Dominican Republic


Dominican Republic - Highlights

Island Life and Caribbean Rhythms

Rustic Pathways wants to extend a warm thank you to all who joined us on our first summer adventure in the Dominican Republic. Since 2011, our dedication to service iniatives has grown through collaborative efforts in local communities. Join us again this summer on the eastern side of Hispaniola during our community service-based summer programs.
 


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    Advanced Leadership Challenge

    Cost: $2,995
    Length: 16 Days
    Service: 70 Hours
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    Coast to Coast: Dominican Adventure

    Cost: $3,295
    Length: 16 Days
    Service: 24 Hours
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    Island Living and Eco Service

    Cost: $1,595
    Length: 9 Days
    Service: 15 Hours
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    Island Living and Eco Service - Spring Break

    Cost: $1,595
    Length: 8 Days
    Service: 15 Hours
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    Life in the Bateyes

    Cost: $2,995
    Length: 16 Days
    Service: 50 Hours
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    Mountain Air and Village Service

    Cost: $995
    Length: 9 Days
    Service: 24 Hours
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    The Dolphin Conservation Project

    Cost: $3,195
    Length: 16 Days
    Service: 50 Hours
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Fact File

Population
9.9 million people
Capital City
Santo Domingo
Currency
Dominican Peso: 1 USD buys about 38.5 DOP (as of August 2012)
Language
Spanish
Attractions
Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, Pico Duarte, Punta Cana

Local Lingo

Mangu Dish of mashed plantains acquired its name from a foreigner saying, “man this is good” after tasting it.
¿Que lo que? What's up?
Vamo hacer un coro. Let's hang out.

Did You Know?

  • Professional American baseball currently has over 100 players from the Dominican Republic.
  • The rhythmic, fast-paced merengue began in the Dominican Republic.
  • The military, armed forces, and police cannot vote for the DR President.

Contact Us: For more information about Dominican Republic you can email us at dominican@rusticpathways.com.

“Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”

Miriam Beard

Packing List

 

To Help You Come Prepared...

On some programs you will need to pack additional items that are not on this general packing list. Please make sure you read the notes for every program you are participating in which can be found on each specific program’s webpage. Students who are participating in multiple programs should pack the contents of the general Dominican Republic packing list plus any special items listed for their specific programs.

Bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying.

Pack lightly for your journey! You must be able to carry and load your own luggage, and space in the vehicles is limited.

Carry-On Luggage

A small backpack is the best carry on bag and will be useful on your program day-trips.

  • Passport and Wallet (with about $100 emergency money)
  • Photo Copy of Passport (2 additional photocopies should be carried in checked luggage)
  • Sunglasses
  • Journal and Pens
  • Good Book (trade with buddies)
  • Water bottle (refillable, durable, and empty)
  • Medications (must alert staff)
  • Camera - The DR is a wet environment so please  have a good case that keeps your camera safe from elements like rain and dirt.

Make sure everything you pack in your carry-on complies with the new carry-on regulations of the TSA.

Checked Luggage

A medium sized duffel bag or large backpack work best. Wheeled bags are OK as long as they are medium sized and can easily be carried like a duffle over rough terrain.

Please bring at least a few outfits that can get dirty or destroyed for service work or adventure activities.

CLOTHING ITEMS

  • Long pants (2 pair of lightweight pants, 1 pair of jeans)
  • Underwear (5-7)
  • Socks (7-8)
  • T-Shirts, tank tops, and sports shirts (10) - 3-5 cotton t-shirts + 3-5 quick dry shirts (like capilene or polypropylene)
  • Lightweight sweater/sweatshirt (1)
  • Waterproof rain jacket (1)
  • Shorts (3-5) - Modest length
  • Swim Suit (1-2)
  • Athletic Shoes - (1) Shoes that dry quickly, you can hike short distances in and protect your   feet are best. Shoes will get wet, muddy, and dirty.
  • Sandals and/or Flip-Flops – Tevas or Chacos recommended
  • Hat (1)
  • Towel (NOT white) - Large travel towels are great!
  • Nice outfit for final dinner (1-not too fancy)
  • Pajamas (1)

TOILETRIES

Please pack all items that could leak in a PLASTIC or ZIPLOCK bag

  • Shampoo and Soap 
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste and Toothbrush
  • Sunscreen (2 bottles of strong Sunscreen)
  • Insect Repellant (1-2 bottles 35% DEET)
  • Hand Sanitizer (1 or 2 small bottles per week)
  • Contact lenses and solution

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

  • Flashlight/Headlamp w/ Extra Batteries (to read at night or in the case of power outages)
  • Watch or Clock with an Alarm
  • Heavy Duty Garbage Bags (2) *for packing wet and dirty clothes/shoes
  • Large (one gallon) Ziplock© Freezer Bags (4)
  • Small Personal First Aid Kit (our guides will always have a comprehensive on hand, but having a small personal kit is always helpful)
    • Band aids
    • Triple Antibiotic Ointment
    • Medical Tape
    • Moleskin or preferred blister care
    • Preferred Mild Pain Reliever
    • Antihistamine (Benadryl or preferred type)
    • Anti-itch Cream (1 Benedryl Anti-itch Gel works great)
    • 2 Non-adherent, sterile dressing
    • 2 Gauze dressing
    • 5-8 Sterile wipes

OPTIONAL ITEMS

  • Spanish/English dictionary
  • Deck of Cards
  • Picture of mom, dad, boyfriend/girlfriend, dog, pet fish, etc.
  • Frisbee, Aerobee, hacky sack, soccer Ball or volleyball

PLEASE NOTE – Rustic Pathways will not be responsible for ANY lost or stolen items. During travel it is common for items to be lost or stolen so please bring only items you are prepared to part with.