Area/Topic
Greece, Diving, Sailing, Adventures

Stavros Makris
Co-founder
Bearing True South

Based in Athens, Greece, and with a background in Biology, Stavros has worked as a documentary photographer for newspapers, NGOs and media organisations across five continents.

Combining a passion for adventure with the curiosity his parents instilled in him from a very young age, it was almost impossible to stay put. Twenty years and over 80 countries later, he still finds himself addicted to travelling, amazed by the complexity of nature, the vast differences - and surprising similarities - of various cultures and the immense beauty of the natural world.

Along with Panagiotis, he founded Bearing True South early 2014.

https://www.bearingtruesouth.com/

Summary

Stavros Makris, co-founder of Bearing True South, shares his journey into tourism and the importance of cultural immersion. He discusses the challenges of being a documentary photographer and the realities of full-time travel. Stavros emphasizes the value of meeting new people and the responsibility of tour operators to provide authentic experiences. He also highlights the impact of social media on travel expectations and the importance of tailoring experiences to individual preferences. In this conversation, Jason Elkins and Stavros Makris discuss the value of conversation in the travel booking process. They highlight the benefits of video calls and personalized itineraries, as well as the importance of building relationships and word of mouth. They also emphasize the significance of packing light and being prepared, and the value of choosing the right tour operator. The conversation explores the importance of authentic experiences and provides recommendations for traveling to Greece. They discuss the concept of cultural immersion and share stories of miscommunication and cultural differences. Finally, they reflect on the quiet time before the quiet time, a time for meaningful connections and conversations with guests.

Takeaways

• Conversations are essential in the travel booking process as they allow for personalized itineraries and the opportunity to build relationships.
• Video calls can provide a relaxed and informal space to discuss travel preferences and create tailored experiences.
• Word of mouth and personal recommendations play a significant role in the travel industry.
• Packing light and being prepared can enhance the travel experience and allow for more flexibility.
• Choosing the right tour operator is crucial for a successful and enjoyable trip.
• Authentic experiences and cultural immersion can lead to memorable and meaningful travel experiences.
• Miscommunication and cultural differences can be learning opportunities and should be embraced with an open mind.
• Going with the flow and embracing authenticity can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences.
• The quiet time before the quiet time is a valuable opportunity for meaningful connections and conversations with guests.

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.