Meet Yulia

Yulia Girina-Demin

Yulia has always been the person excited to plan the next trip, learn everything she can about a destination before arriving, and seek out experiences beyond the usual tourist checklist. So, it’s probably no surprise that she turned that enthusiasm into a career. For nearly 10 years, she’s worked in the travel industry helping people discover different corners of the world.

Yulia has been part of Veggies Abroad since our very first small-group tour to Thailand in 2023. For years, she worked behind the scenes making sure every detail was booked, every piece was in place, and hotels understood that, yes, vegetarian and vegan really are two different things. In 2026, her role expanded from behind the scenes to on the road, and you’ll now find her hosting select Veggies Abroad tours and making sure everything runs smoothly along the way.

When she travels, Yulia is especially drawn to nature, local culture, food, and experiences that help her understand a place rather than simply see it. She cares deeply about animals and the environment, which shapes how she thinks about travel and the impact we have on the places we visit. She also practices and teaches breathwork and meditation, bringing that same sense of curiosity and presence to travel. For Yulia, some of the best moments aren’t necessarily the big bucket-list ones — they’re the unexpected conversations, wildlife encounters, beautiful views, and little moments that make you stop and think, I can’t believe I’m here.

Favorite travel experience: South African safari