TRAVEL DEEPLY

CONNECT MEANINGFULLY

RETURN CHANGED

The best journeys don’t simply take you somewhere new. They bring you home with a different perspective.

At SoulTravels, we believe travel is more than a collection of places to visit.

It’s the people you meet, the perspectives you gain, the moments you never planned for, and sometimes, the parts of yourself you rediscover along the way.

We thoughtfully design personalized journeys that reflect who you are, how you want to travel and what you want to experience.

Book a Free Discovery Call
A woman standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean during sunset, with birds flying in the sky.

"The world changed me in ways I never expected.

SoulTravels exists so that others can experience that same sense of wonder, connection, and possibility, with the confidence of knowing someone is walking beside them."

Olena Hylenko

Imagine Your Journey

  • Person sitting on sandy dunes watching a desert camp with white tents during sunset.

    Solo Journeys

    Sometimes the most important destination isn't a place.

    It's yourself.

    Whether you're navigating change, celebrating a new beginning, healing after a difficult season, or simply craving time alone, we create personalized journeys that give you space to reconnect with who you are.

  • A person with brown hair and a white shirt looking out of a window at a herd of elephants walking through a green, grassy landscape with trees and mountains in the background on a sunny day.

    Safari Adventures

    Hear lions before you see them.

    Watch elephants cross ancient landscapes.

    Fall asleep beneath endless African skies.

    Our safaris combine unforgettable wildlife encounters with authentic cultural experiences that support local communities and conservation.

    Destinations
    Tanzania • Kenya • Uganda

  • Camels walking in the desert with sand dunes and a clear blue sky.

    Desert Expeditions

    There is something extraordinary about silence.

    Walk through endless golden dunes.
    Share tea with desert communities.
    Sleep beneath millions of stars.

    These journeys invite you to slow down and discover the beauty of simplicity.

    Destinations
    Morocco • Tunisia • Egypt

  • A person standing on a rocky mountain summit with arms outstretched, facing a sunrise above clouds and distant mountains, including a volcano.

    Mountain Hikes & Trekking

    Every mountain teaches something different.

    Strength.
    Patience.
    Humility.
    Perseverance.

    Whether climbing Kilimanjaro or exploring volcanic trails, the reward is far greater than reaching the summit.

    Destinations
    Mount Kilimanjaro • Mount Meru

  • Two women are working together to prepare dough in an outdoor kitchen with lush green plants in the background. One woman is handing dough to the other woman.

    Cultural Immersion

    The best stories rarely happen at tourist attractions.

    They happen in family kitchens.
    Village markets.
    Music festivals.
    Shared meals.
    Unexpected conversations.

    Travel as a guest, not just a visitor.

  • A couple is sharing a kiss in the ocean with the sun setting on the horizon, creating a romantic scene with warm colors in the sky.

    Honeymoons

    Your honeymoon deserves more than beautiful hotels.

    It should reflect your story.

    Whether you imagine secluded beaches, mountain adventures, luxury escapes, or unforgettable cultural experiences, we'll create a journey that feels uniquely yours.

    From private candlelit dinners and romantic room décor to surprise celebrations and bespoke experiences, we'll help create moments you'll remember for the rest of your lives.

  • People gather around an open truck where volunteers are handing out boxes, with children and adults waiting in line outside, in an outdoor setting on a sunny day.

    Community-Centred Volunteering

    Some journeys leave a mark on us.

    Others allow us to leave a positive mark too.

    Partner with inspiring community-led initiatives where meaningful cultural exchange creates lasting impact—for both travellers and local communities.

    Destinations
    Tanzania Zanzibar • Zanzibar Island

Travel with Purpose

Some journeys take you around the world.

The best ones bring you closer to yourself.

From Dream To Journey

  • Every journey begins with a conversation. We take time to understand your story before designing your itinerary.

  • No templates.
    No generic packages.
    No rushed schedules.

    Your itinerary thoughtfully designed to reflect who you are.

  • Meet local people.
    Support local businesses.
    Experience cultures respectfully.
    Discover places beyond the guidebooks.

