Recently, I had the honor of being in the company of some of the brightest minds in sustainability, attending the Virtuoso Impact Summit in the breathtaking city of Madrid and all it has to offer. This was not a conference of the conventional type, rather it has evolved into a think tank. This was the second annual collective, dedicated to purpose-driven luxury travel, bringing together roughly 100 of the industry’s most influential voices to the intersection where luxury and sustainability merge.
Sharing the stage with thought leaders from Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary General of UN Tourism; and Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief of National Geographic; to Vittoria Ferragamo speaking on regenerative agriculture, was certainly a high water mark.
I especially loved sharing data from our proprietary travel job creation algorithm which took a year to complete, along the recent studies by leading universities on the positive health effects responsible travel has on our bodies, was a true joy.
Now it wasn’t all work. Madrid had a vibe to it, so much so that I was literally suggesting to one of my colleagues to actually move there! I know, what was I thinking….
Enjoy the video!
At Big Five Tours & Expeditions we pour ourselves and our data into quantifiable progress on the sustainable travel front, showing clear positive KPI results that justify the business case for responsible journeys.
I was thinking back to a conversation about a blog titled “The Currency of Our Souls,” an idea often shared by Big Five. It speaks to the notion that we don’t truly measure a journey in miles traveled, but rather in the depth of the stories and experiences we bring home. It made me ask do we really understand the true meaning of Holi? Do we know what it actually feels like to stand in the middle of it?
In the West, Holi is known as the “festival of colors,” a convenient photo op. Yet when we look at it through a deeper lens, the one that seeks the road less traveled, Holi reveals itself as something far more profound. It is the very definition of emotional intelligence.
Growing up, there was always this sense that the world had rigid lines. Rich and poor, resident and guest, sacred and profane, good and evil. Based on current events at the time of this publishing, it seems those rigid lines are darker and more defined. As we Indians celebrated Holi this week, those defined boxes that try to paralyze us were at the top of my mind. You see, Holi is the day India decides those lines no longer exist. When the first handful of paint hits you, it’s not just powder; it’s an invitation to shed your ego. As the bright colors blur every face into a singular, vibrant canvas, you realize that under the pigment, we are all chasing the same light.
The story really begins the night before, with traditional bonfires which still happen in the interior communities, like the village in Gujarat my family comes from. Standing there, watching the sparks drift toward the stars, you feel the weight of the past year burning away, along with any worries you have that induce manufactured stress. It’s a purification. that moment where the old self stops and the new journey begins. From the spiritual essence of Holi, we have to look past the colors and into the fire. See India’s spirituality is much more than a puja on the banks of the River Ganges, it is a rebirth of who we are as beings.
At the heart of the festival lies the story of Devi Holika and the young prince, Prahlad – a powerful allegory of the inner struggle between ego and the divine. It tells of the power-hungry king Hiranyakashipu, who demanded the world to worship him as a god vs. his son, Prahlad, who remained unwavering in his devotion to Lord Vishnu. (Anyone who has visited Angkor Wat may recall that this magnificent 12th-century temple was originally dedicated to Vishnu.) Infuriated by this “rebellion” of faith, the king turned to his sister, Holika (the Devi from whom the festival takes its name). Holika possessed a mystical cloth that made her immune to fire.
The plan was simple and cruel: she would sit in a roaring bonfire with Prahlad on her lap, ensuring the boy’s demise while she remained untouched. As the flames rose, a miracle occurred. The cloth that protected Holika, flew off her shoulders and draped itself over the innocent Prahlad. Holika, despite her divine gift, was consumed by the flames, while Prahlad emerged from the ash unscathed, chanting the name of the Divine. This is a powerful lesson about faith and humility is it not? Almost every elder grandparent told a version of this to their grandchildren as my grandmother told me when I visited her in Sudan as a child.
Back to the festival. By the next morning, the streets are a riot of “Bura na mano, Holi hai” – a phrase that translates to “don’t be offended,” but really means “let go.” You don’t have to be Indian to know what this feels like. Imagine any of your travels, perhaps a journey you are on right now. You are in a small village where a group of children, laughing with a kind of pure, unadulterated joy, turn your clean freshly laundered and pressed clothes into a map of their own happiness. In that moment, you are not a traveler observing a culture. You are part of the story.
We in the travel industry know that travel, at its best, is about these “out-of-the-box” solutions for the human spirit. Holi isn’t just a celebration of spring; it’s a celebration of the fact that, regardless of where we come from, we all have the capacity to be painted by joy. Something I think the world needs to understand now more than ever.
