Meet the Curator
Debbie Rasowsky
"Travel mindfully. Immersing ourselves in different environments across the planet opens our eyes to all that there is to experience around the world."
Travel has always been part of Debbie’s life, and she’s visited more than 40 countries. She lived in Madrid and Tel Aviv, speaks both Spanish and Hebrew, and has dual degrees in languages and literature. She thrives on digging deep into local cultures and sharing this passion with her amazing clients.
Cape Peninsula, South Africa
Experiencing natural wonders in Morocco
Beautiful Architecture of Morocco
What sparked your passion for travel and how did it become your career?
I became curious about the world through my travels, from skydiving in the Swiss Alps, to hiking through the wilderness of Patagonia, to a family safari in East Africa, and I love sharing that spark with others. I spent many years working for National Geographic Expeditions and smaller travel agencies, and I’m so excited to be here at Scenset.
How many countries have you visited? What were your top 3 and why?
I’ve visited more than 40 countries. Here are some of my favorites:
Botswana – true African wilderness highlighted by so many incredible animal conservation projects.
Chile – beautiful, untouched nature from glaciers to mountains.
Costa Rica – the Tico “pura vida” spirit of living is infectious. The beautiful nature and array of bird and animal species, along with many kinds of adventure available, is a perfect vacation destination.
What’s the place you most want to visit that you haven’t been to yet?
Churchill Wild, Canada and Northern Finland – if I’m wearing the right gear, I don’t mind the cold! Plus I’d love to see polar bears and the Northern Lights.
Hiking in Banff, Canada
Exploring Glaciers in Chile
On top of a glacier in New Zealand
Why is it important for travel to make a positive impact?
I’m dedicated to conservation and sustainability practices, and improving the lives of local communities in the countries I visit. Whenever I travel, I always make it a priority to safeguard the natural environment of every place I visit, and choose properties and partners who share the same values.
How can you promote positive change when traveling?
Staying at smaller, boutique properties that give back to the environment and their communities is a great way to promote positive change. It’s a way to really immerse yourself in a destination, versus hopping around to check things off a bucket list.
Safari in Botswana
Elephants South Africa
What’s the most surreal travel experience you’ve had?
At Zarafa Camp in Botswana, I left my tent in the early morning darkness to meet my guide for a morning game drive. I was walking on the path toward the front of camp, when I heard heavy breathing and a nasal grunt right in front of me. I tip-toed slowly backwards back toward my tent. When the sun came up a few minutes later and the guide came to find me, he said I had almost walked into a hippo – he’d passed the tracks right next to my tent!
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Sydney Australia
Which was the most memorable property you've ever stayed at? Why?
The Malori sleep-out deck at Tswalu Kalahari in the green Kalahari of South Africa was an experience I’ll never forget. Far away from the main property, I was driven out to a set-up overlooking the savanna dunes, and heard interesting sounds all night long from creatures nearby – I didn’t want to think too hard about if they were lions or wild dogs, so I tried to just concentrate on the beautiful stars.
Photo of the Torres del Paine, Patagonia
What item can you not travel without?
My journal! Traveling inspires me to write, and I love having physically written notes from my trips. From memories of each day to little notes about favorite restaurants and local spots, it’s so fun to look back on them later. Also, packing cubes – they’re a lifesaver!
Pick one of your favorite photos from your travels and explain why.
After a full-day hike through the Patagonian forest, up incredibly steep mountains, I was rewarded with this incredible view of the Torres del Paine. The weather was typically Patagonian that day, with rain, snow, and wind, but for a few moments at the peak of the hike the sun came out to reward us with this beautiful view.
