Guest Bio

Josué Agüero Solís is the founder of Bonanza Travel, a family-owned company based in Costa Rica. With deep roots in the tourism industry through his father’s decades of experience, Josué leads Bonanza Travel with a focus on creating meaningful connections between travelers and the destinations they visit. His approach blends local expertise with a commitment to personalized service and genuine human interaction.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Josué Agüero Solís about his journey from growing up in a family deeply involved in Costa Rica’s tourism industry to founding Bonanza Travel, a luxury Destination Management Company. Josué shares how his childhood experiences, including time spent studying and living abroad in Spain and Germany, shaped his understanding of cultures and business, inspiring his vision for a travel company centered on authentic hospitality, meaningful connections, and personalized service.

The conversation explores Bonanza Travel’s commitment to bespoke luxury travel experiences and the importance of genuine human connections in tourism. Josué explains how the company specializes in Costa Rica while also designing journeys throughout Central America, maintaining exceptional quality and attention to detail through trusted partnerships. He highlights the benefits of working with a destination management company like Bonanza, including tailor-made itineraries, dedicated local support, and peace of mind that direct bookings often cannot provide.

Josué also reflects on the role of positive energy and respect within his team and partnerships, emphasizing how this culture translates into memorable experiences for their travelers. He discusses the value of personally welcoming guests upon arrival as a defining moment that sets the tone for their journey, illustrating his belief that travel is about far more tan logistics, it’s about creating lasting, authentic connections and unforgettable memories.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

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Guest Bio

Charles J Kropke is the CEO of The Windjammer Way, a company dedicated to reviving the tradition of intimate sailing travel in the Caribbean. An entrepreneur and environmental advocate, Charles has spent decades shaping sustainable tourism experiences that connect travelers with culture, history, and nature. His leadership at The Windjammer Way focuses on restoring historic schooners and supporting fragile island economies while offering guests authentic, windswept adventures.

Charles’s journey began in childhood with an early fascination inspired by vintage National Geographic magazines and the original Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. That lifelong interest has evolved into a commitment to preserving maritime heritage and fostering meaningful travel experiences. Beyond The Windjammer Way, he founded Dragonfly Expeditions, an eco-tour company in Florida, and oversees Tropic Moon Holdings, a portfolio of mission-driven businesses emphasizing sustainability and community impact.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Charles J Kropke about his work revitalizing the iconic Windjammer sailing experience. Charles shares the story behind The Windjammer Way, a company resurrecting the spirit of classic tall ship cruises with their flagship vessel, the SV Mandalay, a 103-year-old steel-hulled schooner. Operating primarily in the Caribbean, their voyages emphasize small groups, cultural connection, and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere.

Charles reflects on his early inspiration from National Geographic and how that shaped his vision for sustainable and soulful travel. He describes the unique Windjammer culture where crew and guests blend seamlessly, with no televisions onboard and activities centered around storytelling, parties, and exploring remote islands. The conversation also touches on the challenges of restoring historic ships, navigating Caribbean itineraries with seasonal weather, and the company’s inclusive approach to travelers of all backgrounds.

Throughout the episode, Charles highlights his broader entrepreneurial path, including his eco-tourism company Dragonfly Expeditions and past collaborations with the Margaritaville brand. He invites listeners to reconnect with their inner child and consider the timeless appeal of wind-powered adventure as a new generation prepares to set sail.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Guest Bio

Jack Fleckney is the founder of Legend Expeditions, a Tanzania-based company specializing in guided Kilimanjaro climbs and African safaris. A former Royal Marine Commando, Jack combines his military discipline and extensive expedition experience with a deep knowledge of East Africa to offer well-supported, carefully planned adventure travel. Fluent in Swahili, he has led numerous successful climbs to Kilimanjaro’s summit and has completed remarkable endurance challenges such as rowing across the Atlantic and kayaking the Okavango Delta.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Jack Fleckney about his journey from a Royal Marine Commando to a respected Kilimanjaro expedition leader and founder of Legend Expeditions. They explore the unique approach Jack takes to guiding climbers, emphasizing acclimatization, comfort, and rigorous support to maximize summit success rates.

Jack shares insights on the challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro, including the importance of pacing, hygiene, nutrition, and the mental demands of summit night. He also offers a detailed look into the local team’s roles—from guides to porters and chefs—and how the company’s commitment to fair wages and support is central to both the client experience and community well-being.

