#Where to Eat at Miami International Airport (MIA)

[shop-korea]

NO MESSAGE - FROM - ANYONE - GLAD

LEARNT - SOMETHING - IMPORTANT FL

ABOUT - HISPANIC - BORN - IN - USA

ABOUT - STRANGERS

THEY - WILL - DO - SOMETHING - QUITE

SWEET - THAT - NO - ONE - WILL DO AT

ALL - THEY - KNOW - THAT

THEN - ONCE THEY - GET - INFO THEY

NEED - WILL - NOT - TALK - 2 U - EVER

AGAIN - CALAPAN - ORIENTAL - MINDORO

HOLY INFANT - ACADEMY

CHARO SANTOS - AS - A - GIRL 

MY - PHILIPPINE - ADOPTED - LOLO - THE

ONLY - GAS STATION - IN - CALAPAN - NO

OTHER - INSTEAD - OF - PEDRO - GAS 

LOLO - GRANDPY - ELECTRICAL - ENGINEER

THEY - CREATE - ELECTRICITY - CHOSE THE

FRANCHISE - MOBILE - GAS

YET - EXTREMELY - BLIND - CLASSMATE

BELINDA - NO - GLASSES - BLIND - LIKE - MY

PHILIPPINE - ADOPTED - MOM - THESE VERY

BLIND - ARE - NASTY - HUMANS

SHE - ASKED - ME - A - QUESTION - I - YES

ANSWERED - THEN - IMMEDIATELY - TOLD

HER - UGLY - FRIENDS - THEN - THEY LAUGH

AT - ME - THAT - WAS - IT - WHY?