  • From your first consultation until you're safely home, we're here whenever you need advice, reassurance, or support.

A person sitting on a rock by a river at the base of a tall waterfall surrounded by lush green vegetation and rocks.

How It Works

Thoughtfully planned & built on transparency

  • Every great journey begins with a conversation. We start with a complimentary discovery call or questionnaire to understand your travel style, interests, and budget.

  • From there, we design a personalized itinerary using our trusted network of hotels, guides, tour operators, and local experts.

  • No hidden mark-ups! Once you're happy with the plan, you book and pay our trusted partners directly while we coordinate every detail behind the scenes. A travel planning fee will be added for our expertise, personalized itinerary design, coordination, and ongoing support throughout your journey.

Start Designing Your Journey
Book Your Discovery Call
Woman working on a laptop in a vehicle traveling through a rural landscape with trees and open fields.
Woman working on a laptop in a vehicle traveling through a rural landscape with trees and open fields.

Our role is simple: to make planning effortless, so you can travel with confidence and focus on creating unforgettable memories.

A group of people wearing blue vests and white caps standing in a desert landscape, looking towards distant hills under a blue sky with some clouds.

The Soul Impact

Travel with purpose. Travel consciously. Leave something good behind.

We believe travel is a two-way exchange.

We discover new places, learn from different cultures and connect with people, but we also have the opportunity to contribute to the communities that welcome us.

We don’t believe travel is about saving the world.

We believe it’s about being part of it.

Learn More

Meet the Heart Behind SoulTravels

SoulTravels was born from a journey that changed my life.

I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and raised in Montreal, Canada. For years, I followed the path I thought I was meant to take. But after spending months alone within the same four walls during the COVID-19 pandemic, caught in a cycle of routine, uncertainty, and loneliness. I reached a breaking point where I knew something had to change.

In 2022, a short trip to Costa Rica became the wake-up call I desperately needed. I returned home with a feeling I could no longer ignore: there had to be more to life than the one I was living.

Just a few months later, I walked away from everything familiar. I transitioned from a full-time job to part-time remote work, with little savings and no clear plan for what came next. I traded certainty for the unknown and began travelling solo.

It wasn't because I had all the answers. It was because I was searching for perspective, for connection, and for a life that felt more aligned with who I truly was.

Along the way, I discovered that the most rewarding experiences were rarely found on the well-known path. They came from choosing the unexpected, saying yes to unfamiliar places, meaningful conversations, and moments that could never be planned from a guidebook.

Travel introduced me to cultures that challenged my perspective, people who welcomed me with kindness, and ways of living that reminded me there is no single definition of a meaningful life.

Perhaps most importantly, it helped me rediscover myself.

Starting over in unfamiliar places gave me the freedom to let go of who I thought I should be and become the person I wanted to be. It wasn't always easy. There were moments of uncertainty, fear, and loneliness. But each step taught me to trust my intuition a little more and to believe in the kindness of the people I met along the way.

I also realized something else. While solo travel can be deeply transformative, stepping into the unknown can feel overwhelming. Knowing that someone has thoughtfully planned your journey and is there to support you when you need it gives you the confidence to embrace the experience fully, while still leaving room for spontaneity, discovery, and personal growth.

That realization became the heart of SoulTravels.

I created SoulTravels for people who feel called to explore something more, whether that's adventure, rest, celebration, personal growth, or simply a different way of experiencing the world.

I know how transformative travel can be, but I also know that every person's journey is different. That's why I take the time to listen, understand what matters most to you, and thoughtfully design an experience that reflects who you are and how you want to travel. My role isn't simply to plan a trip! It's to help you feel supported, travel with confidence, and create memories that stay with you long after you've returned home.

Because sometimes the journey that changes your life begins with the courage to take the first step.

I'd be honoured to help you take yours.

With gratitude,

Olena Hylenko

Your Soul Travel Planner

  • A person ziplining through a lush green forest with a volcano in the background.

  • A tropical scene with clear turquoise water surrounded by rocky cliffs and green vegetation.

  • Five people riding camels in the desert during sunset.

