We recently connected with Alysha Carnell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alysha, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
The name SOUL/O Travel came from the idea of embracing the solo journey of a woman exploring the world, but it also reflects something deeper—the soul’s journey. Travel offers such a unique space for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. Even when we’re traveling alongside others, each of us has our own individual path that we’re on, our own lessons we’re learning, and experiences that resonate on a personal level. SOUL/O embodies both the empowerment of solo travel and the profound connection to ourselves that comes with stepping boldly and bravely out into the world.
Alysha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve always believed that travel has the power to change lives, especially when it comes to solo journeys. Before starting SOUL/O Travel, I spent years in event planning and logistics, which gave me a strong foundation for organizing experiences that run seamlessly. That background plays a huge role in the success of our trips—they’re meticulously planned yet filled with space for spontaneity and personal growth.
SOUL/O Travel is all about creating transformative experiences for women. We offer curated travel adventures, focusing on deep connections—with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Our trips combine adventure with mindfulness, healing, and cultural immersion, where every detail is tailored to empower women to embrace their independence, confidence, and inner strength. What sets us apart is our dedication to community and connection—two things I believe are vital in a world where women can, more often than not, feel isolated or competitive with one another. Our trips provide a safe, non-judgmental space for women to share stories, explore new places, and connect on a soul level. Each journey is designed not only to explore the world but to foster a sense of self-discovery.
What makes SOUL/O Travel special is our commitment to working hand in hand with the local communities we visit, with a strong emphasis on partnering with women entrepreneurs. By collaborating with local female-owned businesses, healers, and artisans, we ensure our travelers experience the most authentic aspects of the culture while supporting and uplifting women around the world. It’s a way to give back while deepening our connection to the places we explore. These partnerships not only enrich the experience but also empower women globally, creating ripple effects long after the trip ends.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. It’s a space where women uplift and support each other and form lifelong bonds through shared experiences. The women who travel with us don’t just come back with souvenirs—they return with stories of personal growth, clarity, and confidence. Because we’re not just about travel; we’re about transformation, healing, and empowerment.
If you’re new to SOUL/O Travel, I want you to know that we are here to create experiences that transform you from the inside out. We encourage women to step out of their comfort zones, embrace the unfamiliar, and come home feeling more connected to themselves and the world around them. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that is not only outwardly enriching but also deeply personal and empowering, SOUL/O Travel is for you. I can’t wait for you to join us on this incredible journey!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is the idea that society knows what’s best for us—particularly the notion that women shouldn’t solo travel because it’s not safe. For so long, I was conditioned to believe that being a woman meant following certain rules and staying within limits, especially when it came to traveling alone. The narrative that the world is dangerous for women can hold us back from pursuing our passions and discovering who we truly are.
The backstory for me starts with my own love for travel and the dreams I had of exploring the world, not just as a tourist but as a solo woman. At first, I was filled with doubts—people warned me about the risks, and there was this lingering fear that society often projects onto women who dare to explore on their own. I realized I had to unlearn that fear. I had to strip away what society said was “safe” or “acceptable” and start listening to my heart. I had to trust myself, trust my instincts, and follow the dreams that were pulling me toward deeper experiences.
By unlearning those limiting beliefs, I not only empowered myself, but I also laid the foundation for SOUL/O Travel. Through my own journey, I realized how important it is for women to reclaim their independence and feel confident solo traveling or traveling with others. Travel, especially solo travel, is about much more than seeing new places—it’s about self-discovery, growth, and learning to trust yourself. And yes, safety is important, but with the right mindset, planning, and awareness, solo travel can be incredibly empowering for women.
That’s why SOUL/O exists—to remind women that they can take on the world, whether alone or in a community of supportive women. It’s about unlearning the fear and embracing the freedom that comes with following your dreams.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The story that started SOUL/O Travel is a testament to resilience. I was absolutely terrified to start this company, not just because entrepreneurship is daunting, but because SOUL/O is deeply personal—it’s an extension of who I am and everything I’ve learned up to this point in my life.
When a friend backed out of a trip we had planned together, I faced a pivotal choice—continue waiting for others to live my life for me or seize it myself. So I made the decision that I wasn’t going to wait anymore, and that decision taught me the invaluable lesson of saying “YES” to myself. That “yes” has echoed through my life ever since, leading me to create SOUL/O Travel and to continue pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone.
A recent solo trip to Italy reminded me just how transformative this journey has been. Italy holds deep significance for me—it was where I was supposed to get married, but when the relationship ended, so did those dreams. Returning to Italy for the first time since, I was overwhelmed with emotions and realized I had never fully grieved the loss of that chapter. I hadn’t allowed myself to acknowledge the little girl inside me who needed to fully feel that pain. Yet, as I stepped off the plane, I knew this trip wasn’t about revisiting old wounds—it was about healing. I had once thought Italy would be the place where I’d start a new chapter with someone else, but it became the place where I’d embrace a deeper level of self-healing.
Life comes full circle, and this journey taught me something profound: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about allowing yourself to evolve, to heal, and to move forward. SOUL/O Travel was born out of that personal journey, and now it’s become a space for other women to walk their own paths of discovery and healing. Every step of this journey is about choosing to stand unapologetically in our truth, even when it’s hard, and knowing that we are worthy of that choice. We possess an inner strength, courage, and tenacity far beyond what we even know. Starting SOUL/O Travel was a leap of faith in myself, and it’s a belief I carry with me every day.
When describing the name, I said SOUL/O embodies the empowerment of solo travel and the profound connection to ourselves that comes with stepping boldly and bravely out into the world. It’s because when we explore the world, we also explore our inner landscape, and it’s there we discover that we have everything we need, including the answers we’ve been searching for, within ourselves. Saying “YES” to myself—when it would have been easier to say “no” out of fear or uncertainty—became a defining moment in my journey.
Our journeys serve as reminders of how far we’ve come and everything we’ve overcome, and SOUL/O Travel represents all of that. It’s a community of strong women choosing to leave their comfort zones, celebrating their growth along the way, and empowering each other to embrace their journeys. Like these women, I’m continually learning how to stand up for myself and come home to my true self, no matter where I am in the world. Together, we’re building a community that reminds each other of how far we’ve come and how much we’ve overcome.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soulotravelco.com
- Instagram: @soulo_travelco
Image Credits
Tommy with the Shot
Chucho Potts
Amy Lacy Photography