Meet Christina Garcia | Travel Agency Owner & Travel Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, how does your business help the community?
Travel has always been more than a passion for me—it’s something I was meant to do. I believe travel is one of the most powerful ways to grow as a person. It humbles you, grounds you, and opens you in ways nothing else can. I’ve watched people step off a plane looking exhausted and return home somehow lighter, softer, awake again. I’ve seen couples who barely spoke before a trip end up laughing together on a beach at sunset, remembering what brought them together in the first place. I’ve seen women who spent years caring for everyone but themselves find their spark again on a quiet island morning, toes in the sand, tears in their eyes, realizing they finally feel like themselves again.

There’s something sacred about that moment when the world slows down, when the air smells like salt and possibility, when you taste something new and realize how small your world had been before that bite, when the sunset burns colors you didn’t know existed. Travel stirs something deep in your soul. It changes the way you see everything—yourself, others, and what truly matters.

That’s why I do this. I’m not in the business of selling trips; I’m helping people find pieces of themselves they didn’t know they’d lost. Every journey has a purpose, even if you don’t see it right away. I believe each trip is part of something bigger—something meant to teach, to heal, to inspire. And if I can play even a small part in helping someone experience that shift… that’s what fills me up. That’s what I was created to do.

What should our readers know about your business?
Point Me to Paradise Travel was born from my deep love for travel and my desire to help others experience the same sense of wonder and renewal that I’ve found through exploring the world. What sets us apart is heart — everything we do is personal. We don’t just book trips; we design journeys that transform people, help them reconnect, and remind them what truly matters. Every itinerary is crafted with care, intention, and the belief that travel changes lives.

Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. A few years ago, I was hit hard by long COVID, a battle which lasted three and a half years. There were moments when I wondered if I would ever fully recover or if my business would survive. But my faith, my family, and my incredible team carried me through. I learned that strength doesn’t come from doing it all, it comes from leaning on the people who believe in you when you can’t believe in yourself.

Today, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built — a family of travelers, agents, and dreamers who support one another. I’ve learned that success isn’t about speed or perfection; it’s about persistence, purpose, and staying true to your calling.

I want the world to know that this business isn’t just about vacations. It’s about healing, growth, and connection. It’s about helping people rediscover joy and purpose — sometimes even helping them find themselves again. I was never called to sell travel; I was called to share it. And every time someone comes home changed, I’m reminded why I do what I do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A Week in Galveston: If You Were My Guest

If my best friend came to visit me here in Galveston, this is exactly how I’d show them my island — the way I see it, the way I feel it. It’s more than a trip; it’s an experience, one that moves at the rhythm of the tides, filled with stories, soul, and the kind of beauty that sneaks up on you when you slow down enough to notice.

Lodging Plan

Nights 1–2: The Mansard House – peaceful, historic, and full of charm

Nights 3–4: The George Manor – refined, romantic, and rooted in story

Nights 5–7: The Grand Galvez – oceanfront elegance, sunsets, and old Galveston magic

Day 1 – A Gentle Welcome

When you arrive, we’ll check you into The Mansard House, a quiet historic hideaway that feels like stepping into a storybook. It’s one of those places where time moves softer.

We’ll grab coffee at MOD Coffeehouse, under the shade of the old live oaks, and take a stroll down Postoffice Street, peeking into the local art galleries. That night, we’ll dress up a little and have dinner at Rudy & Paco — white tablecloths, soft lighting, and flavors that dance between Latin spice and island warmth. Afterward, we’ll walk The Strand together, lights twinkling above the cobblestones, before heading back to rest.

Day 2 – Galveston’s Past and Heart

We’ll start the morning at Sugar Bean, one of my favorite little neighborhood cafés, before diving into the island’s history. I’ll take you to see Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion, two of the grandest homes from Galveston’s golden age. You’ll feel the stories in the walls.

Next, we’ll head to Pier 21 Theater for The Great Storm, a short but powerful film that tells how Galveston survived the hurricane of 1900. Right outside, you’ll step aboard the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, still sailing proud after nearly 150 years.