  • Three women standing beside an open car trunk filled with Carrefour shopping bags. They are outdoors, smiling, and wearing blue Carrefour vests and sunglasses.

  • Two women and three men enjoying swimming and jumping in a rocky canyon with water and a small waterfall, surrounded by lush green foliage.

  • Scenic view of a lush, green landscape with multiple pools, waterfalls, and walkways, surrounded by trees, with mountains in the background and partly cloudy skies.

  • People gathered around a table of various dishes, outdoor setting with bright blue sky, women in swimsuits, some wearing hats, decorations, and a woman taking a selfie. The scene appears to be at a beachside or tropical location.

  • A woman wearing sunglasses and a white and blue embroidered dress sitting on a rock in a desert with sand dunes and a clear blue sky in the background.

  • Person lying on a table covered with a white cloth in a forest creek surrounded by trees and greenery.

  • Man in desert stand next to a camel that is sitting on the sand. The camel has a saddle with supplies. The man is dressed in traditional desert attire, including a head covering, and holds a stick. The landscape is arid with sparse vegetation and a cloudy sky.

  • Outdoor patio area at dusk with lounge chairs, potted plants, artwork of a person in black and white, and a decorative iron balcony railing.

  • A street market with various souvenirs and clothing displays on the left side, including hats, bags, and small decorative items. A woman dressed in yellow with a head covering is walking down the street, and a person sits in the background. The street is narrow with buildings on both sides, and signs hang overhead.

  • A woman with long brown hair and earrings smiling in profile outdoors in front of a lake with mountains, snow-capped peaks, clouds, and a blue sky.

  • Two primates sitting on a paved surface in a lush, green outdoor environment. One is holding and eating a yellow piece of fruit, while the other looks directly at the camera. There are a few pieces of the fruit scattered on the ground.

  • A woman in a white tank top and colorful patterned skirt rolling dough with a wooden rolling pin at an outdoor kitchen or workshop. There are various kitchen utensils and bowls on the table, with lush green plants and wooden structures in the background.

  • A man with mud on his body practicing yoga or meditation outdoors among lush green jungle plants under a blue sky.

  • A large signboard at Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania with a rhinoceros illustration and welcoming text, situated in a vast open landscape with dry grass, a person sitting next to the sign, mountains in the distance, and a clear blue sky.

  • A woman sitting outdoors on a wooden structure, holding a white rabbit, with a tree and a blue sky with clouds in the background. There are small rabbits on the ground near her.

  • A tall, ornate tower with a clock and decorative windows, made of reddish-brown bricks, set against a clear blue sky. The street below shows a man riding a motorcycle and some architecture with intricate designs around a gated entrance.

  • Zebras grazing on a green field with a mountain range and cloudy sky in the background.

  • A sign hanging from a tree in a lush forest with tropical plants. The sign has multiple words including 'BODY', 'Connection', 'Feel', 'CREATE', 'VOCATION', 'STUDY', 'SOUL'. The sign appears to be made of wood or similar material and is painted in green and white.

  • A dining table set with woven placemats, white bowls, black drinking glasses, yellow cloth napkins, and silverware. The table is under warm lighting, with a lit candle and a candle holder in the foreground.

  • Tropical scene with palm trees, a swimming pool, lounge chairs, and the ocean in the background at a beach resort.

  • View of a river flowing through a valley with green trees along the bank and large reddish-brown rocky mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

  • A solitary tree with a wide, flat canopy stands in the middle of a grassy plain. Two giraffes are visible on either side of the tree, one on the left and one on the right. The sky above is blue with scattered white clouds, and the horizon stretches far in the distance.

  • A young boy with bandages on his wrists wearing a patterned shirt and sandals, walking across a dry, sandy area near a traditional hut with a thatched roof, with trees and vegetation in the background.

  • Multiple hands of different skin tones placed on top of each other, symbolizing unity and diversity.

  • A tall waterfall streaming into a turquoise pool surrounded by lush green foliage and moss-covered rocks in a foggy forest setting.

  • Scenic view of a sunset over the ocean with pink and blue clouds, framed by trees and white buildings with blue accents in a coastal town.

