Julie Smigadis

In honour of International Women’s Day this month, we celebrate the women who are redefining travel through leadership, innovation and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

For Julie Smigadis of Travel Our World, becoming a travel entrepreneur wasn’t a career goal; it was a life choice. “I didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur. I set out to build a life I was proud of. Travel just happened to be the vehicle. After years in retail travel leadership, I realized I wanted ownership over my time, my income, and the way I showed up for my clients and my daughter. Betting on myself was terrifying, humbling and the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Her journey has been marked by resilience, reinvention, and the quiet victories that define women-led

businesses. Becoming the #1 advisor/agency at Envoyage Canada wasn’t about the title; it was about proving to herself that she could build something powerful independently. Along the way, she discovered one of women’s greatest strengths in travel: emotional intelligence.

“We’re not just booking trips; we’re managing emotions, family milestones, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Anticipating needs before they’re spoken is a superpower. And multitasking like an Olympic sport? That’s just a Tuesday.”

Your Vacation Guru’s Alana Halford Bowles echoes this philosophy, emphasizing the importance of trust,

expertise and connection. In today’s fast-changing travel landscape, she provides clients with personalized guidance, hands-on support and thoughtful itineraries that make them feel confident and cared for every step of the way. “Travel is overwhelming. People want someone they can trust to navigate the details, from entry requirements to unexpected changes. My goal is for clients to feel supported from start to finish.”

What enables women like Julie and Alana to reach these heights? For them, it’s the network, resources, and community support that Envoyage provides. From mentorship and peer connections to tools that help grow their brand, Envoyage empowers travel entrepreneurs to innovate, adapt, and lead with confidence.

Julie, for example, has leaned into partnerships and personal storytelling, supported by a platform that amplifies her expertise. Alana continues to build a reputation grounded in exceptional service, backed by a network that values collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Challenges, of course, have shaped them too. Julie recalls being underestimated early on, with success often attributed to luck rather than strategy. But those experiences only strengthened her resolve: to build systems, elevate her brand, and show up with intention and confidence. “I stopped overexplaining. I stopped shrinking. The right clients and partners recognize our expertise when they see it,” she says.

Alana Halford Bowles

Ultimately, being a woman entrepreneur in travel is about freedom and impact. It’s about creating financial, professional, and personal independence while helping others experience the world in ways that change them. It’s also about inspiring the next generation. “It’s about showing my daughters that they can follow their passions and be successful doing what they love,” Alana says.

These stories are just a glimpse into the incredible impact women make every day across Envoyage. We celebrate all the women in our network whose creativity, expertise, and dedication inspire clients and peers alike.

Gail Banack, Envoyage’s General Manager, reflects on the ripple effect of this support across the industry: “Hearing our advisors’ stories reminds us that success in travel comes from passion, resilience, and trust, qualities every travel professional can draw on in their own journey. At Envoyage, we’re proud to provide the tools, mentorship, and community that help women thrive and lead.”

This International Women’s Day, we honour these trailblazing women and the countless others whose courage, vision, and heart are shaping the future of travel. Through empowerment, connection, and support, Envoyage helps ensure that every woman in our network can reach her full potential one journey, one story, and one unforgettable experience at a time.