We were recently introduced to Dr. Bernadine Cruz and her story and advice as a veterinarian, traveler, and business owner! She invented a travel bag called ULTI and offers tips on her website about how to travel.
What does “Bleisure living” combining business and leisure mean to you?
“Before starting veterinary school, I was told to ‘work hard, play hard.’ That advice shaped my decades as a companion animal veterinarian. But for years, I postponed my passions—traveling and launching my company—because of responsibilities and societal expectations. I’ve always struggled with the elusive ‘work/life balance,’ but I’ve learned this: bucket lists can wait; we cannot.
After losing colleagues and meeting people who regret dreams deferred, I began asking, If not now, when? Now, as an entrepreneur, I’ve designed a travel bag to help others explore confidently with comfort, order, and safety. Each year, I combine business trips with adventures, embracing the ‘bleisure living’ ethos and proving that it’s never too late to chase your passions.”
Why did you decide to start your travel business?
“I started my travel business to empower solo women to confidently explore the world. After years of watching others put off their dreams—and doing the same myself—I wanted to create something that made travel safer, more organized, and more comfortable. The ULTI Travel Bag is my way of helping people step outside their comfort zones and experience the joy of adventure. Everyone deserves to travel fearlessly, and I’m proud to contribute to making that a reality.”
While operating your business, what has been a favorite moment?
“A customer once shared her incredible story that has stuck with me. After losing her husband suddenly, she faced the decision of canceling a long-planned cruise or going alone for the first time. She packed her ULTI Travel Bag and went for it. Not only did she have a wonderful experience, but she found a renewed sense of independence. She’s since traveled extensively, crediting her bag and my travel tips for making her journeys smooth and empowering. Knowing my work helped someone rediscover their joy of travel is incredibly rewarding.”
What advice would you give to those looking to start their own travel-related business?
“Launching a travel-related business requires resilience and humility. The learning curve will test you, and profitability will take much longer than expected. Understand that friends and colleagues might not use your services, and sleepless nights are inevitable. Balance the craziness by carving out time for yourself. Laugh at your mistakes, learn from them. Ask for help. Surround yourself with smarter minds, and take advantage of expert resources. Remember: breathe, persevere, and enjoy the journey!”
What’s your favorite travel destination?
“Exploring Botswana’s Okavango Delta was transformative. Sleeping in a canvas tent surrounded by lions, elephants, and baboons brought me closer to nature than I’d ever been. As a veterinarian with experience at the Los Angeles Zoo, being close to wildlife in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring. Traveling through the bush in open vehicles, within arm’s reach of majestic animals, was thrilling. Our trackers and guides shared their incredible knowledge of the region’s flora, fauna, and culture. Night animal drives were spectacular.
With only a powerful flashlight to survey the landscape, the flash of an animal’s eyes would set us off roading to glimpse nocturnal animals in their burrows. But the most unforgettable moment was gazing at the endless stars above, feeling a profound connection to the cradle of time.”
For more information abut Dr. Cruz or her brand, visit her site here!
