Area/Topic
Worldwide, Expedition Cruises, Adventure Tourism Industry, Business

Todd Smith
Founder & President
AdventureSmith Explorations

Inspired by his grandfather to camp and travel the world, Todd’s wanderlust started early. A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment changed his outlook on life, instilling at an early age a precious perspective to live life to the fullest. Launching his career as a naturalist guide in Alaska and Baja California, Todd gained firsthand experience operating expedition cruises and learned what it takes to exceed traveler expectations. He was instrumental in pioneering early adventure cruises with Zodiacs, kayaks and professional expedition leaders. Connecting travelers to the wilderness and conservation became his lifelong passion and the foundation of his successful adventure travel company, AdventureSmith Explorations, established in 2003.

Todd has been named a Top Travel Specialist on Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Top Travel Specialists List 11 times, and has been featured on television shows such as Lonely Planet and Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures. He’s an elected board member of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association) and an advocate for sustainable travel initiatives worldwide.

https://adventuresmithexplorations.com/

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Todd Smith, founder and president of Adventure Smith Explorations. Todd shares his journey from the ski industry to adventure travel, discussing the evolution of expedition cruising and the importance of small ship experiences. The conversation delves into the changing dynamics of the cruise industry, personal influences that shaped Todd's career, and the significance of relationships in the travel business. They also explore current trends in expedition cruising, including the appeal of the Arctic and Northern Lights, and the benefits of working with Adventure Smith for planning travel adventures.

takeaways

• Todd's journey into adventure travel began after college in the ski industry.
• The evolution of expedition cruising has created a niche market for small ship experiences.
• Small ships allow for deeper exploration of destinations compared to large cruise ships.
• Relationships with clients, staff, and partners are crucial for success in the travel industry.
• The pandemic taught the importance of maintaining strong relationships in business.
• Diversification in travel offerings can help mitigate risks associated with regional conflicts.
• The Arctic and Northern Lights are becoming increasingly popular travel destinations.
• New luxury expedition ships are changing the landscape of adventure travel.
• Adventure Smith offers personalized service without additional costs compared to booking directly.
• The auroral cycle's peak presents unique opportunities for travelers to experience the Northern Lights.

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
Technology Trends & Tourism

Sebastian Riedel
CEO
Oasis Travel Platform

Sebastian is the CEO of the Oasis Travel Platform, a company dedicated to streamlining travel operations for businesses. From an early age, Sebastian’s life was shaped by his passion for travel, which led him to transition from a successful career in technology to the travel industry. He co-founded Global Basecamps, an international tour operator that offers unique, authentic travel experiences.

Through Oasis, Sebastian combines his expertise in technology with his love for exploration, offering a solution that simplifies travel logistics while enhancing the overall experience for companies. His focus remains on the human connections and meaningful experiences that make travel a powerful force for personal and professional growth.

https://myoasisapp.com/

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Sebastian Riedel, CEO of the Oasis Travel Platform. They discuss Sebastian's journey from a childhood filled with travel to his career in the travel industry. The conversation explores the evolution of travel experiences, the importance of human connection, and the challenges of maintaining relationships while pursuing a travel-centric lifestyle. Sebastian shares insights on starting Global Basecamps and the development of Oasis, a platform designed to streamline travel operations for companies. The episode emphasizes the significance of creating meaningful travel experiences and the impact of technology on the travel industry.

takeaways

• Travel has been a significant part of Sebastian's life since childhood.
• Sebastian transitioned from a tech-heavy career to the travel industry.
• The excitement of travel has changed with technology.
• Human connection is a vital aspect of travel experiences.
• Traveling is about creating memories rather than accumulating things.
• The challenges of a travel lifestyle can impact personal relationships.
• Finding a travel partner who shares your wanderlust is crucial.
• Global Basecamps was founded to provide unique travel experiences.
• Oasis was developed to streamline travel operations for companies.
• The importance of adapting to changes in the travel industry.

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, Latin America, Business

Alex Veka
Founder
Vibe Adventures

Passionate traveler, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner on a mission to make authentic, responsible, and mind-broadening travel accessible to adventurers and curious souls worldwide.

"Originally from Belarus, I've lived, studied, and worked in seven countries before finding my second home in Mexico. With over 50 countries visited and counting, I'm a perpetual learner, speaking several languages and deeply interested in history, geography, and cultures. Armed with a formal Ph.D. and countless lessons from the "university of life," I'm now channeling my passion into running Vibe Adventures, a travel startup offering a simpler way of booking adventure holidays worldwide."

https://vibeadventures.com/

summary
Alex Veka, founder of Vibe Adventures, shares his journey from being a passionate traveler to starting his own travel company. He was inspired by childhood experiences, including participating in programs for Belarusian kids affected by the Chernobyl disaster and traveling to the Netherlands. Alex's love for geography and his desire to explore the world led him to study tourism and eventually work in the travel industry. He met his Mexican wife in China and they embarked on a road trip from Mexico to Argentina, which laid the foundation for Vibe Adventures. Alex's passion for travel and technology drives his goal of making booking experiences easier. Alex Veka discusses his experiences in travel and tourism, from working in hospitality to starting his own adventure travel company, Vibe Adventures. He shares his love for Mexico and the vibrant life it offers. Alex also talks about his mission to simplify and make it easier for people to book adventure holidays worldwide. He highlights the importance of providing authentic local experiences and the need to cater to the changing preferences of millennial and post-millennial travelers. Alex mentions his future plans to add an agent portal to his platform and create a dynamic packaging feature that combines flights with multi-day adventures.

takeaways

• Childhood experiences, such as participating in programs for Chernobyl-affected kids and traveling to the Netherlands, sparked Alex's passion for travel.
• Alex's love for geography and his desire to explore the world led him to study tourism and work in the travel industry.
• Meeting his Mexican wife in China and embarking on a road trip from Mexico to Argentina inspired the creation of Vibe Adventures.
• Alex's goal is to make booking experiences easier through the use of technology. Traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures can be a dynamic and exciting adventure.
• The hospitality industry can be limiting in terms of career growth and flexibility.
• Starting your own business in the travel industry allows for more freedom and the opportunity to create unique experiences for travelers.
• There is a need for simplifying the booking process for adventure holidays and providing authentic local experiences.
• Millennial and post-millennial travelers prefer independent and customizable travel experiences.
• The future of travel booking involves combining flights with multi-day adventures through dynamic packaging.

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.