Area/Topic
Worldwide, Adventure Travel, Tourism Business

Monika Sundem
CEO
Adventure Life

As a Pacific Northwest native I grew up playing in the mountains and lakes of the Cascades. I now enjoy living near Glacier National Park and am learning how to master the adventure called 'motherhood'. I have been an Adventure Lifer for over 18 years during which time I've worn many hats from operations to trip planning to marketing. I have traveled the world, but hold a special place in my heart for Latin America in particular. I love opportunities to interact with indigenous and local cultures and always glean valuable lessons as a result of off-the-beaten travel. I feel honored to be a part of creating similar life-changing moments for our travelers and grateful to work with the dedicated and amazing team at Adventure Life.

https://www.adventure-life.com/

Summary
Monika Sundem, CEO of Adventure Life, shares her journey from bookkeeping to leading a travel company. Her passion for Latin culture and travel inspired her to join Adventure Life. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections and building relationships with clients. The company transitioned to a fully remote team, which has its challenges in terms of training and communication, but also offers the flexibility to hire the best candidates regardless of location. The team's collective travel experience and ability to customize trips based on clients' preferences are key factors in their success. Monika Sundem, the CEO at Adventure Life, discusses the importance of human connection in travel. She emphasizes that it's the people, both the staff and the travelers, that make the experience meaningful and fulfilling. Monika shares personal stories of connecting with travelers and forming deep connections with them. She also highlights the value of cultural connections and the joy of interacting with locals in different countries. Monika acknowledges the challenges of running a travel business, including the weight of decision-making and the responsibility towards employees. Overall, she emphasizes the significance of human connection in the travel industry.

Takeaways

• Passion for Latin culture and travel led Monika Sundem to join Adventure Life
• Building personal connections and relationships with clients is crucial in the travel industry
• Transitioning to a fully remote team has its challenges, but also offers flexibility in hiring
• The team's collective travel experience and ability to customize trips are key factors in their success The people, both staff and travelers, are what make travel experiences meaningful and fulfilling.
• Cultural connections and interactions with locals enhance the travel experience.
• Running a travel business comes with challenges and responsibilities, including decision-making and the well-being of employees.
• Human connection is essential in the travel industry and contributes to memorable experiences.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Area/Topic
Worldwide, SCUBA Diving, Responsible Tourism

Marjanna Akhtar
Owner
Great Expeditions Travel

Marjanna’s interest in international travel began in the late ‘80s while pursuing her BA in animal biology at the University of Colorado, and she took her first underwater breath on scuba!

That was the beginning of a travel career that spans over three decades; beginning in 1990 with a specialization in the niche market of scuba diving and the destinations found in the South Pacific.

Over the ensuing years, she has evolved the business to reflect the diverse interests of the company’s growing clientele base, as well as her own style and passion for world-wide travel. Destinations in Africa, Central & South America, SE Asia and Europe now feature strongly in the company's portfolio and incorporating authentic experiences into customized itineraries for individuals, families and small groups of friends are the foundation of Great Expeditions Travel.

Throughout her travel career, exploring the world did not halt when motherhood arrived and her son, now a young adult, has been immersed into international travel since the age of 9 months.

When not on her desk, you can often find Marjanna on the back of her horse, enjoying the rural small communities of western Colorado with her dogs and husband.

https://greatexpeditionstravel.com/

Summary
Marjanna Akhtar, owner of Great Expeditions Travel, discusses her background in adventure travel and the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism. She shares her personal experiences and the impact of travel on her own life. The conversation also touches on the challenges of over-tourism and the role of tour operators in promoting responsible travel. Marjanna emphasizes the need for travelers to support local communities and conservation efforts, and the importance of connecting with people and cultures while traveling. Marjanna Akhtar discusses the benefits of being a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and the importance of networking and connecting with responsible tour operators. She highlights the role of ATTA in bringing together all the components of the travel industry to grow the market in sustainable ways. Marjanna also emphasizes the challenges and rewards of running a tour operation business, including the need for extensive knowledge and education in the industry. She discusses the value of human contact in travel and the importance of personalized experiences. Marjanna shares the satisfaction of creating life-changing experiences for clients and the pride she feels in her work.

