to hear that you have had so many obstacles just before the start of your tours. That makes for a difficult time for sure. I hope and know that you will bounce back and things will be better than ever. People will start going back to those regions and you will be there to bring tourism back to both Japan and Egypt.

     

     davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:14 am Reply

4. Hey Deb and Dave,
   Well we talked about honesty in your blog last night at the Toronto Travel Tribe and you sure delivered this morning! Thanx for being honest and for telling it as it is!
   You are an inspiration to so many and it is a pleasure to know you!
   It is because of that honesty that I read your blog every day (well to be honest I skim and read it) but I do do it every day!
   I look forward to seeing you again soon!
   Melanie

   

   Melanie May 27, 2011 at 10:30 am Reply

   • Hi Melanie. It was my thoughts from Travel Tribe that sparked this post. I had another one planned and ready to go, but I felt the need to get this off my chest. I also appreciated your advice and took it to heart. Thanks for the great talk, it was so wonderful to see you.

     

     davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:18 am Reply

5. I look at TBEX as an excuse to visit Vancouver (and Seattle – one of my favorites anywhere). The networking is good as well, but you’re right, the talks were lacking last year. Plus no wi-fi, that still irks me. I was hoping to see more of you this time around but if it’s not Vancouver I’m sure it will be somewhere else soon

   

   Anil May 27, 2011 at 10:36 am Reply

   • Enjoy Vancouver Anil. Yes, we didn’t get enough time together last year. Chatting for such a short time wasn’t enough. I hope Vancouver has free wifi, otherwise the American contingent will be dealing with the roaming fees that the Canadians had to deal with last year. I know we will see each other somewhere else in the world for sure!

     

     davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:19 am Reply

6. Love your passion and your courage. Sorry to hear about your friend, that is a tragedy, but just goes to show you have to chase your dreams, follow your own star, and do what makes you HAPPY.

   Your blog and travel adventures are one of our ABSOLUTE FAVORITES and we wish we could have a tweet-up with you guys and just laugh and chat.

   We totally know some of the fears and insecurities you guys are going through. But just keep going because as long as you follow your passion you will be hugely successful no matter what.

   Thanks for your honesty, it is very refreshing. We have yet to meet you guys in person, but if there’s one thing that comes across in your blog, it’s your authenticity and we know you guys would be exactly in real life how you are online.

   P.S…you take the best travel photos bar none.

   Cheers.

   

   Craig Makepeace May 27, 2011 at 10:42 am Reply

   • Thanks So much Craig. That means a lot because YTravelBlog is a blog that Dave and I very much admire. And your are right, I really believe that following your passion will eventually bring happiness and success. We have never been more excited about the future, at is just difficult at times to think about the unknown.

     

     davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:21 am Reply

7. I like the honesty. Thank you. It’s comforting to hear that other, bigger, bloggers feel overwhelmed, inadequate and upset at least some of the time. I personally don’t think that your blog has become too mainstream; it’s part of the evolution that you try things to see if/how they work for you. I have heard your voice in all the posts although I admit I would like to hear more about your Mongol Rally prep (how are you feeling, what are you doing to prepare etc). My heart drops a little when I hear that TBEX may not be what I hope it to be but, again, I appreciate the honesty. This is not the first I have heard of this but, having already signed up, I will be going but will be able to temper my expectations. I’m looking forward to the networking but won’t expect too much ‘hard advice’. I’m sorry for Dave’s friend. It reminds me that life is short and that we should spend it pursuing what is important to us. I hope that your slump is short and ends with a quick rise back to that high feeling of knowing your in control and that whatever you decide in whatever realm is just that; your decision. Cheers!

   

   Gillian @OneGiantStep May 27, 2011 at 11:02 am Reply

   • Thank you Gillian. That means a lot to us because we always appreciate your honesty when leaving your comments. When I see you come up, I look forward to hearing what you have to say. I am glad that you have heard our voice through the posts and don’t worry, there will be a lot more of the Mongol Rally. We still have to wrap up Jordan, but the planning will be in full force soon.
     I hope that you have a better time at TBEX than us. I wish that more people spoke about it throughout the year. I watched people talk positively about it online and give it support in public and they were the same people that told me in person that they were disappointed with it last year. It really made me lose a lot of respect. We chose not to even acknowledge TBEX on our blog because we were only there for one day and simply had other people’s opinions to go by regarding the rest of the weekend-which seemed to sum up the way we were feeling anyway. But it came to the point where too many people were emailing us to ask our opinion. Maybe they’ll read this post and work a little harder and party a little less.

     

     davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:34 am Reply

8. It’s rare that you hear other bloggers write their true feelings. We seem to hide under the veil will this post be a good one!

   I like your honesty, I’m sorry about your friend.

   I always say, you never know what goes on behind closed doors!

   Living our lives passionately, is sooo much work and my husband constantly tells me that he’s proud of what I do, when I don’t feel like I’ve done much at all. I guess you need to have someone from the outside remind you.

   

   Marina K. Villatoro May 27, 2011 at 11:11 am Reply

   • That is awesome that your husband gives you that support. I wanted to reiterate that my parents and all our brothers and sisters give us the same support as well. We are staying with my mom and dad and they tell us every day how they think what we are doing is amazing. We are very lucky and I have to say that not one of our friends has thought we are nuts either. They are all so supportive we are very lucky people to be surrounded with such positive people in our lives and so are you!

     

     davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:39 am Reply

9. I’m so sorry to hear about your friends. I’m sure it’s been a sobering week for everyone. Plus – I know how busy you’ve been with other things regarding the rally last week. Horrible timing.
   Regarding TBEX, blogging, insecurity, starting over – I really think that there is a wall that we all hit in this weird and new independent blogging lifestyle and we decide if we are going to push through or not – or simply walk around and change direction. I feel like I know a few other ‘longer term’ bloggers that are in the same space. Lord knows I’m there. I would really like to believe that we can take the rally this summer and simply enjoy – not worry about the work part of it, but simply enjoy the ride – get back to some of the basics of why we started this. For me – that won’t come easy – but maybe with both of us reminding each other…it will help.

   

   Sherry Ott May 27, 2011 at 11:12 am Reply

   • Hi Sherry. Thanks for stopping by. We have been chatting a lot lately and you have probably heard the stress in my voice. Dave is much better at hiding it than me, but he has his daily chat about being overwhelmed. I am very much looking forward to the Mongol Rally but I do know it is going to be a difficult work load. We have sponsors to please and updates to make and people are really looking forward to reading about our experience. Maybe with the 4 of us together though, we will just have a blast in knowing that yes, we will have to get a tweet out and yes we will have to put up a post, but YES, we are going to have fun!

     

     davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:41 am Reply

10. I wish I could give you a tight hug right now. Just think of this as one of those steep stony parts of a hike, but hey, at the top, the view will be grandiose. Your hard work and graft will certainly get you there where you want to be and your real friends will certainly help every way they can. You are certainly doing quite a brilliant job.

    

    Marlys May 27, 2011 at 11:17 am Reply

    • Marlys thank you so much. You and Michael have always been so supportive and we consider you very good friends. It was like we were kindred spirits when we met up in Paris last year. Thank you for all of your kind words. We always appreciate your messages and comments and always feel guilt when our travels are too busy that we can’t reciprocate. but we are doing our best to find that balance.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:43 am Reply

11. Thank you for sharing Deb, a very honest and raw piece which will probably open a few eyes as many people looking in from the outside possibly assume you have the perfect lifestyle, without any concerns and living the dream. It takes a great deal of courage, commitment and strength of will to make the decision to give it all up to travel. That you have made a success of it is testament to your hard work and talent, thank you both you inspire us all and long may you continue to ‘lead the way.’

    

    Iain Mallory May 27, 2011 at 11:40 am Reply

    • Thanks Iain for your encouraging comment. You have been so amazing to us and we admire everything you have accomplished as well. We see our circle of friends having success and it gives us inspiration too. When we see the people that we started out with and admire and connect with achieve their dreams, it gives us all hope that it can be done and to not give up.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:45 am Reply

12. Wow. So you have just answered my question I queried to you in my email the other day. The A-list bloggers all say people don’t care about reading personal stories, that they want to know how you help them. But when you are doing something unique, something that shows courage and a dedication to letting go of fear, people’s stories can be the most compelling. As a fellow blogger struggling with the decision – how do we write for SEO, affiliate links and potentially earning a living, and yet write from the heart…its a difficult balance to try and find our voice.

    Sorry to hear about your experience at TBEX. We are going for the first time and hopefully we’ll make our own learnings if none come our way. For us its all about the networking. And I AGREE on the seeming lack of info coming out from them. Its the gorilla in the room I was wondering who would mention.

    

    wendy Pearson May 27, 2011 at 11:46 am Reply

    • Hi Wendy. I remember my reply to you had quite a bit of rambling in it too. Now I guess you can understand my answer i am just as confused. But I have come to the conclusion that a great blog is about mixing it up. We will never stop posting Dave’s photography and photostories. His work is a stand out (I can say that because I’m his wife ) People love looking at them. We will also never stop writing about tips and advice and we will never stop doing a round up of our experiences. I plan on just mixing it up a bit more with posts like these a little more often. People enjoy the connection and I do too.
      As far as TBEX, well being your first time there at least all the speakers will be new to you. I found that people were either A. not given enough time to actually give advice or B didn’t want to give away their secrets or C. Maybe they just didn’t know. Maybe this year will be better.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:50 am Reply

13. So sorry for your loss, Dave and Deb. It’s a hard situation – you always wonder if you could have done something. Even 10, 15 years later I wonder myself. Dave, I hope your friend found whatever peace he was searching for.

    And thanks for your honesty. I’ve been struggling with a lot of questions about what the ‘right’ way to do things is since we started our blog. Maybe the only right way is your own way, and worrying about SEO and everything else is secondary.

    Thanks for being such great inspirations and for not being afraid to let us see ‘what’s behind the curtain’.

    Also sorry we missed seeing you and everyone at Travel Tribe! If you’re around for awhile, we should go for a pint!

    

    Nicole May 27, 2011 at 12:51 pm Reply

    • Hi Nicole. Thanks for your words. It was quite shocking for Dave as his friend was younger than him. At first he was sad and then when he heard that he committed suicide he was angry. We are going to a memorial gathering today with everyone from work so more answers will probably be answered as Dave hadn’t seen him for a year so didn’t even know that he was going through a tough time.
      I think it is still important to utilize SEO. If you want to be a success, you have to think about everything. I think that people are being naive if they say that they only write for themselves. What is the good in that? We are all writing because we want people to read our words, inspire people and we want to share our experiences with others. So it is a matter of considering everything in my humble opinion.
      Yes, we should go for a pint! Where were you at the last Travel Tribe? It would have been awesome to see you. There is another on June 1st. I’ll email you the details:)

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 9:58 am Reply

      • It’s hard to know when anyone is going through a tough time, I think. We’re trained to hide it, pretend things are OK, even if things are so terrible it’s hard to get up in the morning.

