Area/Topic
Technology Trends & Tourism

Sebastian Riedel
CEO
Oasis Travel Platform

Sebastian is the CEO of the Oasis Travel Platform, a company dedicated to streamlining travel operations for businesses. From an early age, Sebastian’s life was shaped by his passion for travel, which led him to transition from a successful career in technology to the travel industry. He co-founded Global Basecamps, an international tour operator that offers unique, authentic travel experiences.

Through Oasis, Sebastian combines his expertise in technology with his love for exploration, offering a solution that simplifies travel logistics while enhancing the overall experience for companies. His focus remains on the human connections and meaningful experiences that make travel a powerful force for personal and professional growth.

https://myoasisapp.com/

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, Jason Elkins interviews Sebastian Riedel, CEO of the Oasis Travel Platform. They discuss Sebastian's journey from a childhood filled with travel to his career in the travel industry. The conversation explores the evolution of travel experiences, the importance of human connection, and the challenges of maintaining relationships while pursuing a travel-centric lifestyle. Sebastian shares insights on starting Global Basecamps and the development of Oasis, a platform designed to streamline travel operations for companies. The episode emphasizes the significance of creating meaningful travel experiences and the impact of technology on the travel industry.

takeaways

• Travel has been a significant part of Sebastian's life since childhood.
• Sebastian transitioned from a tech-heavy career to the travel industry.
• The excitement of travel has changed with technology.
• Human connection is a vital aspect of travel experiences.
• Traveling is about creating memories rather than accumulating things.
• The challenges of a travel lifestyle can impact personal relationships.
• Finding a travel partner who shares your wanderlust is crucial.
• Global Basecamps was founded to provide unique travel experiences.
• Oasis was developed to streamline travel operations for companies.
• The importance of adapting to changes in the travel industry.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Area/Topic
Mexico, Latin America, Business

Alex Veka
Founder
Vibe Adventures

Passionate traveler, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner on a mission to make authentic, responsible, and mind-broadening travel accessible to adventurers and curious souls worldwide.

"Originally from Belarus, I've lived, studied, and worked in seven countries before finding my second home in Mexico. With over 50 countries visited and counting, I'm a perpetual learner, speaking several languages and deeply interested in history, geography, and cultures. Armed with a formal Ph.D. and countless lessons from the "university of life," I'm now channeling my passion into running Vibe Adventures, a travel startup offering a simpler way of booking adventure holidays worldwide."

https://vibeadventures.com/

summary
Alex Veka, founder of Vibe Adventures, shares his journey from being a passionate traveler to starting his own travel company. He was inspired by childhood experiences, including participating in programs for Belarusian kids affected by the Chernobyl disaster and traveling to the Netherlands. Alex's love for geography and his desire to explore the world led him to study tourism and eventually work in the travel industry. He met his Mexican wife in China and they embarked on a road trip from Mexico to Argentina, which laid the foundation for Vibe Adventures. Alex's passion for travel and technology drives his goal of making booking experiences easier. Alex Veka discusses his experiences in travel and tourism, from working in hospitality to starting his own adventure travel company, Vibe Adventures. He shares his love for Mexico and the vibrant life it offers. Alex also talks about his mission to simplify and make it easier for people to book adventure holidays worldwide. He highlights the importance of providing authentic local experiences and the need to cater to the changing preferences of millennial and post-millennial travelers. Alex mentions his future plans to add an agent portal to his platform and create a dynamic packaging feature that combines flights with multi-day adventures.

takeaways

• Childhood experiences, such as participating in programs for Chernobyl-affected kids and traveling to the Netherlands, sparked Alex's passion for travel.
• Alex's love for geography and his desire to explore the world led him to study tourism and work in the travel industry.
• Meeting his Mexican wife in China and embarking on a road trip from Mexico to Argentina inspired the creation of Vibe Adventures.
• Alex's goal is to make booking experiences easier through the use of technology. Traveling to different countries and experiencing different cultures can be a dynamic and exciting adventure.
• The hospitality industry can be limiting in terms of career growth and flexibility.
• Starting your own business in the travel industry allows for more freedom and the opportunity to create unique experiences for travelers.
• There is a need for simplifying the booking process for adventure holidays and providing authentic local experiences.
• Millennial and post-millennial travelers prefer independent and customizable travel experiences.
• The future of travel booking involves combining flights with multi-day adventures through dynamic packaging.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.

Area/Topic
Africa, Safaris, Conservation, Guiding

Ant Kaschula
Founder
Private Guided Safaris

I am a born & bred, fourth generation Zimbabwean who's professional guiding career spans more than two decades. I have travelled the length and breadth of the African continent and I have guided or lead safaris or expeditions in twenty-one different African countries.

As the holder of the most highly respected professional guiding qualification in the world coupled with a Masters degree in Ecology and interests ranging from Botany, Bushcrafts & Fly Fishing to Entomology & Recreational Flying, provides me with the background to impart an incredible breadth & depth of knowledge to my guests.

I am an ExCo member of the Zimbabwe Professional Guide's Association and am involved in ensuring the high levels of training and examining of the next generation of professional guides is maintained.

I have a ceaselessly questioning mind and as per one of my mentor’s sayings – have, eyes for seeing and not just looking, which means that very little goes undetected by my radar and no stone is left unturned in my quest to provide my guests with that 'perfect moment’.

In terms of being a specialist, I am most happy whilst leading walking safaris through big game areas and particularly enjoy spending time with elephants on foot.

Having had the privilege of spending much of my adult life exploring the continent’s wildest landscapes, what has become more and more apparent are the threats faced by these rapidly diminishing refuges. Truly passionate and dedicated to the long term safeguarding of these areas, I tend to direct my support, and that of some of my philanthropic guests, towards protected areas which are managed by organizations that are moving the needle in terms of protecting Africa’s remaining wild spaces.

https://www.privateguidedsafaris.com/

summary
Ant Kaschula, founder of Private Guided Safaris, shares his journey and passion for the African wilderness. He explains why he chose the name Private Guided Safaris instead of using his own name, highlighting the importance of providing a high level of service rather than focusing on an individual. Ant discusses his early experiences in the bush and how they shaped his career as a safari guide. He also talks about the boarding school experience and the strong bonds formed with friends during that time. Ant emphasizes the unique opportunities for walking safaris in Zimbabwe and the intimate and personal experiences they offer. Ant Kaschula emphasizes the importance of having a private guide on a safari trip, as they provide personalized service and create a unique and unforgettable experience. He highlights the value of staying in remote and exclusive locations, where guests can have a more intimate and authentic wildlife encounter. Ant also discusses the benefits of direct communication between the travel agent, the guide, and the clients, as it allows for better coordination and customization of the itinerary. He encourages travelers to be open-minded and trust the expertise of their guide when planning their safari adventure.

takeaways

• Choosing a business name that focuses on providing a high level of service rather than an individual can be beneficial for future growth and scalability.
• Early experiences in the bush can have a profound impact on shaping a career in safari guiding.
• Boarding school can provide unique opportunities for personal growth and strong friendships.
• Zimbabwe offers exceptional opportunities for wal

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.