Guest Bio

Al Ste-Marie is the founder of Unsold Antarctica, a travel company that specializes in connecting adventurous travelers with last-minute, discounted voyages to the White Continent. With a background in hospitality, Al brings a deep understanding of customer service and traveler psychology to the world of expedition travel. His work helps make Antarctica more accessible to curious explorers, families, and first-time adventurers who might not have realized this dream trip was within reach.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Al about his journey into the polar travel industry and the story behind Unsold Antarctica. He explains how offering discounted, last-minute trips has opened up Antarctic travel to a broader audience, breaking down the perception that the experience is out of reach for most people.

Al also shares how his background in hospitality has shaped the way he approaches customer care and the importance of working with knowledgeable travel agents. From the surprising warmth of Antarctica’s summer season to the thrill of the polar plunge, the conversation explores what makes an Antarctic expedition so memorable. Along the way, Al touches on the power of multi-generational travel and the unique bonds formed between people who share this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Unsold Antarctica provides discounted, last-minute travel opportunities to the Antarctic region
• ✓ Visiting Antarctica can be more budget-friendly than many travelers expect
• ✓ A background in hospitality enhances how companies serve and understand their clients
• ✓ Understanding customer psychology is essential in crafting exceptional travel experiences
• ✓ Travel agents offer valuable expertise and personalized guidance for complex trips
• ✓ Antarctica is surprisingly mild during its summer months
• ✓ Multi-generational travel is a growing trend on Antarctic expeditions
• ✓ Shared experiences in remote locations build strong connections among travelers
• ✓ The polar plunge remains a fan-favorite activity among adventurous guests
• ✓ Partnering with a travel agent can elevate the entire journey

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest Bio

Scott Davis is the co-CEO and owner of Cheeseman’s Ecology Safaris, a wildlife-focused expedition company known for immersive nature and photography tours across the globe. With a background in marine biology and wildlife research, Scott has built a life around exploration, photography, and conservation. His work has taken him to all seven continents, where he has led international expeditions and contributed to major documentary and editorial projects.

Scott is also a National Geographic Society Explorer and grant recipient, and has co-authored scientific publications on animal behavior. He has contributed photography and expertise to organizations like National Geographic, BBC, and Animal Planet, and has covered breaking wildlife stories for Reuters in Africa. His commercial photography has appeared in campaigns for Fortune 500 brands and respected image libraries. Based in Monterey, California, Scott spends most of his year in the field, guiding guests through some of the planet’s most remote ecosystems.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Scott about his inspiring path from wildlife biologist to full-time expedition leader and professional photographer. Sparked by a childhood love of National Geographic, Scott shares how personal loss pushed him to pursue his passion without delay, ultimately guiding him to the helm of Cheeseman’s Ecology Safaris.

The conversation explores how Scott’s scientific training informs his guiding, how meaningful guest relationships elevate the travel experience, and what it’s like to spend over 280 days a year in the field. With stories from across the globe and insights into the spirit of adventure, Scott offers listeners a powerful reminder to chase their dreams and immerse themselves in the natural world.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Scott is the co-CEO of Cheeseman’s Ecology Safaris, specializing in wildlife and photo expeditions.
• ✓ His career was inspired by a childhood passion for National Geographic and exploration.
• ✓ A personal loss prompted him to reevaluate his path and commit to his dreams.
• ✓ He transitioned from scientific fieldwork to leading global expeditions.
• ✓ Scott spends roughly 280 days a year guiding guests in remote environments.
• ✓ Guest relationships are at the heart of creating unforgettable safari experiences.
• ✓ He has collaborated with National Geographic, BBC, and Animal Planet.
• ✓ His photography has been featured by global media outlets and major brands.
• ✓ Scott believes storytelling and shared experiences are essential to adventure travel.
• ✓ He encourages others to reject complacency and pursue meaningful, bold lives.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Einar Torfi Finnsson
CEO & Lead Guide
Arctic Hiking and Expeditions

https://adventuretravelmarketing.com/guest/einar-torfi-finnsson/

Guest Bio

Einar Torfi Finnsson is the founder and CEO of Arctic Hiking and Expeditions, and a pioneering figure in Iceland’s adventure travel scene. Born in Kópavogur in 1965, Einar grew up immersed in Iceland’s natural beauty, inspired by nature-loving parents. His passion for the outdoors took root early through mountaineering with the Reykjavik Alpine Club and two decades of service with the FBS-R Mountain Rescue Group. By his early twenties, Einar had already trained as a National Park Ranger and begun guiding winter and summer expeditions across Iceland’s rugged terrain.

In 1989, Einar transitioned to guiding full-time, specializing in cross-country ski journeys and remote trekking adventures. His career has included landmark expeditions across the Icelandic Highlands and Greenland Icecap. In 1993, he co-founded Icelandic Mountain Guides, later launching Iceland Rovers with his wife and close friends. After these companies merged in 2008, Einar continued to lead until his departure in 2020. Today, he brings decades of hard-earned experience to Arctic Hiking and Expeditions, leading small-group treks through some of the North’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Einar about a lifetime spent exploring the far reaches of Iceland and Greenland. From his early days hiking volcanic plateaus to leading ambitious crossings of the Greenland Icecap, Einar shares what it takes to guide safely and meaningfully in some of the most remote places on Earth.

The conversation dives into the evolution of Einar’s guiding career, the founding of Arctic Hiking and Expeditions, and the philosophies that drive his approach to adventure travel. Jason and Einar also explore the changing climate’s impact on glacial landscapes, the role of local culture in expedition experiences, and the powerful draw nature has for travelers seeking perspective and connection.

Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.