Our Story
Juanita Palacios-Sims
Co-Founder
I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management degrees from the University of Phoenix. In 2012, I graduated from the Los Angeles African-American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI) at USC. My degrees, experiences, and skill sets have contributed to the continuing success of several LA-based companies.
As a descendant of a Cuban and Colombian family, growing up in the United States has been a privilege for me. My parents often spoke of their experiences coming to America and wanted to make sure that I became a world citizen and international traveler.
On my first trip back to Cuba, at the age of 16, I met my “Abuela” (grandmother) and other members of my family. Things were quite difficult in Cuba during that period. Traveling to and fro Cuba was no easy task. We had to bring bags full of medicine, food, clothing, and other basic necessities for our families and friends. Cubans at that time didn’t have much. Throughout all their difficulties, what I remember most about the Cuban people was their attitude and especially their resilience. No matter what their circumstances, they continued and continue to live their lives to the fullest…through their unique music, which is always carried in their hearts. This attitude made me want to learn more and more about the country, the people and my culture.
In 2000, I started working with a company that specialized in Cuba travel. Since then, I have been arranging the necessary documentation for hundreds of Americans to travel to Cuba legally. After a successful career as an accountant in the entertainment industry and managing several salsa groups, I decided to pursue my passion for travel and teaching young adults about becoming world ambassadors. That's when I created Beyond Cuba Travel.
At Beyond Cuba Travel, we aim to help you fulfill your dream of exploring the world, experiencing new cultures and sharing your love for people, history, and food with family and friends. We specialize in creating custom itineraries to the locations of your dreams.
Remember, Travel leaves you Speechless, then turns you into a Storyteller. --Ibn Battuta
I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management degrees from the University of Phoenix. In 2012, I graduated from the Los Angeles African-American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI) at USC. My degrees, experiences, and skill sets have contributed to the continuing success of several LA-based companies.
As a descendant of a Cuban and Colombian family, growing up in the United States has been a privilege for me. My parents often spoke of their experiences coming to America and wanted to make sure that I became a world citizen and international traveler.
On my first trip back to Cuba, at the age of 16, I met my “Abuela” (grandmother) and other members of my family. Things were quite difficult in Cuba during that period. Traveling to and fro Cuba was no easy task. We had to bring bags full of medicine, food, clothing, and other basic necessities for our families and friends. Cubans at that time didn’t have much. Throughout all their difficulties, what I remember most about the Cuban people was their attitude and especially their resilience. No matter what their circumstances, they continued and continue to live their lives to the fullest…through their unique music, which is always carried in their hearts. This attitude made me want to learn more and more about the country, the people and my culture.
In 2000, I started working with a company that specialized in Cuba travel. Since then, I have been arranging the necessary documentation for hundreds of Americans to travel to Cuba legally. After a successful career as an accountant in the entertainment industry and managing several salsa groups, I decided to pursue my passion for travel and teaching young adults about becoming world ambassadors. That's when I created Beyond Cuba Travel.
At Beyond Cuba Travel, we aim to help you fulfill your dream of exploring the world, experiencing new cultures and sharing your love for people, history, and food with family and friends. We specialize in creating custom itineraries to the locations of your dreams.
Remember, Travel leaves you Speechless, then turns you into a Storyteller. --Ibn Battuta
Faye Bernard-Sneed
Co-Founder
As a California girl with Louisiana roots, I graduated from Cal State Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. For over 20 years, I have worked as a Casting Director providing both background and principal casting for Television and Film. My portfolio consist of movies/shows such as Ned and Stacey, PBS Nino's en Su Casa, Thin Line Between Love and Hate, B*A*P*S, Moesha, and other films and commercials.
I began traveling at a very young age and at the age of 11 after the passing of my father; the traveling bug took a hold of me. My aunt took me
on a getaway to the Virgin Islands. From that point on, I was hooked. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America and the Caribbean, these places have captured my heart – the diversity of the people, their vibrant cultures, and the food excite me!
The best part of traveling is seeing all the wonders of the world, and no matter how many places you see, there are always more to explore. One of my favorite trips was on a liveaboard excursion in Belize, where as a certified diver we ate, slept and participated in 5 dives a day.
My most rewarding trip was as a Sign Language Interpreter for the hearing impaired high school seniors traveling to London. The expressions on their faces were priceless knowing that someone was able to communicate with them.
Beyond Cuba Travel provides outstanding service and remarkable experiences for the professional and novice traveler. We are a concierge service. We make your travel dreams a reality.