        And I think you’re right – it’s a little naive, but also a little pointless to write all your great stuff, put it up and never have anyone read it or get anything out of it. I suppose there’s a balance to it – we all want recognition and some reward for our work, no matter what it is or where we do it.

        And Gary was feeling ill, and I got busy at work – I should have gone on my own! And yes! I heard about Candice and Cailin coming to town – I’ll make sure I get my butt out for that one.

        

        Nicole May 30, 2011 at 5:12 pm

      • No, it was nice that you stayed home with Gary. That is far more important. See you in two days and thanks for the comment. Thanks for agreeing on wanting people to read your stuff. I would love to say that it didn’t matter if anyone read, but would be fooling myself. Of course I want people to read my work, just like a director wants someone to see their film, even if it is just a little art house movie. Having people see it is the biggest accomplishment we can all get.

        

        davendeb May 30, 2011 at 6:17 pm

14. First of all, so sorry for your loss Dave.

    This post is just so openly honest, it’s moving… It’s so refreshing to read something telling it like it is, instead of “everything is so amazing, everything is cool”. It make it more realistic so thank you for sharing.
    Keep your chins up – I am a firm believer that we have to go through bad times in order to appreciate the good ones.
    Take care
    Colleen

    

    Colleen Setchell May 27, 2011 at 4:20 pm Reply

    • Thank you Colleen. And we agree too. If life were perfect every day, we would never enjoy the great moments in life.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:00 am Reply

15. Enjoyed your honest post very much. I haven’t been doing this very long but find that I am crashing into some of the same walls as you mentioned. Its nice and inspiring to hear other longer term bloggers feel the same and also hear from others about that share the same frustrations and are pushing through to live their passion!

    

    Debbie Beardsley May 27, 2011 at 4:23 pm Reply

    • Hi Debbie. It is so true, it doesn’t matter how long we have been going, we all face the same fears. I think sharing is important. I was pretty down before writing this post, but afterwards I was uplifted. I didn’t know how anyone would take it so I never looked at the blog again until today a day later. It was surprising to see the positive comments left. I really thought I’d be told off for being negative. But many of us are feeling the same way I see.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:02 am Reply

16. Travelling isn’t a glamerous, carefree holiday — it’s a lifestyle. I think that’s what this post seemed to be getting at for me. We all have those moments where we question what we are doing and if what we are doing is the right lifestyle for us.

    

    Amy @LivinOnTheRoad May 27, 2011 at 5:03 pm Reply

    • Amy, you hit the nail on the head. Everyone thinks that a travel lifestyle is perfection and it’s not. I wouldn’t change a thing though. I love our chosen career and Dave and I love working and traveling together. But every once in a while our insecurities creep in

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:04 am Reply

17. Well living in the moment can help, but difficult to attain. What ever happens is meant to happen. It is best keep that in mind, it really helps not have a strong concern about economics and other 3rd dimensional “things”.

    But your site seems kind of mainstream, but if you are ok with that, then no big deal.

    

    Shawn May 27, 2011 at 5:17 pm Reply

    • I disagree Shawn. I believe in making your own destiny. Whatever happens is meant to happen is a lazy way of thinking. I think that you are wrong when you say that I shouldn’t have concerns about economics. Making a living is very important.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:05 am Reply

18. I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. My uncle killed himself a few years ago so I know how hard it can be to make sense of it. I completely understand your fears about starting a business and giving up such a good job. The way I look at it is that you have to try or you will be miserable and mad at yourself for not at least giving it a go. I think you guys are doing a fine job blogging. I love looking at your photographs and you definitely have talent.

    I’m glad to hear I’m not missing out on much at TBEX. It seemed like a lot of money to spend to get over there when there are so many places I want to travel. I would rather meet bloggers who I connect with individually or at tweet ups throughout my travels. I hope our paths cross sometime soon.

    

    Christy @ Ordinary Traveler May 27, 2011 at 5:19 pm Reply

    • Hi Christy, I am sorry to hear about your uncle. Suicide is difficult to understand and we can never put ourselves in their heads at the moment they decide. How can someone do that? We’ll never know. You are absolutely right. If you don’t try, you will constantly be looking over your shoulder and wondering, did I make the right decision?
      Thanks about your comment on the photographs. We will never stop posting those awesome photostories. Photography is our blog. We are 50/50 writing and photography and that is where we are lucky. Our photos of the day aren’t just a throw up photo of the day to get out a post, it is to showcase Dave’s work.
      I agree about the tweet ups, we have learned more and talked on deeper levels with bloggers during our travels than at TBEX. I think Blogworld is where we will get our questions answered. I don’t need to learn how to “Travel Blog”, I need to learn the business of Blogging and I think that last year, most of the people sitting on the panels and discussions couldn’t tell you how to make a living out of it. Or maybe they did and chose not to share.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:11 am Reply

19. You guys just made me cry. I am so sorry for your loss Dave. I know how terrible you must be feeling now and how much it must have shaken you up.
    I really appreciate the honesty in your post. It is something I have been considering writing lately and I am lucky that I have the outlet on my mummy blog to do more of these sorts of posts. I think it is great for your readers to know and understand just how human you are and what you go through to pursue your dreams.
    It is bloody hard. At times I feel like I have bi-polar because the swings are so extreme. You guys are such an inspiration to so many people. I know that you are going to be extremely successful. This is just the building part which can take a long time. But, your foundation will be firm, and many great things will come for you. Look at all the amazing things that have happened so far. It’s just the beginning.
    It’s good to hear your thoughts on TBEX. We can’t go due to the enlarged bump I carry around, but have thought about what we could be missing out on. I do kind of get over hearing about it constantly. We network a bit here in Sydney and learn so much from other people. It sounds like we might be even learnning more.
    I hope we can meet up in the world some day. You and Dave are such an inspiration to Craig and I. Keep moving forward and keep your eye on your goal. Your mum said it perfectly. Just keep reminding yourself of her words every day.

    

    Caz Makepeace May 27, 2011 at 6:42 pm Reply

    • Aw Caz. Thank you so much. We just had that wonderful conversation the other night and I want to reiterate again how much we love and are inspired by YTravelBlog. I get the feeling we are very similar. We’ve been both traveling for over a decade and only recently started our blogging. We were the people that travelled for the sake of traveling and grew to love it over the years. The Blog wasn’t a factor when we first started, it wasn’t even a thought. It was just this addiction to travel.
      You are so right when you talk about the extremes. One minute I’m dancing in the room excited about a new business opportunity, the other minute I’m staring out the window wondering what I’m doing with my life. I know that we are all going to be successful. We chat with a core group of people that are so giving and supportive and I can see us all going far.
      Sydney has such a large online contingent that I definitely don’t think you are missing out when it comes to TBEX. It’s in our country this year and we chose not to go. We could have easily and are not. I doubt we will ever know if it is better because nobody said anything about last year year and they all said that it was the same the first time around. Nothing was discussed either time. So there you go. They’ll say it’s all wine and roses.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:17 am Reply

20. Wow, what a fantastic, honest post. I think that your blog comes across as very honest overall, but it’s not always as personal as this brave post because often you are focused on giving information about the places you’re visiting — afterall, this is a travel blog!

    Honesty definitely takes courage, which you both have in abundance as you are Canada’s Adventure Couple — flying planes, bungee jumping, biking across Africa and doing other things that most of us wouldn’t dare to do!

    Also, I am really sorry to hear about Dave’s friend.

    

    Travelogged May 27, 2011 at 8:13 pm Reply

    • Thanks Liz. I appreciate your feedback as Travelogged is one of the first blogs we ever found and I have never stopped admiring it. You are right, it is a travel blog and to sit and wallow each day in my own insecurities wouldn’t make for a good blog either. As I go through the comments, I realize more and more that it is important to keep going on the same path. Giving advice, posting photo stories, featuring a destination and writing an honest post every so often. Keeping it real is important while providing information as well. Thanks for everything. I am so glad that we met on Princess Cruises. You are so positive and giving and we are inspired by you every day.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:20 am Reply

21. So sorry to hear about your recent challenges, and Dave’s friend. Your doubts and fears echo throughout the travel community Deb, it can be tough to work and work non-stop on the blog and then face personal setbacks that put new perspectives on it all. Very much appreciate this post and the honesty within it.

    As for TBEX – it really was such a disappointment last year and I have few hopes it will be much better this year…but the networking is great and for me, Florida doesn’t have much in the way of travel -tweetups so to TBEX I head (and it helps that #WDS is the week before or I think a lot more people (me) would also be skipping out!).

    Thinking of both of you this week, ~S

    

    Shannon O'Donnell May 27, 2011 at 8:17 pm Reply

    • I have no idea what this #WDS is that everyone is talking about, but lucky for TBEX that it is happening at the same time. it seems that it is taking everyone to the West Coast. Have a great time and thanks for everything. Talking with you at TBEX last year was a highlight. I think I learned more and had more ideas over that glass of wine while we were chatting than I did during the entire day at the event.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:22 am Reply

22. I believe your fears about blogging and your new lifestyle are the same as many other bloggers, myself included. No day passes by without me worrying about tomorrow and if I will ever be commissioned again, however, I haven’t regretted my choice of quitting my job for one single minute

    

    Angela May 27, 2011 at 8:32 pm Reply

    • Angela, I agree. I have never regretted quitting my job and Dave feels the same way. He was annoyed that I kept asking him on the way home if he was sure. He was very successful in his career much more than I was at mine so it was easier for me to walk away) I was the one that always had doubts for him and worried that he was doing it for me. But he has never doubted it for a second and loves this new path. Sure, it’s less money for now, but it is also something that the two of us can see ourselves doing until we are 90! The film business was exhausting and we couldn’t wait until planning for retirement when we worked in it. That’s no way to live.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:27 am Reply

23. Like Sherry and others wrote here, there are a lot of people who are going through similar – and different – challenges. Taking some time off can help to bring perspective, but it’s really hard to do that when you’re head is racing with a million things you need to do and you’re afraid of missing some opportunity. I do hope that you guys have some time to check out during the Mongol Rally and just enjoy the ride and get some space to just enjoy. Sometimes a lot of empty road (e.g., Kazakhstan and Mongolia) will do that

    I am also so sorry to hear about Dave’s friend and hope he’s doing well, all things considered, with the loss. These tragic events do make one think more deeply about one’s own decisions and how short life is. I’m glad you’ve decided to keep going with your passion, even though it is so difficult at times when it feels like nothing is going right and it would just be easier to “go back.”

    And, good for you on your decision not to go to TBEX and sticking to your principles.