HER - FATHER - THE ONLY - DOCTOR THERE

I - KNOW - HER - OLDER - BRO - ALSO - BLIND

AND - I - ATTACKED - HIM - BOXED HIM - IN THE

GUT - 4 - HIS - SISTER - WHAT - SHE - DID - AND

I - ATTACKED - THAT - DOCTOR - BOXED - HIM 2

EVENTUALLY - THERE - WAS - REMEMBER

A - GOAT - THEY - SLICED - ON THE - THROAT

PHILIPPINE - MALES - THREATENED - EATING

HIM - I - SHOT - THEM - WITH - MY - GERMAN

SMALL - FIREARM - SHOT - THEM - MANY YES

TIMES - AND - BROUGHT - 2 - THAT - DOCTOR

BOXED - HIM - KICKED - HIM - THAT - I’M - YES

GOING - 2 - SHOOT - BELINDA - 2 - DEATH - IF

THAT - GOAT - DOESN’T - SURVIVE - AND - IF 

HE - THINKS - OF - SUBBING - THAT - GOAT

BELINDA - IS - DEAD

HE - SMILED - AND - ASKED - NURSE - THE

PRICE - PAID - CASH - GRANDPA - PAID ME

MORE - AND - HIS - RIFFLE - WITH - HIM TO

SUB - ME - WHILE - I - HAD - DINNER

THE - GOAT - SURVIVED - TODAY - DEAR

KOREAN - GIRLS - HE’s STILL - ALIVE YES

TODAY - SO - THAT - UGLY - INDIAN LOOKING

CAN - SPEAK- SPANISH - FEMALE - SHORT - 2

AT - LOT 33 - SHE - POINTED - WHERE - I’M 

GOING - 2 - LIVE - WHERE - SLIME - I - TOLD

HER - DAY - B 4 - THEY - WANTED - 2 - KILL

ME - STAB - ME - 2 - GET - MY - TENTS AND

THINGS - SHE - TALKED - ABOUT - MY - YES

ADDRESS - SO - THEY - CAN - STAB - ME ON

MY - WAY - THERE - 2 - GET - MY - ADDRESS

END - OF - ANYTHING - SHE - GOES - BACK 2

PORTLAND - OREGON - SEPTEMBER - 2024

SNOW - THAT - PLACE - HAS - WITCHCRAFT

BIGAMY - POLYGAMY - WAS - LEGAL - AND

MORMON - WIVES - WERE - CALLED - NOS

INSTEAD - OF - SISTER MIRRIAM - HIS 3RD

WIFE - SHE - WAS - CALLED - ‘35′ - THEY

CALL - THEY - HUBBIES - BROTHER JOHN

SATAN - DISGUISED - AS - ANGEL OF LIGHT

TALKED - 2 - BRIGHAM YOUNG - AT LEAST

SO - FELT - GOOD - 2 - BLOCK - ALL - THUS

SSI - DISABILITY - MY - HARVARD - LAWYERS

TRANSFERRING - ME - 2 - SURVIVERS WITH

LAWSUIT - I - HAVE - PHOTOS - VIDEOS - OF

AGE 6 - HOLE - ON - FOREHEAD

AGE 7 - KNIFED - TWICE - AT - BACK

AGE 8 - SHOT - 2X - US FIREARMS - AT BACK

THAT - GOES - 2 - COURT - THAT - SSI - JUST

LEFT - ME - AT - DISABILITY - WHEN - I DIDN’T

APPLY - SINCE - I’M - A - FOREIGNER

WHOEVER - DISABILITY - IS - AFTER - MY YES

PHILIPPINE - ADOPTED - MOM - DROPPED

3 MIN - DEAD - FR HEART ATTACK - MANILA

A - DREAM - PLACE - 4 - HER - NOT - BORN

THERE - SO - HISPANIC - AMERICAN - UGLY

TOO - THEY - HELP - U 2 - GET - INFO THEN

THEY - TELL - EVERYONE

BUT - NO - LONGER - LIVING - THERE

DOWNTOWN - MIAMI

MY - GOAL - DORAL - WEST - THAT - LOVELY

PLACES - THERE - PLUS - PENTHOUSE APT 

I - WILL - KNOW - HOW - 2 - DISTRACT - SO I

WILL - NOT - REVEAL - MY - ADDRESS 

EASY - MORE - DISTRACTION - TRULY

SSI - DISABILITY

REQUIRES - NOT - WHOLE - MONTH - ANY

MONTH - OVERSEAS - WHY - THEY’RE YES

JEALOUS - AS - WORKERS - OF - DISABLED

LIKE - ALWAYS - A - PICNIC - 4 - US

SO - ARRIVING - BACK - MIA - MIAMI - TRUE

INTERNATIONAL - AIRPORT - AT - 11P - I’M

GOING - 2 - HIDE - NEAR - TREES - FARTHER

L - OF - BAYFRONT - PARK - I’LL HAVE - MY JP

TOKYO - JAPANESE - MALE - SCIENTIST

GRANDPA - I - SEE - POLICE - CAR - I - WILL

DISAPPEAR - THE - CAR - AND - DRIVER - 2

MY - GADGETS - 2 - AUTO - DISAPPEAR THE

SHERIFFS - THE - POLICE - AND - THEIR YES

VEHICLES - NO - SOUND - WHAT - $$$$ - FINE

I - WILL DISAPPEAR - ANY - CAR - COMING 

NEAR - DISAPPEAR - THE - HISPANICS - THE

WHITE - WOMEN - WHO - REPORTED - ME

11P - I - SLEEP - WITH - SQUIRRELS - ENJOY

THE - CRUISE - SHIPS - AS - THEY - REVERSE

PHOTOGRAPH - THEN - 5A - METROMOVER

FREE - METRORAIL - AS - I - TAKE - 2 - GO - 2

DOLPHIN - MALL - MY - LUGGAGE - PUTTING

IN - LOCKER - EATING - CHINESE - FOOD

ROLLER - SKATES - 2 - DOLPHIN - PARK - AND

RIDE - USE - RESTROOM - USE - AIR CONDITION

REST - THEN - ROLLER - SKATE - 2 - MY - GYM

24 HOUR - FITNESS - 4 - SHOWER - THEN - EAT

AT - JERSEY - MIKES - SHOP - AT - ROSS IF A 

TUESDAY - SHOP - AT - FIVE - BELOW - THEN I

GO - BACK - 2 - THE - EMIRATES - BUSINESS

CLASS - UNTIL - I - GET - COUPONS - OR YES

NICE - DISCOUNT - OF - HOTELS - THEY YES

DO - BUSINESS - IN - BUT - I - WILL - DO THAT

EACH - MONTH - THEN - YES - I - DID - NOT

STAY - ONE - MONTH - ANYWERE - SO - SEOUL

LESS - THAN - 1 MONTH - MAKATI - ALSO - YES

ATHENS - GREECE - WITH 

STAY 22 - HOTELS

DAILY - FLIGHT - CLUB - PREMIUM - 4 - FLIGHTS

LEAVING - MAIN - LIBRARY - TGIF - FRIDAY - YES

[audifotograf]

How I travel as often as possible

By: Claudia Manganiello

Pictured: Philippine Pesos

1. I’m a waitress.

I think the biggest reasons I love being a waitress is that I make decent money and can virtually make my own schedule. I tell my manager what days I’m available which really means what days I want to work and for the most part that is my schedule. And anytime I want to go on a vacation I just put in a request a month before, but it’s really more of a formal notice. Granted I make sure I don’t travel during busy season, too close together or for too long because I don’t want to risk not having a job when I get back. But in the past I’ve been able to travel up to 6 times a year!

2. I save alot of my extra money towards travel.

This one takes self control. Even though friends constantly invite me out to restaurants and bars, etc. I have to be selective and make sure whenever I spend it’s on something I REALLY want to because I know I much rather spend it on travel.

3. I research.

I always do some general research ahead of time on what the prices of a flight to a place are and how much things cost there (currency exchange). I also check if the prices will have a chance of spiking for instance around a busy time or holiday. This is something I look out for when I go to Miami every year for Ultra Music Festival. Most other times of the year the prices are ~$150 roundtrip, but because the festival is during Spring Break the prices can go up to $350 if you wait too long. So I start checking the flights a month earlier than usual and if I see a normal price or better I buy it because I know the prices are only going to go up. Last year I was able to find a round trip from NY to MIA for $100!!

4. I look for flights on sites like Expedia.

Two months before domestic, three before international trips I start looking up flights on Tuesdays. I check Expedia, Kayak, Syscanner and Google flights to see all different results and prices. What's great about these sites is they have features where you can see side by side how the prices can differ before or after the dates you select. This way you can choose the cheapest possible days to arrive and leave while still maximizing the time you can go away for.

Photo taken from google.com/flights.

5. I try to be as flexible as possible.

I try to work around my schedule. For example, when I was in school I had class from Monday to Thursday so ideally I would go away on a Wednesday or Thursday right after class and come back right before class on Monday. I usually worked it out so I only missed exactly one of each of my classes. But sometimes I had to weigh out the importance of the prices versus time I could go without missing too much school. I ended up going away almost every 2 months while I was in college, but I always planned in advance.