Welcome back to a journey within. As we step into a new year of discovery, we are honored to continue Mahen’s Alphabet of Emotional Intelligence. First launched last January, this series remains a vital part of Mahen’s enduring legacy, exploring the inner landscapes that shape how we experience the world. Join us as we continue our trek through the alphabet, uncovering the emotional tools that continue to enrich our travels and our lives.
Positive thinking is a constant attention to the details that make up an average day. These are such simple lines here, but they’re so difficult to follow and put into practice.
O – Optimism: Embracing a positive outlook on life.
In a world where uncertainty often looms and challenges frequently arise, one powerful trait stands out as a sign of resilience and hope: Optimism is the unwavering belief that good things will happen, even in the face of adversity. It is the lens through which we can choose to see the world, focusing on the silver linings rather than the clouds.
What is Optimism? Optimism is more than just a sunny disposition or a cheerful outlook; it’s a mindset that actively seeks the best possible outcomes. This perspective encourages us to focus on potential and possibilities, rather than dwelling on difficulties and obstacles. An optimist sees opportunities in challenges and believes that setbacks are temporary and manageable.
The positive outlook associated with the word Optimism. It helps reduce the risk of depression and anxiety by fostering resilience and a sense of control over one’s life. People with an Optimistic mindset are often more successful in their personal and professional lives. They are more likely to set ambitious goals and persevere through challenges. Their positive attitude attracts opportunities and fosters better relationships with others. Optimists are generally more pleasant to be around. Their positive outlook can also inspire and uplift those around them, creating an encouraging environment.
Let’s consider the story of Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors. When asked about his numerous failed attempts to create the electric light bulb, Edison famously replied, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His Optimism and perseverance led to one of the most significant inventions of the modern era. Similarly, in our everyday lives, we can connect the power of Optimism to overcome obstacles, achieve our goals, and inspire those around us. Whether it’s tackling a challenging project at work, or pursuing a long-held dream, a positive outlook can make all the difference. Optimism involves believing that good things will happen.Though it can be hard to remain positive in the face of obstacles, remember that Optimism is a skill we can learn.
In essence Optimism is a choice—a conscious decision to see the world in a positive light and to believe in the potential for good. By embracing Optimism, we can enhance our health, improve our mental well-being, and increase our chances of success. Moreover, our positive outlook can have a ripple effect, uplifting those around us and creating a more hopeful and resilient community. So, let’s choose Optimism and watch as our lives transform for the better.
“Optimism doesn’t mean that you are blind to the reality of the situation. It means that you remain motivated to seek a solution to whatever problems arise.” —The Dalai Lama
Stay tune for letter P
We started off the year sharing my father’s work, an alphabet he was working on at the time of his passing. At the end of 2024, we found his complete work and are releasing each letter throughout the year. This week, we share the next letter.
N – Nurture: Take care of your well-being, inside and out.
Physical Health: Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is crucial. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. Instead, opt for water, herbal teas, and natural juices. Try to avoid to use Microwave. Exercise: Regular physical activity helps improve mood, boost energy levels, and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Sleep: Establish a regular sleep routine and create a restful environment.
Mental Health: Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being. Take time each day to sit quietly and focus on your breathing. Hobbies and Interests: Engaging in activities you enjoy can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy. Whether it’s reading, painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, make time for your passions. Social Connections: Strong relationships with friends and family can provide support and improve your mood. Make an effort to connect with loved ones regularly, whether through in-person visits, phone calls, or video chats.
Emotional Health: Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would a friend. Acknowledge your feelings with love one. Gratitude: Cultivating a sense of gratitude can improve your emotional well-being. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are thankful for, whether big or small.
Nature and Environment: Spending time in nature can be incredibly restorative. Whether it’s a walk in the park, hiking, or simply sitting outside, connecting with the natural world can boost your spirits.
In essence, Nurture encompasses taking care of our well-being that requires a commitment to nurturing both our body and mind. By adopting healthy habits and making time for the things that bring us joy and fulfillment, we can improve our overall quality of life. Prioritize our well-being and make it a central part of our daily routine.
Stay Tuned for Letter O
Part III of our Peru dispatch is more of a customary one, a visit with Kipi the robot, an active foundation project, and our largest grant to date. Before sharing more about this visit with Kipi and the next phase of work, I want to take a moment to explain how our foundation operates. It’s structured quite differently from most, built from the ground up with integrity, clear goals, and a strong sense of purpose.
