From a Weekend Escape to a Journey With Purpose

Sometimes, even a travel advisor needs to stop planning and be a tourist.
A Surprise Weekend in San Antonio
Back in April, while I was in Cancun for a business trip focused on Romance Travel, my husband told me to save a few dates on my calendar—and not ask why.  Of course, I was curious!

When I returned home, he finally revealed the surprise: he was taking me to San Antonio, Texas.  I had never been, so I was excited to discover a new city together.  Naturally, because I had to book the trip, I chose our flights and hotel.  We stayed at the Hyatt on the River Walk, in a room overlooking the river, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice.  The hotel has an elevator directly down to the River Walk, plus access from the river level to the Alamo.

The Alamo church in San Antonio, Texas, viewed from the historic grounds. Photo by Sheyla Paz

The one thing I wasn’t prepared for?
The heat!

It was over 100 degrees every day.  As someone from Cuba, I love warm weather, but even this Cuban girl has limits!  We adjusted our plans, taking walks in the mornings and early evenings, enjoying a river boat tour and a trolley tour around the city.  We even found a Cuban restaurant where I enjoyed some tostones and a Mango Mojito before deciding it was simply too hot to walk back, so we took a Lyft instead.

Then came another surprise.
My husband had tickets to a concert at the Majestic Theatre, just a five-minute walk from our hotel.  I asked who we were going to see.
“It’s a surprise.”
When I looked at the big screen inside the theater, I discovered it was Dean Z, the Elvis Presley tribute artist.  What a show!  I won’t spoil it, but it was absolutely fantastic, and I would definitely recommend seeing him if you have the opportunity.

What I loved most about this weekend, though, was being present.  No client itineraries.  No hotel research.  No emails.  No travel logistics.  Just me, my husband, and the opportunity to be a tourist for a change.

I even wanted to visit the Japanese Tea Garden again on Sunday morning.  Still, when it was already over 80 degrees at 8 AM, we decided another River Walk stroll sounded much better.

My recommendation?  Visit San Antonio in the spring or fall.
You’ll have much more comfortable weather for exploring everything this wonderful city has to offer.  And after a few days of relaxing, I came home ready for a very different kind of journey.

Cuba: A Journey That Comes From the Heart

After my quick visit to Cuba in early August, I shared how heartbroken I was by what I saw back home.  The suffering is real.  People are struggling to get necessities like food, medicine, electricity, and other everyday essentials.  But something beautiful happened afterward.

People kept helping.
Friends donated money and supplies.  One friend gave me two pieces of luggage so I could bring even more donations on future trips—and in one suitcase, she added medicine, food, shoes, and medical masks.

I also had donations at home that I couldn’t take with me in August, so I packed a 52-pound box and shipped it to Cuba through an agency a friend recommended.  It will ship by air this Friday and be delivered directly to my sister’s home.  Inside are more medicines, food, battery-operated fans, rechargeable light bulbs, and other necessities.

Friends—and even a couple of clients who had already donated—have continued to contribute.  So far, another $420 has been donated.

And every dollar matters.  Sometimes it can be enough to help purchase something as simple as aspirin for someone who desperately needs it.

Will You Come With Me?
I am inviting you to join me in Cuba October 1–7 for a humanitarian journey.

And you don’t have to spend money you can’t afford.  Ask your local church, food bank, dentist’s office, community organization, or local businesses if they can help you collect donations.  Ask your neighbors to help us fill a suitcase.

You don’t have to do everything.  Just do something.
I will continue to Santiago de Cuba on October 8 to help the rest of my family there.
And I will share photos and updates so you can see what we accomplish together.

Because this isn’t just my journey.

It’s ours.​​

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If Cuba Isn’t Calling Your Name…

Maybe you’re thinking about holiday travel instead.  That’s wonderful, too!
There is an entire world waiting for you—from the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the Galápagos Islands to an Arctic adventure, cultural experiences, luxury cruises, and destinations you’ve never imagined visiting.

I believe travel can be both extraordinary and meaningful.  When we travel thoughtfully, our journeys can support local guides, businesses, artisans, conservation, and communities worldwide.

So, where will your next adventure take you?

Explore Your Options

🌎Exploration Travel — For extraordinary destinations, wildlife, culture, nature, and adventure.
Explore Exploration Travel

💛 Travel With Purpose — Discover ways to make a positive impact while you travel.
Explore Travel With Purpose

👥 Group Travel — Join one of my curated group journeys or discover opportunities to travel with others.
Explore Group Travel

🚢 Cruise Travel — From river cruises to ocean adventures, there’s a sailing for every kind of traveler.
Explore Cruise Opportunities

Your Next Journey Is Waiting
San Antonio reminded me how wonderful it is to explore.

Cuba reminded me why travel can be so much more than a vacation.

And the holidays remind me that another adventure is always waiting somewhere in the world.

Wherever you’re dreaming of going next, I’d love to help you get there.
Because travel isn’t just about the places we visit.

​It’s about the people we meet, the memories we create, and the impact we leave behind.

Ready to Plan Your Next Journey?

Whether you’re dreaming of joining me in Cuba, exploring somewhere completely new, traveling with a group, or planning a special holiday escape, I'd love to help you turn that idea into a journey.

Explore.  Travel with purpose.  Create memories.  Make an impact.

Choose Your Journey
🇨🇺 Join Me in Cuba — October 1–7, 2026

Come with me on a humanitarian journey and help bring much-needed supplies and support to Cuban families.

Join the Cuba Humanitarian Journey

🌎 Explore What’s Next
Whether you’re dreaming of a group journey, an exploration adventure, a cruise, or a unique travel experience, there’s always another meaningful journey waiting to be discovered.

✨ Have Somewhere Else in Mind?
Let's create a journey around what matters to you.  Start Planning Your Journey

The world is waiting. Where will you go next?