Takeaways

• Adventure travel can be a means to explore a destination and connect with local communities and nature.
• Responsible tourism involves supporting local communities, conservation efforts, and distributing income to the people on the ground.
• Over-tourism is a concern, and it is important to find ways to minimize the negative impact of mass tourism.
• Tour operators play a crucial role in promoting responsible and sustainable tourism and educating clients about their choices.
• Travel can help break down prejudices and foster understanding and connection among people from different cultures and backgrounds. Being a member of ATTA provides networking opportunities and connections with responsible tour operators.
• ATTA brings together all components of the travel industry to grow the market in sustainable ways.
• Running a tour operation business requires extensive knowledge, education, and the

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Area/Topic
Latin America, Asia, Slow Travel, Trip Planning

Steve Wilson
Founder
LiNGER Travel

I have spent the last 25 years travelling the world, from journeying overland through every country in Latin America to studying and working in Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Mexico and Nicaragua. I took a sabbatical in 2010 to spend a year researching and travelling through South East Asia, China and India.

I became involved with complex trip planning for South America specialist operators in the early 2000s and this formed the basis of my career. The more complex the better. One of my initial projects was for a renowned landscape photographer and his mission to capture images of the extreme cardinal points and edges of the continent – part of a global project with a 104-year-old camera.

https://www.linger.co.uk/

Summary
Steve Wilson, founder of Linger Travel, discusses his unique approach to sabbatical planning and complex trip planning. He defines a sabbatical as a longer than normal period of time to travel, emphasizing that it doesn't have to be an epic adventure or a traditional academic pursuit. The duration of a sabbatical can vary depending on the individual, with trips ranging from a month to up to a year. Steve highlights the importance of attention to detail in trip planning and the need for a strong connection between the travel planner and the client. He also shares his own personal journey from a career in finance to founding Linger Travel.

In this conversation, Steve Wilson discusses the importance of proper planning and pacing when embarking on long-term travel. He emphasizes the need to slow down, avoid travel fatigue, and find a balance between must-see attractions and slower-paced, simpler experiences. Wilson also highlights the significance of understanding individual preferences and interests when creating travel itineraries. He advises against rushing through countries and ticking off boxes, instead encouraging travelers to go deeper within a country and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Wilson also shares insights on traveling in India and the importance of planning a diverse itinerary to fully appreciate the country's culture and landscapes.

Takeaways

• A sabbatical is a longer than normal period of time to travel, providing an opportunity to break away from routine and have new experiences.
• Linger Travel specializes in complex trip planning, focusing on longer and more adventurous trips.
• There is no hard and fast rule for the duration of a sabbatical, as it depends on the individual's preferences and previous travel experiences.
• Attention to detail is crucial in trip planning, and a strong connection between the travel planner and the client is important for a successful trip.
• Family travel can be a rewarding experience, and introducing children to travel at a young age can have educational and personal growth benefits.
• Long-term travel can have its challenges, such as loneliness and missing familiar comforts, but strategic planning and finding opportunities for meaningful experiences can help overcome these challenges. Proper planning and pacing are crucial for long-term travel to avoid travel fatigue.
• Finding a balance between must-see attractions and slower-paced experiences is essential for an enjoyable trip.
• Understanding individual preferences and interests is key when creating travel itineraries.
• Exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations can lead to unique and rewarding experiences.
• India offers diverse cultural and natu

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Area/Topic
Sailing, Personal Development, Adventure Education

John Ensley
Sailing School Owner / Sailing Instructor
Cruise and Learn Sailing International

John Ensley has been sailing since he was 11 years old (he was 11 in 1980) and has been sharing his knowledge, experience and passion for sailing and cruising as a professional sailing instructor since 2016, with hundreds of aspiring sailors learning to sail and cruise on his watch.

He is the owner and founder of Cruise-n-Learn Sailing International, the home of the one-of-a-kind "Cruise-n-Learn Sailing Immersion Program."

