Jorge Salas
CEO and Founder
New Paths Expeditions

Jorge Salas, the visionary CEO and founder of USA based New Paths Expeditions, is guiding the celebrated tour operator into its milestone 10th anniversary in 2024. With a lifelong passion for wildlife and exploration, Jorge has extensive experience in the travel industry, having led expeditions across South and Central America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the polar regions. He has served on the board of leading U.S. travel brands, including International Expeditions as Product Developer, Operations Director, Crisis Handler, Director of Safety, and Senior Expedition Leader, while creating personalized journeys for clients worldwide. His commitment to conservation and community development shines through his work with organizations in the Peruvian Amazon. Jorge’s expertise in travel logistics and safety, combined with his passion for transformative experiences, has established New Paths Expeditions as a premier provider of immersive journeys to over 65 exotic destinations.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins speaks with Jorge Salas, the CEO and founder of New Paths Expeditions. Jorge shares his journey from a young boy inspired by his grandfather's National Geographic collection to becoming a leader in the adventure travel industry. He discusses the importance of connection in travel, the shift towards private trips post-pandemic, and the unique cultural experiences offered in destinations like Papua New Guinea. Jorge emphasizes the value of small group travel and the careful curation of trips to provide enriching experiences. He also shares exciting plans for family-oriented travel experiences with his daughter, Josefina, as they aim to create memorable adventures for families.

takeaways

• Jorge's passion for travel began at a young age, inspired by his grandfather's National Geographic collection.
• He has over 32 years of experience in the travel industry, starting as a guide in Chile.
• New Paths Expeditions focuses on small group travel to remote destinations.
• The pandemic has shifted traveler preferences towards private trips and family experiences.
• Cultural immersion is a key aspect of Jorge's travel philosophy.
• Papua New Guinea is highlighted as a unique and fascinating travel destination.
• Travel is about connection and sharing experiences with others.
• Jorge emphasizes the importance of expert guides in enhancing travel experiences.
• The company has grown to offer 58 destinations over 10 years.
• Future plans include family trips tailored for children, enhancing the travel experience for families.

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 at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Jean Zunkel
President & Co Owner
BJ Adventures, Inc.

At the age of 13, I knew that I wanted to travel the world. I designed my life to make that possible. I was in the textile world for 45 years, married to an International Banker and then started a travel business. I have been to over 195 countries and have new ones on the agenda for every year going forward. I love art, food, great wine (first choice is South African), and meeting people all over the world. My daughter and her family come first in my life. She is now my business partner and we work really well together. At the age of 79 I bought a small heritage cottage in a village in South Africa and love spending time there. The balance is spent in Lamy, New Mexico or traveling. I write over 1,000 postcards each year to stay in touch with friends and people I have met all over the world.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Jean Zunkel, president and co-owner of BJ Adventures. Jean shares her inspiring journey from a small town in the South to becoming a successful travel entrepreneur. She discusses her early aspirations to travel, the evolution of her career from fashion merchandising to travel, and the challenges and joys of leading group trips. Jean emphasizes the importance of personal connections in travel, the role of her daughter Adina in the business, and the significance of creating memorable experiences for travelers. The conversation also touches on the necessity of travel insurance and the future of the travel industry.

takeaways

• Jean knew at 13 that she wanted to escape her small town.
• Traveling has been a lifelong passion for Jean, leading her to 197 countries.
• Her career in fashion merchandising opened doors to travel opportunities.
• BJ Adventures was born from a passion for travel and adventure.
• Mother-daughter bonding is a key aspect of their safari experiences.
• Reading the room is crucial for leading successful group trips.
• Personal connections enhance the travel experience for clients.
• Adina's analytical skills complement Jean's adventurous spirit in the business.
• Surprises in itineraries create memorable travel experiences.
• Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind during trips.

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 at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Erin Carey
Director
Roam Generation

Erin Carey is the founder of Roam Generation, a PR agency dedicated to helping brands and experts in the travel, adventure, and lifestyle sectors grow. Roam Generation was originally founded on a yacht as Erin and her family sailed around the world. Despite having no prior sailing experience, Erin and her husband and three boys pursued their dream of leaving the rat race, bought a yacht on the other side of the globe, and crossed the Atlantic Ocean just 18 months later.

With her adventurous spirit, lived experience, and sheer determination, Erin and her team share their clients' stories with media outlets in both Australia and the US. They boost brand awareness, elevate credibility, and generate a buzz, transforming brands from unseen to unstoppable through a fresh approach to traditional PR. Roam Generation’s mission is to share the gift of travel and adventure with as many people as possible because, for Erin and her team, travel has been life-changing.

summary
In this episode, Erin Carey shares her incredible journey from a suburban life in Australia to sailing around the world with her family. She discusses the pivotal moment that inspired their adventure, the challenges they faced while preparing for and living on a boat, and the lessons learned along the way. After returning to land, Erin reflects on the importance of community, the power of storytelling through PR, and how she built her own PR agency. The conversation emphasizes the significance of identity, taking action, and the belief that anyone can achieve their dreams with determination and the right mindset.

takeaways

• The decision to sail was inspired by a documentary.
• Both Erin and her husband were fully committed to the adventure.
• Preparation for sailing took over two years.
• Life on the boat was filled with challenges and learning experiences.
• Returning to land was an adjustment for the family.
• Community and connection are vital for travelers.
• PR is about sharing stories to grow brands.
• Building a PR agency was a journey of self-discovery.
• Everyone has a story worth sharing.
• Taking action and setting a date can lead to achieving dreams.

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 at bigworldmadesmall.com.