October has always been a difficult time of year for me. The days grow shorter, the air turns colder, and everything seems to slow down. For someone like me, whose mind is constantly racing, that sense of slowing down is hard to embrace. Balancing the many moving parts of my life—my day job, teaching extra Zumba classes, and running Vidita Travel—keeps me on my toes. I often find it difficult to follow the advice of making time for self-care. What does it even mean to “make time for yourself” when you have so many things that bring you joy and purpose? The idea of letting go feels almost impossible.
But this October has been especially challenging, as I recently lost my beloved grandmother, Berta. Yes, this 51-year-old woman was lucky enough to have her grandmother her whole life. She lived to be 102—sharp as a tack and full of life until the very end. May we all be so lucky.
Bertica, as we lovingly called her, was a force of nature. She was always so proud of JC and me for starting Vidita Travel. She saw it as a beautiful new chapter in our lives, one that was aligned with our values of adventure, community, and love for Cuba. Every time I visited her, she would ask if I needed anything for our next trip. Even as her body began to slow, her heart remained focused on giving—she’d say, “Whatever medicine is in here, you better bring it to Cuba.” Her generosity was boundless.
As I reflect on her passing and the void it leaves, I can’t help but think about how much she embodied what we at Vidita Travel strive to bring to our clients. Our vision is to provide stress-free, joyful travel experiences that leave lasting memories and positively impact the communities we visit. My grandmother lived to 102 because she knew how to live fully—she balanced work with play, and always made time for others. She loved deeply, cared for herself, and never lost her sense of fun.
Travel, in many ways, is about that same balance. It’s about stepping away from the busyness of everyday life to take care of ourselves—whether it’s through adventure, relaxation, or connection with others. It’s about creating moments of joy and wonder, while also giving back to the places and people that welcome us.
This blog post is dedicated to my grandmother’s memory. It’s also a reminder of why we do what we do at Vidita Travel. We believe in travel that enriches not only our lives but also the lives of those we meet along the way. We want our clients to leave Cuba feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to something bigger. That’s what Berta would have wanted, and that’s what we work toward every day.
As we enter this reflective season, let’s all take a moment to slow down, embrace self-care, and remember the importance of community—whether at home or abroad. In the spirit of my grandmother, may we live with joy, curiosity, and a heart full of love for others.
All my best,
Erica
