Same-sex couple Danielle and Anna, known as @itsvabene on Instagram, has been inspiring travellers with their bold and charming travel images since 2015. We talk to the duo about the challenges of travelling as an LGBTQ+ couple, favourite romantic destinations, and preferred holiday activities. By Adila Matra
T+L India: How long have you been travelling together? How did you end up being travel influencers?
Anna: We’ve been travelling together from the very beginning of our relationship (May, 2015)! I always make fun of Danielle because she invited herself on a trip I was going on, the week after we met. And I just couldn’t say no. I am a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot currently working in Curacao while Danielle works remotely with a digital marketing agency. We initially started ‘Itsvabene’ as a way to keep our friends and family updated on all of our travels and it really just grew naturally from there.
T+L India: What is the goal of ‘itsvabene’? Do you think of yourself as an inspiration for other queer couples?
Anna: The main goal of ‘itsvabene’ has always been to help maintain the visibility of our community. We love to inspire other LGBTQ+ couples to follow their travel dreams and help them feel more comfortable in doing so. We’ve also met so many amazing people in the queer community and have made lifelong relationships in the process.
T+L India: Have you, as a gay couple, faced any challenges while travelling?
Danielle and Anna: We’ve been very lucky. Yes, there are always going to be those people who stare at us and ask strange questions, but we’ve never felt like we were in danger.
T+L India: Which city has been the most LGBTQ-friendly?
Danielle and Anna: Miami and Amsterdam. We had the pleasure of experiencing pride parade in both cities and we can say that the amount of love and acceptance from the locals was overwhelming.
T+L India: What are your favourite holiday activities as a couple?
Danielle and Anna: We love to stay active on our trips. Whether it’s hiking, skiing, or snorkelling, we live for the thrill of experiencing new things.
T+L India: How do you sort out differences in itinerary preferences while travelling?
Danielle: Anna is pretty laid back and goes with the flow while I love to plan everything out! After travelling for years together, we’ve come up with a good system of balancing relaxation days and active days on our holidays.
T+L India: Which is your favourite romantic destination and why?
Danielle and Anna: The first one that comes to mind is Matera. It is an ancient town in Southern Italy that is carved into solid rock. You can sleep in a cave-like hotel that is equipped with a jacuzzi. It is such a cool experience.
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