(Photo Credit: Ruben Oliveira Portraits)

Vacationers of the Week: Jose Romero and Dyron Hernandez

May 1, 2023 Vacationer Staff

Our Vacationers of the Week are content creators Jose Romero and Dyron Hernandez! The fun-loving couple, both from Cuba, live in Miami and have been traveling the globe for several years! They’ve been together as a couple for 16 years and married for nine years!

So, we wanted to catch up with the traveling duo and get to know them a little better. Jose and Dyron reveal their travel style, the perks of traveling as a couple, their recommendations for queer travelers visiting Miami, and the pop princess on their music playlist during a long-haul trip.

Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?

Jose Romero and Dyron Hernandez: We got our passports at a really young age. The first time we used them was when we moved from Cuba to Miami. We didn’t know each other back then, but we have similar stories. Our first trip together as a couple was to New York City. We were in awe of the vibrancy of the city and the food.

Lisbon, Portugal (Photo Credit: Shoot me Lisboa)

What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel?

We’ve always loved traveling. However, our passion grew stronger after visiting Ireland and Scotland. Both of these countries were beyond beautiful. After this trip, we definitely made an effort to do more international travel and visit other countries.

What inspires you to travel?

Exploring new places and learning about its culture, making new friends, and trying all the delicious food! It is priceless to be able to make new memories and fall in love with the world.

Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way your travel. If so, how?

We both identify as gay. We do make a lot of our travel decisions based on how we identify on the LGBTQIA spectrum. We always do research before traveling to a new place to ensure it is safe and acceptable to be who we truly are. It shouldn’t have to be this way, but we rather be safe and ensure that we will have an amazing experience. We also love supporting LGBTQIA small businesses, so we always try to visit a few when we travel.

Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? If so, where? What made it a memorable experience?

Same-sex conduct was criminalized when we visited Antigua and Barbuda back in 2021. Although this was the case, we felt welcomed and safe. Everyone we encountered was very pleasant and did not seem to care about our identity. Fortunately, The High Court of Justice for Antigua and Barbuda struck down discriminatory legal provisions that criminalized same-sex relations in a landmark ruling on July 5, 2022.

New York City (Photo Credit: Saniya Rye)

How long have you been traveling together? What was your first trip together? Would you recommend it to other LGBTQ+ travelers?

We’ve been traveling together for almost 16 years now! Our first trip together was to New York City. We recommend NYC to LGBTQ+ travelers. NY is very queer-friendly and there are so many things to do.

Was it naturally easy to start traveling with one another? What are the perks of traveling as a couple?

For us, it was so natural! We had already been living together before we went on our first official trip. It felt so good to spend all day together and explore new cities as a couple. Traveling as a couple has so many perks. It is fun, dynamic, and in many ways, spontaneous. We feed off each other’s energy so even when we are tired – we can keep going. It is awesome to have someone to share new things with, share a meal with, and someone to snap your photos too! We also always feel safe when we travel together.

So, Cuba just recently passed legislation to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption for same-sex parents. Cuba, so what did you think when you heard the surprising news?

We were so happy when we saw the news! We think this is finally a step forward in the right direction and one which will hopefully create a more united nation. This was long overdue.

You live in Miami now. So, what are three things would you recommend to LGBTQ+ travelers visiting the city?

The beach! Our favorite spot is South Pointe Beach. Definitely, go to a drag show and they must try Cuban food.

How would you describe your travel style in three words?

Adventure, luxury, and romantic.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Photo Credit: Jose Romero and Dyron Hernandez)

What are your top three favorite places to visit? Why?

Portugal, Ireland, and Scotland. We fell in love with the history, the people, the food, and the beautiful scenery.

What three places are still on your bucket list to visit? Why?

We would love to visit Thailand, The Maldives, and Croatia. We can’t wait to visit all these places. We’ve seen photos and videos online and all these places look stunning. In summary, we’d love to go to Thailand for the food and the culture; The Maldives to relax and be pampered; and Croatia for the views!