Jetsetting With “The Dead Files” Star Steve DiSchiavi
A former homicide detective for the New York City Police Department, Steve DiSchiavi teams up with medium Amy Allan to solve unexplained paranormal phenomena in the Travel Channel’s popular series “The Dead Files.” Since most of his business travel involves exploring reportedly haunted locations, Steve understandably prefers to spend his personal vacation time with less eerie adventure and more rest and relaxation.
Check out our full interview with Steve and catch a new season of “The Dead Files” premiering Saturday, July 12, at 10 p.m.!
Q: What type of traveler are you? (i.e., adventurer, cultural explorer, free spirit, rejuvenator, spa aficionado, etc.)
A: I travel quite extensively for work, so when I travel for leisure it’s usually to a tropical island getaway with an all-inclusive package. I don’t want to worry about carrying cash or credit cards with me on vacation (except for the first and last day when I tip my bartenders and pool/beach personnel). I like to have spa and great workout facilities where I stay. And of course a view of the ocean—a definite must when I’m away.
Q: What types of activities do you like to do on your travels? Do you look for a place where it’s quiet and you can relax or someplace that has great activities or nightlife?
A: I like a mix of leisure and excitement. I love to get in a car, drive around, and stop and take pictures as I go. I love the spontaneity of having no plans and saying, “let’s see what happens.” I love to get up early in the morning and take a long walk along the beach with my coffee in hand. I love to kayak and snorkel. My perfect day would be a mix of pool and ocean, a great dinner, and afterward a live show or maybe some gambling if it’s available. But gambling can make or ruin a vacation!
Q: When thinking about where you will travel to next, what inspires you to make a decision? And what, if any, research do you do about that destination?
A: When planning a trip I prefer to go somewhere I’ve never been but with a tropical theme most times. The Internet is such a great place to research a destination. I also get a lot of tips from airline magazines; they highlight great destinations. But a lot of my research comes from talking to close friends whose opinions I trust; if they like a spot, I probably will, too.
Q: What is the most memorable trip you’ve taken and why?
A: That’s a tough question, but I think Hawaii will always be my “never forget” place. It’s everything you would think it is and more. I’ll never forget the road to Hana and traveling up to Haleakalā Crater to watch the sunrise. It was breathtaking. Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, the quiet beaches and black sand beaches…. The list just goes on. I hope to return soon.
Q: What is the best food you’ve ever found on a trip?
A: New Orleans has some of the best food I have eaten, from the gumbo to the soft-shell crab Po’ boy—and that’s coming from a guy born and raised in New York City. The oysters any way you can imagine eating them prepared just right, crawfish salad … yum. But I have to give second place to Texas for the best steaks I have ever had!
Q: What, if anything, do you always take with you when you travel?
A: A small powerful flashlight, a knife, and a first-aid kit, as well as a calling card, just in case. Also several forms of ID, but I do not keep them together.
Q: What’s your best piece of travel advice?
A: Have something to eat with you always (protein bar, nuts, etc.). You never know when or where you will be able to eat sometimes.
Q: Is there a destination to which you can’t imagine not returning?
A: Paradise Island in the Bahamas. I just love the Atlantis and all it has to offer.
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: I don’t have a specific place. For me, it’s putting the top down on my car and driving someplace with water, where there’s a quiet spot to put my chair out on the water’s edge and just chill. I also love to spend time in lakefront cabins. You can see there is always water involved in my favorite travels!
Q: Where would you like to travel to next?
A: I have always wanted to see Italy’s Amalfi Coast as well as the Greek Islands.
Q: Tell us about your upcoming project(s)?
A: Well, I’m just wrapping up filming this season of “The Dead Files” and heading on a much-needed break.
Steve DiSchiavi’s Bio:
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Steve DiSchiavi devoted more than 21 years of active service to the New York City Police Department. The now-retired homicide detective currently lends his expertise to the popular Travel Channel series “The Dead Files,” during which he and medium Amy Allan use their skills to solve unexplained paranormal phenomena in haunted locations across the United States.
Steve has also worked as a senior investigator of Merrill Lynch’s Fraud Department and as a special investigator for the city of New York. He is a licensed New York State Private Investigator and a licensed Armed Guard and owns his own private investigation company, Paragon Investigations.
Follow Steve on Facebook and Twitter.
