Sarah O. Vidal
Founder & Brand Consultant
Cultured Creative
https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/sarah-vidal/

Sarah is the founder of Cultured Creative, a brand strategy and design studio that guides responsible tourism brands to attract the right guests. She’s seen many purpose-driven travel businesses struggle with visibility. The issue isn’t a lack of heart, but a lack of the right tools and guidance. Drawing on her Nigerian-American roots, passion for cultural travel, and 12 years of branding and marketing experience, Sarah shares strategies to help travel brands tell their stories and grow in ways that honor purpose, people, and profit.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Sarah O. Vidal, founder of Cultured Creative, a branding studio focused on responsible tourism. Sarah shares her journey from Nigeria to the U.S., her experiences with cultural communication, and the importance of storytelling in branding. They discuss the challenges of fitting in, the significance of clarity in communication, and how active listening can enhance connections. Sarah also talks about her seasonal digital nomad lifestyle and the purpose behind her work in supporting travel brands that prioritize community and cultural experiences.

takeaways

• Cultured Creative focuses on branding for responsible tourism brands.
• Visibility is crucial for travel businesses to thrive.
• Storytelling is essential for connecting with audiences.
• Active listening enhances communication and relationships.
• Clarity in communication is more important than accent.
• Travel experiences shape understanding of clients' needs.
• Managing expectations can lead to better travel experiences.
• Cultural travel supports local businesses and communities.
• Networking events can foster collaboration in the travel industry.
• Communication skills can be developed through practice and experience.

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.

Nicole Dane
Founder
Heart of India Travel
https://heartofindiatravel.com/

What began as a one-time journey has become a life where I spend eight months a year in India, embraced by people who now feel like family. With 3 years of experience creating authentic and sustainable journeys through Heart of India Travel, I’ve seen how transformative travel can be for both visitors and local communities.

At Heart of India Travel, we believe tourism can support underrepresented communities, preserve heritage, and protect nature. We connect guests with villages where traditions, arts, and crafts thrive, helping stimulate local economies so people can find work without leaving for cities. We also collaborate with sustainable partners on conservation, from organizing safaris in protected areas to promoting electric transport in urban settings.

We support women’s empowerment and education projects for rural children, creating opportunities for the next generation. By blending comfort with sustainability and social responsibility, we deliver meaningful journeys that enrich guests and generate lasting impact. Every experience, hotel, and itinerary is personally tested to ensure authenticity and quality.

Building on this, I founded Bharatvaas Travels, a B2B platform working with agencies worldwide to design small group and tailor-made journeys across India. We focus on unique cultural encounters, sustainability (pursuing Travelife certification), and special-interest themes like wildlife, wellness, women-only travel, photography, festivals, heritage, and local crafts. We provide full guest support in English, French, and Dutch, offering both midrange and high-end options.

I welcome connections with travel professionals who share our vision for meaningful, carefully crafted journeys.

summary
In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Nicole Dane, founder of Bharatvaas Travels and Heart of India Travel. They discuss Nicole's journey from Europe to India, her experiences in the travel industry, and the cultural differences she has encountered. Nicole shares her insights on the real India, emphasizing the beauty of its villages and the warmth of its people. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on travel and mental health, as well as the importance of understanding local economies and cultures. Nicole encourages listeners to explore India beyond the typical tourist spots, highlighting the richness of experiences available in lesser-known areas.

takeaways

• Bharatvaas Travels simplifies travel for foreign companies in India.
• Nicole's journey to India began unexpectedly during a sabbatical.
• Traveling in India requires a mindset of surrendering control.
• The perception of India as dangerous is often outdated and inaccurate.
• Cultural differences shape how travelers perceive safety and hospitality.
• Local economies benefit from tourism in lesser-known areas.
• Understanding poverty in India requires a nuanced perspective.
• Traveling can lead to profound personal insights and connections.
• The importance of listening in both psychology and travel.
• Nicole aims to promote wellness travel in India post-COVID.

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.

Ingeborg Sæbø Oluka

Managing Director

Alakara Travels

https://alakaratravels.com/

As the founder and managing director of Alakara Reiser (Norway) and Alakara Travels (Uganda), I work to create customized, small-scale journeys that connect travelers with Uganda’s incredible landscapes, cultures, and communities.

What drives me is not only a deep passion for meaningful travel experiences—but also a strong commitment to creating dignified employment and economic opportunities in Uganda. Alakara is built on long-term relationships, regional expertise, and a belief in tourism as a tool for local development and cross-cultural understanding.

