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

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