John feels strongly that it isn’t just about learning sailing skills and getting certifications, it’s really about becoming a competent sailor and experiencing an amazing lifestyle and philosophy that’s simple, fun, challenging, clean, green, beautiful, peaceful and thrilling, all at the same time…

https://cruisenlearnsailing.com/

Summary
John Ensley, owner of Cruise and Learn Sailing International, shares his journey into sailing and adventure travel. He started sailing at a young age and developed a passion for it. After attending a boat show and taking sailing courses, he realized he wanted to pursue sailing as a lifestyle. He eventually started his own sailing instruction business and now spends several months a year in Mexico, teaching and sharing his love for sailing. John values freedom, adventure, and service, and finds joy in sharing his experiences with others. John Ensley shares his journey of awakening and finding his passion for sailing. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and pursuing your dreams. He also discusses the Cruise and Learn Sailing International program, which offers a 12-month sailing immersion program that combines online theory training, virtual reality training, networking, and a one-week cruise and learn adventure. John encourages listeners to find a way to experience their dreams, even if it's starting small in their local waters.

Takeaways

• Sailing can be a fulfilling and adventurous lifestyle
• Sharing experiences with others is a rewarding part of adventure travel
• Personal values can guide career choices
• Taking small steps towards your goals can lead to big changes
• Finding a balance between work and personal passions is important Take action and pursue your dreams
• The Cruise and Learn Sailing International program offers a 12-month sailing immersion program
• The program includes online theory training, virtual reality training, networking, and a one-week cruise and learn adventure
• Find a way to experience your dreams, even if it's starting small in your local waters
• Crew finder sites can be a way to volunteer and gain sailing experience

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Area/Topic
South America, Ecuador, Peru, Patagonia, Trekking

Macarena Iturralde
CEO
Senderos Naturales Cia. Ltda.

Macarena Iturralde is the General Manager and Trip Designer in the office.

As a formerly naturalist guide in the Galápagos Islands, Peru and the Amazon rainforest she has developed a huge love for nature and it’s conservancy.

In the present she is a member of the General Assembly of the Charles Darwin Foundation and a fellow of the Shackleton and Selous Society.

All this vast experience allows her to create unique itineraries for each group. Clients can count with her services as trip leader to make sure everything goes perfect in their journey.

https://www.senderosnaturales.com/

Summary
Macarena Iturralde, CEO of Senderos Naturales, shares her journey into the adventure travel business. Growing up in a family that loved spontaneous adventures, Macarena developed a passion for travel and exploration from a young age. She became a Galapagos guide at 18 and later studied biology in Ecuador, immersing herself in the country's rich biodiversity. After working in research and interpretation, Macarena opened her own travel agency, offering unique and adventurous experiences to clients. Despite the challenges of divorce and balancing motherhood with a career, Macarena remains grateful for the opportunities and experiences she has had. Macarena Iturralde, CEO of Senderos Naturales, shares her personal journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges she faced as a single mother and CEO, and how she found stability and happiness in her life. Macarena also talks about the impact of the pandemic on her travel agency and how she managed to refund her clients while keeping the business afloat. She emphasizes the importance of freedom, happiness, and peace in life and shares her experiences of teaching yoga and finding solace in nature during the pandemic. Macarena also addresses the safety and security concerns in Ecuador and reassures listeners that the country is functioning normally and taking measures to combat drug cartels. She highlights the diverse natural beauty of South America and the personalized tailor-made trips offered by Senderos Naturales.

Takeaways

• Macarena Iturralde's passion for adventure travel was sparked by her childhood experiences of spontaneous family trips.
• She became a Galapagos guide at 18 and studied biology in Ecuador, immersing herself in the country's biodiversity.
• After working in research and interpretation, Macarena opened her own travel agency, offering unique and adventurous experiences to clients.
• Despite the challenges of divorce and balancing motherhood with a career, Macarena remains grateful for the opportunities and experiences she has had. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship can be challenging, but finding stability and happiness is possible.
• The pandemic had a significant impact on the travel industry, but with careful management, businesses can survive and even thrive.
• Freedom, happiness, and peace are essential in life, and finding solace in nature can contribute to overall well-being.
• Ecuador is functioning normally, and while there are some safety concerns in certain areas, the country is taking measures to combat drug cartels and ensure the safety of its residents and visitors.
• Senderos Naturales offers personalized tailor-made trips to South America, allowing travelers to explore the diverse natural beauty of the continent.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Area/Topic
Mexico, Culture, Food, Family

