Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
Welcome to the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, where we go far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruises to explore the really cool places, people, and activities that adventurous travelers crave. If your idea of a great vacation is sitting on a beach at an all-inclusive resort, you’re in the wrong place. However, if you’re like me, and a beach resort vacation sounds like torture, stick around. You’ve found your tribe.
My name is Jason Elkins, and as an adventure travel marketing consultant and tour operator myself, I am on a mission to impact the lives of adventure travelers, the tour operators they hire, and the communities that host them, creating deeply meaningful experiences that make this big world feel just a bit smaller.
Are you ready to discover your next great adventure, whether that looks something like climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa, SCUBA diving in the South Pacific, or hot air ballooning in Turkey? Then you’ll be happy to know that each episode of the Big World Made Small Podcast features a fascinating interview with an adventure travel expert that has agreed to share, with us, their own personal stories, favorite adventure destinations, and even some incredibly helpful tips and tricks they’ve learned while in the field. I trust that by the end of each episode you’ll feel like booking a ticket to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of these amazing places, and getting to know the incredible people that live there.
I’ll be your guide as we explore this amazing planet and its people on the Big World Made Small podcast. I am a former US Army paratrooper, third generation commercial hot air balloon pilot, paramotor pilot, advanced open water SCUBA diver, and ex-Montana fly fishing guide and lodge manager. I have managed boutique adventure tour operation businesses in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, off-shore in Belize, the Adirondacks in New York, and the desert of Arizona. I also spent nearly a decade with Orvis International Travel, leading a talented team of tour operation experts, putting together and hosting amazing fly fishing and adventure travel excursions around the world. I have tapped into my experience and network of travel pros to put together a weekly series of exclusive expert interviews that I am excited to share with you.
For the last couple of years I have lived a fully nomadic lifestyle, feeding my passion for exploration, creating amazing adventures, and meeting some of the most fascinating people along the way. I record every episode while traveling, so in a sense you’ll be joining me on my journey. Let’s discover some great adventures together and make this big world feel just a bit smaller.
And, don’t forget to take a quick trip over to our website at bigworldmadesmall.com and join our adventure travel community, where you’ll benefit from new episode announcements, exclusive adventure travel opportunities, and special access to the experts you’ve met on the show. You can also follow us on social media, using the links in the show notes below. And, if you’re getting value out of the show please help us grow by sharing it with your friends, family, and anyone else you know that wants to get far beyond the beaches, resort hotels, and cruise ships, the next time they travel.
I’ll publish another episode soon. Until then, keep exploring. It’s the best way to make a big world feel just a bit smaller.
https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/podcast
Adventure Travel Podcast - Big World Made Small
Adventure Travel with Eric Segalstad - Gondwana Ecotours
Eric Segalstad
Vice President & Partner
Gondwana Ecotours
https://www.gondwanaecotours.com
A Norwegian native now based in Vermont, Eric Segalstad has spent the past two decades working in the travel industry, with adventures spanning five continents. His career has included guiding exploratory ski trips in Kashmir, Patagonia, and Japan, collaborating with leading tour operators, and volunteering with the Rainforest Alliance to support indigenous-owned lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Eric is Vice President & Partner at Gondwana Ecotours, where he oversees brand experience, operations technology, and tour development. Among his projects is the Norway: Western Fjords Adventure, which he also enjoys guiding alongside a local guide.
He contributes to the broader industry as a member of the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Marketing Committee and its Sustainability Subcommittee.
When not working, Eric can be found producing music, mountain biking, backcountry skiing, or honing his surfing skills. He also enjoys hiking and paddleboarding with his wife and their rescue dog.
summary
In this episode, Jason Elkins speaks with Eric Segalstad, the vice president and partner of Gondwana Ecotours. They discuss the meaning behind the name Gondwana, the company's mission to create meaningful connections between travelers and local communities, and the unique travel experiences they offer. Eric shares his personal journey into the travel industry, highlighting the importance of storytelling and the challenges faced during the pandemic. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of travel and the impact it can have on both travelers and the communities they visit.
takeaways
- Gondwana is named after an ancient supercontinent, symbolizing connection.
- The mission is to inspire meaningful connections between travelers and local communities.
- Gondwana focuses on bucket list experiences that promote cultural and ecological awareness.
- Travel is seen as a force for good, aiming to leave destinations better than found.
- Unique experiences, like dining with local families, create lasting memories for travelers.
- Eric's early experiences in Norway shaped his love for adventure and travel.
- The importance of storytelling in travel and how it enhances the experience.
- Gondwana's approach to travel emphasizes sustainability and community support.
- The pandemic presented challenges, but also opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Traveling with like-minded individuals fosters deeper connections and shared experiences.
Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.
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