I also try to be flexible about the airport I fly out of. One time I waited too long to buy a flight to Miami and the flights were $350 roundtrip, so I flew to Fort Lauderdale instead for $200! The 45 minute drive to Miami was well worth the $150 I saved. However the cheapest airport to fly out of the New York area is usually Newark but it's not as cheap to get a ride to and its not the easiest to take public transportation with luggage. So most times I just choose the airport easiest to get to.

Less often I'm flexible about the airline I choose. I try to avoid airlines that have poor customer service because if something goes wrong the money is not worth the headache. I missed my flight home from Rome while I was literally AT THE AIRPORT waiting at the wrong gate where a flight was leaving for the same place at the same time (please learn from me: ALWAYS CHECK YOUR FLIGHT NUMBER). American was basically like sorry not sorry. This was definitely mostly my fault but I went through security, checked in and everything, so they knew I was in the building. Yet no one called my name on a loud speaker like they do in the US when someone is missing. No one would help me in person (another lesson learned: look for flights on other websites but always try to buy directly from the airline). No standby was offered. I ended up sobbing to a random lady on the phone in the middle of the airport to get a somewhat affordable flight back home the same day because everyone was just trying to sell me $1000 flights 3 days later. So even though American is often one of the cheapest options, I can't say I wouldn't pay a little more to fly a different airline.

Also sometimes flights are cheaper from smaller airlines but they don’t include a carry-on in the price like most do so it ends up being the same price anyway. If you can fit all your stuff in a backpack (which is totally possible) it could be worth it, but again be weary of the quality of customer service.

6. I stay at Airbnb's/ hostels.

If I can split a room with someone I usually coordinate and book an airbnb atleast a month in advance to get the best options and deals. One time I stayed at a private apartment in NYC for just $25 a night before! But when I traveled alone I found the cheapest option was to share a room at a hostel. I enjoyed time by myself but when I wanted to share experiences I had a bunch of people around who wanted the same thing, it was great.

7. I sort out my money ahead of time.

I have credit and debit cards with zero foreign transaction fees and once I arrive to a place I take out however much I want to budget myself at a bank atm. When I can I use my credit card and if I need more cash I take out just enough to last the rest of the trip so I don't go home with a bunch of money I can't use.

8. I use my phone as little as possible.

I don't like to use my phone much while on vacation anyway, but usually you can't really get out of needing it for GPS. I used to have Sprint which includes 2G international service in alot of countries (a fee for faster speeds), but now I have AT&T which costs $10/day so now I really only use my phone for emergencies. I try to do everything on WiFi and when I can't I try to download any maps, tickets, movies etc offline.

9. I buy groceries when I travel.

I try to buy easy stuff to eat for breakfast and lunch from a grocery store and treat myself to dinner out. It saves time and money and seeing what they sell in grocery stores in different countries has become one of my favorite things to do. I still get to try new foods but at a good price!

10. I take public transportation when possible.

Usually I have to take an uber or local ride share from the airport because of my suitcase but when I pick my airbnb I usually make sure it's also accessible to where I want to go throughout the trip.

11. I avoid expensive tours and other tourist traps.

Before paying for something I try to find a way to enjoy it for less. Instead of taking a tour of a park I just look around myself and it's often much more peaceful and interesting. I saved $20-$30 by simply going to see the Colloseum in Rome instead of paying to see the inside. Not to mention I saved myself from waiting on the long line. Another example is when I went to the Venetian hotel in Vegas I didn't ride the gondolas for $20-$30 but I still got to see them and hear them serenade. 

I don't skimp on everything though, I still love to enjoy experiences as much as possible. But I spend my money on things that are worth it instead. I've gotten full body professional massages in the Philippines for $20 before, you just have to decide what is worth it to you.

[jackiesveganblog]

Your #body is a #billboard, so use it. Especially in busy areas like an #airport where you can reach so many. There is nothing to be afraid of, I had the best #meaningfulconversations 😁 speak out for #animals 💖 @petazwei @peta @petadeutschland #activism #awesome #fortheanimal #govegan #eat #eating #release #happy #activism #health #support #healthyfood #vegancommunity #vegan #clothes #fashion #walk #travel #flight #vacation #miami #blondehair (hier: Miami International Airport - MIA) https://www.instagram.com/p/B24lI4DHtKI/?igshid=svxaa02e8ugl

[grewalcentermd-blog]

@grewalcentermd If your vacation destinations have you traveling the airways, the thrill of flying can quickly become dampened by long flights, layovers and the discomfort of sitting in snug airline seats and airports. When you sit for long periods of time, your body will adapt to the reduced physical demands. This slows down your metabolism, which means fewer calories will be burned from food you eat. As if you didn’t feel sluggish enough, long periods of sitting will boost the chance that the food you eat will be stored as fat. When you have the opportunity, get up during your flight and walk to the restroom area where you can stretch and activate your muscles and tendons. Or, if you are at an airport, walk around. Create a goal of a certain number of steps to complete if you have an app for that. Movement stimulates a wide range of systems within your body. One movement that is sweeping across airports are yoga rooms! It is recognized that the beneficial effects of yoga can increase physical flexibility, calm and focus the mind to develop greater awareness and lessen anxiety, reduce stress, improve mood, and more. This is a great exercise to find time for, especially when you are traveling. If you are at these following airports, you have the added benefit of using their yoga rooms: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Burlington International Airport (BTV) Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Chicago Midway International Airport (CHI) O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Miami International Airport (MIA) London Heathrow (LHR) Frankfurt Airport (FRA) Helsinki Airport (HEL) #functionalmedicine #integrativemedicine #sunscreen #airplane #airline #yoga #airport #summer #lifestyle #feelgood #wellnessjourney #fit #livewell #mindfulness #motivation #goals #fitness #selfcare #healthy #holistic #healing #weightloss #healthyfood #rewriteyourhealth #travel #explore #vacation #meditation #destinations (at Cary, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0zauqHykv/?igshid=tbw4zyd43s7

