You Helped Shape This Journey: Thank You for Being Part of the First Cuba Humanitarian Journey

By Sheyla Paz | Sheyla Adventure Travel, LLC™

Just a few weeks ago, I shared a deeply personal story.

I opened the door to my living room and invited you in—not to admire beautiful travel photos, but to see a floor covered with humanitarian supplies destined for Cuba. I shared why this journey matters to me, the reality my family and so many others face every day, and a simple question: When should we go?

Sheyla Paz at the José Martí Airport in Havana, Cuba

I wasn’t looking for people to fill a trip.
I was inviting a community to help shape a mission.
You answered that invitation with incredible generosity.

Some of you completed the travel survey.  Others shared the story with friends and family.  Many of you reached out with words of encouragement, sponsored humanitarian supplies, or reminded me that I wasn’t carrying this mission alone.

Because of your feedback, the inaugural Cuba Humanitarian Journey will take place October 1–7, 2026.

The extra time gives us an even greater opportunity to welcome additional travelers, collect more humanitarian supplies, and extend our reach to more families and communities throughout Cuba.

And what a difference just a few weeks have made.

Together, we have already raised more than $1,800, and one of my very first Cuba travelers generously donated two mosquito nets to help protect families from mosquito-borne illnesses.

The first 85 pounds of humanitarian supplies are already packed and ready for Cuba.
Inside those suitcases are first aid supplies, rechargeable lights, battery-operated fans, charging cables, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, baby clothes, seasoning, canned foods, tuna packets, and many other everyday essentials that have become increasingly difficult for families to access.
​
​As I zipped those suitcases closed, I realized they were carrying much more than supplies.
They were carrying kindness.

Every rechargeable light represents someone who wanted a family to have light during another blackout.

Every first aid item represents someone who wanted a parent to have access to basic care.
Every baby outfit represents someone celebrating a child they’ve never met.

Every donation tells a story of compassion.

Although these first suitcases are ready for departure, this mission is only beginning.
Our next hosted humanitarian journey to Cuba takes place October 1–7, and there is still time to make an even greater impact.

With Labor Day approaching, many stores will be offering excellent sales on school supplies, personal care items, rechargeable batteries, flashlights, and other essentials.  If you’ve been looking for a way to help, this is a wonderful opportunity to purchase items that will go directly to families in Cuba.

You can also ask your local church, dentist, physician’s office, community organization, or workplace if they would be willing to donate supplies.  Many clinics have sample-size hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other items that can make a meaningful difference.

And if you’ve been thinking about experiencing Cuba in a way that goes beyond sightseeing, I would love to welcome you on this journey.

Together, we’ll experience the warmth, resilience, and hospitality of the Cuban people while personally delivering humanitarian supplies to the families and communities we meet along the way.

As I prepare to depart, I find myself thinking less about the logistics and more about the people.

The families who will receive these supplies.
The travelers who chose to say yes.
The supporters who may never board the plane but are traveling with us in spirit.

This journey has reminded me that the distance between Nashville and Cuba may be measured in miles, but the distance between people can disappear through a single act of kindness.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing stories from Cuba, introducing you to the people behind this mission, and showing you the impact that your generosity is making.

Travel has the power to connect us, open our hearts, and create meaningful impact.  Should you feel your name has been called to experience Cuba beyond the typical itinerary, I invite you to learn more about the Cuba Humanitarian Journey and join the interest list for future updates.

Thank you for believing in this journey.
Thank you for helping shape it.
And thank you for proving that when we travel with purpose, hope always travels with us.
With gratitude,
​
Sheyla Paz
Founder & Luxury Travel Advisor
Sheyla Adventure Travel, LLC™

Learn More About the Cuba Humanitarian Journey →

​Sheyla Paz shares the vision behind the Cuba Humanitarian Journey, an experience created to connect travelers with local communities through meaningful cultural exchange, compassion, and support. This video highlights the purpose behind the journey and the next steps for those interested in participating.