Giulia Manfrini is an unstoppable Italian lioness (and truly, a sun and moon Leo)! I met her in Bali back in 2021, where we both were living, and we’ve been friends ever since, catching up whenever we can. Being around Giulia, it’s impossible not to be swept up by her infectious energy and radiant light. With a big smile and an ever-cheerful vibe, Giulia is incredibly active, always immersed in one of her many hobbies or fully dedicated to her work. She’s a free spirit with a passion for adventure. She’s definitely that friend who will say, “Pack your bags, we’re off on an adventure!”.
This is my heartfelt tribute to Giulia— to her boundless vitality, untamed spirit, and unwavering dedication. She’s a beacon of inspiration for anyone daring to unlock their full potential and live life to the fullest.

Today, the voice that is heard is from Giulia Manfrini!

Giulia graduated in Law but chose to follow her passion for travelling and the outdoors.

Can you tell me about your early life in Italy and how growing up in the mountains shaped your passion for sports?

I started skiing when I was 4 years old and at 13 years old I transitioned to snowboarding. It was more of a holiday/weekend hobby until 17 years old when I decided to take it more seriously and start my competition journey. I took part in the European Cup, World Junior Champion, World Cup and 3 Universiades of Snowboard Cross.

What was it like transitioning from being a professional snowboarder to a surf travel expert? What challenges did you face along the way?

I have been snowboarding all my life and I really liked it. But at some point, I realised I wanted to discover new horizons, so I started surfing and I quickly fell in love with it. After a big surfing accident, I have decided to focus on online working in the surf travel industry while slowly recovering from my injury.

You graduated in Law but chose to follow your dreams. You have been working and travelling, and experiencing living in different places around the world. What inspired this bold decision?

Travelling and staying outdoors has always been my big passion. I left the certainty for uncertainty and moved to Portugal one week after my graduation. I travelled and worked in different surf destinations, like Spain, Australia, Panama, and Indonesia.

What are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had while travelling around the world to chase waves?

I think the best moments I keep in my heart are not only about the travels or the waves I surfed but mainly about the people with whom I have shared those moments. Some have been friends for many years, others were random people met along the way. I love to hear their stories, and points of view from other times and other parts of the world. That’s what makes travelling and surfing special.

I think the best moments I keep in my heart are not only about the travels or the waves I surfed but mainly about the people with whom I have shared those moments.

How did AWAVE Travel come to be, and what motivated you to start this venture?

I had been working in the Surf Travel Industry for many years and during Covid I decided it was the perfect chance to rebuild myself.  When my now business partner James called me and proposed to me to create AWAVE Travel I was super excited and ready for that!

Can you share a bit about the philosophy and mission behind AWAVE Travel? How do you ensure your clients have unforgettable experiences?

Giulia has been working in the surf travel industry, and during the COVID pandemic, she and her partner launched Awave Travel.

At AWAVE Travel we really value our client’s booking and travelling experience. We work with just a hand-picked selection of surf resorts and surf charters around the globe that we have personally visited or know the owners of. Our services are completely free of charge and we always have the Best Prices Guaranteed. We recommend the perfect trip to the specific client based on his/her requirements (surf level, budget, month of travel, etc) as we really want them to come back home stoked.

What does a typical day look like for you when you’re not organizing trips? How do you balance your time between surfing, songwriting, dancing, and playing beach volleyball, your favourite hobbies? 

I do have a lot of hobbies indeed. I love to take some time every day to do at least one of my favourite activities. That fulfils my day and lets my mind rest a bit from all the computer time. It’s definitely needed, otherwise we would be burnt out.

How has living in Bali and more recently in Portugal influenced your lifestyle and approach to personal and professional life?

Spending time in Bali with like-minded people, young entrepreneurs and travellers from all over the world has made me realise that dreams can come true if we do put work and effort into it. I will always be grateful to the people I met along the way who have shared part of their knowledge and supported me along my journey. In Portugal, I have rediscovered the simplicity of life and the contact with nature, and when I am there I can really focus on my work while still enjoying my passions.

Spending time in Bali with like-minded people, young entrepreneurs and travellers from all over the world has made me realise that dreams can come true if we do put work and effort into it.

As someone who loves both adventure and luxury, how do you incorporate these elements into the trips you organize for AWAVE Travel?

I think that everyone likes to be pampered and spoiled while on vacation. Luxury doesn’t mean luck or adventures. We work with amazing surf resorts nestled in remote and wild locations, which is, in my opinion, the perfect match for a safe and hassle-free trip!

What are some of the most exciting destinations you’ve explored through surfing, and why would you recommend them to other surf enthusiasts?

I have a deep love for Indonesia, where I have been spending many years surfing and travelling. The Mentawai and Nias are some of my favourite spots. The waves there are just the best in the world for how much I have been travelling nothing can compare!

Giulia has a deep love for Indonesia, with Mentawai and Nias being her favourite spots for surfing.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in your career, especially when managing the demands of organizing trips and running a business?

I think that doing what you are passionate about, helps me to stay motivated even during the toughest days. My business partner James is also a big support for me during down days and I am really grateful for this.

Can you describe a particularly challenging moment in your career and how you overcame it?

When I injured myself surfing (I cut the tendon on my quadricep on the reef), I was at a stage of my life where I didn’t know what to do. Recovery was taking longer than expected and I couldn’t work anymore as a snowboard and surf teacher. But as my personal philosophy says “No Rain, No Flowers”. I started studying new things and looking for new horizons and that’s what actually brought me where I am now with AWAVE Travel.

How do you see the future of AWAVE Travel evolving? Are there any exciting plans or projects you’re currently working on?

We have just launched AWAVE Travel Snow, which follows the same concept as AWAVE Travel Surf but with a focus on heliski cat ski and freeride trips. I really wanted to share my passion for the mountains and freeriding with other fellow travellers and here we go!

What advice would you give to someone who is considering leaving a conventional career path to pursue their passion, as you did?

I think that we are all always scared to leave the known path for the unknown. I would recommend getting knowledge on what you are planning to do next, get informed, prepare business plans and then go for it. Get ready to face ups and downs, but I guess this is also part of life.

Lastly, what message do you want to share with those who aspire to combine their love for travel, sports, and adventure in their own lives?

Challenge yourself, learn new things, and never stop exploring. The world out there is so beautiful. When travelling always respect the environment, the local culture and traditions, get involved with the local community and try to find ways to support and help them. I think that’s the best way to explore as travel won’t mean anything without this aspect.

// Giulia Manfrini Instagram | AWAVE Travel Instagram | AWAVE Travel Snow Instagram

Photos by Megan Costello