Encore: Australian Explorer Greg Mortimer on Summiting Mount Everest and Founding Aurora Expeditions

Note to listeners:  We're currently on hiatus until Spring 2025, but we're replaying some of our favorite episodes each week until we return. And you're listening to one of those "encore" presentations right now. Greg Mortimer, the founder of cruise line Aurora Expeditions, is a pioneer in the adventure and exploration space — he’s  traveled to many of the world's most remote and untouched regions, and has led more than 80 expeditions to Antarctica. In 1984, Mortimer made history by being part of the first Australian team to summit Mount Everest via its northeast ridge route without the use of supplemental oxygen, and he’s also summited several other peaks, such as Antarctica's Mount Minto and K2 in Asia. In 1991, Mortimer founded Aurora Expeditions, which has a fleet of two expedition ships — Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle — and another on the way. During the episode, Mortimer will reflect on some of his most thrilling journeys. Listeners will also hear about his advocacy for environmental conservation and sustainability in the travel industry. This episode is sponsored by The Travel Corporation. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Aurora Expeditions About Greg Mount Minto Documentary: The Loneliest Mountain From TravelAge West: Review: Antarctica Onboard Aurora Expeditions' Sylvia Earle Review: Greg Mortimer from Aurora Expeditions New ship announcement: Douglas Mawson ABOUT YOUR HOST  Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the 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 award-winning 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 highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.