Episode 112

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Published on:

23rd Dec 2025

112: The Future of Adventure Travel, Luxury Trekking, National Parks, and Transformational Trips | Frank Castro

What if your next big adventure did more than give you a view, what if it gave you perspective?

In this episode, Kelly sits down with Frank Castro, founder of Adventure International, a luxury adventure outfitter known for high-end trekking and mountaineering experiences rooted in ethical guiding, fair wages, and deep respect for the local teams who make expeditions possible.

Frank shares how his early years operating in Tanzania sparked a mission to raise the standard for Kilimanjaro outfitting, not just through elevated logistics and top-tier gear, but through meaningful investment in guides, porters, cooks, training, and long-term community impact.

From there, Adventure International expanded into the Himalayas, Peru, and Ecuador, later growing into eco-dome glamping, conservation-driven safari camps, luxury surf travel, and privately guided U.S. National Parks experiences.

This conversation explores what makes a truly exceptional adventure DMC, why risk management is everything in high-altitude travel, and why more travelers are seeking experiences that reset the nervous system and reconnect them to what matters.

You will learn:

  • How Adventure International began as a high-level Kilimanjaro operator grounded in ethical labor practices
  • Why luxury adventure travel sits at the intersection of challenge and comfort
  • What travel advisors should look for in an adventure DMC, especially for high-risk itineraries
  • How Adventure International expanded from Tanzania into Nepal, Peru, and Ecuador
  • Why eco domes, glamping, and conservation-led travel are shaping the future
  • What families should consider when planning adventure travel across age ranges
  • Why nature-based travel is becoming essential in a screen-heavy world
  • How North America is emerging as a powerful adventure destination post-COVID

We talk about:

  • 00:00 Intro 
  • 01:00 Travel Kinship, DMCs, and the role of ethical operators
  • 02:00 The origin story, Tanzania, Kilimanjaro, and “doing it the right way”
  • 04:00 Ethical operations, wages, training, and industry shifts
  • 06:00 Expanding into Nepal, Peru, and Ecuador
  • 09:00 Eco domes, safari camps, and conservation impact
  • 12:00 Luxury surf travel and concierge-style itineraries
  • 13:30 COVID, U.S. National Parks, and family adventure travel
  • 16:00 What makes a great adventure DMC and risk management realities
  • 21:00 Setting expectations for iconic treks and crowd realities
  • 23:00 Building balanced itineraries with elevated extensions
  • 25:00 Why adventure travel is rising as nervous system medicine
  • 28:00 Transformational moments and shared humanity on the trail
  • 32:00 Family travel guidance and age considerations
  • 35:00 Slowing down, North America focus, and full-circle travel
  • 39:00 Closing reflections and next steps

Resources & Links:

Connect with Adventure International

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About the Podcast

Transform With Travel: Trip Planning Made Easy For Busy Professionals Craving Bucket List Adventures
Are you sitting behind your desk craving an adventure to make you feel alive again? But with thousands of travel options out there, where do you begin?

Transform With Travel is designed for busy professionals who want more bucket lists trips that reignite adventure, go beneath the surface and feel unique to you WITHOUT the overwhelm of planning, the endless midnight scroll and the crowded tourist traps.

About your host

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Kelly Tolliday

Kelly is the Founder of Transform With Travel, with over 11 years in the travel industry. She's a Wellness Travel Expert, Retreat Facilitator, Travel Advisor & Podcast Host.

She's also a 500-Hr Registered Yoga Teacher & an Accredited Continued Education Provider for the Yoga Industry.

She's traveled to over 45 countries and lived across 4 continents. Now, it's her mission to inspire and support you in stepping outside of your comfort zone and into the life of your dreams.

She's passionate about immersive and transformational travel. She believe when you travel with intention, by combining wellness, adventure & cultural enrichment, you can truly transform your life, one trip at a time.

She's now based in South Florida, and she's married to her husband Sam with 2 beautiful daughters & 2 crazy dogs.