Reminiscing on my travels, I often look back at my starred places on Google Maps. Exploring the world outside the bubble of your hometown will certainly cultivate anyone. 

It brings me great joy to observe from outer space and boast that I’ve been on so many vacations. That’s so many memories. So many stories. 

Most of which circulate around the Atlantic Ocean, where I captured home videos and pictures for the albums, but there are some aspects of these voyages that cannot be understood without a caption. 

Let me share some interesting notes from my travel journal. These are the most unique travel stories from places I’ve been around the world:

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Punta Cana

The eastern shores of the Dominican Republic have some of the most spectacular beaches. Hotel resorts line the oceanfront with top tier amenities alongside wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Otherwise, it is underdeveloped. The country offers a haven for peace and tranquility surrounded with natural beauty. There is not much to explore off the resort so finding a good party is important. Then there is the Coco Bongo. 

That place hosted an unforgettably good time. It featured some wonderful stage production with a popular music mix. Staff interact with the crowd all throughout the show and keep the audience attention with the very latest in audio and video entertainment.

Factor in the unlimited drinks and top service, I never sat dry the whole time, even while waiting in line to get in! I had so much fun that I peed in my suitcase and only realized the next morning. It was that good. 

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Madeira

When talking about natural beauty… Madeira is the pinnacle. 

The mountainous island literally touches the sky with views at every angle. Sunsets are wonderful but if you’re bold enough to wake up before the sun, witnessing a sunrise above the clouds is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. 

Madeira’s relationship with nature is spectacular. This connection to the Portuguese island has a longstanding influence on not only the history but the outlook of its people.

Once you get to meet this unique island, it’s easy to understand how it has been a destination for travelers and continues to be a world-renowned destination. 

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London

How much can you squeeze in a day?

When I visited London for a three day stretch, I made it a mission to get the most for my time. So that’s what I did. 

One day, within the span of 12 hours, I discovered a halloumi breakfast sandwich near Victoria Station; visited Buckingham Palace; walked through Hyde Park; saw a collection dresses worn by Princess Diana at Kensington Palace; cheered on Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge (matchup against Newcastle); went to the top of the The Shard; and had mushy peas at a traditional English Pub. 

Something like 30,000 steps were recorded that day and just as many memories. 

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New York

New York City is the Center of the Universe. Really. It is also the Mecca of the greatest American pastime, baseball. After getting my round trip airfare, I quickly got tickets for a home game at Yankee Stadium. 

The Pin Stripes were .695 in June 2022 when I landed in the Big Apple. They were red hot. A baseball cap was one of the first things I needed after arriving, carrying that iconic emblem on my forehead to accompany the tickets in my pocket. Before heading to the game, I spent a few days exploring Manhattan with my CityPass.

Much of the excitement there happens on two levels, that’s either on the sidewalks among the crowds or rooftopping on the skyscrapers. My days were spent going up and down, riding elevators like it was an amusement park. Chasing city views regardless of the time of day, that city never sleeps. 

Neither did I on my last night, the eve before the baseball game, but not for what you think. An email alert informed me that my cheap flight home was canceled and the alternative was leaving that next morning. Therefore, my Yankee tickets would go unused. 

The time I had there was still worth it and I can’t wait to get back one day to try again. If not the Yankees, maybe something at Madison Square Garden. Just to get back to the Center of the Universe would be cool. Everyone should go to New York City at least once in their lifetime. 

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