Area/Topic
Worldwide Travel, Travel Writing, Photography, Podcasting

Gary Arndt
Podcaster
Everything Everywhere Daily

Gary Arndt is the host of Everything Everywhere Daily.

Before launching Everything Everywhere Daily in July 2020, he spent the previous 13 years traveling around the world. His travels have taken him to over 200 countries/territories, and all 50 US states….twice!

His blog Everything Everywhere was named one of the Top 25 Blogs in the world by Time Magazine. He has also appeared in USA Today, the New York Times, the BBC, and National Geographic.

He is also one of the world’s most accomplished travel photographers. He was named Travel Photographer of the Year in 2014 by the Society of American Travel Writers and in 2013 & 2015 by the North American Travel Journalists Association. He is also a 3-time Lowell Thomas Award winner, which is considered to be the Pulitzer Prize for Travel Journalism.

Gary currently hosts and produces the “Everything Everywhere Daily” podcast. It features stories of people, places, and things covering a wide variety of topics, including history, science, and geography.

The podcast gets over one million monthly downloads and has accrued over 20,000,000 downloads since 2020.

https://everything-everywhere.com/

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins interviews Gary Arndt, a seasoned podcaster and extreme world traveler. They discuss Gary's journey from a childhood influenced by National Geographic to becoming a digital nomad and travel blogger. The conversation explores the impact of social media on travel trends, the psychology behind wanderlust, and the challenges of full-time travel, including burnout. Gary shares insights on the power of podcasting, the realities of starting a podcast, and offers advice for aspiring travelers. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of enjoying the journey and the evolving nature of travel in a post-pandemic world.

takeaways

• Gary's childhood was influenced by National Geographic, sparking his love for travel.
• He sold his home to travel around the world, embracing a digital nomad lifestyle.
• Social media has significantly impacted travel trends, often leading to overtourism.
• Travel is not just a vacation; it's a lifestyle choice that requires commitment.
• Podcasting allows for deeper connections with audiences compared to traditional media.
• Burnout is a real challenge for full-time travelers, as it's not always a vacation.
• Gary emphasizes the importance of enjoying the day-to-day grind of podcasting.
• He encourages aspiring travelers to take at least one extended trip in their lives.
• The average podcast listener spends significantly more time engaged than website visitors.
• Travel can be more affordable when you eliminate the costs of maintaining a home.

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
Colombian Amazon, Indigenous Communities, Ecotourism

Maria Samper
Co-Owner
Calanoa Amazonas

Maria is a global humanitarian, artist, and singer who has lived in 14 countries, embracing the diversity of cultures and experiences. Maria also facilitates healing workshops, inspired by deep roots in the Amazon, channeling the wisdom and magic from her early years spent with indigenous communities and shamans. Passionate about reconnecting people with their pure human essence, Maria is deeply involved in the Calanoa Project, her family's initiative that invites visitors to explore their true nature in harmony with the natural world. Her life's work is a fusion of art, spirit, and the beauty of human connection.

https://www.calanoaamazonas.com/

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Maria Samper, co-owner of Calanoa Amazonas, about her journey, the importance of responsible tourism, and the deep connection between the Amazon rainforest and the indigenous communities. Maria shares insights into her family's commitment to environmentalism, the cultural exchanges facilitated by Calanoa, and the transformative power of travel. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding local perspectives and the impact of tourism on communities and ecosystems.

takeaways

• Calanoa Amazonas is more than a lodge; it's a project of love.
• Maria's upbringing in Colombia shaped her connection to nature.
• Responsible tourism can provide economic benefits to local communities.
• Cultural exchange is vital for preserving ancestral traditions.
• The Amazon rainforest is a unique and generous ecosystem.
• Traveling helps individuals discover themselves and their values.
• Community involvement is essential for sustainable tourism.
• Maria's family has dedicated 40 years to environmental education.
• The importance of listening to local voices in tourism.
• Traveling with purpose can lead to meaningful 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
Women's Group & Independent Travel

Doni Belau
Founder & CEO
Girls' Guide to the World

Doni Belau founded the women-only tour company Girls’ Guide to the World in 2009. With a mission to empower women of all ages to explore the world, Girls’ Guide to the World now offers 60 tours to 40 countries.

As an intrepid traveler who has explored over 80 countries, Doni has used her destination knowledge to curate a diverse portfolio of trips catering to a wide range of interests, from cultural immersion and culinary tours to active adventures and wellness retreats. Each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to spark curiosity, foster authentic connection, and create lasting memories.

Doni's diverse experiences, from television production to humanitarian work in South Africa, have fueled her passion for creating transformative journeys that blend personal growth with the joy of exploration.

With over 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Doni’s in-depth understanding of destinations, travel trends, and evolving consumer desires ensures that each tour offered prioritizes connection, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences.

