What if you could turn your passion into a thriving business that allows you to travel the world?

Ralph Velasco, founder of Continental Drifter, has done just that. In this episode, he shares how he went from running a restaurant in Chicago to becoming a sought-after leader in cultural tours around the globe. Ralph’s journey is a masterclass in following your curiosity, testing ideas, and building a business that aligns with your values. If you’ve ever dreamed of a life filled with travel, adventure, and meaningful experiences, this episode is for you!

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Ralph transitioned from the restaurant industry to travel photography
• The importance of following your curiosity and taking small, intentional steps
• How to create a business around your passion without losing the joy in it
• The power of slow travel and deep cultural immersion
• Practical tips for turning a side hustle into a full-time career

Chapters:

00:00 The Power of Being Present: A Life-Changing Lesson from Peru
01:19 Introduction to The Ownership Game with Gary Montalvo
03:05 Ralph’s Unexpected Journey from Restaurateur to World Traveler
05:17 Making the Leap: How Ralph Sold His Restaurant and Started Over
09:02 The Early Days of Digital Photography and Its Impact on Ralph’s Business
12:51 The Breadcrumbs of Passion: How Ralph Built His Travel Business Organically
17:40 Expanding the Business: From Local Photography Walks to International Tours
21:13 The Financial Crisis and the Unexpected Push Toward Full-Time Travel
25:46 What to Expect on a Continental Drifter Tour
29:36 The Shift to Slow Travel: Quality Over Quantity
33:39 The Mindful & Intentional Traveler Series: Ralph’s Approach to Travel
38:06 The Transformational Power of Travel: Why Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Matters
43:04 Exclusive Listener Offer: $200 Off a Continental Drifter Trip

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Connect with Ralph:

Website: https://continentaldrifter.co

$200 discount on any of his 2025 trips and a FREE eBook for registering for his email list at https://ContinentalDRIFTER.co.

Newest books in the new Mindful & Intentional Traveler series, including a bundle of 3 books

in 1: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3YY3ZY3

Individual books are 60 AFFIRMATIONS:

Travel: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQPLBM6T

Travel Activity Book for Adults - GRATITUDES Edition: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D3MKB1TP

How to Be a Mindful Traveler: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DFM2P87D

Facebook: https://fb.com/thecontinentaldrifter

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ralphvelasco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/continental-drifter

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