[cake-faceshawty]

If you remember my first travel post (Bienvenido a Cuba!), I shared my promise to myself to visit at least one new country each year. And being the birthday diva I am, what better way to kick off twenty-nine twenty-fine than with a girls trip to somewhere new. And thus,

#DESTINATIONTWENTYFINE

was born.

Upon my return from Havana last July, I instinctively started searching for my next vacation spot, and was drawn to the beautiful beaches, exciting adventures and delicious food DR had to offer. I therefore had no doubt that #DESTINATIONTWENTYFINE would be in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

I know what you’re thinking – what is this chick’s obsession with Spanish-speaking countries? Honestly, I’m not sure either 😂 (aside from my love of Hispanic food), but keep in mind that my birthday is in the dead of winter, so travel options are limited due to the weather.

Being the lunatic that I am, by the end of July I had presented my closest girlfriends with a full on PDF document that had everythangggggg (I do my homework, okay!). I had decided on travel dates, given airline options from each person’s point of origin, accommodation options, a full on itinerary and a budget for the entire trip.

However, similar to my Cuba planning, I found limited information online. Even harder, was finding out anything beyond the confinements of all-inclusive resorts. Perhaps it’s because I’m from a popular tourist destination (so I know how it goes), but the thought of staying in a hotel and ONLY experiencing what they present to you at the resort does not excite me. I want to explore the cuisine that hasn’t been watered down to satisfy the palates of tourists; I want to interact with locals and explore beyond the resort walls. And while Punta Cana is known for being a resort town, I knew there was more to be seen than the hotel disco and food buffet.

Within three months, three girlfriends and I had booked flights (catch flights, not feelings okurrrrr), secured a beautiful bungalow via Airbnb and committed to a fully packed birthday getaway to D.R.!

We spent 6 days exploring Punta Cana, eating way too much rice, consuming wayyy too much alcohol and collecting memories to last a lifetime.

Of course I couldn’t limit you guys to just glam shots on Instagram! So, here are all my tips for planning a vacation to Punta Cana.

My follow-up post will have more on where to go, what to eat, what I wore (you know I love a slaycation) and things to do. I hope these posts will answer all your questions!

About Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a part of the second biggest Caribbean island, Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. From a tourist’s perspective, the island would seem to be simply beaches and palm trees; however, they also have mountains, deserts and a rich history.

The official language of DR is Spanish, and while some might assume based on the popularity that Punta Cana is the capital of DR, it is actually Santo Domingo.

Their currency is the Dominican Peso, however, USD, CAD, Euros and GBP are accepted in most places in Punta Cana.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean and therefore has tons of resorts and villa options. It encompasses Cap Cana, Macao, Bavaro, El Cortecito, Cabeza de Toro, Uvero Alto and Arena Gorda. From the picturesque beaches to the epic nightlife, Punta Cana has become a prime vacation spot if you’re looking for a luxury vacation, some kind of turn up or just want to slay relax on the beach all day – and of course learn a little about the country’s culture!

The beaches and surrounding area reminded me of Jamaica’s north coast – beautiful white sand, lush grass, palm and coconut trees, and warm locals willing to accommodate you despite the language barrier.

What you should know before traveling to Punta Cana

While US passport holders do not need a visa to enter DR, there are visa restrictions for some countries. Jamaicans can enter DR without any visa requirements, however, if you are travelling through the US, you will of course need a US visa. Multiple blog posts had warned of a $10 visitor fee that must be paid before going through immigration, however, we were not required to pay any additional fees. Perhaps that fee is now outdated or included in the ticket fee, but no cash payment was required at the airport from any of us – and we traveled from different locations on different airlines.

Arrange your transportation beforehand: whether you plan to rent a car or need a driver to take you to your accommodation, make these plans before you travel to avoid unnecessary airport stress and get the best prices possible.

About 90% of the resorts are all-inclusive: if you want that resort life and prefer to pre-pay for accommodation, food, alcohol and entertainment, one of these resorts may be your best bet.

Most places in Punta Cana accept USD, Euros, GBP and CAD, so there’s no reason to change your money to pesos. Major credit cards were accepted most places, however, I recommend you bring cash (mostly small bills) for some excursions, tips, and other small purchases.

You can book a lot your excursions in advance online, so you don’t have to worry about them getting sold out. We tried to book as much as we could beforehand in order to efficiently plan our itinerary.

The weather app isn’t always right. The day before we traveled, I was getting a bit nervous because all I saw were rain clouds and possible thunder storms on the Weather App. However, since this is a tropical place, occasional rain clouds appear for short periods. It drizzled maybe twice during our stay and none of our plans were affected by these rain drops.

As a mostly Catholic country, nudity is illegal! So save your topless tanning for elsewhere. If you really want to avoid tan lines, spend some extra dinero on a room with a private pool.

