Enjoy early access to Linda’s story here; before it is published to all of the popular platforms on November 3, 2026.
Episode #213: Linda Shepro
Founder & CEO
Latitude Expeditions
Guest Bio
Linda Shepro is the founder and CEO of Latitude Expeditions, a travel advisory firm specializing in authentic, firsthand experiences across Africa, the Middle East, Australia and the South Pacific, and Central and South America. With over 30 years of experience in financial consulting and a deep passion for travel, Linda and her team spend up to a year annually vetting properties and experiences to curate personalized itineraries. Her expertise includes destinations such as Zambia, South Africa, and India, with a focus on family travel, adventure, and uniquely immersive journeys. Linda’s approach is rooted in direct experience and strong relationships with trusted Destination Management Companies, allowing her to offer clients detailed insights and 24/7 local support throughout their travels.
Show Summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins sits down with Linda Shepro to explore the art and craft of crafting deeply personalized, adventurous travel experiences. Linda shares how her background in finance and decades of international travel laid the foundation for Latitude Expeditions, a company dedicated to delivering trips that go beyond the typical tourist paths by immersing travelers in the culture and natural beauty of each destination.
Listeners learn about the challenges and rewards of vetting travel properties firsthand, the importance of strong local partnerships, and the thoughtful process behind designing trips that accommodate diverse interests and budgets. Linda also offers insights into emerging travel trends for 2026, including a growing desire for slower, value-driven travel and purpose-filled journeys that connect travelers to their heritage or support local communities.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Latitude Expeditions only offers experiences that Linda and her team have personally vetted and explored.
- ✓ Strong, personal relationships with local Destination Management Companies ensure reliable 24/7 support and insider access for travelers.
- ✓ Customized itineraries are crafted to reflect each client’s unique interests, whether family-oriented, adventurous, or culturally immersive.
- ✓ Group travel is thoughtfully managed, often reserved for friends or multi-generational families to ensure compatibility and enjoyment.
- ✓ Linda emphasizes upfront video calls with clients to fully understand their needs before tailoring any proposals.
- ✓ Transparency about budgets and expectations helps align trips with client goals and avoids disappointment.
- ✓ Continuous communication before, during, and after the trip ensures issues are addressed promptly and clients feel supported.
- ✓ Success in travel planning comes from combining creativity with logistical precision to deliver memorable experiences.
- ✓ Travel trends for 2026 point to slower itineraries, value-seeking behaviors, heritage travel, and philanthropic journeys.
- ✓ Linda advises travel professionals and clients alike to prioritize detailed communication and personal connections over generic recommendations.
What You’ll Find on Latitude Expeditions
- ✓ Travel itineraries built exclusively from firsthand experience and thorough research.
- ✓ Deep knowledge of exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations, especially in Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and the Americas.
- ✓ Personalized attention to each client’s interests, including specialized family travel and unique cultural opportunities.
- ✓ Access to trusted local partners who provide 24/7 support and insider insights throughout the journey.
- ✓ Collaborative trip design that avoids generic “what’s hot” lists in favor of what’s truly best for the client.
- ✓ Transparent communication and detailed pre-trip briefings to prepare clients for what to expect on arrival.
Learn more about Latitude Expeditions and connect with Linda at:
https://Latitudexp.com
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