My journey began over 25 years ago as a volunteer teacher and church worker in Soroti, Uganda (1999–2004). That time shaped my understanding of the country and gave me strong, lasting connections that still guide my work today.

From there, I worked with development aid projects in various African countries through The Salvation Army (2007–2012), before taking on leadership roles in education and integration in Suldal municipality—first as a head teacher (2012–2015), then as head of refugee integration and adult education (2015–2019). These experiences strengthened my leadership, cross-cultural communication, and strategic planning skills.

Since 2020, I have worked with the Norwegian Mission Society, first as an advisor for leadership development and now as Global Study Coordinator for NMS Global Exchange. I continue in this role alongside running Alakara.

Across all these experiences runs a common thread: a commitment to people, purpose, and partnership. Whether guiding travelers through Uganda, collaborating with local businesses, or mentoring young professionals across cultures, I believe in building something that matters—for both guests and hosts.

summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins speaks with Ingeborg Oluka, managing director of Alakara, a travel company focused on providing immersive experiences in Uganda. Ingeborg shares her journey from Norway to Uganda, detailing her first life-changing trip to the country and how it inspired her to start a tour business. The conversation explores the importance of community and conservation in tourism, the impact of COVID-19 on travel preferences, and the diverse attractions Uganda offers beyond gorillas. Ingeborg also discusses the significance of gorilla tourism in conservation efforts and provides insights into the cultural richness of the Karamoja region.

takeaways

• Alakara focuses on providing deep cultural experiences in Uganda.
• Ingeborg's first trip to Uganda at 19 was life-changing.
• The importance of community and conservation in tourism.
• COVID-19 shifted travel preferences towards custom trips.
• Uganda offers diverse attractions beyond gorillas, including hiking and cultural experiences.
• Gorilla tourism is a significant part of Uganda's conservation efforts.
• Permits for gorilla tracking are essential and must be booked in advance.
• Traveling in Uganda requires understanding local conditions and safety.
• Karamoja is a culturally rich region worth exploring.
• Ingeborg emphasizes the importance of guided tours for safety and experience.

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.

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.

Jordi Llonch Esteve
Head of Growth
Satlantis
https://satlantis.io/

Jordi Llonch Esteve is a lifelong nomad, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for freedom technologies. After traveling over 50 cities as an airline pilot, he transitioned into entrepreneurship and innovation, helping hundreds of entrepreneurs grow their startups each year. Today, he leads growth at Satlantis.io, a social network built for frequent travelers and digital nomads. Satlantis empowers users to discover their next destination, connect with like-minded nomads, and navigate the world with digital freedom, no centralized platforms needed.

Summary

In this episode, Jason Elkins interviews Jordi Llonch, the head of growth for Satlantis, a social network designed for frequent travelers. Jordi shares his journey from being an airline pilot to transitioning into the startup world, discussing the challenges faced in the airline industry and the exciting yet exhausting life of startups. The conversation highlights the importance of community and connection for digital nomads, as well as the unique features of the Satlantis app that cater to travelers seeking like-minded individuals. Jordi emphasizes the significance of digital ownership and the future of social networking for freedom seekers.

Takeaways

• Satlantis is a social network for frequent travelers.
• Jordi transitioned from being an airline pilot to working in startups.
• The airline industry faced significant challenges during the economic crisis.
• Startup life is akin to jumping off a cliff and building a plane before hitting the ground.
• Community and connection are vital for digital nomads and travelers.
• Satlantis offers a unique platform for like-minded individuals to connect.
• The app focuses on user-generated content and personalized experiences.
• Users can create collections of recommended places and events.
• The platform is free to use, with monetization options for event organizers.
• Digital ownership and control over social connections are emphasized.

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.

Dolores Gangotena
Founder
Quasar Expeditions

My husband and myself founded Quasar Expeditions in 1986. Up to then, my life had been filled with several experiences in the Galapagos Islands. My first trip was in 1969 when there was no airport and navigations had to be done from Guayaquil. My first experience visiting Galapagos, still quite young, in the company of a biology teacher and 5 friends truly changed my life. It is since we founded the company that my professional life saw a big turn and suddenly I had to become part of the hospitality department, the human resources department, biology and naturalist guides department, the marketing and sales department which if all different gave me a view of what the business was all about from scratch. It is probably this experience that have helped us create our safari cruises that create an incredible memory in all of our guests.

