This week we embark on an enchanting journey with Luana and Fred, two Brazilian souls whose trajectory from skilled helicopter pilots to passionate world travellers is as captivating as the destinations they explore. In this exclusive interview for the February issue of the LUXE Travel magazine, the dynamic duo shares the extraordinary story of their transition from the cockpit to the globe-trotting lifestyle, propelled by unforeseen events, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Luana and Fred divulge their most cherished travel moments, reveal the most romantic destinations that have left an indelible mark on their hearts, and offer insightful advice for couples contemplating long-term travel together.

CAN YOU SHARE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR JOURNEY FROM A BEING HELICOPTER PILOTS TO WORLD TRAVELLERS? WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LEAVE THE COCKPIT AND EMBARK ON A GLOBAL ADVENTURE TOGETHER?

Fred and I are both Brazilians, born and raised. It all started when we worked for a helicopter company in Whistler, Canada. At that time, we were invited to be ambassadors for the Whistler Tourism Board to share unique activities the city offered from an immigrant perspective. Traveling has always been a passion of ours, and through the tourism in Whistler, we were able to explore more of Canada. As we started sharing our travels more professionally, we fell in love with the idea of doing it for a living. However, our priority and dream were still to continue flying helicopters. That changed when COVID happened, leading to our layoff and the expiration of our work VISA. Due to these circumstances, we decided to move to Europe and pursue a career in digital marketing.

COULD YOU SHARE ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS YOU'VE HAD WHILE TRAVELING AS A COUPLE?

It's hard to pick just one. Fred and I often say, "we have lived 80 lives in just one." As full-time travellers, we've experienced so many things that we could never have imagined. Here are a few examples that come to mind: a movie under the stars in the Maldives, renewing our vows in Capri, watching the Aurora Borealis from our igloo in Finland, observing penguins in their natural habitat in Antarctica, playing golf during sunset in the Seychelles, riding a camel in Jordanian deserts, a balloon flight in Cappadocia, visiting Petra just the two of us in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, watching the fountains at Burj Khalifa during a romantic dinner at the Armani Restaurant, diving with sharks without a cage in Hawaii, flying a helicopter to a 1000-year-old ice cave, having dinner at the foot of a volcano in Bolivia, and so on.

FOCUSING ON ROMANTIC SPAS AND RESTAURANTS THIS MONTH, DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE ROMANTIC SPA OR RESTAURANT FROM YOUR TRAVELS THAT STAND OUT IN YOUR MEMORY?

The most romantic spa was at Raffles Maldives, where there was a glass floor, and we could see marine life passing by while relaxing. That was so unique!

CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT A FEW ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS THAT HAVE LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON BOTH OF YOU? ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC PLACES THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY?

The Maldives and Seychelles. These two were the most romantic places we have ever been to. They offer everything from private dinners on the beach to movies under the stars or picnics on sandbanks where you feel completely alone on an island.

Also, Chalet Al Foss in the Italian Alps is probably the most romantic hotel in the world! We've been there three times, and it's unbelievable how everything is so well planned. We are huge fans of the property!

HOW ARE YOU PLANNING ON SPENDING VALENTINE'S DAY THIS YEAR? DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PLANS? 

To be honest, not yet. We will be in Brazil during Valentine's Day this year, but I have a confession to make. Fred and I don't usually celebrate these big dates because, for us, they "force" you to be romantic or do something special just one day of the year. For example, we don't usually exchange gifts on Christmas. Instead, we prefer to surprise each other on a random day! We think that's a hundred times more romantic than on a day people are expecting something.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS THAT YOU'RE EAGER TO EXPLORE TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE?

Yes! So many, I would say. But off the top of my head, Tahiti and Japan are two big names on top of our list!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR COUPLES CONSIDERING LONG-TERM TRAVEL TOGETHER?

It was one of the best decisions of our lives. We loved flying helicopters, but we love being full-time travellers even more! Maybe we'll get a chopper to travel in the future, who knows? Haha.

But make sure you two are amazing partners before you commit to it. Fred and I have always spent 24/7 together, and we love it! However, we have heard about couples that can't stay that long together, and the thing is, you will spend a lot of time just with the two of you. So, make sure you guys are good at doing that before you start traveling the world. One thing we guarantee: it's a life like nothing else. :)

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE TRAVEL PHOTO THAT HOLDS A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEARTS?

Well, we have taken a lot of pictures for IG; after all, it's our full-time job. However, our favourite photos are the selfies we take with our phones to register a memory. Fred's sister says it's "normal people's pictures" haha. She says that because our IG pictures are usually a big production, and although we love the results, it's true that we are usually posing when we take them. Completely different from the selfies on our phones, which are just for the two of us to see and remember.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR LUANA AND FRED IN TERMS OF BOTH TRAVEL AND PERSONAL GOALS?

We are now focusing on visiting new countries we have never been to. Quite often, we repeat a lot of countries because we identify with them, but this year we are going to try to visit new countries and learn about new cultures. Our goal is to visit all countries one day.

ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR ADVENTURES THAT YOUR FOLLOWERS AND OUR READERS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO?

Yes! We have just launched our first Mentorship program this week, and this is something we are focusing on this year: to teach others the first steps to do what we do - to be able to travel the world as a full-time job. Adventure-wise, we want to start planning a visit to all countries. We might start with Europe and Asia this year, so whoever is reading this and would like to follow us along, we would love to have you onboard traveling with us!

As Luana and Fred continue to chart their course through the world, their dedication to sharing the beauty of diverse cultures and breathtaking destinations resonates. From the romantic seascapes of the Maldives to the snowy peaks of the Italian Alps, their journey is a testament to the transformative power of travel. As they embark on new projects and mentorship initiatives, inviting others to join them on their adventures, Luana and Fred stand as an inspiring example of a life well-lived, where every destination becomes a canvas for shared memories and boundless possibilities. So, whether it's exploring new countries or cherishing the simplicity of a selfie, the couple's zest for life and love shines through, captivating followers and readers alike.