Declare what you Desire

Paralyzed by the love we found, he likes the way I love. I’m stepping way out of my comfort zone now, Lord keep carrying me down this road. Protection means to set boundaries. Be patient and be bold. Declare what you desire! Let your intentions be known. #thepoetryjournal

I opened the door to love and I was amazed at what I could find. You would not believe my story if I told you how this all began from my very first time on this island.

But don’t think for a second it’s been all peaches and cream, from a fantasy unfolding to a reality untold. This has not been easy.

Things can be going good, but when the flames go out we find a way to ignite them again. Isn’t that what love is about? To keep finding your way in and out?

Just as you can see the clear blue skies, the trees taller than you could ever climb. The sand and shore for miles and miles. This is Faith because I never thought I could have this. Never imagined that I could deserve this. If I would have waited to depend on him, I would not be here writing this.

If you want something and you have the desire to make it happen, declare what you desire. There’s many ways to go about getting what you want, but the route I took was truly a faith walk. I had fear, but I also had love. The Lord’s love for us allowed this to happen. I have not done this on my own.

This romantic abode sits right on the shore in Uvero Alto in the Dominican Republic. It is elevated above a gift shop so when the sun rises, it’s something you don’t want to miss. It’s stocked with essentials like milk, juice, eggs, bread, cereal, coffee, fruit, and more. There is Wi-fi, even a portable wi-fi if you decide to go out on the beach, now that’s a plus.

It has two electric burners, a panini grill and a microwave. I was just in my own little heaven. It really felt like home. When I woke up in the middle of the night and I saw the view of the moon shining very bright along the ocean, I knew that God was with me. I can’t thank him enough for his protection and his grace that abounds much more. The host for this Air BnB deserves a 10 for superb service, accommodations, cleanliness and great communication throughout my entire stay!

I want to return one day to this cozy place and explore love all over again with a rendezvous face to face.

Click here for $40 and find yourself a nice get away. Step out of your comfort zone and step into love. Define love for yourself. Live, Love and Travel!

Quél

Vote for Shanna ~ Travel Enthusiast

This is an awe inspiring story from my friend Ms. Shanna Stevenson! Expat ~ Travel Enthusiast ~ International Trip Planner ~ Dominican Republic Host. Please take two minutes to find out more about her travel business and most importantly vote for her to be a recipient of the FedEx Small Business Grant!

Votes are allowed once per person per 24-hour period now through April 4. So go vote.

Vote! Time is of the essence!

Click here to vote!

Traveling on a Budget

If money didn’t matter, would you care how much you spent on your airline tickets for leisurely travel? For some, money ain’t a thing, but if you’re traveling on a budget or you are just conscientious about how you spend your hard earned money, (like me) always watch your airline flights.

I will tell you how I saved $463 on my next flight out!

Let’s just keep this short and sweet because I know you have more important stuff to do than to read my blogs. So here goes nothing!

I’m an avid traveler to Punta Cana. I have been there more than I should probably admit to. Yet, I’m still grateful.

Something told me to visit Santo Domingo, which is the capital of the Dominican Republic. I never fly into SDQ because the flights are usually expensive (to me) because I’m always on a budget. The flights usually range from $600 – $900. For the dates I chose to travel, these same flights are ranging from $783 – $851 round trip.

A round trip flight to Punta Cana is 1/2 this price which is why I usually fly on SW “Wanna Get Away” fares.

IF YOU HAVE REWARD MILES… USE THEM!

From IAH to SDQ I booked a one way flight using 15K AA reward miles and only paid $36!

I added trip insurance for my flights just in case. Cost for that? $28!

I use several different sources to watch airline flights such as Hopper, Skyscanner, Google Flights and Mezi. So I’m watching this return flight from SDQ to IAH because I cannot stay in the DR! Although I wish I could. This one way flight is $463 and it is fluctuating up and down by a couple of dollars. Here’s what Mezi found for me…

Something told me… Do not buy that flight!

You guys must know that I am tuned into booking my own travel because one, I am amazed at these trips I have chosen for myself and two, I am on a budget! LoL

I started looking at the round trip flight details. The route is from SDQ to MIA and to IAH. I’m thinking, I know MIA (you gotta know your airport codes) has some one way deals to IAH. Let’s look at these flights separately!

Voila! From SDQ (Santo Domingo) to MIA to IAH I paid $256!

A big savings from that one way flight for $463! It’s a big savings to me because you already know I am on a budget! LoL

$196 for SDQ to MIA

$60 for MIA to IAH

A really great deal!

There is a downside to this and if you know me I cannot leave out this part. These airline flights have some restrictions and there is a longer layover in Miami. That $463 flight had me arriving at 10:00 pm, well with these flights I will be arriving at 11:52 pm. I really do not like traveling long periods of time but if I can save over $400 on a round trip flight, well sometimes you gotta do what’s best for you. I was willing to spend that extra time to keep the savings in my pocket.