    

    Audrey May 27, 2011 at 8:56 pm Reply

    • Hi Audrey, your right. I think that the empty roads in Mongolia will give a lot of perspective. I am so looking forward to another epic adventure. It’s what started it all for us with the Tour D’Afrique and now I feel like we are going on another exciting trip.
      A death always puts life into perspective especially when it is someone young with a bright future. It is always a solemn reminder that life can change in an instant.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:28 am Reply

24. First, Dave I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. Losses like this are part of the reason I set off on my blogging journey in the first place. Every time I lost a friend it hit me between the eyes how short life is, and threw me into a panic because I was not pursuing my passions. So I finally threw caution to the wind, gave up all the material comforts my past live had afforded, and slapped on the backpack, with faith that it would all work out. To a large degree, it has, however as you both know all too well, I feel exactly the same thing with regard to blogging. I struggle with the constant social media obligations, the whole SEO thing, and can so easily get sucked into writing posts to bring traffic rather than good writing that’s from the heart.

    So far, I’ve been able to resist going down the SEO path and one of the things that helps me is that I have lots of loyal readers who visit me BECAUSE of my intensely personal style, so I pretend I am writing directly to one of them. IN the end, I think everyone enjoys reading my blog more that way, but it creates a lot of stress when I have to pay the bills from my meager earnings. I just keep reminding myself how I “sold out” for years, working in corporate environments that made me miserable, for all the wrong reasons. If what I am doing now starts to feel like that, something is terribly wrong. It means I am making decisions for the wrong reason again, most probably for money.

    For the same reason I finally decided not to go to TBEX this year. I bought a ticket, despite my huge disappointment over last year’s session and had intended to go, but then my travel schedule just didn’t mesh with the dates. I got a little crazy trying to make it work. I could have done it but it would have cost me a wad of money. I asked myself why I was trying so hard to make it work and realized that I really didn’t want to go – I just thought I SHOULD go, that it would be bad business NOT to go. See, I’m falling back into old patterns. So I just let the whole thing go. I don’t want to go so I’m not going.

    I appreciate your honesty because it always helps to know there are others out there struggling with the same issues. In the end, I hold faith that those of us producing good work, both writing and photography, will rise to the top, and people will eventually grow tired of sites/writers who continue to hash out the same old “Top Ten” and “Best Of” posts. And how very lucky you are to have family that supports you and says they are proud of you. I envy you that. Keep up the good work; I love what you do and so do thousands of others.

    

    Barbara Weibel May 27, 2011 at 11:03 pm Reply

    • Hi Barbara Thanks for the encouragement. Yes, we are very lucky to have such amazing friends and family. I don’t know what we did to deserve them. Even being home for a short time, so many friends have offered up their homes and give us a place to stay. Their hearts are so big and we are very grateful. I remember talking to you in Starbucks in Bangkok and telling you how love our home and our family and friends and always look forward to going back.
      For us, travel is not about running away from our lives, we do it because we love exploring and seeing the world. And that is why we know we have made the right decision in pursuing a full time career in travel. Canada will always be our home because the people that mean so much to us live here. We are very lucky.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:37 am Reply

25. Very refreshing and powerful post, Deb. I also have dealt with lost of a friend of seemed to have it all and it is very difficult to understand why or what went wrong. My thoughts are with you two while you continue to process the loss.

    Bob and I are pretty new to travel blogging- but of course quickly realized what types of things were getting more hits and so we started tailoring our work to that. We have seen the light, too, though and have started putting more of ourselves and our reactions to things besides just pretty pictures. For me, TBEX was something I only heard positives of, until your post, so I bought a ticket and we are making our way up there. I’m excited to meet some of the other bloggers who I read in person and visit Vancouver since we’ve never been. Hopefully we can meet up on your travels- we always love a good tweet-up!

    Safe travels and good luck starting your change.

    

    jade May 27, 2011 at 11:55 pm Reply

    • Hi Jade, thanks for your comments. I am very sorry to hear about your friend. I don’t think that there is any way to understand how someone is feeling when it comes to that point in their lives.
      I hope that you have a positive experience at TBEX. This is a new year after all things could be very different. We are just not ones to give things a second chance when it cost us so much money in the first place.
      I think that it is still important to think about the posts that generate traffic. After all you want people to come to your blog. I am not going to start writing posts like this every day. I think it is still important to give information. And people love photography.
      It helps that we are equally a photography blog. It is not like we are posting photos that are just thrown up. Dave’s shots are a huge part of our sit and we will never stop putting up Photo Stories and stunning pictures. An entirely different audience comes to those posts. That is why we think it is important to mix it up with information, photography, travelogues and honesty. That is what our blog is all about. But it isn’t necessarily what other blogs are about.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 11:03 am Reply

26. Very honest and refreshing post. As someone who isn’t going to TBEX (and who has never been), it’s nice to know that it’s not the be-all, end-all that it can sometimes seems from the outside. I’d rather continue my adventure in Australia than go out of my way just to meet people–I meet plenty of travel bloggers in my actual travels!
    Looking forward to hearing more about your actual experiences–although the photos are gorgeous! Keep ‘em coming and thanks for sharing

    

    Christine May 28, 2011 at 4:42 am Reply

    • Hi Christine, I think that you are making the right decision to keep on with the adventure rather than attending TBEX. After all you are a travel blog and people are reading your blog because of your travels not because of a post about photos from a party at a conference. I feel that many bloggers forget who their audience is and write strictly for travel bloggers as opposed to the average person searching the internet for inspiration and information on travel and a destination.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:39 am Reply

27. Thanks for the honesty. It is indeed the connection and reality that I enjoy in reading blogs. Basic travel info is nice, but human experience and emotion are what separate blogs from magazine articles (read: passive audience, no interaction) in my opinion. I had a number of folks ask me about attending TBEX. I’m relieved to see that I’m probably not missing much right now. Maybe in a year or two, or if a similar event takes place nearby, it will be worth it.

    Re: leaving the film business. I totally get that. I, too, was a union stagehand (I.A.T.S.E. Local 16), not to mention visual effects technician. I left for different reasons, but I did have a lot of people tell me I was crazy for leaving such a cool, sexy, well-paying business. Had to be done, though. Love my union brothers and sisters, and have TREMENDOUS respect for the smart and talented people I worked with, but it was time to go. It still sometimes calls to me, but then I remember why I left and sanity returns. Keep following your dreams, you two!

    

    Katrina May 28, 2011 at 4:47 am Reply

    • Hello to a fellow sister. We were both with IATSE 873. Dave still has his card, but I gave mine up just before leaving last year. I knew that I will never go back. I was a make-up artist and in my final years of work, I knew that that career had run it’s course. I would rather tend bar than go back to the business. Dave is still holding his because he actually really enjoyed his job. He just loves photography and being our social media director so much more. He is in charge of his own destiny, can set his own hours and loves seeing the world. it feels like Freedom 55 without the large bank account.
      You are so right Katrina. People come to blogs for the personal experience. They can read a magazine or one of the larger travel websites for strictly information. You need to do something to connect with your readers. I always think of our site as a daily column. It is just recently that I feel that I am cranking out posts on information. I think that is because we’ve had a few press trips in a row which were amazing. But we feel an obligation to get the information out quickly. Also, because the press trips move so quickly, there isn’t a lot of personal experiences that we can convey. We are there to visit the sites and as many as we can. I really feel that we will find our voice again with the Mongol Rally. Even though it is stressing us out a little too much right now.
      Hello to

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:45 am Reply

28. Beautifully honest post, guys, and it’s so refreshing to see someone telling it like it is. Less-positive opinions are often unpopular, yet life isn’t always rainbows and unicorns and not everything about the travel blogging ‘industry’ is great or even good.

    I will be going to TBEX this year – but only because it happens to tie in with a particularly awesome ‘summit’ I’m going to in Portland the weekend prior. I am looking forward to my time in Vancouver, but much more because it gives me a chance to meet new people and renew old acquaintances, to talk, drink and hang out with some of my favourite members of this little travel tribe that we have. The seminars and workshops are of much less concern to be quite honest…

    

    Dave May 28, 2011 at 5:14 am Reply

    • Thanks Dave, you are so right. You can’t be positive all the time and frankly, being positive every day is boring. I am a very opinionated person and I have let that go this year. I’m not saying that this site is going to become a ranting travel blog all of a sudden. I am just saying that I am going to get back to writing a few more posts like this. Mix it up a bit more. I have seen reference to this awesome summit a few times in the comments here. It looks like TBEX is lucky that is going on. I haven’t heard of the summit, but you will all have to let us know how it goes. Hope the networking goes well.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 10:49 am Reply

29. This is a really great post, I appreciate your honesty as well. I often feel inadequate as a blogger, especially in this big world where other bloggers are so successful, know so many people in the travel industry, are traveling full-time and really paying the bills. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing in any way, it’s clearly a fantastic thing. But to hear from a blogger (or couple of bloggers) that I follow that I consider to be in this category that everyone feels inadequate at times reminds me to stick it out. It’s easy to feel like your being held down and I think the most important thing not just in the business but in life is to always stop yourself and remember why you’re doing what you are doing.

    I’m sorry to hear about your friend. It must have come as a shock and an unpleasant reminder of why you two have chosen to live your dreams.

    As for TBEX, I have been a bit nervous actually for the talk portion. I suppose because I feel so small in the industry. However, for the socializing part I am very excited to finally put some faces to names and your comments have actually eased my nervousness a bit. I “live” in Seattle when I’m at home so it’s easy for me to get there thankfully, otherwise I wouldn’t have gone.

    

    Annie May 28, 2011 at 12:25 pm Reply

    • Hi Annie, you are right. It is easy to compare yourself and feel like things aren’t going your way. Most of the time people are only posting their accomplishments, ourselves included. After all, people don’t want to come over to a negative blog every day. However, it can feel like everyone is moving along while your not. It is good to know that everyone struggles just as much with insecurities and frustrations. You are so right to stick it out. If you love it, things will happen for you and you are so right when you say to stop yourself and remember why you are doing it. We love travel and we love being together. A couple’s travel blog makes sense for us and we need to remind ourselves that we decided to do this because we had been traveling together for 10 years before making it our business and loved every minute of it.
      Have fun at TBEX. You are very close to Vancouver so that is definitely a bonus. I am glad that the comments have eased your nerves. Anytime you can get together with your peers is a good thing. Cheers.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 3:09 pm Reply

30. I think very few people understand how hard it is to blog, do social media and work ( plus take care of each other ) while doing non-stop travel. We are on our 5th year of it as a family ( add educating your child in 3 languages to the list) , so I hear ya with the overwhelm at times.

    Luckily, I also hear ya with the triumph!

    Personally, I think ALL conferences are over rated and we have yet to go to one. You are not the first one I have heard complain about TBEX ( and others).

