Travel Crush Tuesday: Donyetta
Photo Source: Donyetta and Instagram
Meet Donyetta. This small town girl turned ATLien has a big travel appetite. By day she's a loan officer helping developers across the country build affordable housing. And when vacation time comes, she's not playing with the amazing destinations she's visiting around the globe.
Today she's sharing some tidbits of why travel is near and dear to her heart and the destination she recommends post-COVID. Enjoy!
What was your most memorable travel experience?
My most memorable travel experience would be when I traveled out of the country to Jamaica by myself in 2011. The trip was supposed to be an anniversary trip for a relationship that ended. I decided to move forward with the trip by myself. I booked my flight, an all-inclusive resort and my transfer to/from the airport. I was confident until I got to the resort and for whatever reason I began to doubt myself. I emailed my little sister (I didn't have an international phone plan) and she reassured me that I could do it. So the next morning I booked excursions, dinner reservations for one and time at the spa. I would email my sister once in the morning and once before bed to let her know I was OK. It turned out to be one of the best times of my life! Stepping out on faith and traveling out of the country alone taught me a lot about myself; I'm stronger than I'd ever given myself credit for.
How would you describe your travel style?
My travel style is relax, relate, release. I've never met a beach I didn't like and I'm the person that will sit on the beach all day until I have to give my beach chair back to the resort! I love traveling to all-inclusive resorts. Once I get there I don't have to worry about a thing. I don't plan a lot of activities or things to do. I live a fast-paced life so vacation gives me time to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of my normal routine. I literally eat breakfast and head to the beach where I listen to the ocean, have my drinks and take a nap until sunset.
How has travel affected you on an emotional or spiritual level?
On an emotional level, it has opened my eyes to different cultures and given me an appreciation of all things and people. On a spiritual level its given me confidence in myself. I also marvel at all of the beautiful locations, structures and people that God has created. We are all so different, but similar in so many ways. A smile is universal. You can't mistake it. I've had some of the most beautiful conversations with strangers on an airplane or at my hotel/resort with people that I will never see again or remember their names, but we made a connection.
Once this (COVID-19 Pandemic) is over, where are you traveling first?
Next April will be my 40th birthday! I was supposed to go to Cartagena, Colombia for my birthday this year, but the trip was canceled because of COVID-19. I believe everything happens for a reason, so I was excited to hear the travel agency re-scheduled the trip for 2021 at no additional cost to those that planned to go this year. So God willing, I'm looking forward to walking into year 40 with a bang!
Where can folks find you other than Instagram?
My Instagram handle is @Dyetta. I also have a lifestyle blog, www.Dyetta.com . You can also catch me on my weekly podcast Le Twins Experience (Instagram @LeTwinsExperience and at www.letwinsexperience.com).
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