SIM cards with unlimited data for a week are available for $10 USD through Claro, so save on roaming charges and just purchase one at BlueMall (literally less than 10 minutes from the airport) to stay in the loop. Most public places also have Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to instagram all your amazing pictures in real-time.

What to pack…

As previously stated in my Cuba post, I am not a light packer – I embrace the slaycation lifestyle completely and commit to the slayage – which you cannot do from simply a carry-on. I simply must check a bag when I travel! I’ll try to stick to the basics because  I will have a follow-up post on how to pack for a slaycation, so stay tuned!

Passport. Duh, for any international flight this is necessary – but it always has to top the packing list. I can’t imagine driving all the way to the airport only to realise I left my passport on the bed.

Money. Get your coins ready – and whatever cards you’ll be carrying.

Bags. 1 carry-on, 1 checked bag, a backpack/tote, appropriate bags for outfits.

Toiletries. I’m a naturalista, so of course I have to pack shampoo, conditioner, styling products and a spray bottle. But, you’ll also need toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, first aid kit, any necessary medication, deodorant, sunblock, tanning oil, lotion, tampons/pads, makeup, razor, bug spray and makeup. The good thing about this destination is that Supermercado Nacional in Punta Cana has most things you could possibly want: from Advil to Andrews to Herbal Essences. So if you forget any toiletries there’s no need to fret – you can get most of your necessities at the supermarket.

Electronics. Cell phone, iPad/tablet, camera, portable charger, charger cables for all devices, earphones, blue tooth speaker. I opted to leave my laptop at home to resist any temptation to work while on vacation.

Clothing. Underwear (my standard is 2/day plus extras), shorts, cool clothing (it is a tropical destination), swimsuits, a sweater/jacket, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, heels/dress shoes, “fancy” clothes, sleep clothes and a hat. Once again, Punta Cana is a modernized island so if you need anything, you can probably pick it up at a mall. BlueMall has a huge Zara, Nike, Aldo, Levi’s, Under Armour, just to name a few. So if you forget anything or want to change an outfit, you can always go shopping 💁🏾.

Travel

We booked our tickets online through our preferred airlines. I use an app called Hopper where you can put in your destination and dates to see flight price predictions on various airlines. You can also watch the flight to know when the right time to book is in order to get the most affordable ticket. If you prefer to stay at an all-inclusive resort, you can find flight + hotel options on aa.com, Expedia, Travelocity, etc.

Traveling from Kingston, Jamaica, Justine-Renee and I booked on American Airlines (my preferred airline). The flight was from KIN (Norman Manley International Airport) to MIA (Miami International Airport), then to PUJ (Punta Cana International Airport). The flight from MIA to PUJ was about 2 hours and the entire travel time was about 7 hours. We left Kingston at 7:49 AM and landed in Punta Cana at 3:15 (DR is 1 hour ahead). The cost for my ticket was $715 USD, which is kinda pricey considering I booked it from October, but I digress…

Please note that the flight prices were probably higher than usual since it is a tropical destination and February is right in the middle of peak season.

My friend Tamara traveled on Jet Blue for less, but her travel time was longer as it went from KIN to FLL to SJU (Puerto Rico) to PUJ. Her return flight, however, only had a layover in FLL.

Christine traveled from North Carolina on Southwest Airlines; her travel time was a bit longer than ours and went from RDU to ATL to PUJ. Her return flight stopped at FLL instead of ATL.

Estimate the ticket price to be anywhere between $500 to $800 depending on your city of origin and when you book the ticket.

Accommodation

As previously stated, I wasn’t too keen on the idea of staying at an all-inclusive resort, plus based on the size of my group, it was more economical to stay at a villa/bungalow. However, there are a wide range of resorts to choose from, especially in Bávaro.

Cap Cana, which is less than 20 minutes from the airport, is a gated resort area containing luxury condos, resorts, beaches and entertainment options.

We rented a villa that was absolutely amazing! It was safe (you need a pass to get through the Cap Cana entrance and to enter Green Village where we stayed), spacious, beautifully decorated, and just perfect for our girls’ trip. It had an outdoor shower and bath tub, and our own private pool and barbecue patio with an expansive backyard (not to mention a beautiful view!). We were also close to the shopping mall, supermarket, restaurants and Scape Park so the location was perfect. Our host, Carlos, was very welcoming and checked on us often; he gave us wonderful recommendations for activities, beaches and restaurants, and replied quickly if we had any questions.

For 5 nights, our villa was about $1400 USD total, which wasn’t too bad when split 4 ways.

Check out our home in paradise (thank you Carlos) here:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/plus/23742780?guests=1&adults=1

How to get around

One thing that had us anxious when planning this vacation was transportation. While Punta Cana does have public transportation (taxis) and tour buses, we felt it would be easier on our schedule (and pockets) to rent a car. I can honestly say we found the least helpful information as it related to car rental.

First of all, you must know this: the people of Punta Cana drive like taxi men in Montego Bay, so if you can handle that, you can handle Punta Cana. As for people used to “safer” driving conditions, I can understand your reservation – you may want to stick to taxis or private tour operators. I’m pretty sure we only passed two stoplights around downtown Punta Cana; otherwise, it was just a bunch of roundabouts (they really love roundabouts) and wildness a bit of a free-for-all.

I highly recommend you reserve your car prior to your arrival. We reserved our Alamo rental a week before (no deposit required) through Expedia. While I did pay for the collision insurance through Expedia ($11/day that you pay upfront), I think you can pass on that. The insurance company offers a good insurance package and we opted to get all the recommended insurance since we were driving in unfamiliar territory.

