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One of the things I love most about this community is how multidimensional everyone in it is. These are women whose curiosity doesn't stop at one thing — it spills across careers, hobbies, passions, and places.
This month's traveler spotlight is Sophia Dong, whose curiosity has taken her from a post-high-school gap year to careers across tech and real estate, and now to Georgia on an El Camino trip that reminded her why she keeps chasing the unknown.
Ahead, she talks supras, winemakers, and the moment a local host's home turned a trip into something that stuck with her.
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MEET SOPHIA DONG, ECT BOLD WOMEN TRAVELER.
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Georgia
Senegal
Art x Lagos✦
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What's your philosophy on travel?
For me, travel is an opportunity to experience different things, discover new perspectives, and connect with people and stories that help shape and expand how I'm able to see the world. I also believe that my most formative travel experiences all involve getting to know the people who live there and hopefully seeing the world a little bit through their eyes.
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How would you describe Georgia in three words?
Dynamic. Openhearted. Resonant.
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What was your favorite moment from the trip — the one that still sticks with you?
There were so many amazing moments in Georgia that it's hard to pick just one — every supra and meeting with winemakers was so uniquely special! Probably one of the most cherished moments was getting to visit our amazing local host's home and meet her family (shoutout to Keti!). We had been welcomed into many people's wineries and homes on our trip, but this one definitely felt the most special — it felt like the most true Georgian experience. Being immediately welcomed with open arms and being showered with food.
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What do you love most about traveling with El Camino?
I love El Camino's ability to share an experience and multi-day adventure that cuts deep to the crux of a country, its essence, and what makes it special, while still embracing a "slow travel" mentality that keeps the itinerary grounded. It's so easy to just give El Camino my complete trust, and in return receive a thoughtfully curated trip full of human connection and a deeper understanding of that country, that feels magically serendipitous.
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What's something travel has taught you about yourself?
That pushing past my comfort zone can reap great rewards, and I'm more capable than I sometimes allow myself to believe. I've always been an introvert and a more-than-occasional scaredy cat that found the unknown to be intimidating. A lot of my travel seems to end up being diving head-first into the unknown, and I've consistently found myself better for it.
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What is something you always pack?
Sunscreen, an extra pair of socks, and Zofran.
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What's a small ritual you have when you travel?
Buying a tchotchke (or multiple tchotchkes) to take back with me! I have a whole shelf in my home dedicated to travel tchotchkes, and it's a fun reminder of all my various adventures.
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Need a tropical escape to decompress?
Our sister property Casa Violeta is six hours from the US coasts in Granada, Nicaragua — built for the kind of week where the only agenda is good conversation and nowhere to be.
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The Business of Experiences on Substack
A publication exploring the future of hospitality, travel, culture, and experience-driven brands. Discover thoughtful insights, industry conversations, and ideas shaping how people connect with the world today.
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Mongolia, Wide Open
September 5 - September 13
A rare journey across Mongolia’s vast steppes, nomadic landscapes, and enduring traditions. Experience a way of life shaped by nature, hospitality, and a deep connection to the land.
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Sensational Vietnam
October 31 - November 8
Explore Vietnam through its vibrant cities, rich culinary heritage, and breathtaking scenery. From bustling markets to tranquil countryside, this journey offers an immersive look at one of Asia’s most dynamic cultures.
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