A girl who wants to do something for the first time, often, so she will!
"Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." -iban Battuta
Traveling - something people like to do, obviously, because it's a 7.6 trillion dollar industry. I'm one of those people who like, no, love to travel. When I was young I imagined myself living life with no boundaries. I envisioned my life being full of amazing adventures, new encounters, exciting beginnings, tropical weather and jet lag. As I grew older and time went on at what seemed to be an alarming speed, I realized I hadn't done much traveling. Before I knew it I was a young mother, wife, workaholic and felt like I'd never have the time nor funds to travel like I wanted. Since I felt like life was passing me by, in my mid twenties I managed to squeeze a few state side trips in here and there and I now hold great memories from those vacays to California, Oregon and Idaho. In my late twenties I traveled to the South (Louisiana, Texas and Georgia) for work, but that doesn't count :)
August 2016 I experienced a major life change that reminded me I only live once and I need to see/do all I can while I can. October 2016 I planned my first international vacation to the Dominican Republic. The planning was so easy that I felt it was meant to be and the hardest part was waiting for 1/17/2017 to come! I was a tad nervous about traveling alone internationally but I made sure to read up on how to do so safely and registered my trip with the STEP program. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Benefits of Enrolling in STEP
Getting to the DR was tough. Flight delays, layovers, anxiety, bathroom qualms, restlessness, etc. When I landed in Santo Domingo I felt like a new person. I can't describe how elated I was to be in the Caribbean. After I composed myself (I did a few little dances on Snapchat) I started looking for my driver. I expected him to be wearing black shiny shoes and holding one of those signs with my name on it. After looking around for about 30 minutes worry kicked in so I called my brother-in-law; he always knows what to do. Not even 10 minutes into the call someone shouts my first and last name. I whip around and see a nice Dominican man standing next to a van. We confirm that he's taking me where I need to go and to this day I still believe in miracles! I hang up with my brother and get in the van with 3 others to be carted away to Puerto Plata. Longest. Drive. Ever. It seriously felt like an eternity getting to the resort. Mainly because I had been making my way to the DR for nearly 24 hours and my phone died right after I hung up with my brother. When we pulled up to the resort I was in awe. I couldn't believe I was going to be staying at such a beautiful place for 5 days! AND WITH NO CHILDREN! I was so excited about being able to do what I wanted, when I wanted without anyone fussing at me. I checked in, went to my room, put my bags down and ran outside. Even though it was 2AM I went to the pool ( just to look) ate some food, checked out the on-site club, then returned to my room. to get some rest because I knew I wouldn't sleep again until I was on my flight going home. Over the course of my kick-ass visit I did all that I could/wanted to do: zip line, horseback riding, cliff diving, photo-shoot, ride on a local man's bike to grab a bite to eat, walk the beach, clubbing, make new friends, eat my weight in traditional Dominican food, buy way too many souvenirs, drink amazing rum, tan on the beach, you name it, I did it. I stayed safe and didn't go anywhere alone at night and made sure I let the resort staff know where I was going when I left the premises. I'm planning another international trip this year. Either Bora Bora or Australia. Ask me how I travel without busting my budget: [email protected]. Whatever it is that you want to do, just do it. Too much contemplating can lead to wasted time and regret. Don't wait on anyone to do things with you. Do it alone if need be.
1 Comment
Anthony R.
7/16/2017 08:07:17 pm
I'd like to see when you jumped the cliff. Post up the Snapchat dances also lol!
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