Alex Vizcaino
General Manager
Authentic Mexico Tours

I was born and raised in a small city in western Mexico. During my childhood, my parents took me to many different sites in Mexico, and I fell in love with the sense of discovery that can only come with travel.

I got a bachelor's degree in tourism management which included a semester in NZ, and my past experience includes trip planning, operations and management positions at Expedia, TUI, and other nation-wide and international companies.

After the life in the big corp world, I decided to launch Authentic Mexico Tours, a project born out of a passion for Mexico. The real Mexico. The authentic Mexico. I leveraged the wide network of connections and the deep experience in tourism I have, and set off to create unique experiences designed to awe travelers.

I am the proud father of two little girls, aged 8 and 2 years old, who share my wife's and my love of travel - they both took their first "long" trip in the first couple of years of their lives.

https://authenticmexicotours.com/

Summary
Alex Vizcaino, the general manager of Authentic Mexico Tours, shares his love for travel and adventure in Mexico. He grew up road tripping with his family and exploring neighboring states, which sparked his passion for travel. His uncle played a significant role in his love for adventure, taking him on trips to remote and undiscovered parts of Mexico. Alex studied tourism management and eventually started his own tour company, Authentic Mexico Tours. He emphasizes the importance of a mix of planning and serendipity in travel experiences, creating opportunities for unexpected connections and authentic moments. Alex Vizcaino launched Authentic Mexico Tours in February 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to put his plans on hold. However, he used the downtime to polish his product, build relationships with suppliers, and improve his website. When travel restrictions eased, he was able to greet his first guests in February 2021. Alex encourages parents to travel with their young children, as it creates bonding experiences and exposes them to new cultures and foods. He advises those interested in working in the travel industry to find a job with a well-known brand and to choose a niche that aligns with their passion.

Takeaways

• Road tripping with family as a child sparked Alex's love for travel and adventure
• His uncle introduced him to remote and undiscovered parts of Mexico, fostering a deep connection with his country
• Alex studied tourism management and started his own tour company, Authentic Mexico Tours
• He believes in the importance of a mix of planning and serendipity in travel experiences, creating opportunities for authentic moments The COVID-19 pandemic forced Alex Vizcaino to put his tour company, Authentic Mexico Tours, on hold, but he used the downtime to improve his product and build relationships with suppliers.
• Alex encourages parents to travel with their young children, as it creates bonding experiences and exposes them to new cultures and foods.
• For those interested in working in the travel industry, Alex advises finding a job with a well-known brand and choosing a niche that aligns with their passion.
• Alex believes that travel is a beautiful industry and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own tourism business, even if they don't have extensive experience or connections.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Area/Topic
Worldwide, Sailing

Jon Bilger
Managing Director
PredictWind Ltd

Olympian, two-time America’s Cup winner, and New Zealand National Champion in multiple classes, PredictWind Founding Director Jon Bilger spent years accessing the very best private wind and marine forecasting tools in the world. Jon founded PredictWind in 2010 to share this potentially life-saving technology with the public at large, and today PredictWind provides the world’s most accurate and reliable forecasting technology to more than a million users. A lifelong competitive yachtsman, Jon lives in Auckland with his wife and two daughters, who share his passion for the ocean and competitive sailing.