Originally, in trying to keep within the budget, I had reserved a midsize sedan. However, we reached an agreement that the four of us AND our luggage would not be comfortable in a Tiida (A TIIDAAAA!?!) so we decided to upgrade to an SUV upon arrival. Fortunately, they were out of the immediate upgrade option, and for the same price as a Suzuki Vitara, we were able to rent a full-size SUV. For 6 days and the full insurance package, we paid $418 with no hidden fees or surprises. The only request was that we  bring the car back with a full tank of gas.

The full tank the car came with was sufficient for 6 days of driving all over the place! We didn’t have to get gas until we filled it right before the return time. The cost to fill the tank was about $75USD.

One thing to note is that in order to rent a car, the person renting must have a valid driver’s license and credit card with the same name. You don’t pay for the car when you first rent it: instead, the company will put a hold on the credit card for $500USD and upon return of the car (provided no damages or accidents), they will subtract the cost of the rental from the $500 hold and return the balance to your credit card. This was a relief for us as we were under the impression that they would be charging the rental fee AND putting the hold for $500 all at once.

Overall the rental experience was hassle-free with no hidden charges, and driving in Punta Cana wasn’t a bad experience. Plus, whether you are roaming or purchase a SIM card, you can use WAZE or Google Maps to get around easily.

  The cost

It’s safe to say that Punta Cana is a pricey vacation spot. I mean let’s face it: it is an area developed for tourism. However, plane ticket and accommodation aside, it wasn’t too bad on the pocket. Grocery shopping is so affordable, we were actually in shock! During our first supermarket run, we bought food items, more alcohol, toiletries, and just so much stuff for the four of us, and somehow the bill was only $120!!! If you live in Jamaica, you can understand how cheap that is for a full cart of things for four people.

There are many affordable options for dining out. Depending on your budget, you can spend anywhere between $10-60 on a meal (sometimes including cocktails). Just do your research beforehand and explore your dining options. We were also happy to have a place to cook in so we could budget our meals efficiently.

I had initially placed our total budget (airfare, accommodation, car rental, food, excursions, “braffing”) at $1700-$2000 USD per person. And while we did upgrade the car rental, we stayed within that budget range.

  My tips + thoughts

Get a Spanish dictionary app. Know the basics! I’m not going to lie, I felt like I experienced more of a language barrier in DR than I did in Cuba. Some do know English, but we did experience several service persons who did not speak a lick of English. Just because it’s a tourist destination, do not expect everyone to know Enlglish!!! You are in a Spanish-speaking country!!!!

Purchase the SIM card. I don’t care how much of a shella you are, once your phone is unlocked, purchase the $10 SIM card from Claro. $10 is so affordable and it’s unlimited data for a week. Like… where [else] dey do dat at????

Buy your alcohol in Duty Free when you land. If you plan on getting lit like we did, get your alcohol (especially champagne, Hennessy, tequila) in the duty-free store because it’s so much cheaper! They had some great deals (like 2 bottles of Moet for $120USD) and they had these delicious fruit-infused spirits. You can sample them literally as you step out of immigration. We bought the Papaya-infused Tequila and the Mango-infused Rum. The only downside is we did have to mix some Appleton in the cocktails because those spirits are only 20% alcohol and in Jamaica we’re used to 40% Appleton and 63% White Rum so you know how that goes…. 😁.

Drink bottled water. While the water is relatively clean, depending on where you’re from, you can still get traveler’s diarrhoea or some kind of stomach reaction. I prefer to keep it safe – especially after getting sick in Cuba 🤦🏾‍♀️.

Do not wait until the last-minute to buy souvenirs! We waited until the morning we were leaving and headed to Bavaro to find some souvenir shops. A lot of those places don’t open until midday, so we couldn’t wait and ended up with the limited (and overpriced – $9 for a shot glass 😒) airport finds. Try to actually visit some local stores outside of the airport.

Be open to new experiences – especially food! While you will find American chains such as Wendy’s and Pizza Hut, do not travel to a new country to only eat French fries and pizza! Try some local cuisine – explore the food options!

While it is disappointing, there is a chance you could experience some racism or prejudice while in DR. I don’t want to bash the entire island for 2 instances we experienced, but I do think it is 2 too many. However, if you’re familiar with how some Dominicans think about black people and people of Hispanic descent who don’t speak Spanish, you’ll understand why we weren’t exactly surprised; we were more taken aback that this could happen in a tourist area like Punta Cana, when so many tourists from all over the world come to visit year-round. Anyway, please don’t let those two incidents discourage from seeing all that Punta Cana has to offer. We had a wonderful time otherwise and were met with warmth and hospitality from the other locals.

  Tips for planning a group trip

Plan your trip at least six months in advance. This gives people enough time to bail on plans to commit to everything.

Be cautious of who you invite on a group trip: personalities clash and nothing is worse than spending a ton of money to go see a new country only for a spoil-sport to rain on everyone’s parade. Take into consideration personality traits and rooming arrangements (don’t invite a neat freak and a messy Betty and have them room together – that’s an argument waiting to happen).

Plan your budget from the jump and set a reasonable timeline for that budget. A good thing to do is to mark up all costs, so there’s some wiggle room in case things come up or prices go up (or if you live in Jamaica, you can work with the fluctuation of the dollar). It’s better to come back with some extra funds than to have an insufficient amount while overseas.