Big Five has long been involved in community initiatives, dating back to the early days when we tried to convince safari travelers not to smoke on game drives (ironically, my father was a chain smoker at the time). But it wasn’t until 2005 that our foundation took formal shape, thanks to the guidance of someone I consider both a mentor and a brother, who was the ambassador to the foundation in the early days. Together, we set out with a simple, powerful goal: to provide small grants that hold recipients accountable, with multi-year commitments renewed only when progress reports are timely and transparent. The challenge, as with many well-intentioned projects, was avoiding the pitfalls of overstaying our welcome or inviting corruption through entitlement. To counter this, we designed a model that I’m deeply proud of that became central to Big Five’s certification as a B Corp.
Every new project begins with a one-year trial period funded entirely through our family endowment. This allows us to test the project’s stability and ensure that all agreed-upon guidelines are being upheld by both recipients and foundation trustees. Once a project proves successful, it must present a multi-year plan with the goal of becoming fully self-sustaining within eight years. That is our timeline for completion and why you’ll see projects constantly shifting with the Spirit of Big Five Foundation. Beyond eight years, partnerships risk shifting from collaboration to dependence, or even resentment which we want to avoid. At present, we have several active projects across Peru and one in Guatemala. One of our Peru initiatives is nearing its eighth year and will soon wind down, while new projects are being tested or entering evaluation phases in Egypt, Colombia, and Kenya.
Which brings us to our fruitful partnership with Walter and Kipi now in its fourth year. This initiative began in 2021, in the wake of the pandemic, and was introduced to me under memorable circumstances while cracking the back axle of a Toyota Hilux on a sand mound in the Illescas Peninsula of northern Peru. What began as an effort to educate children without internet access and protect them from trafficking has since evolved into a language preservation project aimed at safeguarding endangered indigenous dialects in the Amazon. The next phase focuses on manufacturing ten new “Kipi Mini” robots, which will transform the learning environment in nine schools across Huancavelica, Peru. This stage also includes the production of 300–500 full-color workbooks designed to accompany the robots’ lessons, enhancing both teaching and student engagement.
I was asked by someone why explaining the foundation and its work is so important. The answer is simple. This is how I honor my father. This notion of helping others was the central part of the legacy he left for us to follow.
Enjoy the video.
This week, we had a post ready to go, talking about the movements of primates in Uganda, and the process required to habituate gorillas and chimpanzees, which in some cases was over 3 years. For some reason, I had writers block, which happens from time to time. Then it happened, the news of Dr. Jane Goodall’s passing broke. So, this post is dedicated to the life, legacy, and memory of Dr Goodall.
As a teen, I had the honor of meeting her and have spent so many years learning from her work. In fact, it was while I was a sophomore at the University of Arizona, contemplating a shift from Mechanical Engineering to International Policy, when an interview of her was playing on the television in our dormitory lobby as I was walking back from my class on genocide in history.
I was mesmerized as it was less than 10 years before, that Dr Goodall was telling us about the chimpanzee war in Gombe, something according to her, shattered her hope that this trait was isolated to humans. As she says in this interview, which aired in 1997, the behavior broke her heart.
Back in 1974, Dr Goodall noticed a fracture in the community with part moving to the south. That family was named Kahama. During the years leading up to 1978, all the primates in Kahama were killed, which ended the existence of the Kahama community. The original community, named Kasakela, which were the victorious survivors then began to expand their territory before being pushed back. Dr Goodall, the amazing storyteller, talked about how she saw this happening in Gombe Stream and even how the fracture in Kasakela occurred.
In February of this year, I was at the chimp sanctuary at Ol Pejeta in Kenya, which, for a long period, was a partnership between the conservancy, Kenya Wildlife Service, and the Jane Goodall Institute. I was sharing the story of coming up here as a child with my father, and Dr Goodall’s interviews about the effect of PTSD and violent tendencies on chimpanzees in abusive situations or in unsuitable captivity with the local rangers, one of whom remembered me as his father was the ranger when I visited as a child. Dr Goodall did a good amount of research in the 80s on the long-term effects of trauma to chimpanzees and how it affects everything from the mood, balance, and general tendencies. It was on full display at the sanctuary in Ol Pejeta which the rescued chimps, removed from traumatic situations (including cigarette burns). I remember thinking in February, how Dr Goodall’s conclusions were more correct today than ever.
My biggest worry has always been that there were not enough people to carry her work forward. Sure, there are researchers and field workers, however she had the heart of an army, and it was visible to me as a child meeting her, and every lecture she gave in public settings and in closed settings.
I join the many ready to carry your mantle professor.
