How to “Do Big Things Small” with Bruce Poon Tip

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures, is the author of a recently published book titled “Do Big Small Things“. We asked Bruce a few things about about the book.

Can you give us a brief update on the launch of your new book? 

Do Big Small Things is a book for anyone who wants to recapture the reasons they love to travel, and to inspire those who haven’t travelled to get out there and do it. It’s not a traditional book at all, it’s an activity book for adults to get them thinking in a different way, and to enable them to record the small moments of travel we often forget.

What inspired you to create your new book? 

G Adventures’ 25th anniversary was approaching, and after the success of my first book, Looptail, the publisher was asking me to write another book. I didn’t want to write another traditional book. After throwing a few ideas around, we decided to create a book that represented our brand, which is all about motivating people to travel in a different way. They gave us a lot of artistic freedom, which enabled us to communicate how to travel in a different way, to celebrate 25 years of G, and to encourage even more people to see the world.

What inspired you to include the creative aspects of the book? 

When we started the book I pulled a group of people in the company together to brainstorm some ideas. We came up with the idea of putting together a field manual about the little things that mean a lot when you travel. And little things that will mean a lot later, after you have travelled. We had thousands of ideas but kept coming back to it being about remembering the small things. Everyone has photos, but what I really want people remember is the little things that made the trip special, and how it made you feel.

If you could describe in a couple sentences the best way travellers can engage in responsible travel, what would you say?  

Get off all-inclusive resorts, and before you purchase a holiday, find out where your money is going and whether it is going to benefit local people.

What is your favourite travel book of all time, and why?

Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. Its inherent message is made simple for children, but read powerfully for adults. That’s why it has transcended generations. It carries a powerful message that the world offers one of the greatest forms of education. These early explorers become today’s travellers.

What’s your best piece of advice for someone going travelling solo for the first time?

Don’t bite off more than you can chew, and travel to a place that can introduce you to some of the things you love already. Don’t think you have to go to India or Mongolia, as you won’t truly appreciate it if are in culture shock. Travel should be like a career – you learn to grow as a traveller as your appreciation grows. You can go anywhere you want, but to truly appreciate where you are, you have to know where you have been.

Any exciting plans for the rest of the year?

I am really excited about our new Lando overland vehicles in Africa. They are truly breaking new ground in terms of comfort for travellers. And our new river cruises launch later this year. They are disruptive innovation at its best, as they are all about getting travellers into small ports and communities in places like India and Vietnam. We want the boat to be the vehicle, not the destination, and we’re putting bikes on them too to keep travellers active.

Why your book is a must-have for every Travel Massive member?

It’s really a book for everyone who loves to travel. It’s about capturing all the reasons why we love to travel, and remembering the small things along the way. Don’t be afraid to get it dirty!