About Us

About Us

Before I say anything about myself, let me first say “Thank you” for your interest. The fact that you've made it this far on my website tells me there is something about empowerment that resonates with you and, you obviously love travel as much as I do. This website has evolved over time. It was originally a travel and tour company (f/k/a “Your Travel Adventure”); however, as much fun as it was to travel with new people, I must confess, it wasn't always fulfilling. You see, throughout my 25+ year corporate career in travel and entertainment I have always had an unpaid “side hustle” as a mentor, feeding homeless and organizing special events. It's what I love enough to freely volunteer my time. I have always found a way to help people who may be a little less fortunate than myself. I am acutely aware that I'm not on this planet to get as much “stuff” as I can. I am here to connect with people and experience the fullness of life. No matter where I've traveled, everywhere from Budapest to the Bahamas, I've been clearly able to see the connection between myself and the women in the countries I've visited. I am a firm believer that “I am my sister's keeper”. In addition to traveling, my tours now enrich the lives of women and families in the countries I visit along with inspiring the people who tour with me. I incorporate some of the same great exercises I've learned in my many years of studying the masters of self-actualization. I am so proud to say I've got a strong team of “wonder women” that I work with who are as dedicated as I am.

By the way, my name is Lorraine Barrett. What's yours?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can U.S. citizens still travel to Cuba?
Yes. U.S. law prohibits pure tourism to Cuba, but travel remains legal under twelve authorized categories — and our trips are designed around the most widely used one: “Support for the Cuban People.” That authorization requires a full-time schedule of activities that directly support Cuban citizens and independent entrepreneurs — which is exactly what we do anyway: we stay at family-run casas particulares (never government hotels on the U.S. restricted list), eat at privately owned paladares, and spend our days with local women business owners, artists and families. You self-certify the category when you book your flight (no advance government approval needed) and keep your itinerary records for five years — we provide every traveler with a documented itinerary for exactly this purpose. You'll also need a Cuban Tourist Card and the D'Viajeros online entry form; we walk you through both.
What are conditions in Cuba like right now?
We believe in honest travel: Cuba is going through hard economic times, and power outages are a daily reality on the island. This is part of why our trips matter — the families and women-owned businesses we support need visitors more than ever. We plan around conditions: our casas particulares are chosen for backup power and water reserves, our itineraries stay flexible, and our local team on the ground knows Havana inside and out. The U.S. State Department currently rates Cuba Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) — the same level as France, Italy and the U.K. — and we monitor conditions and advisories continuously up to departure. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for every traveler.
Why go with us?
Because we know Cuba. We know the most interesting things to see and do, best places to eat and best places for authentic music. We start out each day with an empowering theme and after a mouthwatering Cuban breakfast, we head out and seize the day. We also have great relationships with local tour guides, and the inside scoop. We know what works best on an island that few people have had access to until recently. Not to mention we do this for a fraction of the price of comparable tours because we've been able to leverage our relationships at our destinations.
Which airport do I fly into?
Fly into Havana José Martí International Airport (HAV) and out of Havana José Martí International Airport (HAV). We pick you up at the airport and provide transfers in Cuba for free.
Where are we staying?
To provide you with an “authentic travel adventure” we stay at warm, inviting, clean, comfortable, quaint women-owned casas particulares (private homes) in one of the most enchanting neighborhoods of Havana.
What if I have health or food restrictions?
While we will be accommodating to anyone with health restrictions, on this trip you should be able to walk easily. Havana has narrow streets with steady streams of cars; the easiest way to get around in many instances is to walk. For daytime excursions it is highly recommended you pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. *Please let us know about food restrictions ahead of time so that we may accommodate you.
What is your refund policy?
Our tours are non-refundable. We strongly encourage you to purchase comprehensive travel insurance so that if you have to cancel for any reason you will be able to recover the monies spent on your travel investment. You may go to insuremytrip.com to find the insurance that will best meet your needs. *Please note, most travel insurance covers citizens of the US and Canada only.

For all other questions, please use the form

We'll reply from info@empoweredwomentravel.com — no spam, ever.