When not leading trips, she divides her time between France, New Orleans, and a sailboat named Relish – a testament to her adventurous spirit.

https://www.girlsguidetotheworld.com/

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Doni Belau, founder of Girls' Guide to the World, about her journey from the non-profit sector to creating a unique travel experience for women. Doni shares her insights on empowering women through travel, the importance of taking action, and the dynamics of women-only tours. The conversation also addresses common concerns women have about traveling solo, emphasizing the importance of community and connection in enhancing the travel experience.

takeaways

• Doni Belau transitioned from a non-profit career to founding Girls' Guide to the World.
• The business started as a passion project without a formal business plan.
• Empowering women through travel is a core mission of the organization.
• Women over 45 represent a significant portion of solo travelers.
• Taking action is crucial for pursuing dreams and starting a business.
• Traveling in small groups fosters bonding and connection among participants.
• Safety is a primary concern for women traveling alone, which is addressed through group travel.
• The experience of traveling can be life-extending and rejuvenating.
• Community and support are essential for women to feel comfortable traveling.
• Travel is not a luxury but a necessary investment in one's well-being.

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
Colombia, Incentive Travel

Bruce McLean
Founder
BnB Colombia Tours

I’m a Kiwi who found a home in the heart of the Colombian Coffee Zone after falling in love with this incredible country (and a girl) back in 2009. Now settled in a small town here, I’ve had the adventure of traveling across Colombia, discovering its breathtaking diversity, and connecting with amazing people. It’s these experiences that inspired me to start BnB Colombia Tours, where I get to share my love for this vibrant country by creating unforgettable travel experiences.

Building on the success of BnB, I launched Incentive Travel Colombia to focus on the amazing world of MICE travel. We design flexible, personalized experiences that bring teams together in ways that not only inspire but leave a lasting positive impact on company culture.

https://bnbcolombia.com/

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Bruce McLean, founder of B&B Colombia Tours. Bruce shares his journey from New Zealand to Colombia, detailing his experiences in hospitality and tourism. The conversation explores the beauty and challenges of traveling in Colombia, including safety concerns, cultural insights, and the importance of understanding local customs. Bruce emphasizes the friendly nature of Colombians and the diverse experiences the country offers. He also discusses his business, which provides customized travel packages for visitors to Colombia, ensuring they have safe and memorable experiences.

takeaways

• Bruce McLean is a Kiwi who fell in love with Colombia during a visit in 2009.
• His background in hospitality has greatly influenced his approach to tourism.
• Colombia is known for its friendly and helpful people, especially outside of Bogota.
• Travelers should be aware of safety concerns and avoid certain areas.
• Understanding local culture and customs enhances the travel experience.
• B&B Colombia Tours offers customized travel packages for various types of travelers.
• The importance of speaking Spanish when traveling in Colombia is emphasized.
• Colombia has a rich diversity of experiences, from nature to history.
• Traveling in Colombia requires patience and acceptance of a slower pace.
• Bruce's goal is to share the beauty of Colombia with the world.

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
West Africa, Business, Culture, Food, Scooter Trips

Phil Paoletta
Co-owner
Scoot West Africa

Formerly a middle school teacher in Washington, DC, Phil Paoletta is now a semi-nomad based in West Africa.

An obsession with highlife music originally drew him to Ghana in 2005. Once he arrived there, he found other things — groundnut stew, the Twi language, mapouka (both the dance and the liqueur), orange-headed lizards — that he also liked. In 2010, he quit his job to travel back to West Africa. He figured he had enough money for a 6-month trip. He didn’t know it at the time, but that trip would never actually end.

Fourteen years later, Phil finds himself based in Senegal, leading scooter trips around the region with Scoot West Africa, and making frequent stops in Bamako, Mali, where he is part owner of the Sleeping Camel hotel and restaurant. Since 2016, he has been collaborating with former tourist guides in Timbuktu on Postcards from Timbuktu, an e-commerce project that supports the guides and their families following the collapse of Mali’s tourism sector.

When he is not moving around, he enjoys relaxing on the beaches of Senegal’s Petite-Cote with his wife and two kids.

https://scootwestafrica.com/

summary
In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Phil Paoletta, co-owner of Scoot West Africa, who shares his journey from a transformative concert experience to living in West Africa since 2010. Phil discusses the cultural richness of the region, the importance of music and food in social interactions, and the unique travel experiences offered by his company. He emphasizes the need for open-mindedness in travel and encourages listeners to explore West Africa despite common misconceptions. Phil also shares insights on starting a business in a challenging environment and the rewarding connections made through travel.

takeaways

• Phil has been based in West Africa since 2010.
• A concert sparked Phil's interest in Afrobeat music.
• Traveling in West Africa offers immersive experiences.
• Food is a significant part of social interactions in West Africa.
• Phil started Scoot West Africa in 2017.
• Clients should be open to spontaneous experiences.
• West Africa is an under-visited region for tourism.
• Cultural connections are vital in travel.
• Phil emphasizes the importance of community in West African life.
• Traveling is about discovering places on their own terms.

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, 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.