  • View of an ancient desert town with mud-brick buildings, winding streets, green plants, and hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

  • A smiling man and woman taking a selfie during a hot air balloon ride at sunset over a grassy landscape with trees and other hot air balloons visible in the background.

  • A man and woman stand on a viewing platform overlooking a lush green valley and mountain range, with clear blue skies above.

  • A woman with long hair wearing a red swimsuit, sitting on the edge of a boat, looking at an ocean sunset with orange, yellow, and pink hues in the sky and waves reflecting the sunlight.

  • People sitting on the ground, working with dried plant materials and cylindrical objects on a wooden surface, with chalk markings and colorful cloths.

  • Ancient ruins viewed through a stone archway with tall columns in the background against a blue sky with a few clouds.

  • A scenic view of a coastline with sandy beach, ocean waves, green hills, and a clear blue sky.

  • A landscape scene with mountains in the background, rolling hills, green trees, and two animals grazing in the foreground - a zebra and a moose.

  • A beach scene with penguins walking on the sandy shore, with calm turquoise ocean water and rocks in the background.

  • A woman with long brown hair sitting on a grassy hill, overlooking the ocean with waves crashing along the shore. She is wearing black leggings, white sneakers, a light beige coat, and sunglasses, and appears to be relaxing and enjoying the scenic view of mountains and cloudy sky.

  • A table set with six glasses of red wine and three bottles of wine outdoors on a patio. The background shows lush greenery, mountains, and a clear blue sky with some trees and a pergola.

  • A person clenches their fist and raises their arm, interacting with a large statue of a smiling man in a suit raising his hand, against a clear blue sky.

  • An outdoor hot tub filled with bubbles on a wooden deck, overlooking a lush green hillside with a cloudy sky and sunlight rays.

  • A person with short hair facing away, wearing a white shirt with mountain and nature print, looking at a coastal landscape with rocky shore, blue ocean, green hills, and a partly cloudy sky.

  • A woman in a red swimsuit sitting on the sandy shore at a beach with rocks and waves.

  • Entrance to Camdeboo National Park with a thatched building, signs, flags, and a dirt road leading into the park under a partly cloudy blue sky.

  • A boat with a sail featuring a colorful illustration of a woman with a headwrap and the text 'Boss Lady's Dhow' on a turquoise river, surrounded by rocky banks and dense green trees under a blue sky.

  • View from inside a room with bamboo walls and a large window showing mountains and greenery outside. An open window is visible, allowing fresh air inside. There is a bathtub with a wooden tray and a faucet, small rocks lining the side, and a white chair next to the tub.

  • Group of people walking outside a building, some making peace signs. They are wearing white vests with logos, and there is a banner overhead with Arabic text and a photo of a young boy. The background shows a clear blue sky, trees, and a white building.

  • A group of people sitting on the floor around a low table filled with food, drinks, and family-style dishes. The setting appears to be indoors during the evening, with city lights visible through large windows.

  • Group of people outdoors holding a large Tunisian flag with a red background, white circle, crescent moon, and star, in a desert landscape with hills and clouds in the sky.

  • A young woman with long brown hair smiling and standing inside an open vehicle, with a scenic outdoor background of green hills, trees, and a blue sky.

  • Woman in white swimwear sitting on a boat with coral cushions, holding a rope, overlooking turquoise water and a cloudy sky.

  • A lush green farm with various crops and plants, surrounded by palm trees, with a desert town and mountains in the background.

  • A woman is showing a smile to a man who is covering his face with his hand, both sitting at a table with fabric and thread, against a brown wall.

  • A woman wearing a colorful headscarf preparing vegetables at an outdoor food stall. Various bowls of vegetables, spices, and cooking ingredients are on the table, with a background of green foliage and cooking pots.

  • Four women in traditional colorful clothing and jewelry, and two children in rural outdoor setting with adobe houses, trees, mountains, and partly cloudy sky in the background.

  • Clear turquoise water at the base of a rocky coastal cliff, with the sky visible through the opening at the top.

  • Nighttime scene with illuminated hanging lanterns, palm trees, and a water feature with small fountains in the center.