https://www.predictwind.com/

Summary
Jon Bilger, from PredictWind, shares his sailing journey and experiences in this episode. He grew up in a sailing family and developed a passion for sailing at a young age. He navigated for Chris Dixon in the 95 America's Cup and later worked with the Swiss team for 10 years. Jon explains the financial and time commitments involved in participating in the America's Cup. He also discusses the motivation behind competing in the America's Cup and the prestige associated with winning. Jon shares his experiences of teaching others to sail and offers advice for those interested in getting into sailing. In this conversation, Jason Elkins and Jon Bilger discuss their experiences with sailing and the importance of weather forecasting in the sport. Jon shares a story about a challenging sailing trip to Hawaii where they had to deal with a broken mast and injuries on board. He also talks about the founding of PredictWind, a weather forecasting company for sailors, and how their technology has helped prevent disasters at sea. They discuss the safety features of PredictWind, including the ability to track commercial vessels and avoid potential collisions. Jon emphasizes the importance of safety in sailing and how technology has made it easier for inexperienced sailors to navigate the seas.

Takeaways

• Growing up in a sailing family can ignite a passion for sailing at a young age.
• Participating in the America's Cup requires a significant financial investment and a multi-year commitment.
• Winning the America's Cup gives the team the opportunity to write the rules for the next event.
• Teaching others to sail can be a rewarding experience and a way to share your passion.
• Joining a local yacht club is a great way to get involved in sailing and learn from experienced sailors. Weather forecasting is crucial for sailors to ensure their safety and plan their routes effectively.
• PredictWind is a weather forecasting company that provides accurate and detailed forecasts for sailors.
• The technology developed by PredictWind has helped prevent disasters at sea and has made sailing safer for both experienced and inexperienced sailors.
• The ability to track commercial vessels through AIS technology is a valuable safety feature for sailors, allowing them to avoid potential collisions.
• Jon Bilger and his team at PredictWind are passionate about keeping people safe at sea and continue to innovate and improve their services.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Area/Topic
Worldwide, Womens Trips, Group Travel

Janet Scalzo
Chief Adventurer & Owner
Canyon Calling Adventures for Women

With a passion for female empowerment, an endless sense of curiosity, and over thirty years of experience in the travel industry, Janet found herself innately drawn to Canyon Calling’s mission. She followed the call of her adventuresome spirit and acquired the company back in 2014. She’s been leading it with vigor ever since!

https://www.canyoncalling.com/

Summary

Janet Scalzo, the owner of Canyon Calling Adventures for Women, shares her journey of acquiring the business and the unique experiences they offer to women on active vacations. The company was originally founded by a woman who noticed that female-only groups had a different dynamic and stronger bonding. Janet acquired the business in 2014 and has since expanded it to offer soft adventures, retreats, and international travel. The trips provide a space for women to be themselves, connect with others, and reinvest in themselves. The focus is on empowerment and creating lasting friendships. In this conversation, Janet discusses the concerns and hesitations that some women may have about joining a group trip. She addresses the fear of rooming with strangers by offering single rooms as an option. She also suggests starting with a shorter trip or a soft adventure for those who are unsure or not very fit. Janet emphasizes that the trips are about having fun and encourages anyone with concerns to reach out to her. They also discuss the variety of trips offered, including domestic trips in the US, international trips to places like Greece and Croatia, and trips to South America and Central America. Janet addresses the issue of safety in Mexico and emphasizes the importance of staying together and following organized itineraries. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the transformative power of travel and the importance of embracing new experiences.

Takeaways

• Canyon Calling Adventures for Women offers active vacations for women, providing a space for empowerment and connection.
• The company was originally founded by a woman who noticed the unique dynamic and bonding in female-only groups.
• Janet Scalzo acquired the business in 2014 and has expanded it to offer soft adventures, retreats, and international travel.
• The trips provide an opportunity for women to reinvest in themselves, connect with others, and create lasting friendships. For women who are hesitant about joining a group trip, Janet suggests starting with a shorter trip or a soft adventure and offers single rooms as an option.
• Janet emphasizes that the trips are about having fun and encourages anyone with concerns to reach out to her.
• The trips offered include domestic trips in the US, international trips to places like Greece and Croatia, and trips to South America and Central America.
• Janet addresses the issue of safety in Mexico and emphasizes the importance of staying together and following organized itineraries.
• Travel has the power to open minds, hearts, and eyes, and can be a life-changing experience.
• Even when unexpected or challenging situations arise during travel, they often become great stories and memorable experiences.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.