    Sorry about the loss of your friend. Always such an awakening to what is important and how short life is.

    Living your dream is not always easy ( no life ever is) but listen to your parents and keep “living your passion”!!

    

    Jeanne @soultravelers3 May 28, 2011 at 1:22 pm Reply

    • Thanks for your comment Jeanne. You are right, many people think that Travel Blogging is easy. It is difficult to balance everything and I can’t imagine doing it while raising a family. But you are living proof that it can be done well. We wouldn’t change a thing and are very happy with our chosen career, but like everything life, sometimes insecurities creep in and we are lucky that we have an outlet where we can get it out there and move on.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 3:03 pm Reply

31. I really needed this post today.

    The last few weeks I have been struggling a bit as I seem to be spending more time on the blog and getting less done – if that makes any sense. I think it’s natural to get frustrated and irritated with something that takes up so much of your life – especially for me where the line is blurred between me and the blog, the blog feels like my life rather than being a part of my life.

    I think I may just be burnt out. You work so hard and then wonder if you are working too hard or doing the right thing or if you have lost perspective.

    The funny thing is that I was actually thinking about you two today and wondered how you have done it so well for so long

    

    ayngelina May 28, 2011 at 2:19 pm Reply

    • I am so glad to help with your day Ayngelina. It is funny because I often think that same thing about you. You make it seem so effortless. I see how well you network and I am always amazed with your ability to communicate with other bloggers. I know exactly how you feel about spending so much time on the blog yet getting less done. We feel the same way. There seems to be this mound of work to do each day and we barely scratch the surface. We are lucky that there are two of us. I don’t know how you and others do it alone and I admire you for it.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 3:01 pm Reply

      • I guess from the outside it seems that we have it together and from the inside we are wondering what the hell we are doing!

        

        ayngelina May 28, 2011 at 4:05 pm

      • Aint that the truth:-)

        

        davendeb May 28, 2011 at 4:16 pm

32. Wow, what a post. So much of it felt like a summary of the last few months of my own life (even down to the tax man.)

    First off, I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s suicide – and I appreciate the sadness – and anger – that comes with such news. It stirs up so many emotions and I probably can’t do any of them justice by leaving a comment right now.

    As for the other things, I think that any freelance/entrepreneurial setup has moments like these. Times where the work piles up, the uncertainty sets in, the questions arise as to whether it’s wiser to plough on ahead or to stop…I think that travel blogging is harder because you don’t have many role models to follow. You ARE the role models.

    From the outside at least, you and your blog look very successful. At various blog meet ups I’ve been to recently, your names keep appearing as the people most people want to meet – on account of the inspiring work that you do.

    Travel blogging is hard work (“traditional” travel writing is hard work, too, when it comes to it) yet most people won’t see it that way. Enough people do, though – usually those who have done it themselves.

    I guess that what I’m trying to say is thank you for the honesty, keep following what you love, be encouraged by the many people out there who appreciate your work who never leave a comment and who you’ll never even know about, and take a break to recharge whenever you can.

    Oh, and one more thing. You’re 40?!!!!! Wow, that Canadian air must be good for wrinkles

    

    Abi May 28, 2011 at 3:45 pm Reply

    • Hi Abi, That is so funny that we are even in the same situation with Taxes and thank you for the condolences for Dave’s friend. That is very kind of you to say that we’re role models. We definitely don’t feel that way, but it is good to know that we can inspire. And you are so right, people look at travel writing as a lot of fun, which it is, but it is also a lot of hard work. We really appreciate your comment, thank you.

      

      davendeb May 28, 2011 at 4:16 pm Reply

33. Hi Dave and Deb,

    Thanks for writing this very honest, heart-felt post. As you can see from the comments, you have touched a nerve and I think you speak for a lot of travel bloggers these days! As you know, I organized the tweet-up you were at the night you wrote this, and I wish we had created the kind of atmosphere and environment in which you could have felt more able to express yourself. I didn’t know any of this stuff was going on, and I feel bad that I didn’t know — except for TBEX. I think I was part of the conversation, but I don;t recall you losing your temper. I recall that your expressed your opinion, and I admire you for it.

    I didn’t know about Dave’s friend — and I’m so sorry. I lost my best friend to suicide, so I know how difficult it is, and how complicated the feelings are. Please reach out if you need to. I know what it’s like and I would be very happy to be there for you.

    I also struggle with my blog, in three ways especially.
    1)I have social media burn out. I am tired of trying to “shovel the ocean.” I could hire three people and we could do social media and online marketing 24/7, and it would still feel never-ending.

    2) I’m sick and tired of writing for free/cheap in order to market my blog. I am a professional writer, I have a B.A. in Journalism, and I find it heart-breaking to watch the written word being devalued. Since the sale of the Huffington Post to AOL for $315 million, I’ve become very cynical and somewhat bitter: she built up the value of that site on the backs of all those people writing for free, and then sold it and pocketed the money — and she was already rich. People are calling it a “plantation business model” and I no longer want to be part of it. I was offered $50 for 2000 words and 10 photos by a very big, successful American travel site. I think that’s sickening. Pay the writer!

    3) Like you, I struggle with my content. I want it to be professional and popular, but I want to retain my “voice.” I have a mandate for my blog; a deeply felt desire to showcase the beauty of India. It feels like my purpose in life. But it’s not very trendy, it’s unique to the point of eccentric, and it certainly goes against the prevailing mainstream media — which usually paints India in a very bad light. I never know how personal I should be; but I know that I don’t beleive in objectivity (which is why I’m not working in mainstream journalism). I htink “truth” is in our subjective experience of life.

    Which is why your blog post is so powerful. Thanks again for writing it. And I hope you can feel you can express these things in person to me and your other friends in the travel blogging world

    P.S. This post just proves again why Dave and Deb are the best!

    Love, Mariellen

    

    Mariellen Ward May 28, 2011 at 5:44 pm Reply

    • Hi Mariellen, Don’t worry about the tweet up. We were there to meet up and have a good time. And I guess, saying that I lost my temper was a little more than what happened, i was more annoyed and firm when arguing my point. I would say that I was just a little more outspoken when talking and yes, you were there for that conversation. Dave always says I can sometimes be a little too hard on myself so I am glad to hear that you took it as expressing my opinion, because that is what I as trying to do.
      I agree with you regarding paying the writer. That is why Dave and I decided to build our brand and blog rather than spend our time scrambling to sell articles and photos. It has been working for us and we can focus on only one thing rather than stretching ourselves too thin. So we have chosen to building the blog as much as we can and using our content for our own blog rather than to pitch to magazines.
      I think that after writing the post and reading the comments, we have come to the conclusion that we will keep on the path we have been going. It is important to draw readers to your blog and be personal at the same time. I used to write more posts like this when I first started and then we began focusing on the travel information and experience. I think it is a good thing to do both. Posts about a location, posts including amazing photography and posts where we let our hearts hang out every once in a while. Thank you for the compliment and we look forward to seeni gyou on the 1st of June.

      

      davendeb May 29, 2011 at 1:52 pm Reply

34. I relate to a lot of what your saying. I left corporate Canada when I was 46. It wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t. I’ve carved out a nice niche for myself teaching and traveling. The option to live in Canada full-time again is probably not available to me any more. Sometimes that makes me sad, but most days I am grateful that I’m having the opportunity to live and travel in other cultures. Remember, so many people live their lives chained to a job or corporation and never having the guts to follow their dreams.

    You comments regarding TBEX are interesting. I’ve often wondered how much good information could be gleaned from attending. I think one of the challenges with travel blogging is not the competition (there are a lot of travel blogs out there), but the fact that travel bloggers give so much away. I think we’re in a fledgling industry with no clear business model. Hopefully, that will be developed over time.

    

    Nancie May 28, 2011 at 6:40 pm Reply

    • Hi Nancie, that was very brave of you to leave the corporate world behind. You are very right that too many people don’t take the chance to follow their dreams. I think that you are right that too much is given away as well. You said it, Travel Blogging is a fledgling industry and we are all trying to figure it out as we go along. I do love how supportive this community is though, we have found so many people who are very giving and sharing.

      

      davendeb May 29, 2011 at 1:58 pm Reply

35. It seems to be there’s a lot of love from other bloggers out there for the two of you so I hope you take something from that. You are both hugely admired & respected in the travel blogging industry – not a small feat at all. You make it look easy.

    I live in a vacuum – my house (alone a lot w hubby in Calgary M-F), my garden, my travels and my bloody computer so I’m very much looking forward to TBEX – just to connect with people – and at my age I don’t expect any magic bullets of info. I hope I learn a few tricks – things that come easily to the young more versed in computers, though now I’m a little less optimistic after reading your post; still I figure networking in my own backyard is well worth it. Wonder why the two of you weren’t invited to speak – especially since it’s being hosted in Canada. You have more than most to share.

    I have so many days when I wonder what the hell I am doing – working so hard for ….ah, now I remember, personal satisfaction and pocket money. I’m feeling like I have ADD – hopping from one thing to another. I can hardly wait to be 100% unplugged when I’m kayaking for a week on Lake Superior in July.

    Sounds like you may have to figure out when to say the word – NO – to people – so you can carve out more time and decrease your stress levels. Figured a 10 minute phonecall with you is much easier than email Q&A. I hate to be one to add to the stress.

    Dave- so sorry to hear about your friend & colleague. I don’t think anyone really knows what goes on inside someone else’s head.

    

    Leigh May 28, 2011 at 8:17 pm Reply

    • Thank you Leigh. I has been very uplifting. For some reason we are very down this week, even 3 days after writing this post, I still feel out of sorts about everything. Myself, my life and who I am. As Caz said earlier, the mood swings are extreme and they seem to be even more intense these days. I’m sorry to hear that your husband is in Calgary a lot right now, it is tough to be at home alone. And yes, you are in Vancouver, how can you not go? I really hope that people will start talking about it and maybe it will be better this year. Maybe the organizers will think long and hard about what they want to share and people will come away with more. Thanks for the mention about speakers, we don’t run in that circle and they are basically using the same speakers that they used last year. Another reason for us not to go.
      Have a great time on your trip on Lake Superior, that will be amazing. No problem about the Q&A, I look forward to it. You are right though, we do have to start to say no. We hate to let anyone down, but lately we are just too bogged down. I have a backlog of guest posts that I have promised people that I have to get to work on today. And yes, nobody can understand what is going on in anyones head when they are that far gone. Thank you.

      

      davendeb May 29, 2011 at 2:07 pm Reply

36. Hey guys! We can certainly relate – we took a big risk moving the family out of Toronto and into the country, and the stress of of that move has been balanced by the peace and tranquility out here. However, the gig options are VERY few and far between if something goes wrong. Not like in the city where there’s tons more security. But we’re persevering and making it work the best we can! I really hope you come out and visit when you get the chance!

