Went to Bora Bora and didn't leave Poora Poora
For as long as I can remember, I’ve said the same thing: One day, I’m going to Bora Bora.
It was my ultimate dream trip — the kind you see on screensavers and think, That’s for other people. The turquoise water. The iconic overwater bungalows. The kind of beauty that almost doesn’t look real.
But every time I checked the prices, reality hit hard. On our budget? It felt impossible. I had quietly tucked it away as a “maybe someday” dream.
Then one day, Calvin looked at me and said, “Let’s make your dream trip happen.”
I laughed. “Have you seen how much that costs?!”
But he was serious. And if we were going, I had one non-negotiable: I was staying in an overwater bungalow. If I was doing Bora Bora, I was doing Bora Bora.
And somehow… he made it happen.
We discovered that Costco Travel offered package deals — and my favorite two words in the English language: payment plan. Suddenly, my “impossible” dream had a pathway. We booked a combo trip: a couple of nights in Tahiti, then five unforgettable nights in Bora Bora.
From the moment we arrived in French Polynesia, it felt surreal. Every morning I woke up, stepped onto our deck, and looked out over the clearest, bluest water I’ve ever seen. I kept thinking, This is real life. I’m actually here.
The weather was perfect. The people were warm and welcoming. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. And sharing it all with the love of my life made it even sweeter.
Our package included flights from Los Angeles, so we drove from Arizona — which not only saved money but gave us time with family in LA and free parking while we were gone. I truly believe there is always a way to make a dream work when you’re willing to be strategic.
Breakfast and dinner were included daily, along with snorkeling, kayaking, and endless lagoon adventures. We even tried paddleboarding — and despite my fear of falling in, I somehow turned into a balancing pro. I stood, paddled, and did not fall once. Growth.
And then came the cherry on top: a spa discount (yes, I live for a good deal). Let me just say — this was no ordinary massage. The treatment room had a glass floor beneath the table, and as I relaxed, I could watch tropical fish swimming below me. It felt like something out of a movie. Add in the thrill of getting a great price? Pure bliss. Honestly, there’s science behind it — landing a deal releases endorphins. So technically, I was double relaxed.
All jokes aside, this trip changed something in me. It reminded me that dream vacations aren’t just for the rich and famous. They’re for the planners, the savers, the deal-hunters, the believers.
Bora Bora wasn’t just beautiful — it was proof that sometimes the only thing standing between you and your dream is the decision to go for it.
And I will forever be grateful to my husband for investing in my happiness and showing me that “someday” can turn into right now. —Keeta
