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A note from Eli Arroyo

As a Cuban-American, I grew up in a family and city that instilled in me a deep sense of heritage.  Throughout my life, my family and friends who immigrated to the United States from Cuba, vividly shared their memories about the country they loved so deeply.  Growing up in Miami was a constant reminder of Cuba; the men smoking cigars and playing dominoes in tank tops, the food, the coffee, the music, and the dancing are all living testaments to the Cuban culture that has infused my life.


Early on, I developed an intense desire to experience Cuba firsthand.  Riding the wake of a changing political climate, in 2010 I booked a trip to the island and I fell head-over-heels in love with it.  After my experience in Cuba I knew that the land and the people that I met there were destined to be a part of my life.  Thus, I launched YOUR CUBA TRAVEL to share my passion with others.

"Cuba is stunningly beautiful, delicious, and mysterious."


You can read in the blog about what Cuba and the country’s people are like, but you must experience it first-hand.  In an interview before the Tampa Bay Ray’s baseball exhibition in Havana (March 22, 2016), the Ray’s starting pitcher Chris Archer said it best, “this trip has changed me forever.”  This is the effect that visiting Cuba had on my family and I, in addition to most other’s that I have taken there.  Are you ready to experience Cuba?

 

"You can travel to Cuba, so what are you waiting for? Discover your Cuba!"

 

The Team

Eli Owner Manager

ElI, OWNER

Elizabeth (Eli) was born and raised in Miami, Florida.  Her parents are Cuban immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1961.  A native Spanish speaker, Eli is also fluent in English, French, and Portuguese.  After graduating from the University of Miami with a bachelors degree in international studies, she began her hospitality career as the Director of Catering for the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables, FL.  Due to her own medical experiences, she felt driven to assist others in similar situations and has secured several major grants for community development supporting the Hispanic population. Eli has been instrumental in planning and managing charitable events that provide free breast cancer exams and care for women.  She later earned a masters degree in hospitality and tourism management and a masters degree in business management.  She currently lives in Tampa, Florida.

 
Jordan Travel Consultant

Jordan, owner

Jordan (Jordi) was born in Miami, Florida and is of Cuban descent.  He is fluent in Spanish and also has a strong understanding of Portuguese.  He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology.  His interest in human social interaction along with his passion for travel and adventure inspired him to pursue a career in tourism.  Jordan completed a Master's degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality which has allowed him to perfect the skills needed to lead successful tours in Cuba.

 
Laura Gingerich Your Cuba Travel Bio

LAURA, PHOTOGRAPHER AND INSTRUCTOR

Laura L. Gingerich is an award winning photojournalist specializing in relief and disaster assistance worldwide.  She is known for “having an eye for beauty in the midst of chaos”  from her work in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Haiti, Pakistan, West Bank and India.  When Laura is not on assignment, she loves sharing her knowledge by leading photography workshops that inspire and motivate beginners to advanced level enthusiasts.

Email:  stoptime325@gmail.com
Website:  www.lauralynn.smugmug.com
Instagram:  1Timestopper
Phone:  910-690-8395

 
Tour Vinales Cuba

"Our trip to Cuba was a once in a lifetime trip! Eli and Your Cuba Travel went above and beyond to make sure we had a unique and memorable experience. It was so nice not to have to worry about a single thing - every last detail was thought of and taken care of for us. We will definitely use Your Cuba Travel for our next trip to Cuba!"

- ML Picatti

 

My only complaint about Your Cuba Travel is that they only operate in Cuba. Expand to other places please! If you're looking to experience the real Cuba, there is no better option than Your Cuba Travel. I'd go with them again in a heartbeat. - Tony Monaco

 
 

"We used Your Cuba Travel last year to visit Havana and the surrounding beach resort area. My husband and I went with a small group of people and had such an amazing experience. In addition to visiting the Old Havana city and famous hotels and sites, we were also able to get a real "Cuba" experience by going to beach areas, restaurants, and shops that are completely non-touristy and locally operated! All the arrangements were made hassle-free for us, and we had complete freedom to do whatever we felt like. I cannot wait to go back!"

- Angela Mooss

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"I can honestly say that the trip would not be nearly as memorable if it wasn’t for Jordan. He was consistently ensuring that we were comfortable, well fed and getting the local and personal experience that you ensured us we would. His constant translation between us and Wilfredo (aka Jail) must have been exhausting, but he did it from the time we woke up until we passed out at night. We had so many laughs that will last us a lifetime and again, we owe it to Jordan." 
 
"Additionally, it’s important for me to relay how impressed I was with the professionalism of Wilfredo.  He too made sure that we were getting a great experience and proactively provided facts about the country, people and his personal life. Not a day went by that Wilfredo wasn’t practicing his English with us and that just goes to show that he was doing whatever he could to make sure we were comfortable. By the end of the trip I swear he was fluent in English."
 
"I look forward to seeing you both again in Cuba very soon."

- Chris Ziemba

 
Spear Fishing Playa Del Este Cuba

"I recently went on a trip to Cuba with the help of Your Cuba Travel and it was everything I could have hoped for and more! From the ease of planning (all handled by Your Cuba Travel) to the hotel, restaurants, and cultural experiences once we arrived. I never wanted to leave! We stayed both in Havana and the surrounding beach communities (a mere few steps from the sand!) and loved it as it allowed us to see and experience more of the island. They also made traveling with a large party seamless and were always available if we ever needed them - talk about peace of mind. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime - I'm already dreaming of the next one!"

- Megan Hartman

 
Fishing Playa Del Este Cuba

"Your Cuba Travel was invaluable in the planning of our trip to Cuba last summer. They were so accommodating to our needs and helped us make some truly unforgettable memories. The guides were beyond helpful and so much fun to spend time with; they truly helped make our experience special. I feel that Elizabeth really helped us have an authentic Cuban experience and am definitely planning on using Your Cuba Travel for future trips to Cuba."
- Erica Acebo-Johnston