Adventure Travel with Monika Sundem - Adventure Life

Area/TopicWorldwide, Adventure Travel, Tourism BusinessMonika SundemCEOAdventure LifeAs a Pacific Northwest native I grew up playing in the mountains and lakes of the Cascades. I now enjoy living near Glacier National Park and am learning how to master the adventure called 'motherhood'. I have been an Adventure Lifer for over 18 years during which time I've worn many hats from operations to trip planning to marketing. I have traveled the world, but hold a special place in my heart for Latin America in particular. I love opportunities to interact with indigenous and local cultures and always glean valuable lessons as a result of off-the-beaten travel. I feel honored to be a part of creating similar life-changing moments for our travelers and grateful to work with the dedicated and amazing team at Adventure Life.https://www.adventure-life.com/SummaryMonika Sundem, CEO of Adventure Life, shares her journey from bookkeeping to leading a travel company. Her passion for Latin culture and travel inspired her to join Adventure Life. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections and building relationships with clients. The company transitioned to a fully remote team, which has its challenges in terms of training and communication, but also offers the flexibility to hire the best candidates regardless of location. The team's collective travel experience and ability to customize trips based on clients' preferences are key factors in their success. Monika Sundem, the CEO at Adventure Life, discusses the importance of human connection in travel. She emphasizes that it's the people, both the staff and the travelers, that make the experience meaningful and fulfilling. Monika shares personal stories of connecting with travelers and forming deep connections with them. She also highlights the value of cultural connections and the joy of interacting with locals in different countries. Monika acknowledges the challenges of running a travel business, including the weight of decision-making and the responsibility towards employees. Overall, she emphasizes the significance of human connection in the travel industry.TakeawaysPassion for Latin culture and travel led Monika Sundem to join Adventure LifeBuilding personal connections and relationships with clients is crucial in the travel industryTransitioning to a fully remote team has its challenges, but also offers flexibility in hiringThe team's collective travel experience and ability to customize trips are key factors in their success The people, both staff and travelers, are what make travel experiences meaningful and fulfilling.Cultural connections and interactions with locals enhance the travel experience.Running a travel business comes with challenges and responsibilities, including decision-making and the well-being of employees.Human connection is essential in the travel industry and contributes to memorable experiences. 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.