Orquidea Pamela, a Dominican-born entrepreneur based in Allentown, is helping local residents turn long-held dreams into reality through her new business, TravelLust.

On a typical rainy day in Pennsylvania, Pam can often be found with her laptop open and a half-packed suitcase nearby, mapping out itineraries that stretch far beyond the Lehigh Valley. Ireland’s rolling green countryside, the vibrant markets of Morocco, and the sun-soaked streets of Barcelona are just a few of the destinations she now helps her clients explore.

“I would really love to do Africa next,” she says with a smile.

Pamela launched TravelLust in January 2025, and since then, she has helped clients travel across the globe.

“I want to show people that travel is possible,” she explains.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Pamela moved to Allentown in 1995 and has called it home ever since. Bringing her expertise as a travel consultant to the community is just one of the many ways she gives back to the city that shaped her.

Her passion for adventure is unmistakable. She lights up when talking about volcanic beaches, ancient ruins, and new culinary experiences. There seems to be no corner of the world she doesn’t want to explore.

“There’s so much out there, and I want to inspire people to see that the world has so much to offer.”

Although now a seasoned traveler, Pamela started later than many. She took her first big step by booking a trip to Europe for her 30th birthday. After visiting more than a dozen countries, she began planning trips for others.

What started as helping family members book hotels or organize itineraries soon grew into a personalized service for friends and clients. Along the way, she learned how to tailor each trip to individual preferences.

“Everyone is different. Their vacation might be different from my ideal.”

From budget-conscious families to luxury solo travelers, every trip comes with its own challenges and requires a unique approach.

That philosophy is at the heart of TravelLust. Orquidea runs a one-on-one service, carefully customizing each itinerary. And the best part? Travelers don’t have to break the bank.

“That’s a big misconception,” Pamela says. “I get paid commission from travel suppliers, so my goal is to design the best possible itinerary without adding extra costs for my clients.”

While she dreams of future adventures—“maybe a safari!”—for now, much of her energy is focused on building TravelLust into a sustainable business.

Like many small business owners, Pamela balances long hours and uncertainty, relying on word-of-mouth and strong community connections to grow her client base. She also works as a cage manager for LVHN, all while raising three sons.

But if there’s one thing she never lacks, it’s determination.

Her message to anyone thinking about turning their passion into a career is simple:

“Just dive in.”