    Love and stuff,
    Paul & Lisa and the kids!

    

    Paul Papadopoulos May 28, 2011 at 9:48 pm Reply

    • Hi Paul, thanks so much for your comment. I know that it must have been a very big move for you and Lisa and it was a very brave thing to do. You were thinking about quality of life though and I think that it will work out in the long run. You are a talented producer and such a pleasure to work with that your new venture will be a success for sure. I hope we can make it out before the rally for sure, I would love to see Lisa and the girls and to how much Niko has grown!

      

      davendeb May 29, 2011 at 2:11 pm Reply

37. I really appreciate your honesty here and your thoughts about TBEX. So many people hesitate to offer their opinion because they don’t want to offend others in the community, but how does that help the community at all? Constructive criticism should always be welcomed.

    As for the rest of it, again, thank you for sharing! I certainly don’t think the blog has become too “mainstream”, but I’m excited to see how things shift for you.

    

    Christy @ Technosyncratic May 28, 2011 at 10:56 pm Reply

    • You are right Christy, you don’t want to offend however it is when people speak out that great changes can occur. I don’t think that anyone from TBEX or even involved it in reads our blog, but maybe word will get out to them to pull up their socks a bit this year and it could turn into something very successful and informative for bloggers to continue to go to year after year. I will be interested in hearing how it goes.

      

      davendeb May 29, 2011 at 2:14 pm Reply

38. hi dave, sorry to hear about your friend… dont know where to start but i feel so happy i found this post today… same as you guys.. im a bit anxious (not sure if it’s the right word) about my current situation… feeling so uncomfortable with my new found less structured life… i guess like what Shannon said… its a feeling that everyone shares in the travelling community… take care hope to see you in asia someday…

    

    flip May 29, 2011 at 2:39 am Reply

    • Thanks Flip, Yep, I think you used the right word. I feel anxious every day. Hopefully we will meet up in Asia. It seems to be the place we are always drawn to the most. Good luck with everything to you too. I think that you are doing awesome.

      

      davendeb May 29, 2011 at 2:22 pm Reply

39. Dave/Deb – I am so sorry that you lost a friend. Suicide can be bewildering to process, and it’s hard to accept that someone you once knew so well couldn’t exist in this life. No wonder it makes you question who you are, what you’re doing and why.

    I truly applaud and adore your honesty. I remember when we met last summer in Toronto, I could sense the struggle you faced with showing your personal side versus keeping The Planet D brand all business – it was our talk about TBEX when it really struck me.

    My blog is a creative outlet for me. Sure, I’ve made some money from it, but nowhere near what others do. I write to share my wins, struggles and hopefully show that change isn’t easy, but can happen.

    As much as we love travel, blogging about it can be stressful and hard work with pay off down the road, not always immediate.

    I”ve always felt you’ve done a great job of balancing your genuine personalities with your “public” face and I agree with some of the others – many people have mentioned your names to me with always positive, supportive things to say.

    Even though I don’t always comment, I watch what you’re doing and admire how you created THIS life. Living is not a one-way street, and you’ve proven that.

    

    Nomadic Chick May 29, 2011 at 3:34 am Reply

40. So, so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. That must be terribly difficult, especially when you have all these other things going through your minds right now. It’s encouraging, I suppose, to hear from such accomplished bloggers on your own struggles, though I don’t wish these struggles on anyone. John and I are really new to blogging and plan to keep going since our lives are so nomadic, but we always look at the blog as an outlet and a way to connect to others in a similar situation than as a business. That said, it would be wonderful to make more than we do now with the blog because hey, who couldn’t use a little more money these days? It was also interesting to hear about TBEX because we haven’t been and won’t go this year because of our own travel schedule. If it was close, we’d go, but as others have said, we meet many bloggers on our travels and don’t feel the urgency to go out of our way to attend.

    I’m curious, if you don’t mind, about the piece of paper you neglected to send. This will be our first year doing taxes and having to include the blog, and I do taxes for US and Australia (you’re obviously Canada), so it may not apply, but this is always an interesting topic. Because our blog doesn’t make anywhere near enough money to set it up as its own business, but income still has to be claimed and we have an e-book, affiliate sales, etc.

    And thank you for such an honest post! Hope the blues blow over soon. It’s great that you are following your dreams and it sounds like your family encourages you. We just learned a phrase in Bolivia yesterday, “Es solo la vida” (it’s only one life). Life it how you want! =)

    

    Andrea May 29, 2011 at 11:35 am Reply

    • Hi Andrea. Thanks for the encouragement, I’ll send you an email with the tax mistake. It probably won’t affect you at all as we are an incorporated business in Canada so our taxes are a little different than most. I think that to travel is one of the most important things for a travel blog so you are doing a good thing to keep on traveling. There are always conferences, but your travels are the reason that people come to your blog, so to be on the road is exciting and fun.

      

      davendeb June 1, 2011 at 6:24 pm Reply

41. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, suicide is most difficult for the ones left behind. My thoughts are with you two during this sad time.

    Thank you Debra, for sharing your personal thoughts and for being honest about the issues you’re dealing with, I can so relate to everything you said in this post. We’ve all had our doubts, misgivings and struggles.

    We’re on a constant roller-coaster of writing, traveling, keeping our social media connections updated, chasing the oh so elusive dollar. Funny that when we all get together (like the last Travel Tribe) we seem to only talk about the positive aspects of our life, I wish we could feel comfortable enough with each other to talk honestly about the struggles we’re going through. We need to support each other as community because we, as travel bloggers, all understand that this lifestyle is not just about good times and being on a permanent vacation.

    Thank you for being brave enough to put on paper what a lot of us are feeling. I’ve always admired your adventurous spirit and now I admire the inner strength that allowed you to push the publish button on this story.

    At the end of the day we love what we do, it may not be perfect but I believe the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages… most of the time:)

    

    Dian Emery May 29, 2011 at 11:46 am Reply

    • Diane thanks so much for the comment. You are right, I guess at meet ups we all feel (or maybe it is just me) that we should inspire each other and cheer each other on. Thank you for your comment. You are right, when I hit publish, I wasn’t sure if i was the right thing to do.
      But then I got a message from a friend that isn’t a travel blogger. She said that she enjoyed reading about the honesty and emotions about our lives. If she is interested that is good, because our whole idea is to inspire and I don’t think that you can inspire people if they think your lives are perfect, which nobodies is.

      

      davendeb June 1, 2011 at 6:18 pm Reply

42. You two are just wonderful. Thank you so much for this very human post… it’s not easy inventing a new wheel and in some ways that’s what we’re all doing in the travel website/blogging world. Always remembering what’s in our hearts is so dang challenging when faced with what feels like a constant onslaught of brick walls, whether they come in the form of people, groups or institutions. I’m full of advice this week, with my daughter graduating from high school – so I’ll tell you, what I told her (and am telling myself when I say it;): The brick walls are constant but they aren’t there to keep you out – they are there for you to get over… (said much better and thoroughly in Randy Pausch’s famous “Last Lecture” – really worth a read or view on YouTube) Got a ticket to TBEX… not going. You know the rest Keep going!

    

    Margo May 29, 2011 at 12:26 pm Reply

    • Thank you Margo. You are right. I think that struggles make us all enjoy the success. Congratulations to your daughter graduating high school she has a wise mom.

      

      davendeb June 1, 2011 at 6:53 pm Reply

43. Thank you very much for this post. It must have taken some writing but I think you can see from the comments how much you encapsulated the feelings of alot of people. For me it was especially heartening to know we’re not the only ones facing worries of lifestyle choices and finances – and brave of you to write so openly about them.

    Also being 40 (ish!) and starting over (and getting fined by the taxman!!) it IS hard sometimes to keep hold of the ideals that made us want to travel and raise our kids diferently – but your post has re-affirmed to me that there are others out there with similar ideals who are willing to go through the hard times to achieve their goals and so can we. So thank you again for this post, it’s the posts like this that set you apart from the pack!

    

    Joe Pritchard May 29, 2011 at 10:23 pm Reply

    • Joe, I am happy that we could let you see that you are not alone. Congratulations on making your decision to live the life that you want too!

      

      davendeb May 30, 2011 at 12:47 pm Reply

44. Hi Dave & Deb,
    My condolences on the loss of your friend. It’s sad when we lose a friend but it’s moments like these that make us stop and think, examine our lives and the track we’re on. You lost a friend but the lessons we take from it can be so powerful and inspiring. We all have our ups and downs but remember those lessons and why you chose this path in the first place.
    As I write this comment, I glance at the stats of your blog on my SEO dashboard and I feel proud and happy. Proud that your blog has grown in leaps and bounds, proud that you made a conscious decision to make this blogging adventure your life and proud of the amazing content you’ve created (posts like these and Dave’s stunning photography). Your Mum is sooooo right!
    Needless to say, I’m so happy for both of you. Yes, there are the occasional hurdles but these are only placed in your path to make you sit up and think, and ultimately make you stronger and more determined. You have all my respect and I’m convinced that you will continue to grow and grow, simply because of who you are: fun, positive, grounded and generous.

    Lots of love & big, big hugs,
    Keith

    

    Keith May 30, 2011 at 6:13 am Reply

    • Keith, Thank you so much for your amazing comments. You brought a tear to my eye. You have always been so supportive and optimistic and that is the reason that everyone loves you so much. It is your giving way and generosity that makes you one of the most respected people online! Thank you so much and I am so happy that we have someone like you in our circle of friends and colleagues.

      

      davendeb May 30, 2011 at 12:43 pm Reply

45. Nice post and I know how you feel…

    I’ve seen an interview with a popular German music band & they said:

    If it would be easy, everyone would do it!

    So true! Let’s keep it hard & we stay patient & at some point, we’ve made it!

    

    Melvin May 30, 2011 at 7:24 am Reply

    • You said it Melvin. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. I’d love to be a rock star, but alas I’m not. Good to know that they struggle to.

      

      davendeb May 30, 2011 at 12:39 pm Reply

      • That band doesn’t struggle anymore. They are one of the most successful bands of Germany for about 20 – 25 years now. But they struggled pretty much at the beginning. Google did as well! Google’s headquarter was a garage at the beginning!

        

        Melvin May 30, 2011 at 3:51 pm

      • Yeah, I figured they were successful now. That’s what I meant sorry. I was really just stating that everyone struggles at some point and I would have loved to have been in a band. it was both mine and Dave’s dreams when we were younger, but like you said, it wasn’t easy. And we didn’t work hard enough at it which explains why we were never a success in music.

        

        davendeb May 30, 2011 at 3:57 pm

46. Great post, and I dig the honesty. Sad I won’t be seeing you two at TBEX BUTTTT we’ll see you in a week!

    

    Candice May 30, 2011 at 1:37 pm Reply

    • Yes, definitely see yo in Two Days.

