Adventure Travel with Eric Sheets - Latin Excursions

Eric SheetsFounder / DirectorLatin ExcursionsIn Spring 2004, then a corporate-world warrior, I decided to bring some colleagues to the Galapagos Islands for an adventure in Darwin’s archipelago. My Ecuadorian mother instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for the islands, so this adventure to the Galapagos was a chance to share my insider knowledge with fellow travellers. The success of that first trip left me yearning for more … and I set out on a path combining insider knowledge of places with the transformative power of travel. Latin Excursions was born. 15+ years later, we continue to have fun sharing our connections and insider knowledge of Latin America.summaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Eric Sheets, founder of Latin Excursions. They discuss Eric's unique upbringing, which involved living in various countries, and how these experiences shaped his passion for travel. Eric shares his transition from a banking career to the travel industry, the founding of Latin Excursions, and the importance of personal connections in travel. They also touch on family travel, the logistics of the travel industry, and the role of travel agents. Eric emphasizes the need for aspiring travel professionals to understand the realities of the industry and the importance of building relationships with clients.takeawaysHe transitioned from banking to travel after realizing his passion for adventure.Eric emphasizes the importance of personal connections in the travel industry.Traveling with children can enhance their understanding of the world.He encourages parents to take their children on adventures.The travel industry is not as glamorous as it seems; it requires hard work.Logistics play a crucial role in successful travel planning.Travel agents should view specialists as partners, not competitors.Eric believes in the value of personalized travel experiences.He highlights the importance of being adaptable in the travel industry. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. 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 Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.