For my 45th birthday, I gifted myself something that didn’t come wrapped in a bow - I gifted myself peace, freedom, and the thrill of exploring a beautiful island solo. I booked a flight to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic via Frontier Airlines, and traded those freezing Philadelphia temperatures for calm waves, warm sunshine, and time to pause and reflect.
This wasn’t just a vacation to celebrate my 45th birthday - it was a celebration of how far I’ve come and the woman I continue to become.
Why Punta Cana?
Punta Cana Airport
I wanted somewhere warm, relaxing, and easy to navigate alone. Punta Cana just kept popping up on all of my socials “for you” pages, it was the sign I needed to look further into visiting this island. Not to mention, the beaches looked stunning, the culture inviting, and something about it just felt like it would be a good decision! I chose to stay in the Bávaro area, away from the big resorts but still close to everything I needed, especially the beach.
The Airbnb Vibe
I stayed in a cozy Airbnb just a short walk from the beach. It was clean, safe, and it came with all the amenities this solo traveler needed — it was definitely the kind of space where you wake up feeling refreshed. It gave me the perfect blend of comfort and freedom. I could explore at my own pace, cook if I wanted, or just sit on the balcony with a cigar and soak up the moment, something I did every night before bed. Also, at this Airbnb, I was able to have the space decorated for my special day. I told them my favorite colors, and they took care of all the rest.
Details on the Airbnb:
https://www.airbnb.com/l/agGg1j8Z
Exploring Punta Cana, My Way
Prior to my arrival, I booked all of my excursions via Viator. I had something planned for every day that I was there, except for Saturday because I knew I would want to sleep in after celebrating my 45th birthday at Dinner in the Sky. But, when I arrived, the transportation service I used had a travel agent onsite that was able to help me save a few dollars on the Saona Beach tour. So, when you’re booking your excursions, make sure they’re refundable, so if an opportunity comes where you’re able to save some money, you can take advantage of the savings.
I did the following excursions during my stay in Punta Cana:
Punta Cana Half-Day Montana Redonda Adventure with Hotel Pick Up - This excursion was absolutely breathtaking. You take a 4x4 up into the mountains to capture these amazing views. Also, while up in the mountains, I had a typical Dominican lunch that was very tasty. After lunch, I met with one of the photographers who captured the images of me below.
Dinner in the Sky - This was truly an experience that I can honestly say, once was enough for me. It was overpriced and the portions were small. But, again, it’s an experience and if you’re able to take advantage of the opportunity, I definitely would add this to the Things to Do in Punta Cana list.
And, for this outing, I hired a local MUA to get me all the way together, lol - I posted an ad on my IG account prior to my arrival and got a lot of messages and referrals. Yolainy Rondon was referred to me and she was amazing; she was punctual, prepared, and I was highly satisfied with the end result.
Saona Island Full Day Tour - This was a fun tour! Your first stop was to a natural pool where we had unlimited servings of rum and coke, followed by a photo shoot in the water, if you were interested. From there we went to Saona Island for a buffet style lunch and some free time on the beach. Everything moved fairly quickly, I feel like, most of the time was taken up in travel. But this excursion is definitely a must!
I did book an excursion to Monkeyland, but it was cancelled, due to the date falling on the same day that the doctors were scheduled to visit. Next time!
Reflections at 45
Turning 45 solo in another country wasn’t something I ever thought I would be doing a decade ago - But, at the end of the day, it’s exactly where I was meant to be, exploring the world on my own terms. This trip reminded me that solo doesn’t necessarily mean lonely. It means free. It means strong. It means showing up for yourself in ways that no one else can.
I thought about everything I’ve overcome, what I’ve built, and the woman I’ve grown into. I toasted myself (with Brugal rum, of course) and promised to keep showing up with the same boldness that has gotten me to the point where I am today in life.
Final Thoughts
Solo travel continues to be one of the most liberating gifts I can ever give myself. This trip wasn’t about escaping anything; it was about returning to me. And if you’ve ever considered taking a solo trip, especially for your birthday, I’d say go for it. Book the flight. Sip a drink or two, but don’t overindulge. Take the photo or many photos. And, if you’re like me, and love a good cigar … light the cigar!
You deserve every bit of joy you can give yourself, because who knows you, better than you?! Nobody.
Travel Tips for Solo Women Visiting Punta Cana:
Stay near Bávaro Beach – It’s scenic, safe, and very easy to navigate.
Use WhatsApp to communicate with local hosts or drivers. WhatsApp is the go-to app. It’ll be heavily used during your stay and if you do any excursions, your host or photographer will use the app to transfer any literature or photos to you for review.
Airbnb Tips – Read recent reviews, view the photos, and look for places not only hosted by “super hosts”, but also places listed as a “guest favorite”.
Resort vs Airbnb - I originally booked my stay at the Royalton Chic, but I changed to an Airbnb, because I didn’t need the all-inclusive price tag. As a solo traveler, I knew I wouldn’t need the unlimited drinks or all the food options. Switching to an Airbnb cut my accommodation bill in half and what I saved, I put towards my excursions and the local spots I dined.
Transportation - Local taxis or pre-arranged drivers work best; Uber is limited. That’s why I pre-arranged my transportation with Shuttle Central; they were very efficient getting me to and from the Punta Cana airport.
Language - Spanish is the primary language spoken in the Dominican Republic, therefore a few Spanish phrases go a long way and Google Translate will definitely be your best friend during your entire stay. Just listen and be patient, because at the end of the day, both you and the person you’re communicating with are learning.
Photography - How does a solo traveler capture all of their memories?! Simple! Most excursions come with a team of photographers that are trained to get you at every angle … And, if not, there’s always your host or the other guests on your tour that can help take photos, in exchange you can take their photos.
Bring your confidence - Walk like you know where you’re going, because at the end of the day, you’ve done your homework! Any place that I visit, you would think that I live there … I get my directions before I head out and I just enjoy my time out exploring.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to me via e-mail at thiswomantravels@yahoo.com or you can follow me on Instagram @iam_jennifer.