      

      davendeb May 30, 2011 at 2:04 pm Reply

47. Oops, I mean TWO DAYS! haha

    

    Candice May 30, 2011 at 1:38 pm Reply

48. I’m so sorry for your loss… Unrelated, I’m very much looking forward to reading some more personal posts from two of my favorite bloggers. And I do agree that I wish I’d learned more at last year’s TBEX. I’m not going this year, so I didn’t even think to look at the speakers. Kind of bummed it’s the same ones. Sorry to hear about difficulties with the Mongol Rally — thrilled it looks like it worked out in the end. I can’t wait to watch! And Margo, meeting you was one of my highlights of last year’s TBEX!!

    

    Abby May 30, 2011 at 7:34 pm Reply

    • Thank you so much Abby. To tell you the truth, I only knew about it being the same speakers because everyone else told me. I had no intention of going in the first place. Before writing this, I looked it up to make sure my facts were straight and yes, It’s the same speakers. The Mongol Rally is starting to come together. Things always do right:-) On the side note, it was chatting with Sherry at TBEX that started the whole Mongol Rally things. There were definitely great people there and I am glad you and Margo connected.

      

      davendeb May 31, 2011 at 9:28 am Reply

      • Hey Deb, Dave & Abby,

        I’m curious by nature, so your ‘fact-checking’ statement prompted me to do a little comparing to last-year’s schedule. Results: 13 of the 37 speakers from this year are repeats from TBEX ’10. And exactly none speaking on monetization spoke about it last year. Since that’s a 35% repeat rate, and 50%+ of the attendees are new to the conference, I’d say that’s reasonable… Or maybe I’m wrong. Or maybe people who are quick to criticize have no idea the work that goes into something like this. Or maybe if anyone could show me proven people better at speaking on certain topics like narrative writing, branding, etc., they would surely be listened to. Or all of the above…

        Thanks for your thoughts though.

        

        Kim@TBEX June 2, 2011 at 9:04 pm

      • Thanks for adding more Kim. Like I said, I really had no intention of going back in the first place, repeat speakers or not. If you really want to know why, it was difficult for me to have any faith in the day when it started off with you saying over the microphone that we’ll have to bear with your because you were so hungover.
        I think the repeat speakers are the least of what people didn’t like about the conference. That was just a side note from me as well and definitely not the reason I wasn’t attending again. I made up my mind last year.
        We made a point of flying in on the red eye from Alaska because we were really looking forward to the day’s events. We already got the message in the morning that the conference was starting late because the parties went too late. Now I had to deal with a short day and a hungover moderator. (your words not mine) Because of all of that, the day was cut short, the final people were cut off and not much was learned. I’m all for a party, but not at the expense of the attendees.

        

        davendeb June 2, 2011 at 10:02 pm

      • Yes, interesting that’s how you read the situation. Since the sessions had ALWAYS been scheduled to start at 10am, I woke at 6 am (hungover or not) to remind everyone by email they had time to get in before sessions started. Not the other way around.

        But judge away…

        

        Kim@TBEX June 3, 2011 at 12:13 am

      • Interesting you think it is fine to be hungover for your own conference (re:hungover or not) That shows great character on your part.
        I remember the message well. I was sitting in an airport when we got it. You said since the parties were going so late, you were pushing back the days events.

        

        davendeb June 3, 2011 at 6:42 am

      • Wow. So I give reasonable facts, and point out that we have worked very hard to bring more of the information people requested from last year, and you are hungup on hangover. I actually think that says more about you than me. I’m also a mom with one Autistic child and the other with cancer in his spinal cord who uses a wheelchair for mobility. So I’m pretty comfortable with who I am, and my character. But thanks for hurling the personal insults, while I thought you had a concern about TBEX programming. Pretty classy.

        

        Kim@TBEX June 3, 2011 at 10:44 am

      • Kim, you have to calm down, I see that you are getting very upset. If you read the post I didn’t attack you personally at all. I am allowed to have my opinion. You came over to my blog accused me of judging and said that I don’t understand the work that I goes into something like this. I understand the work that goes into it and I know it takes a lot of effort and that you have to be on your top form. That is why maybe you should not be announcing to those who paid money to hear you speak and to people that you don’t know, that you partied too late the night before. We were all paying guests there to learn from you and your peers and to portray yourself in such an unprofessional manner was off putting from the beginning. How can you run a conference when you are not feeling well? I am sorry that you have a tough situation at home. But I am not here to talk about our personal lives, I am talking about what went on at last years conference and the reasons that I didn’t like it.

        

        davendeb June 3, 2011 at 11:33 am

      • …and not that it matters since your opinion has been formed. But for the sake of ‘fact-checking’ (once again) – this is a copy of the email sent out that you remember so well. Note it says we planned ahead all along to have a 10 am start time on Sunday. (Something some people are sad we aren’t doing this year.) http://eepurl.com/cewXj

        

        Kim@TBEX June 3, 2011 at 10:54 am

      • I certainly don’t need to defend anything. Besides, that’s not the message we got the night before, that is the original invitation. It started late, the presenters sessions were cut short that’s a fact. I am not attacking you personally as you stated elsewhere, I am simply repeating what you said to everybody at the conference. Thank you for your input and I hope that this years conference goes better.

        

        davendeb June 3, 2011 at 11:16 am

49. I happened upon this quote the other day and I think it fits your situation:

    “The minute you think of giving up, think of why you held on for so long.”

    I have no idea who wrote it but it caught my eye and actually I was thinking some of the same things as you- wondering could the blog become money that we could both live on without selling out? Could it lead to great photography projects or am I just kidding myself? I understand how you feel and I think it’s common. I’m 35 and I have a lot of the same fears. As each year creeps up, each financial move takes more out of you even if you’re following your heart.

    I left a great job but it was easier for me because I didn’t like it. Even my stressful days blogging are still better than my best days at the old job, even though then I had a pile of money… awww the days…

    It’s gonna happen for you. You two have always been an inspiration for me and it seems like you truly love what you do. If you love it, it will happen. Money will come around, it always does – even if we still stress about it all the time.

    I’m so sorry for Dave’s loss and your own. That is heartbreaking. I really hope there is someway to find peace within it for you both and his family.

    Big hugs – Beth

    

    Bethany May 30, 2011 at 10:20 pm Reply

    • Bethany, that is a beautiful quote. I often believe that people just need to hold on a little bit longer before things turn around. Those are all the questions we go through all the time. I can’t tell you how many times we say “Are we doing the right thing?” and then as Caz stated the moods swings are so huge because at other times we tell ourselves how proud we are of how far we’ve come and we couldn’t imagine going back to our other life. We love Travel Blogging. I never knew what it was like to love a career so much that it doesn’t feel like work. Sure it is work, but I love what I do.
      Thank you as well from Dave, our hearts go out to his friends family and little girl.

      

      davendeb May 31, 2011 at 10:09 am Reply

50. *hugs* Thanks for sharing. Hopefully it helped ease your worries and concerns just a bit? If it helps to know, you have tons of online supporters who will rejoice in your success and worry along with your at your hardships.

    

    jill- Jack and JIll Travel May 31, 2011 at 8:02 am Reply

    • Thank you Jill. It is amazing how much this post helped us to feel better and the reason being because of people like you and everyone else that commented. There is such wonderful support on the Internet. Our circle of Blogging friends are the best in the world and that is why I know that we will all be a great success together. We share and we learn from one another and most of all we support each other. Thank you again.

      

      davendeb May 31, 2011 at 11:22 am Reply

51. Deb – very thoughtful post. I’m sorry to hear of Dave’s friend. Dave – keep up the photography – it’s such an expressive art form, and I really find some gems in the posts.

    I understand a lot of what you are saying. Although I recently partnered fully with my wife Chris, who started our blog, I had been tagging along in the past and providing some technical help and photos (where I could). We went to last year’s TBEX in NYC – I found some of it helpful, but a lot of it was too much of a general overview for me, and I was hoping to get specifics – that’s not a good sign coming from a novice. I think the main issue was that it was the first TBEX meeting and the large group auditorium wasn’t the best learning setting, so I’ll give them a pass on that – I’m sure something like that is very hard to organize. However, the networking did prove useful. We are going again this year, but we now live in Seattle, so getting to Vancouver is not an issue. I think if they were to do anything differently for Vancouver, it would be to source out new presenters with different points of view – I personally would find that very helpful.

    Between the various local and national networking we’ve done, I’ve come to realize that many of the high-traffic sites don’t make much, and some will freely admit that, so there is a lot of noise you have to wade through. From what I have seen, the ones that ARE making decent money are selling something other than general ads. On the flip side, there are other bloggers who use their sites as catalysts for other work – maybe they are technical consultants, professional freelance writers, or touring speakers, etc.

    

    Don Faust May 31, 2011 at 2:17 pm Reply

    • Thank you Don, Don’t worry, the photography is going to be going strong. I just wanted to make sure that we keep the honesty and integrity going as well. But I agree, there can be so much said in a photograph. Welcome to the Blogging World. I agree about the advice being too general. It was actually the second TBEX meeting so I think that they should have had it together better. I think it was pretty much the same presenters the first time around to, but don’t quote me on that one. I hope that it goes better this year, and you are right, networking is always a good thing, especially when you don’t have to pay for a flight.

      

      davendeb May 31, 2011 at 5:14 pm Reply

      • Wow – ok, I thought that was TBEX’s first in NYC. I stand corrected.

        

        Don Faust May 31, 2011 at 5:28 pm

      • No problem. As one person said to us, sometimes Three times a charm:)

        

        davendeb May 31, 2011 at 6:00 pm

52. What a tumultuous past few weeks for you guys, I know that y will be successful and things will get better and I’m so excited to see you tomorrow

    

    Cailin May 31, 2011 at 9:21 pm Reply

53. What a great post! I can relate to every word you have written (except I didn’t attend TBEX). I gave up a successful TV job 7 months ago to travel the world. It has been everything I dreamed of and more. I don’t expect my blog to support me (but a little monetization would be nice). I too have lost friends while I have been on the road and it only reinforces why I’m doing this. It was my dream as a young boy and as I neared 50 I realized that if I didn’t take the plunge and do it… it might never happen. Thank you for putting it all into words so eloquently, and straight from the heart.

    

    Darren Weir June 1, 2011 at 4:15 pm Reply

    • Darren, good for you for taking the plunge and following your dreams. You are living proof that can do it at any age.

      

      davendeb June 1, 2011 at 5:44 pm Reply

54. So sorry to hear it’s been a rough week … though your post about it was refreshing to read. It’s important to keep those warm-n-fuzzy emails we receive from friends and family to cheer us up on our down days. I actually have an email folder titled “good karma” that I go back and read through when things get tough. I also collect and save uplifting quotes. Here’s one for you …

    “Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have.” – Norman Vincent Peale

    I’m rooting for you guys for Mongol Rally! Can’t wait to follow along on your adventure.

