Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Fry.
Hi Karen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Spirit Tours has a beautiful legacy that spans more than two decades, rooted in the idea that travel can be sacred — a path of awakening and deep connection. The company was originally founded by spiritual seekers who believed that true travel is not just about seeing the world, but about experiencing it fully — honoring cultures, connecting with people, and awakening the soul along the way.
In June 2022, we purchased Spirit Tours from its founder, and it officially became a company based out of Dallas, Texas. As the CEO and Owner, I, Rev. Karen Fry, brought my experience as an ordained minister, spiritual teacher, and former corporate leader to continue and expand this sacred mission. My vision has been to uplevel everything — from the quality and depth of our tours to the heart of our brand and how we give back to both our travelers and the communities we visit.
We’ve redesigned and elevated our travel experiences to offer small-group, meaningful journeys that blend luxury, culture, and spiritual awakening. Every itinerary is personally curated and visited by our leadership team to ensure authenticity, balance, and a deep sense of purpose. We’ve also strengthened our community giving, dedicating 10% of our profits to support local projects around the world — such as building schools in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest region — and created a traveler referral program that rewards those who help share the Spirit Tours experience with others.
Today, Spirit Tours continues to thrive as a boutique travel company that honors culture, supports sustainability, and inspires transformation. Each journey we offer is an invitation to slow down, connect deeply, and travel consciously — leaving both the traveler and the world a little better than before.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any meaningful journey, the road hasn’t always been smooth — but every challenge has deepened our commitment to what we do.
One of the biggest realities we face today is the global ripple effect of change — from shifting weather patterns and climate-related disruptions to the fluctuating value of the U.S. dollar against currencies like the euro, yen, and pound. Each of these factors impacts international travel logistics and pricing, requiring us to stay flexible, creative, and deeply attuned to the global landscape.
As a company dedicated to sustainable and conscious travel, we also navigate the delicate balance between offering luxurious, meaningful experiences and maintaining environmental and economic responsibility. This means constantly reassessing our partnerships, travel practices, and even our itineraries to ensure they honor both the traveler and the planet.
Another ongoing challenge is the pace of change within the travel industry itself. Technology, traveler expectations, and sustainability standards evolve rapidly, and staying ahead requires constant learning and innovation. Yet we see these not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow and lead — to model what mindful adaptation looks like in an ever-changing world.
Through it all, our guiding principle remains the same: to serve with integrity, stay grounded in purpose, and deliver journeys that transform. Challenges may shape the terrain, but they also strengthen our resolve — and that’s part of what makes the Spirit Tours journey so rewarding.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Spirit Tours, we specialize in meaningful, sustainable travel that honors culture and awakens the soul through sacred journeys. We curate small-group, boutique experiences to destinations around the world — places like Egypt, Bhutan, Bali, Peru, and Ireland — that blend spiritual depth, cultural authenticity, and comfort.
What we do goes far beyond traditional tourism. Every Spirit Tours journey is designed as a transformative experience, an invitation to explore both the world and the self. Our itineraries are handcrafted and personally visited by our leadership team to ensure they are authentic, balanced, and aligned with local traditions. We partner with the best local guides — people who embody wisdom, respect, and heart — to create meaningful moments of connection.
What truly sets us apart is the intentionality behind everything we do. We combine luxury and consciousness — offering four and five-star comfort while maintaining a deep respect for the people and places we visit. We also keep our groups small to foster intimacy, personalized care, and community among travelers.
Spirit Tours is also deeply committed to giving back. We dedicate 10% of our profits to local projects in the destinations we visit, focusing on education, empowerment, and environmental preservation. One of our proudest initiatives is in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where our travelers have helped fund a thriving school that now serves from 30 to over 350 children (in less than 3 years) who once had to walk hours just to attend class. This project beautifully reflects what Spirit Tours stands for — travel that transforms both the traveler and the community.
Brand-wise, we’re proud of our evolution. Since acquiring the company in 2022, we’ve revitalized the brand, elevated our itineraries, expanded our global partnerships, and created a referral program that rewards our travelers for sharing their experiences. We’re also embracing innovation — exploring how new technologies like AI and VR can enhance travel preparation and personalization while preserving the essence of human connection.
At our core, we believe that travel is sacred. Spirit Tours is not just about where you go — it’s about how you experience the journey. We want readers to know that when you travel with us, you’re not just seeing the world; you’re honoring it, supporting it, and allowing it to awaken something deeper within yourself.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely — I’m always inspired by resources that nourish the body, mind and spirit.
At Spirit Tours, we’ve created inspiration that reflect exactly that:
Our Inspiration Blog is a collection of soulful writings, reflections, and travel stories designed to help people live more consciously — both at home and while exploring the world. We share insights from sacred destinations, lessons learned on the road, and practical wisdom for traveling with intention. It’s meant to serve as a companion for anyone seeking to deepen their awareness, whether they’re planning a journey or simply looking to bring more mindfulness into daily life.
https://spirit.tours/inspiration/
Outside of our own work, I also find inspiration in podcasts and books that explore consciousness, leadership, and personal transformation. But truly, some of the greatest “resources” I rely on are conversations with our travelers — hearing how their journeys have changed their lives reminds me why this work is so sacred.
Finally, my favorite app is Heroic and books that impacted me the most to purchase Spirit Tours are: This Thing Called You by Ernest Holmes and The Power of Decision by Raymond Charles Barker.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spirit.tours/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spirit.tours/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiritTours.JourneysoftheSoul/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCalsoGXYFeYQXKAGscg_92w
Image Credits
Photos taken by Karen Fry
