Amanda's Favourite Tours

Hey, it’s Amanda

If you don’t know me yet —

It’s because I prefer to stay under the radar — but I’m the founder of The SoFe Traveler Network. I don’t usually send emails from me because SoFe Travel has become so much bigger than me. We’re our staff, our partners, our members, our network — we’re an idea that empowers women to step out of their comfort zone and challenge the beliefs they have about the world and themselves.
(but that doesn’t mean I can’t share a little about three of my favorite trips. 😋 )

So — today’s email is about some of my favourite places on earth.

Namastaaay — in India
My First Trip: 2015

It’s in tradition, passed down from mother to daughter to child. It’s in the flavor of a thousand spices to make up dishes like curries, samosas and biryani. It’s in the mesmerizing architecture — and uniqueness of Bollywood films. The scent of chai and the beckoning of a friendly hand — welcome, padharo.

India is where you go to find the things you didn’t even know you were missing — where I found parts of my soul I never knew existed.

If there is only one country you can visit in your lifetime — let India be the one.

Turkey’s Coastline
My First Trip: 2018

Turkey is a magical place on all counts — but my best memories are with our driver & dear friend, Fatma.

SoFe Travel is super dedicated to working with women — and so wherever we can, we seek out partnerships with women: guides, drivers, women owned businesses — and more.

Fatma is our Turkey tour driver — and in Turkey, women drivers are pretty uncommon. Fatma’s the type that lights up a room just be being in it. Her laughter is infectious — and though she barely speaks english — we laugh at the same things & roll our eyes at the same moments. And thanks to Fatma, every trip to Turkey is something really special.

A few of my favourite Turkish experiences…

• Sailing the turquoise coast on a traditional gullet boat

• Impulsive sunset Mediterranean swims with new friends

• Thermal spa hopping around the hot springs of Turkey

• Exploring 13th century monasteries, churches and chapels

• Soaring above Cappadocia in a hot air balloon at sunrise

Food, Culture and Tea in Japan
My First Trip: 2022

Off the beaten track, behind a sleepy antique shop on a street populated by beautiful, friendly stray cats — you’ll find the most precious tea shop in all of Japan.

Anyone can just go to Japan and see stuff. But in a city so big with literally thousands of things to do… it’s knowing exactly where to be that makes all the difference.
I spent 2 months exploring Japan, working with different guides and sampling different experiences — so you don’t have to. The result? —the most magical, authentic and unique experience you’ll find.

Japan’s Tour Includes….

• food food food — Japan has some of THE best food on earth. If you’re a foodie, this tour is all about unique flavors, traditional dishes, and DIY Japanese sushi

• it’s not an authentic experience without a little history — so we also visit a Geisha in training where we learn all about the significance of this integral part of Japan’s culture

• If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a Buddhist monastery on a mountain — check it off your list with this one-of-a-kind experience

👀 What travel experiences stand out in your mind?
Do you have a beautiful, life-changing story to share? I’d love to hear from you!

To see our whole roster of tours coming up for this fall and 2025…

Amanda
Founder of The SoFe Travel Network