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 Mikael Castro - Journey Brazil
Area/Topic
Brazil, Ecotourism, Destination Management, Luxury Travel
Mikael Castro
Co-founder and GM
Journey Brazil
Sustainable Tourism Strategist | 20+ Years of Global Experience | Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist 2023
As a seasoned manager with over 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, I am focused on providing unique and sustainable travel experiences. Throughout my career, I have worked with tour operators, non-profits, and international associations in over 25 countries and visited over 76 countries. I am an expert luxury and adventure travel professional with the ability to design, market and operate complex itineraries in unique locations. I thrive creating experiences that connect people profoundly with the places they visit and people they meet.
I have a passion for photography and sharing through storytelling.
https://journeybrazil.com/
summary
Mikael Castro, the former country manager for Brazil for Abercrombie & Kent DMC, shares his journey from growing up between Brazil and the United States to working in the tourism industry. He discusses his passion for travel, his experiences exploring different cultures, and the impact of his father's work in conservation. Mikael also talks about his decision to leave his corporate role and embark on a nine-month expedition with his father in Africa, which led him to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality.
In this episode, Mikael shares his love for Brazil and the surprises that visitors often encounter when they experience Rio de Janeiro. He highlights Brazil's vast diversity, with landscapes and attractions that extend far beyond popular spots like Rio and Iguazu Falls. Mikael also discusses Brazil's leadership in renewable energy and the abundant opportunities for sustainable travel across the country.
He emphasizes the importance of hospitality in Brazil, where guides play a crucial role in fostering authentic connections with travelers. From sharing meals with locals to participating in cultural traditions like soccer, these personal interactions create lasting memories. With its rich natural resources and diverse biomes, Brazil is an ideal destination for transformative and sustainable travel experiences.
Since recording this episode, Mikael has gone become the cofounder of Journey Brazil, a luxury DMC with a focus on creating unique travel experiences that have a positive impact.
takeaways
- Mikael Castro's upbringing in a family passionate about travel and conservation shaped his love for exploring different cultures and the natural world.
- His decision to embark on a nine-month expedition with his father in Africa led him to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality.
- Mikael's deep connection to Brazil and its unique identity influenced his decision to work in the tourism industry and promote the country's natural beauty and outdoor experiences.
- Visitors to Rio de Janeiro are often surprised by the city's stunning landscapes, friendly people, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Brazil is a vast country with diverse landscapes and attractions beyond the popular destinations of Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls.
- There are many opportunities for sustainable travel in Brazil, with the country leading the way in renewable energy sources.
- The hospitality gene is essential for guides in Brazil, as they not only provide information but also create authentic connections with travelers.
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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