Betty Jo Penner, My Travel Page

03/08/2026

03/01/2026

Finally! Here are the pictures! BlueBay Villas Doradas, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. We were 18 in all. Had a few hiccups along the way that were dealt with very calmly and respectful. Lost luggage! Room leaks, double beds and colds! Changing rooms! Food was good. Alacartes were good. In room beverages, not so good. You were given 2 cans of beer for your entire stay. After that you had to purchase your own for the fridge. We weren’t far from a bar so really not a big deal. I think this should be written in the description of the hotel.
Played lots of different card games, had a euchre tournament! So much fun with family and friends! Replaying old stories. Lots to talk about.

This hotel has a lot of returning guests who stay for multiple months. It was one of the most inexpensive trips I’ve been on so far. Would I return to this resort? I doubt it. My preference is Punta Cana. We look forward to 2027 trip and deciding where to go next.

07/10/2025

Group Trip 2026 is all set to go. Destination Puerta Plata, DR. February 13th to 23th. We are now at 16 people!! Fun in the Sun!!

04/02/2025

Today is day 1 of Travel Retirement!

I have been helping people out with travel since 2014. I wanted to sell All-Inclusive vacations. Since, to me, was the easiest and what I wanted to purchase myself. I loved "group" vacations. Still do!! But, when WestJet and Sunwing took the fun out of travel, I decided I had enough. For anyone who knows me, I worry about your trip. Did they make the flight, are they there yet, are they home!! OMG, my anxiety was up the roof. So, in November I made the decision to no longer sell travel. In the 11 years I had never had any issues. In 2024 with all the problems that Sunwing was having I decided that I just could not do this anymore.
My last 4 friends left on March 22nd with no issues. They were returning on the 29th. OMG, now we have an ice storm coming. I knew this was not good. I message Rick, there is an ice storm coming this weekend your flight may not go on Saturday. Of course no Sunwing rep in sight at the hotel. They were bused to the airport, waited for however much time, I don't have all the details yet, then bused to another hotel. Now their flight is to leave at 2am on Sunday! They are notified they are delayed til 3am on Sunday. I can't get any information from their booking! So Sunday rolls around, no word. Finally Monday I message Rick, "Well?!". They were home safe and sound Sunday afternoon.

So needless to say, my worries are over. So, in future, I will always have a "group" travel around February 21st. If you are wanting to go away with a fun group please send me message. My friend requirements: you need to play cards!! I look forward to going away with friends and having a great time.

I just want you to know that I love all of you and appreciate your loyalty to me. I can't wait for all of us to get together and have some fun.

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!! Love you all!!

Betty Jo

06/23/2024

Early Booking Bonus on until June 28th!! Booked Barcelo Bavaro Palace, February 21st to March 2nd. Air Transat If still available it is coming up at $2669/person!! Regular price $4049/person.

https://www.barcelo.com/en-us/barcelo-bavaro-palace/

05/26/2024

Please take note of the date change and number of days.

Group trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine, Adults only. February 22nd to March 3rd. Flying out of Toronto. 9 nights/10 days. Private transfers to and from the Punta Cana Airport and the hotel!!
Single $3385 tax included.
Double $2674 per person, tax included.
Triple $2627 per person, tax included.

I have a limited number of seats so please let me know by June 8th if you wish to join us.

For more information email me at [email protected]

Thank you!

05/07/2024

For those of you wondering, we are not going to this resort. I am working on a different resort. "Grand Aquamarine". More info to come. May 26th/24

Wondering who wants to join the 2025 Penner Group? So far, departing date looks like February 22nd, 2025 for 10 days. Punta Cana. Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana. I am awaiting quotes for 20 passengers. Send me a PM to let me know if you are interested in joining the group. Mitch and I will be joining the group. Approximate cost per person is $2600. Double occupancy. I am looking forward to hearing from the "usual" suspects!! as well as any new hanger-oners! We are a FUN group. More information to follow.

02/29/2024

Just got back from Panama City Beach, Florida. The weather was a bit chilly. We had some pretty good days though. Played a lot of games, drove around a lot, miniature golf, Ripley's Believe it or Not.

There are a few things that I would do differently next time around. I will do a separate post with a few things to keep in mind if renting an Air BnB or a cottage out of province/Canada.

Best of all, the company was absolutely fabulous!! We cooked most of our meals and man we are all good cooks! Pete made homemade pizza dough, yep, to die for!! Carol made quite a few awesome salads. Everyone took a turn cooking.

Thanks so much for a great month away, Pete, Angie, Carol, John and Mitch. xoxo

01/14/2024

As you know I am now a Travel Consultant with The Travel Agent Next Door. I work closely with my mentor, Pat Best and with Lisa McHale, who have been in the travel business for many years.

We have put together a group trip below. Please let me know if you have any interest in joining our group. Click on the link or the picture to find out all the details. If you have any questions please email me at [email protected]

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11/14/2023

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