    Rachelle

    

    Rachelle June 1, 2011 at 4:20 pm Reply

    • Rachelle, That is an excellent idea. I think that I will start to do that and thank you for the quote. I hadn’t heard that one before.

      

      davendeb June 1, 2011 at 5:45 pm Reply

55. I’m not sure what you expected to get at TBEX. It sounds like you thought you’d show up and be told the secrets to making money.

    Did you bother to talk to any of the people you wanted information from? Did you ask them any questions? Did you socialize with them at all?

    If you go to any conference expecting to get a revelation during sessions, you are going to be disappointed. The key to any conference is to go with an agenda of who exactly you want to talk to and what you want to walk away with. I have meetings already lined up at TBEX with the people I need to meet face-to-face with. I hope to walk away from TBEX with several partnerships and business arrangements that will set up the rest of the year for me. I also get a chance to hang out with people I haven’t seen in months or since last year.

    That is the whole point of a conference: meeting people in person you don’t normally get to meet. All the real value from any conference, not just TBEX, comes in the hallway, during meals and in the evening. There is nothing you will get from the sessions of any conference that you can’t get online. It costs thousands of dollars to attend TED even though all the speeches are available online for free. People pay for the hallway, not the stage.

    

    Gary Arndt June 1, 2011 at 4:34 pm Reply

    • Hi Gary Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I was looking for monetization, Especially when there was a panel dedicated to Blog Monetization. Shouldn’t they have offered some advice on that since they had a segment dedicated to it? At the time we were very much at a loss on how to take Blogging to the next step. We’re doing fine on that front now.
      I would have appreciated the day starting on time and therefore not being so rushed as well. You have a very good point and are certainly right, the networking is very important when it comes to conferences but presentations need to be informative as well. That’s the reason people watch TED online for inspiration and gain information from the presentations. Good for you for arranging meetings and partnerships. You are definitely an entrepreneur.

      

      davendeb June 1, 2011 at 5:48 pm Reply

      • Hi Deb & Dave,

        Condolences about your friend, that must be a tough loss.

        And sorry you were disappointed with the monetization panel at the TBEX ’10 NYC meeting. We learned from last year, as unexpectedly growing 100% each year isn’t the easiest way to keep everyone happy. But a quick glance at the schedule for TBEX ’11 in Vancouver shows none of the speakers on that particular topic are repeats from last year (on that topic). And the workshop (more intimate and detailed than a panel) repeats, so people don’t have to miss it. And you’ll notice the workshop has “reality check” in the title, since you’re not the only one in the same boat, hoping there was an easy answer (there’s not, so we’re getting creative…).

        Not to mention a great blogger/industry “jam session” which will produce actionable ideas and projects to be beneficial to both sides separately. I’m confident this combined with a continued focus on quality travel-related content (as it’s impossible to monetize if this isn’t in order), and developing important relationships through networking, will make TBEX ’11 even more productive for people (many of whom made money-making partnerships with industry members last year).

        Truly hope next week is better for you all.

        Also…see you next week in Vancouver Gary!

        

        Kim@TBEX June 2, 2011 at 5:52 pm

      • That’s great Kim. I hope that the conference goes well for you, it sounds like you have some good ideas. Good luck and all the best. I do have to say it is interesting you left a very different comment here and a more scathing one buried in the middle of the comments. I know that you thought Gary’s comment was at the top of the comment list, but that was simply because I had comments broken down into groups of 50. I’ve fixed that so your other comments are first now. Best of luck

        

        davendeb June 2, 2011 at 9:48 pm

56. please accept our condolences for your loss – it hits hard, doesn’t it? when it is a surprise, or someone young – but nonetheless, it is painful, grief.

    i love your site. keep it going! keep your faith in yourselves – we all have faith in you – you’ve got great content, and a unique angle. it’s always a joy to read your site, and see your amazing photos.

    that said, i completely understand about burnout. it makes travel NOT fun, when you have to think about writing about it. add in the social media extravaganza, and you’ve got a buffet of work to do, and only one small plate of energy to utilize. i do think we’re shaping the future of travel writing and blogging, all of us, one post and idea at a time.

    your honesty is refreshing. we went to TBEX 1 in chicago – it was one day, and fun to meet other travel bloggers. because of my disabilities, we drove home right after, and i was completely exhausted from it. i think that most of what people get out of TBEX is the chance to connect in person, and i feel that we missed a lot of that because we didn’t stick around. i hope that all of the people attending this year have a chance to do just that, meet and mingle and join in the synergy of a group of like-minded people. it *can* be amazing. i am so happy you have tweet-ups (envious, in fact – we live in the boonies) and also glad that this community is so very supportive.

    the truth? the world is a precarious place, even a job isn’t safe, and life is too short. GLAD you’re on the path you chose. bravo!

    hugs, jessie

    

    wandering educators June 1, 2011 at 4:35 pm Reply

    • Thanks Jessie, you are so right this is a very supportive community, your comments reiterate that point for sure. You are so right, a job isn’t safe and life is short. I was out with a friend last night and she said it as well. It was like she had this calm and zen about her. She had made a decision recently to live life on her terms and enjoy it because life is short.

      

      davendeb June 1, 2011 at 5:56 pm Reply

57. This post brought tears to my eyes. Continue to follow your heart. And sharing. My thoughts are with you both. Lots of love, Diana

    

    DTravelsRound June 1, 2011 at 5:16 pm Reply

    • Thanks Diana. We appreciate that.

      

      davendeb June 1, 2011 at 5:57 pm Reply

58. Great and heartfelt post. Thanks so much for sharing this!

    

    Laura June 1, 2011 at 5:32 pm Reply

59. Dear Deb and Dave,

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. How devastating!

    I met you two a year ago this month. You both light up this world! Thank you for sharing your “reality check.” It sounds like a rough time but like everything, this too shall pass. Hang in there – and keep following your passion!

    xo Beth

    

    Beth Blair June 1, 2011 at 5:46 pm Reply

    • Thanks Beth. It was exactly a year ago we met. We had such a great time and learned so much from all of you on Princess. That was really an inspirational trip with all of you.

      

      davendeb June 1, 2011 at 5:52 pm Reply

60. It sounds like it’s been a tough week for you. I suggest, if you can, take some downtime and regroup. It’s hard to lose a friend and suicide makes it worse. The inevitable question is: is there anything I could have done. The answer, realistically, is probably not, but that doesn’t make you feel any better. And then more stuff on top of that. These seem to be very challenging times for a lot of people all over. Hopefully, they will pass.
    We were going to go to TBEX, but life got in the way. I had zero expectations from the event- I’m not a conference person, but there are a lot of people who will be there that I’d like to meet and network with. If I came away with a bonus- cool. But, alas, I’m not going to be able to get there. I think if you attend something like this with expectations, it will probably disappoint.
    Keep up your great blog and your exciting travels.
    Maybe GBN will do a webinar on monetization.

    

    santafetraveler June 1, 2011 at 7:05 pm Reply

    • Hi Santafetraveler, thanks and yes we did take some down time this week and it felt great. We made sure to connect with friends and enjoy ourselves. Sorry you can’t make it.
      I’d like to reiterate that it was last year regarding monetization. It is not something I need as much this year although brainstorming with friends and coming up with ideas is always an ongoing thing.
      But that was what I was looking for a year ago and I know that others were looking for that as well. Especially when there was a presentation called “Monetizing your Blog.” I don’t think that there is anything wrong with wanting to come away from a seminar about monetization with some answers on how to monetize.
      There were many questions I wanted answered in other different presentations as well. It wasn’t just monetization, that’s the one I chose for this post:-)

      

      davendeb June 2, 2011 at 12:04 pm Reply

61. Your candor rocks.

    

    Kara June 1, 2011 at 7:47 pm Reply

    • My candor or Deb’s?

      

      santafetraveler June 2, 2011 at 12:33 am Reply

      • Dave & Deb – for putting it out there.

        

        Kara June 2, 2011 at 7:51 am

      • I’m not sure, maybe both

        

        davendeb June 2, 2011 at 12:04 pm

62. I totally get where you guys are coming from. It’s really scary to be out there without a net, trying to make money in this medium where there is no tried and true formula. I’ve been blogging for two years now and for every step of progress I make, I feel like there are 10 things I could of/should of done. It’s really freaking hard some times.

    As for TBEX, I really found the first day last year (which you guys missed) to be more helpful than the second. I was most interested in the sessions on writing and craft, and I am excited for those again this year. I think monetization is tricky b/c everyone wants to do it and nobody really knows how. However, I found it really encouraging to meet and network with all of these people in the same travel blogging boat as me, and I came out feeling more inspired for it. That’s why I’m returning this year- I’m hoping for more encouragement. And to meet some awesome people!

    I think the biggest problem with a conference like TBEX, or anyone trying to give advice about travel blogging really is that none of us really know what we’re doing, or how to make it big. We’re all just stabbing around in the dark, trying to figure out what works. But I guess that’s the consequence of choosing an unorthodox career path huh?

    

    Stephanie June 1, 2011 at 9:32 pm Reply

    • Hi Stephanie, I like your positivity and you are so right, I met many people that inspired me and that I was happy to meet in person. I’m doing the Mongol rally because of meeting up with Sherry at TBEX.
      However, I think it is a little ridiculous for a conference to have people up there not knowing what they are talking about. When I watch a presenter, I don’t want them taking a stab in the dark. I have learned tons this year on all kinds of aspects of blogging. If someone asked me to speak at a conference, I would make sure that I knew my topic very well. So I am going to have to disagree with you. Conferences are about getting the best of the best up on stage sharing their wisdom with the attendees.

      

      davendeb June 2, 2011 at 12:09 pm Reply

63. Deb & Dave, My heartfelt condolences to you. Losing friends is tragic, losing them in this way is tragic, senseless and leaves so many questions answered. My thoughts are with you.

    I’m proud of you guys too, you inspire me regularly, and even if I’m not someone who often comments on blogs, I felt the need to do so here today. Deb, thanks for being so honest here, it’s refreshing to read what must not have been an easy post to write. Keep doing what you do so well, good things, great things are a round the corner!

    Cheers to you both!

    

    Ken Kaminesky June 2, 2011 at 12:28 am Reply

64. I think that working and travelling combined is not the idyll people think that it is, particularly if you have only one income stream, one site, and the world to cope with. Freelance writing and photography are not easy. Blogging is not easy. And when a passion project becomes a sole stream of income, it’s very, very tough. Thanks for writing so honestly. And, thanks also for not turning to monetizing by claiming that it’s easy to make money online. Because the vast bulk of people who do are selling pyramid schemes on how to earn a living online.