The conversation touches on Jack’s personal adventures, such as rowing across the Atlantic and kayaking through Africa’s wild landscapes, and the balance he’s found between pursuing big challenges and building a sustainable business and family life in Tanzania.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Guest Bio

Alice Todd is the co-founder of SwimQuest, a company specializing in open water swimming holidays and events. After leaving a career in media, she committed herself to sharing the experience of swimming in natural waters, combining adventure, fitness, and personal growth. Over the past decade, Alice has helped guests from around the world improve their swimming skills, overcome fears, and connect with nature. Beyond swimming, she is an avid runner and cyclist, as well as a creative spirit involved in writing, DJing, and art. Alice also balances her professional life with raising twin boys and caring for two Siberian huskies, embracing a vibrant, full-color approach to life.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Alice Todd about her unique role as co-founder of SwimQuest, a company that offers open water swimming holidays and events. Alice explains how SwimQuest creates inclusive experiences where people of all swimming levels can enjoy coastal and island swims around the world, from the Arctic Circle to the Maldives. She highlights the non-competitive nature of their trips and events, emphasizing community, support, and personal progression.

They discuss the growing popularity of open water swimming, particularly in the UK, and how SwimQuest caters to a diverse range of guests, including non-swimmers and families. Alice shares insights into the challenges and rewards of building SwimQuest from the ground up, her creative connection to color inspired by early travels, and the company’s approach to guiding and safety. The conversation also touches on the appeal of swimming in urban waterways like the Thames and the inspiring atmosphere of cold water swims in Norway’s Lofoten Islands.

Alice’s story reveals how she transitioned from a media career to an outdoor-focused business and how SwimQuest continues to evolve with new trips, workshops, and community-driven events designed to welcome anyone curious about open water swimming.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Guest Bio

Gaurav Bhan Bhatnagar is the Founder and CEO of The Folk Tales, a company dedicated to crafting conscious travel experiences across India. With more than a decade of experience, he has focused on responsible tourism that fosters deep cultural connections and supports local communities. Recognized as part of the FORTTUNA Global 100 class of 2026 and awarded the Best Cultural Immersion Operator by the Indian Responsible Tourism Awards, Gaurav combines his interests in travel writing, languages, and photography to enrich the journeys he creates. His work extends beyond business to promote storytelling-centered sustainable tourism that empowers grassroots communities and contributes to meaningful livelihoods.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Gaurav about the importance of responsible travel and how storytelling can deepen a traveler’s connection to India’s diverse cultures. They explore how The Folk Tales curates bespoke experiences that go beyond surface-level tourism to engage with heritage and local communities authentically.

Gaurav shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable tourism in India, emphasizing the role of grassroots empowerment and cultural preservation. The conversation also touches on how emerging founders like himself are shaping the future of tourism with a focus on ethics and impact.

Listeners gain a clearer understanding of how travel can be a force for good when it is thoughtfully designed and grounded in genuine cultural exchange.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Guest Bio

Elinor Fish is a Tourism Business Consultant and founder of Open Air Consulting. With over 14 years of experience building and leading an international travel company, Elinor has firsthand insight into the challenges of growing a tourism business and preparing it for sale. After successfully scaling her own company and navigating the complexities of a business exit, she now helps travel industry owners understand the true value of their companies and guides them through the process of scaling, structuring, and ultimately selling their businesses on their own terms.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Elinor Fish about her journey from founding and operating a women-only travel company to becoming a trusted consultant in tourism business sales and growth. Elinor shares her experience of building her company from a solo endeavor into an international operation with a dedicated team and explains how the pandemic and post-Covid travel surge impacted her business and contributed to her decision to sell.

Elinor dives into the importance of preparing a business for sale well in advance, focusing on creating systems that allow the company to operate independently of the owner. She discusses the due diligence process, the role of business brokers, and how early planning can greatly improve outcomes for sellers. Additionally, she emphasizes that the steps taken to ready a business for sale can also free entrepreneurs to enjoy their businesses more and avoid burnout.

Throughout the conversation, Elinor offers practical advice on managing employee concerns during ownership transitions, capturing meaningful customer feedback, and aligning business sales with personal life goals. Her insights extend beyond selling to building a sustainable, valuable asset that supports both business success and personal well-being.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Guest Bio

Kristine Eksteine-Nizka is the founder of Love Your Italy, a travel planning service and blog focused on helping travelers explore Italy, with a special emphasis on the Dolomites. Kristine and her husband Michal live in Europe and draw from their personal experiences living in Northern Italy and extensive travels throughout the country to create tailored itineraries and practical advice for visitors. Her approach combines a deep understanding of Italy’s diverse regions with a commitment to responsible and enjoyable travel.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Kristine about her journey from growing up in Latvia to becoming a travel planner specializing in Italy’s Dolomites. They discuss how Kristine’s passion for travel evolved through years of personal exploration, including her time working as a flight attendant and living near Lake Iseo in Northern Italy.

