By Sheyla Paz | July 2026
The Journey Between Places
Stories about the people, moments, and communities that shape the way we travel.
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Killarney became our home for several days as we explored Ireland’s breathtaking Ring of Kerry.  Unlike the oversized coach tours that seem determined to race from one viewpoint to the next, we embraced a slower rhythm—one that allowed us to experience Ireland rather than check it off a list.

One of the most memorable moments came at a family-owned sheep farm tucked into the rolling green hills of County Kerry.

By Sheyla Paz, Sheyla Adventure Travel

There are many ways to see Ireland.  You can rush from castle to castle, ticking attractions off a list and filling your camera roll with landmarks you’ll barely remember.  Or you can slow down.  That’s how I design Ireland.

Not around how many sites you can visit in a day, but around the moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home: the golden evening light stretching across the River Liffey at 9:30 PM, the clouds parting over ancient stone ruins, the laughter shared with friends while standing at the edge of the Atlantic.

For this recent small-group Taste of Ireland journey, I arrived in Dublin a day before my clients, allowing me to reconnect with the city and conduct several hotel site inspections.  I spent the night at The Alex Hotel, part of the O’Callaghan Collection, and toured three of the collection’s four-star properties: The Alex, The Mont, and The Davenport. 

As my Galápagos adventure was coming to an end, I never imagined that some of my most meaningful travel lessons would happen not on a remote island, but while recovering from an injury.
After hurting my foot earlier in the voyage, the final days of the expedition looked very different than I had originally planned. Instead of hiking volcanic trails and participating in every excursion, I found myself slowing down, following doctor's orders, and learning to navigate the world from a new perspective.

There are trips that simply feel like work… and then there are journeys that reignite your passion for what you do. My recent experience in Cancun for a Destination Wedding FAM trip and my upcoming expedition to the Galápagos Islands with HX are exactly that kind of reminder.
As a luxury travel advisor, I’m constantly researching destinations, inspecting resorts, meeting local partners, and experiencing itineraries firsthand so I can confidently guide my clients. But beyond the logistics and planning, travel always gives me something more personal: inspiration.

This February I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Colombia on a business and educational trip that turned out to be one of the most inspiring experiences of my career. I returned home not only with unforgettable memories, but also as a Certified Colombia Destination Specialist, ready to design even more authentic and immersive journeys for my clients.
This trip was part training, part exploration, and part relationship-building with the people who make travel truly special.

What would city travel feel like with quieter streets, cleaner air, and a deeper connection to daily life rather than crowds?
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As travelers become more intentional about where and how they explore, a new category of destination is gaining attention: green cities. These are urban centers investing in sustainability, walkability, renewable energy, and community-focused design. They value quality of life as much as culture, history, and creativity.

Inspired by recent reporting from the Elliott Report on up-and-coming sustainable cities, this guide highlights destinations redefining urban travel in 2026. These cities appeal to travelers seeking meaningful experiences, environmental responsibility, and a calmer alternative to over-touristed capitals.

Travel should leave a positive footprint — on both the planet and the traveler. These cities deserve a place on your radar.

Every year, the holiday season reminds us of what truly matters — connection, experiences, and memories that last far longer than anything wrapped under a tree. As I traveled across the world this year, from the Caribbean to Europe and everywhere in between, one powerful truth kept coming back to me. As the holiday season fills the air with warmth, lights, and togetherness, I can’t help reflecting on one powerful truth I rediscovered throughout my travels this year:​ ​My Travel Adventures This Year: Inspiration for Your Holiday Gift

November is a beautiful time to experience London — crisp air, early sunsets, and the glow of Christmas lights wrapping the city in magic. I recently spent three unforgettable days exploring this iconic destination before continuing my journey to Romania, and I’m excited to share the highlights, tips, and memorable moments from my trip.

Give the Gift of Adventure This Holiday Season
​Adventure doesn’t just change your travel itinerary — it changes you. It pushes your boundaries, reawakens your curiosity, and invites you into landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems unlike anything you’ve known. If you’re dreaming about a year filled with unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and epic stories, these Top 10 destinations for 2026 are calling your name.

Whether you’re searching for icy wilderness, volcanic mountains, jungle immersion, or ancient European trails, these destinations are crafted for explorers who crave something deeper.