    

    Theodora June 2, 2011 at 12:36 am Reply

    • Thanks Theodora. Like everything, no business is easy. We are all lucky that we love what we do. Nearly every successful person had struggles and doubts, but they believed so much in what they were doing that they persevered through the lean times. That is what passion is about. IT doesn’t matter what obstacles come your way, you’ll keep struggling through because you can’t see yourself doing anything else.

      

      davendeb June 2, 2011 at 11:57 am Reply

65. Wow, moments like these are the ones that make you step back, look at things from a different perspective and truly know what you want in life. It might be hard some times, it happens to all of us, but those hard moments are the ones that teach us how bad we want certain things, what we are truly passionate about, and what makes us happy.

    Also, posts like this also help us, your readers, to reflect on similar things. At least I did.
    Even though this post came out of frustrations and a hard time, I think you did a great job funneling your energy and sharing your thoughts with us.

    

    Norbert June 2, 2011 at 10:04 am Reply

66. Insightful, honest post guys. Just remember, the grass is always greener on the other side!
    You guys are living a life that many people could only dream about. I think people forget that it’s not free, sacrifices need to be made (which you have clearly done). When it stops being fun, that’s when you’ll know a change is needed!

    

    Cam June 2, 2011 at 11:35 am Reply

    • Thanks Cam, one thing I can tell you for sure, Travel Blogging is fun. Travel is fun and being with Dave is fun. Sometimes life has challenges, but that is in everything. I love what we do and that was definitely not how I meant for this post to come off…Cheers and thanks for being so great as a fellow Canadian Travel Couple. Woohoo!

      

      davendeb June 2, 2011 at 11:14 pm Reply

67. Wow, not much else can be said being comment 135! lol I don’t have anything else to add except that I have used your India section more then any other website on the net for finding info. The photos are great but the writing is what keeps me coming back, like the tips ate the bottom of posts. I like this and when thrown all together you guys have a wonderful site!

    Do what you think is best and yes the travel blog community can be haters at times. I don’t want to have to kiss ass 24/7 just to make it, as thats why i left my old job in the first place and couldn’t stand it! lol Have you guys thought about 6 months on and 6 months off of travel? That is my goal, as I could see myself getting burned out as well doing it all the time.

    

    T-roy June 2, 2011 at 8:16 pm Reply

    • T-roy, thank so much for stopping by and I don’t know if you noticed, but we took your advice about taking off the right click. We appreciated the email letting us know you didn’t like it, l didn’t realize it caused all those problems and I am so glad we nipped it in the bud before we left in on for too long. Glad we could help you out with India. It is quite the country and I know we needed all the help we could get, so it feels great to pay it forward.. 6 month on and 6 months off is an excellent idea. We’ve been thinking along the lines of a great adventure lasting a couple of months and then taking a month or so off either in Canada or wherever the wind takes us. Several months in a row can definitely contribute to burn out.

      

      davendeb June 2, 2011 at 10:01 pm Reply

68. I’m very, very sorry about your friend, Dave. That has to be crushing.

    Deb, I agree with you that the lack of information about monetization at TBEX last year–when there was an expectation that we would get information about it–was a huge disappointment for many of us. They saved it for late in the day on Sunday, which was a critical error because they ran out of time to cover the topic as thoroughly as they should have when other sessions ran long. Too much time was spent on reading people’s writing aloud–lovely though the writing was, I could have read it on my own time. That’s not why I paid all that money to go to the conference. I believe they’ve learned their lesson about that, based on things I’ve read online. At least, I hope they have.

    Blogging is definitely not as easy as people think it is. So much about it is uncharted territory–how to monetize, tax issues, SEO, etc. I may not be living the location-independent dream that some of you are, and there are days I hate my day job with a passion, but I’m grateful for the fact that my blog is not my only source of income, because if it were, I’d be a big ball of stress all the time (not to mention flat broke and eating at soup kitchens). Everything has a downside, even when you do pursue what makes you happy. Here’s hoping things turn around for you soon.

    

    Gray June 3, 2011 at 11:22 am Reply

    • I completely agree. Some things should not have been as long as they were. I would have loved more on the business of Blogging, tax issues, SEO etc. and by the end of the day we ran out of time. Hopefully they take people’s opinions and concerns that are happening everywhere on the Internet right now and make this years conference a great one.

      

      davendeb June 3, 2011 at 11:37 am Reply

69. Hey Dave and Deb,
    You guys are the gold standard so don’t get down. You inspire a lot of other people and bloggers. I enjoyed your post…do what you love and the money will follow.
    Jason

    

    Jason June 4, 2011 at 12:31 am Reply

    • Thanks Jason, You are absolutely right and I agree. Do what you love and success is bound to happen. Cheers and we appreciate you commenting.

      

      davendeb June 4, 2011 at 10:18 am Reply

70. we were kinda hoping to meet the two of you at TBEX. Doesnt sound like that is going to happen;(. You guys are what we want to be when we grow up. Cheers-Mike

    

    Mike June 4, 2011 at 6:37 pm Reply

    • Aw, bummer we’ll miss you, but I know we will meet up somewhere in the world. It is amazing how many people we have met in person over this past year. The travel community is so small. Thanks so much for stopping by, I so love seeing other couples out there traveling together. It used to be something of an anomaly, now it is becoming more the norm. Something that we are so happy to see. People used to always ask us how we could travel together for so long, now we are happy to see that a lot of people enjoy traveling with their better half. Yay!

      

      davendeb June 5, 2011 at 9:38 am Reply

71. Dave and Deb, there’s not much left to say after Dave’s mum wrote that. I’m sorry to hear about the suicide. As for the travel blogging world, please know that for many travel bloggers, you guys are recognized to be those on the top. That includes me. I look up to you guys. We don’t come to TBEX either, but if we do, you are the kind of people we are hoping to listen from. Don’t worry so much about your blog content, be it Dave’s outstanding photography or your guys interesting stories, your blog is already one on the top Yes, I’m a fan!

    

    Dina June 6, 2011 at 7:58 pm Reply

    • Dina thanks so much for your comment. We appreciate your kind words. We certainly didn’t realize that this post would generate so much discussion. There were so many things that we didn’t like about TBEX and people seem to think that we are hung up on the monetization which is just one aspect. There are also so many things that we want to do with the blog and our lives that need improvement. (like everyones business and lives in general) We also were taking this post to take stock of where the blog is going and where our lives heading. We certainly appreciate the outpour of support and feel encouraged by this amazing community called Travel Blogging. I think it is important to lay it all on the line once in a while. Everyone is human and just trying to figure things out. Cheers, Dina and all the best We’re fans of yours too!

      

      davendeb June 7, 2011 at 9:36 am Reply

72. Your honesty is refreshing. For me, travel has this cool serendipitous quality where help comes, financially, emotionally, or in whatever way, just when I need it. Hope that happens for you guys too

    

    Jasmine June 8, 2011 at 12:23 am Reply

    • Thanks Jasmine, you are absolutely right. We are always amazed how things work out when you remain positive and take a chance. It’s like the universe rewards a person for seeking a life that makes them happy.

      

      davendeb June 8, 2011 at 12:32 pm Reply

73. This was such a beautifully written post. So honest and I’m sure it resonated with a lot of people (look at all of the comments!). I’m terribly sorry for the loss of Dave’s friend. Death always puts things in perspective right? Best wishes and much love!

    

    Andi of My Beautiful Adventures June 8, 2011 at 5:52 pm Reply

    • Thank you Andi. Yes, death does put things into perspective. LIfe can change in an instant. It is such an overused cliché, but then again it means so much. All we have is this moment and to be happy in the here and now. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring and we can’t change the past, so the decisions and choices that we make, lead us to where we are now and all we can hope is that we are i a good place and living with no regrets. I am so happy to be home for a while to be able to see my friends and family. It is important for us to have everyone know what they mean to us. Thank you and I am so happy for you and the life that you are living. Enjoy!

      

      davendeb June 9, 2011 at 9:33 am Reply

74. Great update. I appreciate the honesty! SO many folks feel the same way about TBEX… I think it’s just a bit scary to come out and say it.

    Condolences for your friend. Definitely makes you stop to think about the important stuff!

    

    Angie Orth June 10, 2011 at 5:23 am Reply

75. Pingback: A Very Good Week | Social Media Syndicate

76. The honesty with which this post was written is what makes it so great.

    As someone who is relatively new to this scene (travel, blogging, photography, etc) I can relate to a lot of your points, but from the perspective of a reader, I agree completely with one of your first points. When a blog going mainstream and tries to monetize, it does so at the risk of losing readers and authenticity.

    I can go to any number of websites and read articles on this place and that place, what makes sites like this one different are the personalities and the people behind it. I want to read about your experiences, not a travel guide. I want to read about what you saw, what you felt, what moved you, etc. I don’t need a review of every major monument or mountain, unless it comes with personal reflection.

    I hope my words don’t come off as harsh, I just want you to know what your readers appreciate, and judging by the fact that I am now reading this post a month later (and 160+ comments later) – this is the type of post that resonates with readers.

    Best of luck on your future endeavors, my condolences to Dave on the loss of his friend. I don’t have many friends, so I cannot imagine losing any of them like that.

    All the best.

    

    Justin Hamlin June 29, 2011 at 8:49 am Reply

    • Hi Justin, Thanks for your comment and your words definitely didn’t come off as harsh, I appreciate the feedback and I am making it my goal to keep it real. You are so right, trying to balance the business of blogging with keeping it authentic is a difficult thing to do. However, I think being aware is the main key. Dave and I have always tried to be aware of our strengths and weaknesses in life. We try to bring that over into the blog. We can look at the way it is going and step back and say, “would I read this?” When I say no, it is time to change direction. Thanks for your condolences. It is true, life as a traveler makes keeping friends difficult. We have a small circle of friends that we value and luckily for us, they put up with us popping in and out of their lives regularly.

      

      davendeb June 29, 2011 at 9:33 am Reply

77. Pingback: My 7 Links - The Planet D: Around the World Adventure Couple

78. Being real, remembering to live life. realizing what life is all about. Sure, we can all get caught up in the little things and the details of what we are doing right now (or what we forget to do). Sometimes those reminders about what matters comes in sad ways.

    Honestly, being open, honest, and vulnerable is something I intentionally do on my blog. A number of people have noted that they appreciate that openness and vulnerability. It’s always tied back to travel but in some ways it may be therapeutic and cathartic for me to process life and what it means through the perspective of travel. And it reminds me of what matters.

    

    Jeremy Branham July 22, 2011 at 12:28 pm Reply

    • Thanks for the comment Jeremy, You are absolutely right, it is very therapeutic to put it all out there. I remember I felt so much better after writing this article. I woke up feeling very blue and then felt a big load lift after writing it.

      

      davendeb July 22, 2011 at 7:09 pm Reply

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