Kasey Austin got an early start in the travel industry — at age 6, to be exact. Though its legacy dates back to 1974, Austin Adventures was purchased by Dan Austin, Kasey’s father, in 1995. From that point on, Kasey’s childhood was constantly surrounded by all things Austin Adventures. She even helped to guide a Yellowstone National Park tour that same year.  

During summer breaks throughout middle school and high school in her hometown of Billings, Mont., Kasey would take on tasks such as cleaning up equipment, stuffing brochures and what she calls, “basically everything that no one else wanted to do.” And after learning the business from the ground up, she went on to become a guide, eventually vice president of operations and, most recently, president — a promotion that became official last November.  

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Kasey shares why she wasn’t always sure that she wanted to pursue the Austin family calling of running an adventure travel business. (In fact, her degree was in education.) Ultimately, it was a decision that felt right, and she hasn't looked back since. She also reveals her tips for working with family members and maintaining a work-life balance. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE  

Austin Adventures: www.austinadventures.com 

Kasey Austin’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/kasey.austin.395 

Kasey Austin’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/kasey_morrissey

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Valerie Chen is the Deputy Digital Editor of TravelAge West, a print and online magazine for travel advisors based in the Western U.S.   

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s new podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human. 

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