My 29th Birthday Trip to the Dominican Republic | Punta Cana, City Explore & Wedding Weekend

Back in April, I celebrated my 29th birthday. Typically, my birthday is a big deal for me. I spend the entire month celebrating with trips, dinners, and usually gifting myself something special. This year felt different, though. With everything I had going on personally and the season of transition I found myself in, I knew my birthday wouldn’t look the same as it had in years past.

I honestly hadn’t given much thought to what I wanted to do. So when my mom called with plans to celebrate, I was thankful. She invited me to the wedding of one of her friends who is like an aunt to me in the Dominican Republic.

Initially, I had mixed emotions. On one hand, I was grateful to be invited and excited to be traveling internationally. On the other hand, I was a little uneasy. I’ve been to the Dominican Republic several times, and although I’ve always had fun, I somehow always end up getting sick toward the end of the trip. Despite all my efforts to avoid tap water and only use bottled water, I always seemed to leave with some sort of waterborne illness.

Thankfully, I quickly checked my attitude and decided to embrace the trip.

To my surprise, I had the best time.

My mom gifted me a first class flight, which started the trip off on the perfect note. We stayed at Dreams Macao Beach Resort, where my cousin was married a few years ago. The wedding was beautiful, and it was so much fun reconnecting and celebrating with childhood friends from Buffalo. We danced, laughed, attended a boat party, and made memories all week long.

One thing that made this trip different was that my mom came up with the idea to split it into two experiences. We spent three nights at the resort with the wedding guests and two nights in a downtown Airbnb.

Now, if you know me, you know I am not an Airbnb girl. I love a good resort or hotel. But to my surprise, the condo was such a vibe. The property had its own restaurant, pool, and beach access, making it feel like the best of both worlds.

While we were there, we explored the city, visited a local grocery store, did some shopping at the mall, enjoyed a few great meals, and even stumbled upon a cute breakfast spot with some of the best coffee.

My favorite part of the entire trip was the Dinner in the Sky experience my mom found for my birthday.

The food was easily a 10 out of 10 and honestly some of the best food I’ve ever had in the Dominican Republic. The staff was incredibly kind and went above and beyond to make the experience feel special.

I wouldn’t say I’m scared of heights, but I’ll admit it was a little intimidating being lifted into the air on what felt like a giant crane while enjoying a three-course meal, drinks, and music. It was such a unique experience and one I’ll never forget. I’m so happy my mom thought of it because it ended up being the perfect birthday celebration.

Overall, this was by far one of my favorite trips to date. And the best part? I didn’t get sick.

Typically, I spend my birthday having dinner with my parents, but over the last two years, my mom and I have started taking birthday trips together. Last year it was Arizona, and this year it was Punta Cana. It’s become such a special tradition and one I hope we continue for years to come.

Of course, during the trip I took time to journal, reflect, and dream about the woman I’m becoming. Birthdays have a way of making you pause and think about where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re headed next.

And of course, I vlogged the entire experience. I hope you enjoy coming along on this journey with me.

Watch the full vlog below and come celebrate Chapter 29 with me.