Our Story
Authentic Travel Connections was founded on a simple belief: travel has the power to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime.
As a husband-and-wife team, our passion for travel goes far beyond booking vacations. We have experienced firsthand how travel can strengthen relationships, celebrate life's biggest milestones, and create meaningful connections with people and cultures around the world.
The inspiration for Authentic Travel Connections came from our own destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Surrounded by nearly 80 family members and friends, we witnessed the joy of bringing loved ones together in a beautiful destination. For many of our guests, it was their first international trip, and seeing the excitement, laughter, and lifelong memories created during that experience showed us the true impact travel can have on people's lives. We knew then that we wanted to help others create those same unforgettable moments.
Since then, our journey has taken us across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond. From romantic escapes and destination weddings to group adventures, luxury getaways, cruises, and bucket-list experiences, we have explored the destinations we recommend and built relationships with trusted travel partners around the world. These firsthand experiences allow us to provide our clients with valuable insights, personalized recommendations, and the confidence that every detail has been carefully considered.
At Authentic Travel Connections, we believe no two travelers are alike. That's why we take the time to understand your vision, preferences, and travel goals before designing a customized experience tailored specifically to you. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, family vacation, group trip, destination wedding, or dream adventure, our goal is to make the process seamless, stress-free, and enjoyable from start to finish.
When you work with us, you're not just booking a trip. You're gaining travel advisors who are genuinely invested in your experience and committed to helping you create memories that will last long after you return home.
We look forward to helping you discover the world, one unforgettable journey at a time.
Warm regards,
Shay & Tyrone Bowie
Founders, Authentic Travel Connections
Tyrone Bowie
Co-Owner
As Co-Owner of Authentic Travel Connections, I combine firsthand travel experience with meticulous planning to help clients travel with confidence. I understand that every traveler is different, which is why I take the time to learn what matters most to you before designing an experience tailored to your vision. My goal is simple: to remove the stress of planning and allow you to focus on what matters most—making memories.
What truly inspired the creation of Authentic Travel Connections was our own destination wedding experience. When Shay and I hosted our destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, we brought nearly 80 family members and friends together to celebrate with us. Watching everyone create lifelong memories, build deeper connections, and experience the joy of travel was incredibly rewarding. Many of our guests had never traveled internationally before, and seeing their excitement throughout the trip showed us just how transformative travel can be. That experience sparked a vision—to help others create those same meaningful moments with the people they love—and ultimately inspired the creation of Authentic Travel Connections.
Today, we are honored to help individuals, couples, families, and groups turn their travel dreams into unforgettable experiences, whether they're celebrating a milestone, exploring a new culture, or checking a destination off their bucket list.
Shay Bowie
Co-Owner
For me, my passion for travel is rooted in the connections I make and the discoveries I experience-meeting people from around the world, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and building genuine relationships with locals. This curiosity and openness allow me to see each destination through a unique lens, and I bring that perspective to every journey I plan for my clients.
As someone who loves nature, I seek out destinations with stunning beaches and scenic hiking trails, always on the lookout for those hidden gems and breathtaking views that make a trip truly special. I know firsthand how transformative these moments can be, and I’m dedicated to creating travel experiences for my clients that are equally inspiring and rejuvenating.