Here are the restrictions (I thought I said I was keeping this short and sweet) LoL

AA has these new bag rules it seems and the weird thing about me booking these flights is I wanted to look at how I can improve my packing process. I usually have one luggage, a duffle bag and a shoulder purse when I travel. Look at these restrictions below for this Basic Economy Fare.

1. One item that fits under the seat! That would be my duffle bag because there’s no way my luggage will fit underneath their seats.

2. No access to the overhead bins, which means if I do bring a suitcase I would have to pay a checked bag fee for two flights and that’s $50! That is not about to happen because I need to eat with that $50! Now I have to travel without a suitcase.

3. Boarding in the last group! Oh Lawd!!!! I’m used to boarding group A/B. They will assign my seat for me. I am so curious to see how this goes. I better not get bumped for this flight.

So yeah, I will need to make some adjustments to how I travel for this trip. It is my goal to pack light because I usually take too much stuff anyway. My last trip I had to give some of my clothes away. I hope whoever has them use them. LoL!

This is my short travel segment on how I saved $463 on my round trip flight to the beautiful Dominican Republic once again! This time en la capital! Zona Colonial Style!

MUAH! (I think I need a backpack) LoL

LIVE ~ LOVE ~ TRAVEL

God’s Glory

Lord, it’s because of you I am able to bask in your glory.

Thank you.

Photographer @dannivoir

#bmpc2018 #dominicanrepublic #pearlbeachclub #puntacana #tripwithshan

CLOUD 9

I want to be where I am supposed to be when I am summoned to be there; for that divine purpose with the one I am aligned to be with and to be able to explain how I got there. With this being my 9th trip to the Dominican Republic, I’d like to say that I have finally reached Cloud 9.

This authentic trip to the Dominican Republic was packed with all adults, all inclusive, transportation everywhere, 2 adventurous excursions, 2 surprise locations, a professional photographer and VIP treatment. I’m sure I am forgetting something.

Congratulations to Shanna and Karmel who worked diligently to exceed my expectations and gave us the best group trip in Punta Cana.

I was all smiles at sunrise and all sleep at midnight. I can not stop raving about the wonderful four days at RIU Republica.

The VIP greeting with swag bags, welcome drinks, private check-in, welcome dinner, nightlife entertainment, beautiful beaches, dune buggy excursion, catamaran, snorkeling, and the list goes on.

When you truly love what you do, it shows in the work that you do for others. I had a great time with a great group of travelers.

Hope to see you next year! Be Mine Crew!

For more exclusive footage, click to open the link to my personal Video Trailer #BMPC2018

Live…

Love… and

Travel on purpose

Love, Quel

#cloud9 #9x🇩🇴 #theloveexperience #thepoetryjournal #tripwithshan #puntacana

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I can only imagine 

OMG! If I could just sell everything to get this deal I would. Check out this rate for  Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴on Jetsetter! 


Click here ➡️ Jetsetter’s Best Deal!

Royal Flash Sale (not sure how long this flash sale will last)


Tortuga Bay, the luxury boutique hotel designed by Oscar de la Renta at Puntacana Resort & Club, has been recognized for providing a premier guest experience from leading organizations and readers alike. The hotel has been honored with the Leading Hotels of the World Commitment to Quality Award, AAA Five Diamond Award, Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Gold List, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotel in the Caribbean, and TripAdvisor’s Green Leaders, Four Stars by Forbes Travel Guide, Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the Caribbean, and Top 25 Relaxation & Spa Hotels in the Caribbean.
An oceanfront or ocean-view suite at the Dominican Republic’s only AAA Five Diamond hotel, with buffet breakfast, a golf cart and personal concierge. 


AND!!! The SPA! AHHH 

The first spa of its kind in the Dominican Republic, only the second in the Caribbean with a AAA Five Diamond Award, a Leading Spa, according to The Leading Hotels of the World, and North America’s only outpost of the Six Senses worldwide chain, Six Senses Spa at PUNTACANA Resort & Club melds seamlessly with the relaxing atmosphere of the larger tropical property. Its Asian-inspired interior reflects the spa’s holistic focus, which includes acupressure, shiatsu, yoga and meditation.From the Bamboo Massage and CH Oxygen Facial to the Asia Wellness and Sensory Spa Journey, the menu integrates scientific and traditional therapeutic elements. And its wellness activities – including yoga and Aerial Fitness® – are perfect for those looking to become more holistic about their own wellness experience.  

This view of the spa faces the splendor of the pool and the ocean. 


That’s me! July 2016 after my massage. They were undergoing renovations then, therefore they moved our massages to these villas. Expedia states they are still undergoing renovations, but who cares!!! 


The large pool 🏊 with beautiful palm trees.  It was beautiful then, I can’t imagine what renovations are in the making!

The beach is absolutely private. Walk out your villa onto the pristine beach. Can you see the villas in the back?  😆

I did not want to leave this place. 

The infamous photo originally shot by my sister who was vacationing with me. This pose was her idea. Lol  Yes! Tortuga Bay’s Private Beach


Click here Jetsetter Flash Sale!
Follow @TripwithShan. She can help you with any other accommodations.  

Enjoy!!!

#Jetsetter #FlashSale