The conversation delves into what makes the Dolomites unique, from their limestone peaks and extensive cable car networks to the challenges of overtourism and the importance of responsible travel. Kristine shares how her business, Love Your Italy, offers custom itinerary planning and a vibrant online community for travelers seeking to navigate the region thoughtfully and safely.

Listeners also learn about the practical side of Kristine’s work, including why she chooses not to handle bookings directly and how she supports travelers with detailed planning advice, emphasizing safety and local respect. The episode highlights her dedication to making Italian adventures approachable, especially in areas less familiar to the average tourist.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Guest Bio

Peter Bergman is an Australian expedition leader and the founder of Beyond Expedition Consulting. With nearly a decade of experience guiding expeditions across diverse and remote regions including Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Indo-Pacific, Peter has developed a broad expertise in expedition cruising. His career began with Silversea Expeditions, where he advanced from Staff Assistant to Expedition Leader, managing complex operations and ensuring guest safety on challenging itineraries. Through Beyond Expedition Consulting, Peter provides specialized advice to expedition operators, drawing on current, hands-on experience in the field to support companies in delivering safe and authentic adventure travel experiences.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Peter Bergman about his journey from studying marine science to becoming an expedition leader and founder of Beyond Expedition Consulting. Peter shares insights into the expedition industry, explaining what expedition tourism entails and how it differs from traditional travel. He highlights the challenges of operating in remote regions, from polar areas to tropical islands, and the importance of thorough planning and local knowledge.

Peter discusses the balance he seeks between his career at sea and life on land, as well as the personal challenges of leading expeditions in high-stress environments. He reflects on the legacy of his late father and how it shaped his adventurous path. The conversation delves into the evolving nature of expedition travel, the role of consulting in supporting new and established operators, and the need for mental and physical wellbeing among expedition staff.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Guest Bio

Gregg Bleakney is the founder of WhereNext Travel, a premium destination management company (DMC) serving international travel advisors, luxury tour operators, and experiential travel brands across Colombia, Peru, and Latin America. Before launching WhereNext Travel, Gregg spent more than two decades leading a creative agency that produced campaigns for global lifestyle brands, tourism ministries and international development organizations, including USAID’s $40 million Destination Nature tourism initiative in Colombia and a collaboration with 60 Minutes on the country’s tourism revival. Unlike traditional DMCs, WhereNext Travel grew out of destination storytelling before building its operational infrastructure across Latin America. Today, the company combines cinematic storytelling with operational excellence to design bespoke, multi-country journeys supported by trusted, on-the-ground teams.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Gregg Bleakney about his path from competitive athlete and tropical fish enthusiast to founder of WhereNext Travel, a premium destination management company based in Colombia and  Peru and expanding into other Latin American countries. Gregg shares stories from his 18,000-mile bicycle journey from Alaska to Argentina, the challenges he encountered along the way, and how the experience reshaped his life and career.

Gregg explains how, unlike traditional DMCs, WhereNext Travel grew out of destination storytelling before building its operational infrastructure across Latin America. The conversation explores how modern destination management extends far beyond logistics, requiring deep local relationships, operational excellence, cinematic storytelling and reliable on-the-ground support to deliver exceptional travel experiences.

Gregg also reflects on his work promoting sustainable tourism in Colombia, including a landmark campaign for ProColombia that helped position the country as the world’s leading birding destination, and his commitment to community-based tourism through the restoration of his boutique coffee agroturismo in the Colombian Andes.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Guest Bio

Gilly Gwilliams is the founder of Retreats In Greece, a travel agency focused on wellness retreats throughout the country. After a career in the British Army as an intelligence analyst, Gilly relocated to the island of Kos where she transitioned into fitness and Pilates instruction. Combining her love of holistic health with her deep connection to Greece, she created a platform that offers carefully matched retreats emphasizing healing, fitness, and personal growth. Her work also supports other retreat hosts by helping them connect with travelers seeking meaningful wellness experiences.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Gilly about her journey from a military career to founding a specialized retreat travel service in Greece. They explore how Gilly’s early experiences, including her time as a fitness instructor on Kos, led her to create Retreats In Greece—an agency that curates a wide range of wellness retreats beyond the usual yoga and fitness options.

The conversation delves into the unique qualities that make retreats different from typical vacations, such as their focus on healing and providing tools for long-term well-being. Gilly shares insights into the diversity of retreats offered, including a mythology-based healing retreat that uses the story of the Minotaur to help participants process trauma. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of building her business, the importance of personalized retreat matching, and how her own health journey influenced her approach to fitness and wellness.

Listeners gain an understanding of the practical steps involved in booking a retreat through her agency and the supportive community she has cultivated among hosts and travelers alike. Gilly’s story reflects a thoughtful evolution from military discipline to nurturing wellness and connection in a place she describes as deeply healing.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.