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In this episode of Soul of Travel, Season 6: Women's Wisdom + Mindful Travel, presented by @journeywoman_original, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Avery Hale Smith.

Avery Hale Smith is the Chief Experience Officer at Backroads, where she brings a lifelong passion for travel, cultural connection and guest experience. Her global consciousness and love of outdoor adventure was inspired by her family’s extensive travels and time spent in nature throughout her childhood. Her passion for creating meaningful impact began early—at age 12, she founded a nonprofit focused on social advocacy, a commitment that was later recognized by the United Nations. Avery now forges new paths in travel at Backroads as Chief Experience Officer—a role for which she was recognized as one of the “Top 50 Women Chief Experience Officers of 2025” by Women We Admire. Avery Hale Smith looks forward to the future at Backroads, working alongside her father on a mission to open up a world of possibilities and experiences to as many people as possible through the joys of active travel.

Christine and Avery discuss:

• How travel has shaped her as a leader
• The ways in which travel is a reflection of our world 
• Wellness beyond catchphrases and quick fixes
• Women’s Adventures and the 30’s-40’s trips launching this June at Backroads 

Join Christine for this soulful conversation with Avery Hale Smith.

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To read our episode blog post, access a complete transcript, see full show notes, and find resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to the Soul of Travel Website. 

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Learn more about Backroads and connect with Avery: https://backroads.com

Connect with Avery on your favorite social media network! Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn

Excited to check out the new Backroads travel experiences? Check out Backroads 30s & 40s and Women’s Adventures.

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Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!

Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women. Find solo travel trips for women over 50 on JourneyWoman.

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Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Avery Hale Smith (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.

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