Pay for things as you go along to avoid having to fork out a lump sum. Since the budget for this trip was kinda steep, I made sure we paid for things over the six month period, so that by the time the trip came around, any money spent would be on going out and other trip expenses. We started by paying for the Airbnb from September (you can pay 50% upfront and the balance 2 weeks before your trip), booked the flights in October, shopped for outfits between November and December, paid for excursions in January and by the end of January we paid the balance on the villa. By the middle of February our only costs were things paid for in DR. This was so much easier than forking out $2000USD one time! After all, my friends and I don’t have sugar daddies are not big ballers (YET!).

Try to make an itinerary beforehand: this way, you can have an idea of what each day will be like (what will the wake up call be? will the lunch spot be close to the activity we’ll do in the morning?), and you can efficiently plan your outfit options based on what you’ll be doing. I’m a foodie, so I also like to check restaurant reviews and menus before I go so I don’t waste money on bad tasting food. Not to mention, this will help you stay within your budget so you don’t end up going to restaurants with four dollar signs and have no money left in the budget for activities. But keep your options open: certain places may not pan out, so it’s important to have back-ups. I’ll be sharing my psychopathic  PDF with you guys at the end of this post.

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Have you ever been to Punta Cana? Are you planning a trip there? Comment below and let me know. Feel free to ask any questions also ❤️

Be sure to follow me on my other social media platforms:

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¡DESTINACIÓN PUNTA CANA! If you remember my first travel post (Bienvenido a Cuba!), I shared my promise to myself to visit at least one new country each year. 3,648 more words

[miamibeerscene]

Where to Eat at Miami International Airport (MIA)

Not all airport food is entirely terrible.

Summer travel season is officially here. And since it’s that time of year when airports are the busiest, which could mean your pre-flight meal is all the more important in starting off your vacation on the right note. So you don’t waste time or coin, here’s an updated guide to navigate the dining at Miami International Airport.

TERMINAL D’S SEVEN STANDOUTS

Cafe Versailles

There’s nothing like a shot or ten of Cuban coffee at Versailles after a long haul or, if you’re one of those who likes to yap to strangers next to you the whole way there, before a long haul. Cuban sandwiches and lots of clamor en Español reminds you that you’re not in Kansas anymore, if but for a few hours. And, if the line’s too long at this one [After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate D21 North Terminal], there are two others [Gates D5 and D44].

Beaudevin

This 42-seat wine and cheese bar based on the one in the Brussels airport is a swell place to swill while waiting for your most likely delayed flight. [Terminal D, Gate D24 North Terminal, post security]

Lorena Garcia Cocina

Her investment in America’s Next Great Restaurant may not have been the wisest, but Lorena Garcia’s investment in MIA (or vice versa, rather) has proven to be a pretty worthy one, serving ‘sensible, Caribbean’ cuisine to the mass transit masses. [After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate D53 North Terminal]

Estefan Kitchen Express

Helmed by the Estefan’s (yes, those Estefan’s) it features classic Cuban fare like croquetas, pastelitos, bocaditos and, of course, mojitos. And it wouldn’t be Miami with out a little bit of a party, and Estefan Kitchen has that covered too. For $15 you can buy a “Cuban Party in the Sky” that’s filled with croquetas, mini medianoches and so on. Sadly, no mojitos will be found in that box. [After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate 27]

Icebox Cafe

South Beach brunch and bakery staple set up shop at MIA to satisfy the sweet tooth of bitter air travelers. [After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate D8 North Terminal]

Sushi Maki

The express version of the Coral Gables, South Miami, Kendall and Brickell mini-chain gives you a delightfully raw deal en route to or from your destination. Cooked faves include Kobe sliders and sushi tacos. [After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate D29 North Terminal]

Ku-Va

The family-owned restaurant is a modern Cuban spot that claims to have some of the best ropa vieja with speedy service. A meal here isn’t complete without a mojito. It’s so Miami you barely need to leave the airport. [After checkpoint, Terminal D, Gate D19, North Terminal]

THE REST OF MIA’S STANDOUTS

La Pausa

The motto at La Pausa is “the best way to eat like you’re at home, while you’re traveling” through American classics served in a room decorated in swanky airport decor. Sounds just like home. [After Checkpoint, H-J Connector, South Terminal]

Casa Bacardi

Claiming the title of the “original rum bar and grill,” Casa Bacardi offers travelers both signature Cuban and American eats, along with an array of tropical drinks to begin your tropical vacation. [Before Checkpoint, Terminal E, Second Level, Central Terminal]

Top of the Port

If you’re stuck in the airport overnight, the Miami Airport’s Top of the Port, located in the airport hotel, offers up a commercial taste of Miami with fresh seafood and continental dishes. All this with a panoramic view of the runways so at least you can see what it feels like to make a flight. [Before Checkpoint, Terminal E, Hotel, Seventh Floor]

Bongos

Like the restaurant’s originator, Gloria Estefan, Bongos is Cuban and overpriced. That said, Bongos might still be a worthy stop if you’re in the mood for a taste of croquetas, palomilla, lechon asado, or maybe even a double Mojito before you depart. [After Checkpoint, H-J Connector South Terminal]

Corona Bar and Grill

Every airport needs a plethora of commercial brewhouses and Miami keeps it beachy with Corona Bar and Grill. Typical poolside fare, like Palomilla steak and burgers, pairs well with the standard cold Corona and lime. [After Checkpoint, Gate J11, South Terminal]

