Episode #179: Justin Wateridge

Guest Bio

Justin Wateridge is the Managing Director of Steppes Travel, a specialist tour operator known for designing immersive, tailor-made journeys around the world. With decades of experience in the travel industry, including previous leadership as Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent UK, Justin brings a deep understanding of both luxury travel and meaningful exploration.

Raised in Zambia and educated at Oxford, Justin’s passion for travel was shaped early through exposure to diverse cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. Over the course of his career, he has visited more than 150 countries, working as a tour leader, expedition guide, and pioneer of exploratory journeys. His experiences range from tracking wildlife in remote regions to leading ambitious overland expeditions, all of which continue to influence his perspective on travel today.

Justin is a strong advocate for travel as a force for connection and understanding. He believes that meaningful travel experiences foster empathy, challenge assumptions, and create lasting personal impact. In addition to his work in the field, he has spoken at venues such as the Royal Geographical Society and contributed written insights on global travel. He lives in the Cotswolds with his family and continues to pursue adventurous challenges, often in support of charitable causes.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Justin about a life shaped by global exploration and a career dedicated to meaningful travel. From his early years growing up in Zambia to leading expeditions across Asia and Africa, Justin shares how his experiences in the field ultimately led him to a leadership role at Steppes Travel.

The conversation explores how travel has evolved over the past few decades, from navigating the world without modern technology to today’s increasingly connected experience. Justin reflects on the value of human connection in travel, emphasizing the importance of local guides, cultural understanding, and stepping beyond curated itineraries to truly experience a destination.

Justin also offers insight into how Steppes Travel approaches trip design, focusing on personalization, deep expertise, and creating journeys that go beyond surface-level tourism. Throughout the episode, he reinforces a central belief: that travel has the power to break down barriers, broaden perspectives, and bring people closer together in meaningful ways.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Travel experiences are most impactful when they foster genuine human connection
• ✓ Exploring destinations beyond the typical tourist path leads to deeper understanding
• ✓ Local guides play a critical role in shaping meaningful travel experiences
• ✓ Technology has made travel easier, but can sometimes limit authentic discovery
• ✓ Travel can challenge assumptions and reduce cultural biases
• ✓ Personal growth often comes from stepping into unfamiliar environments
• ✓ Well-designed trips balance structure with opportunities for spontaneous discovery
• ✓ Early travel experiences can shape lifelong passions and career paths
• ✓ Conservation and responsible tourism can be integrated into travel planning
• ✓ Shared experiences enhance the emotional impact of travel

What You’ll Find on Steppes Travel

• Tailor-made journeys to over 90 destinations worldwide
• Expert-led expeditions with specialists in history, wildlife, and culture
• Conservation-focused travel experiences that support global initiatives
• Deep destination expertise from experienced travel consultants
• Unique and pioneering itineraries in lesser-traveled regions
• Personalized service designed around each traveler’s interests