  • Nighttime scene at a rooftop restaurant with people dining, warm candlelight, and the moon shining in a dark sky. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is visible in the background.

  • A swimming pool with a curved edge, surrounded by a wooden deck. Two lounge chairs with rolled towels and a decorative cushion are positioned in the shade. There are trees and a scenic landscape in the background with a clear blue sky.

  • Three women are having a picnic on a large rock by a river in a forested canyon with tall cliffs and boulders.

  • Shadows of a person riding a camel in a sandy desert during sunset or sunrise. There are multiple camels and footprints in the sand.

  • A woman and a child walking along a dirt road beside a tall, unfinished brick wall. The woman wears a purple dress and the child wears a red dress. There are puddles on the road and green plants on the side. In the background, there are trees and a house with a pink roof.

  • Woman standing under a rocky overhang on a beach, touching the ceiling of the cave with her hand, with ocean water and a blue sky visible in the background.

  • A lion standing on a grassy plain in a vast landscape with hills or mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

  • Aerial view of four people having a picnic on a wooden deck next to a flowing river surrounded by trees

  • A group of volunteers and local villagers gather outdoors under a bright blue sky with clouds. Volunteers wearing blue vests with a logo and text are engaging with women and children, possibly distributing aid or supplies, near a small building and a green tree in a rural setting.

  • A woman with brown hair tied back, wearing sunglasses, a white sleeveless top, and a patterned skirt, standing on a wooden bridge overlooking a lush garden with green plants and trees, under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.

  • Two people with sneakers visible, sitting on rocky shore, facing ocean with waves, cliffs, and clear blue sky.

  • Poolside area with lounge chairs and umbrellas at sunset, surrounded by palm trees and tropical vegetation.

  • Two lions resting on green grass in an open landscape with a mountain range in the background.

  • A view of a tropical beach scene, seen through a wooden archway with a curved bench, overlooking the clear turquoise sea, with a thatched-roof hut and some tropical plants on a sunny day with partly cloudy sky.

What People Are Saying

  • "If you'd like a hassle free holiday experience, I definitely recommend working with Olena."

    I attended a retreat in Arusha and Zanzibar so I was not involved with planning. What I do know is the amount of effort that was made to make sure all the logistics are taken care of, the hotels being clean and safe and activities that matched our group. As a participant, Olena and her team did an incredible job to accommodate all of our needs.

    After the retreat, Olena helped to plan a tour of StoneTown and the Prison Island and was even able to book a guide that I had liked. She also gave me options on accommodations and chose the most fitting one for my needs. Olena responded promptly and also checked in regularly during the trip to make sure things were going well. If you'd like a hassle free holiday experience, I definitely recommend working with Olena.

    - Lucy Z.

  • "We felt very safe. We highly recommend booking with them 100%—they turn a trip into a genuine adventure!"

    We had the most amazing trip, and it was completely seamless from start to finish. We felt so well taken care of the entire time. But what we enjoyed most was the genuine connection and friendship we created with our hosts Olena, Benn, and Kombo.

    Their expertise and dedication was evident every single day. Olena and Benn’s planning and attention to details made the trip truly a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation. They handled every single detail flawlessly, and all we had to do was show up and enjoy the beautiful scenery and incredible atmosphere.

    Our accommodations were comfortable and beautiful. We felt very safe. We highly recommend booking with them 100%—they turn a trip into a genuine adventure!

    - Sara J.

  • "I felt extremely safe being that this was my first solo trip ever. "

    I was gifted a retreat package by someone for Morocco and I was like “I wish Olena was there because she did such wonderful job helping me in Tanzania”

    My trip was partially solo and then I connected with some beautiful women to start our retreat. Olena did such an amazing job helping me find everything I needed between the hotels, excursions, private drivers and I felt extremely safe being that this was my first solo trip ever. Nasri was my primary driver and he was beyond amazing! That was only the solo part, the experience for the rest of the trip with all the activities that were arranged for us were beautiful! Thank you Olena, Ben, Nasri and the others for making my first trip to Africa so memorable that I want to return again.

    - Linda A.

Contact Us!

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