We’ll end the evening at Vargas Cut & Catch, an elegant dinner spot where every plate feels like a celebration. If you’re craving something sweet after, we’ll wander into La King’s Confectionery, where they still pull taffy by hand like they did generations ago.

Day 3 – From Porches to Carriages

Today we’ll change scenes and check you into The George Manor, a restored gem from the 1800s that glows with history. It’s not just a stay — it’s a feeling.

We’ll rent a Carriage Haus golf cart and explore Galveston’s East End, rolling past Victorian homes and oak-carved tree sculptures reborn from the storm. We’ll stop to browse Hendley Market, where antiques, books, and oddities fill every corner. Lunch will be on The Strand, hopping between local favorites and small shops.

That evening, I’ll arrange the four-course dinner at The George Manor. It’s intimate, candlelit, and full of charm. Afterward, we’ll climb into a horse-drawn carriage and let the city’s stories unfold under the stars.

Day 4 – Hidden Shores and Simple Joys

We’ll ease into the morning with coffee from Sugar Bean again before heading out to Beachtown on the island’s quiet East End. This is where I go when I need peace.

We’ll walk the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve, watch the birds skim across the water, and spend some time on those hidden beaches where you can still hear yourself think. Lunch will be at Porch Café, where ocean breeze and comfort food come together perfectly.

In the afternoon, I’ll take you on a dolphin-watching tour out of Pier 21 — a local favorite. It’s simple, joyful, and unforgettable. Dinner tonight will be casual and cozy, maybe somewhere with a view of the harbor lights.

Day 5 – Oceanfront Elegance at The Grand Galvez

Now it’s time for a touch of grandeur. We’ll move you into The Grand Galvez, the crown jewel of Galveston. This hotel is living history — elegant, timeless, and kissed by Gulf breezes.

We’ll spend the day walking the Seawall, exploring shops, and maybe popping into the Bryan Museum to see one of the most beautiful collections in Texas. You’ll start to see how Galveston carries its past — not as weight, but as wisdom.

That evening, we’ll dine wherever your mood leads — maybe a return to a favorite, or a simple seafood spot where we can watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Day 6 – Art, Adventure, and Island Soul

This morning, we’ll head out for an Artist Boat Eco-Art Kayak Tour — a peaceful paddle through coastal wetlands where you paint your surroundings as you go. It’s part art class, part meditation, and all joy.

After lunch, we’ll have fun exploring Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast, a playful nod to the island’s wilder side. Then we’ll linger downtown, grab a drink at the Tremont House rooftop bar, and watch the lights of the harbor flicker on.

We’ll return to the Grand Galvez, maybe enjoy a cocktail in the lobby, and toast to friendship, memories, and the sea.

Day 7 – Brunch and Farewell

We’ll close your visit with the Grand Galvez Sunday Brunch — a Galveston tradition with live music, champagne, and all the Southern charm in the world.

Before you leave, we’ll take one last slow walk along the Seawall or stop by MOD Coffeehouse for a final latte under the oaks. I’ll send you home with sand in your shoes, stories in your heart, and maybe a little part of Galveston that stays with you.

Why This Journey Matters

If you came to see me, I wouldn’t just want to show you the sights — I’d want you to feel Galveston the way locals do. It’s a mix of history and healing, beauty and resilience. Every corner tells a story. And when you leave, you don’t just remember what you saw — you remember how it made you feel.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could not do this standing alone, big thank you to my incredible family — my husband and all four of our kids — for standing by me through everything. My husband has been my rock, especially through my 3.5-year battle with long COVID. He never once lost faith in my recovery or in the future of this business, even when I wasn’t sure myself. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive partner in life.

No travel agency is complete without an amazing team, and I’m so grateful for mine. A huge shoutout to my right hand, Tabitha Garcia, who not only manages our agency but pours her heart into helping our agents grow. And to my senior travel advisors, Annette Wallingsford and Andrea Gunter — thank you for always showing up, supporting me, the business, and one another so generously. You’re the reason Point Me to Paradise is what it is today.

Website: https://pointmetoparadise.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointmetoparadise/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-garcia-656b43305/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pointmetoparadisetravel

Image Credits
Christina Garcia