Blogger Farrah Estrella of the Estrella Fashion Report in Playa Juanillo in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 2017. Photo Credit Estrella Fashion Report

Hola Estrellitas!! I am back from vacationing in my home country of the Dominican Republic. I haven’t been there in 12 years and I have to say that I missed it so much, 12 years is a long time. It was great to catch up with family, friends and be a tourist for a change. I say this because it has been so long since I visited, that I felt like a tourist. There was so much to see!!. Some places were familiar and they haven’t changed a bit, others looked very modern and renovated.

I arrived in Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican Republic and was greeted by my Godmother and my cousins. I traveled with my husband and since he has never visited my country before, I wanted him to experience it. We did a few touristy things, like visiting a few national landmarks and museums.

Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo credit Estrella Fashion Report

We also went to my hometown of Mao. Mao is located on the opposite side of the capital and we traveled by bus for about 3 hours to get there. The road from Santo Domingo to Mao has been fixed and it is now a highway, similar to what we have here in the USA. I remember when I was growing up that it would takes us 5 to 6 hours to get from the Capital to Mao, almost double the time that it took us now. It was great for both of us to sightsee the country.

Most people go to a resort when they go to D.R stay in the resort bubble and don’t get to venture out and experience the country and its people. It is not because I am Dominican (OK maybe I am a little bias LOL), but we are some of the most hospitable people that you could ever meet. I wanted for my husband to experience that for himself and I encourage you guys to venture out and see that for yourselves also, it is safe.

Coco Bongo in Downtown Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

One of the BEST things about the Dominican Republic is the FOOD!! OMG you guys, how delicious is everything. I think I gained 10 pounds on this trip.

Food from Dominican Republic

I am very passionate about helping others and giving back. I wanted to do something in D.R and we took some time from our vacation to make a few donations. I asked my followers to help me with it and they came through big time. We donated sports equipment to several kids leagues including soccer, baseball, tennis and volleyball.

The Dominican Republic is so diverse, I love being there. We visited so many places and there was still so much to see. The “Dunas de Las Calderas” (Sand Dunes) was pretty cool. It is located in the province of Bani, in the South of the D.R, and it is like a desert area. We saw iguanas and climbed the dunes to see the ocean. While in Bani, we visited a salt mining company and saw how they make salt from the sea water, amazing!.

Of course I had to look at some fashion, you guys know how much I love it!

Gorgeous hats at the Cuvabera store in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Photo by Estrella Fashion Report

It was an amazing trip and I can’t wait to go back soon. I am definitely not waiting another 12 years to return. Follow my travels on my Instagram @estrellafashionreport and check out the hashtag #Farrahlovestotravel to see more pictures and videos of my travel adventures. Where should I go next?.

Until next time…
Live, Love & Inspire
Farrah
XOXO