GATE D QUICK BITES

Au Bon Pain (Terminal D, 2nd level)

Boca Bons

Fresh AttractionsFresh Attractions (Terminal D, 1st level)

Haagen Dazs (Terminal D, Gate D10)

Manchu Wok (Terminal D, Gate D21, D44)

Nathan’s Hot Dogs (Terminal D, 2nd level, Gate D21, D37)

Pizza Hut (Terminal D, 2nd level)

Starbucks (Terminal D, 1st level, 2nd level, Gate D10, Gate D32)

Sushi Maki Villa Pizza (Terminal D, Gate D21, D44)

305 Pizza (Terminal D West)

Half Moon Empanadas (Terminal D West)

Juan Valdez Cafe (Terminal D East)

Wendy’s

Coffee Beanery (Terminal D, Gate D26)

GATE D FAST CASUAL & BARS

Bacardi Mojito/Lorena Garcia Cocina (Terminal D, Gate D53)

Beaudevin

Cafe La Carreta (Terminal D, Gate D19)

Cafe Versailles (Terminal D, Gate D5, Gate D21, Gate D44)

Clubhouse One: A full service, full bar American casual spot serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.

Corona Beach House: Corona’s first flagship restaurant and bar and the only place in MIA with a breakfast buffet. They’ve got Margaronas to drink and sports bar food for lunch and dinner too.

Clover Irish Pub

Icebox Café

Island Chicken Grill (Terminal D, Gate D22): Have a seat and get a taste of the nearby Caribbean with jerk chicken wings and grilled churrasco.

Islander Bar & Grill (Terminal D, Gate D4, D49): The quicker, pull up a stool to the bar and watch the game place to get a jerk chicken sandwich.

Jose Cuervo Tequileria: If you’ve overdone it with Cuban food, head here for a Mexican breakfast, lunch, or dinner with some top-notch tequilas to kick off that trip to Cancun.

Jose Valdez Cafe (Terminal D, Gate D23)

Ku-Va

La Carreta Restaurant (Terminal D, Gate D37): Sit down or grab to go at this Cuban-rooted restaurant with pastelitos, croquetas, and Cuban sandwiches.

Lorena Garcia Cocina

Shula’s Bar & Grill: Enjoy Don Shula’s signature steak and other big player items at a more quick and casual setting.

T.G.I. Friday’s: The tried-and-true chain has a sit-down area with full service any day of the week.

The Counter: A contemporary burger joint, The Counter has a variety of “custom-built” patties along with beer, wine, and cocktails.

Tradewinds Bar: Just that, a bar. No food served here.

GATES E,F,G QUICK BITES

Au Bon Pain (Terminal G, 2nd level)

Burger King (Terminal E, 2nd level, Terminal G, Gate G8)

California Pizza Kitchen

Dunkin Donuts (Terminal F, 2nd level)

Fresh Attractions (E Satellite, Gate E30)

Great American Bagel

Guava & Java (Terminal G, Gate G9; Terminal F, Gate F14)

Haagen Dazs (Terminal E, 2nd level)

La Caretta (Terminal E, Greeters Lobby}

Pizza Hut (Terminal F, Gate F14; Terminal E, Gate E7; Terminal G, Gate G15)

Sbarro

Starbucks (Terminal E, 2nd level, E Satellite, Gate E23)

Subway

World Wide Cafe

GATES E,F,G FAST CASUAL & BARS

Bacardi Mojito (Terminal G, Gate G4): A full bar and food menu make this worth stopping by for a mojito while in Miami.

Budweiser Brew House (Terminal F, Gate F12, G10): Bloody Marys for breakfast? That’s just the recipe for a good flight here.

Cafe Versailles (Terminal F, 2nd level, also at Gate E30)

Casa Bacardi: The rum bar also has American and Cuban food.

Chili’s To Go (Terminal G, 2nd level; Terminal E, Gate E5): Part of the chain gang, Chili’s To Go is the smaller, full-service cousin of the original.

Lobby Bar: Grab a libation and sushi to-go from this quick bar.

Samuel Adams: If you’re craving a cold brewski, head here. They also have non-alcoholic drinks and chips and snacks.

Sushi Bar: Connected to Lobby Bar, Sushi Bar offers quick take-out or have a seat at the bar.

Top of the Port

GATES H&J QUICK BITES

Café Brioche Doree

Cinnabon

Corona Express

Espressamente Illy

Famous Famiglia

Haagen Dazs (H-J Connector)

Island Chicken Grill (H-J Connector)

McDonald’s

Nathan’s Hot Dogs (Terminal H, Gate H9)

Pizza Hut (Terminal H, Gate H12)

Quiznos Sub

Starbucks (Terminal H, Gate H5; Terminal J, Gate J7)

GATES H&J FAST CASUAL & BARS

Bongos

Budweiser Brew House (Terminal H, Gate H12)

Corona Bar & Grill

Gilbert’s Food Bar (H-J Connector; Terminal J, 2nd level): Serving Miami for over 35 years, Gilbert’s has you covered for sandwiches, pastries, and other cafe items to stay or to go. Get a cortadito too.

Heineken Bar: Pull up a stool, order a cold Heineken, and much on some snacks before boarding.

La Pausa Restaurant

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I love airports because the rules of decorum don’t apply here. It’s the only public place where you can eat pizza and drink beer in your sweatpants and no one will judge you. (at Miami International Airport - MIA)