In this episode of Voices of Kinship, Travel Kinship's Kelly Tolliday talks to Frank Castro, founder of Adventure International. Frank explains how a Kilimanjaro climbing outfitter grew into a luxury adventure specialist working across Africa, the Himalayas, the Andes and North America, and what travel advisors should look for when they book a high altitude trek for their clients.

What you will learn

• How it began. Adventure International started in Arusha, Tanzania, as a Kilimanjaro outfitter. Frank describes how fair pay, year round training and care for guides, porters and cooks became the foundation of the business.

• How it grew. Working with local partners in Nepal, Peru and Ecuador, then adding glamping domes in Peru, a safari camp in Bardia, Nepal, where guests may see tigers, and luxury surf trips.

• Choosing an adventure DMC. Why Frank says choosing on price alone is a mistake for a high altitude climb, and why risk management and a solution focused team on the ground matter most.

• What clients really want. Iconic routes such as Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp and the Inca Trail are busy. Frank explains how to uncover whether a client wants the icon or a quieter, more remote trek.

• Building the whole trip. Pairing a big climb with a high end safari, Zanzibar, or a privately guided Galápagos extension, so the itinerary is balanced rather than all adrenaline.

• Families. Around 15 or 16 is the usual starting age for major high altitude climbs, while Tanzania, Peru, Ecuador and the Galápagos work well for younger children and multi generational groups.

• The future of adventure travel. Why Frank sees adventure as a reset from screens and stress, and his plans for privately guided national park journeys in North America with Northern Journeys.

Who is speaking

Frank Castro is the founder of Adventure International and has spent more than 15 years setting up adventure travel around the world. He is interviewed by Kelly Tolliday, Director of Sales and Marketing at Travel Kinship.

Travel Kinship represents Adventure International to travel advisors. Contact us to be introduced to Frank and his team, read our interview write up, Building a World of Adventure, or visit our Adventure International page.