Connect With The People And The Destination

Meet Denis

Home Nicaragua

Been Traveling Since 1999

Type Style Adventure

Interview

How do we know one another?

Answer: We worked for a nonprofit organization based in Leon, Nicaragua. We connected on the very first day we met. On that same day, we ended up hanging out on the beach with people who worked at the hostel. By chance, we were partnered up and sent to work together in Jinotega.

What made you fall in love with traveling?

Answer: The fact that it shapes the way I think and feel about the world. When traveling, my mind and soul feel full of joy. Even when situations don’t go as expected, there’s always a lesson in it that contributes to my personal development.

As a tour guide, what’s the best part of your profession?

Answer: Connecting with people. No matter their nationalities, I’ve found that we all have so much in common. The differences are there so that we can always learn from one another. I love interacting with people – even with those who speak different languages. There are always ways to communicate and build bridges between one another.

In many of my posts, I’m guilty of focusing heavily on international travel. As someone who does a lot of local traveling, could you discuss the importance of why others should explore their native countries?

Answer: I believe that before traveling to other countries, a person has to know about their native land. Each country has its own beauty. By having a greater understanding of you homeland, it allows you to better share your own culture, places of wonder, history, myths and foods with others. You never know if the local people, you encounter, will have the opportunities to travel. You can help them by teaching them about your foods, traditions and dances.

Could you discuss a few advantages and disadvantages of traveling in smaller vs larger groups?

Answer: Based on my experiences, traveling in larger groups can become a bit more disorganized because there are more personalities, opinions, and interests to account for. It’s more challenging to lead multiple people through the same activities, while satisfying everyone’s different expectations. The bright side of traveling in large groups is that you have a greater chance of meeting people and making lifelong friendships. No matter when or where you travel, the people you meet become a part of your life. They’ll always be in your memories.

In small groups, things are more manageable. The experience can be more personal and unique due to the freedom of going wherever you want and spending time however you decide. You can stay at a place as long you want, or even shorten the time.

Personally, I prefer traveling in small groups. When traveling in small groups, you need good partners; otherwise, the experience can be difficult.

What do you believe are the top 3 reasons to visit Nicaragua?

Answer:

1. The entire country is a natural wonder with a lot of hidden places for adventurers who like to travel off the grid.

2. Outdoor Activities! You can hike volcanos and ride sleds back down, hike underneath beautiful waterfalls, and relax on white sand beaches on beautiful Caribbean islands – without even leaving the country.

3. Coffee. We produce some of the best coffee in the world. If you come to Nicaragua, then tasting the coffee is a must!

Name a couple of destinations on your bucket list? And why are you interested in those places?

Answer: India. There’s a lot to see and learn from the spiritual aspect. I’m interested in visiting temples and exploring the belief systems that exist there.

Ireland. I’ve seen movies that have shown the country’s stunning landscapes. Also, it seems like a place where I can learn a lot of things. Lastly, I like cold weather so that is another reason to travel there.

If you had a television show, what would it be about?

Answer: Denis & Mike On The Road. (LOL). It would be about our travel adventures, meeting people, tasting different foods and exploring new places.

If you had to eat the same meal everyday for a year, what would it be?

Answer: My mom’s chop suey. It’s the best in the world!

You had to delete all but 3 artists from your music playlist. Who’s left?

Answer:
1. Juan Luis Guerra
2. Snoop Dogg
3. Guns N’ Roses

What’s the best travel advice you have to share with others?

Answer: Connect with the destination you visit and its people. There isn’t anything more meaningful than becoming a part of the place, culture and people. The connections you make during your trips will be your best memories!