summary
In this episode, Dolores Gangotena, founder of Quasar Expeditions, shares her journey from her first trip to the Galapagos at 17 to establishing a successful eco-tourism company. She discusses the importance of sustainable tourism, the challenges of operating in the Galapagos, and the need for regulations to protect the islands. Dolores emphasizes the value of local experiences and the role of naturalists in enhancing the travel experience. She also addresses common misconceptions about safety in Latin America and encourages travelers to explore the beauty of the region.

takeaways

• Dolores's first trip to the Galapagos sparked her passion for eco-tourism.
• Quasar Expeditions focuses on small group experiences in the Galapagos.
• The company has expanded to offer services in continental Ecuador and beyond.
• Sustainable tourism is crucial for preserving the Galapagos.
• Local operations enhance the travel experience and support the community.
• Travel agencies are increasingly working directly with Quasar Expeditions.
• The importance of targeting the English-speaking market for tourism.
• Group dynamics can impact the travel experience in the Galapagos.
• Tourism has evolved, affecting wildlife interactions in the islands.
• Regulations are necessary to manage the growing number of visitors.

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.

Charles Odom
Founder
Painted Circle Travel Guide

Charles is a supporter of the sustainable travel movement through his platform Painted Circle. He has a degree in International Development and has worked in tourism since 2008. Starting his travel career in Germany, he is now working with travel companies around the world to build an ethical travel platform that helps travelers explore more intentionally and with a more positive impact.

summary
In this episode, Charles Odom, founder of Painted Circle, shares his journey from a childhood filled with travel experiences to creating a platform that promotes ethical and sustainable tourism. He discusses the importance of supporting local businesses and the impact of travel on personal growth and community development. Charles emphasizes the need for transparency in the travel industry and how Painted Circle aims to connect travelers directly with purpose-driven tour operators, ultimately fostering a more equitable tourism ecosystem.

takeaways

• Travel can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
• Supporting local businesses enhances the travel experience.
• Ethical travel is about making conscious choices.
• Traveling helps us connect with diverse cultures.
• Transparency in the travel industry is crucial.
• Painted Circle aims to redefine how we book travel.
• Travel should prioritize community impact over profits.
• Experiences are more valuable than material possessions.
• The travel industry can lead in social justice initiatives.
• We can create a better world through responsible tourism.

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.

Ami Jones
CEO & Founder
TerraFauna Journeys

Ami Jones is a seasoned travel professional, passionate conservationist, and respected leader in sustainable tourism with over 15 years of experience designing and guiding meaningful journeys across the globe. Her path began in 2008 in Placencia, Belize—an early spark that ignited a lifelong commitment to using travel as a force for good.

Since then, Ami has held key roles in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors spanning student travel, wellness, educational tourism, and conservation. She has led innovative sustainability initiatives—including the development of pioneering low-impact travel models—and helped shape strategies that prioritize environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Her work has taken her from the Arctic tundra to the Brazilian Amazon, always rooted in deep partnerships with local people and places.

In 2025, Ami founded TerraFauna Journeys to bring that mission to life. With a bold vision to inspire conservation, one journey at a time, she leads the company committed to reconnecting travelers with the natural world—while directly supporting the people and ecosystems that make each destination extraordinary.

Her belief is simple but powerful: when done thoughtfully, travel can change lives and help protect our planet for future generations.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Ami Jones, CEO and founder of TerraFauna Journeys, a conservation-focused travel company. They discuss Ami's background, her family's influence on her passion for conservation, and the importance of meaningful travel experiences. The conversation delves into the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment, the misconceptions surrounding travel destinations, and the mission of TerraFauna to inspire conservation through travel. Ami emphasizes the need for ethical tourism practices and the importance of listening to both travelers and local communities to create impactful experiences. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with TerraFauna and contribute to conservation efforts.

takeaways

• TerraFauna Journeys aims to inspire conservation through travel.
• Ami's childhood experiences with National Geographic sparked her curiosity about the planet.
• Conservation perspectives can vary greatly based on cultural backgrounds.
• Travel experiences shape our understanding of the world and its challenges.
• Mass tourism can serve as a gateway to more meaningful travel experiences.
• Cultural misconceptions often arise from a lack of firsthand experience.
• Ethical tourism requires listening to local communities and understanding their needs.
• Luxury travel is being redefined to mean access to unique experiences.
• Community engagement is crucial for successful conservation efforts.
• Travel can be a powerful tool for personal growth and global understanding.

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.