FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Dominican Republic Island Living
1 - How long is the flight to this country?
1A Direct flight from New York to Santo Domingo takes approximately 3-4 hours.
2 - Will there be a flight leader to this country?
2A Yes. All flights between the Dominican Republic and the USA will have a flight leader starting in New York. Return flights to the USA will also have a flight leader as far as New York. Flights from the Dominican Republic to Costa Rica, Panama, and Peru will not be escorted.
3 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
3A Students from the United States and Canada will be automatically issued a 30 day tourist visa upon entry into the Dominican Republic, for the cost of $10. STUDENTS MUST HAVE $10 UPON ENTRY TO PAY FOR THE TOURIST CARD.
4 What province(s) of the Dominican Republic does this program pass through?
4A- During this trip, students will visit the areas of Santo Domingo, Monteplata, Duarte, Samana, Hato Mayor, and San Pedro de Macoris.
5 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
5A Rustic Pathways does not make recommendations regarding immunizations. We strongly suggest that you consult with a travel doctor or your family physician for medical recommendations based on the area where the student will be traveling (as listed above). You can also check the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for more information. Please check the Center for Disease control website for more information.
6 - How does this program connect to other programs?
6A On Tuesday afternoon students will return to Santo Domingo. They will have a special night out in Santo Domingo and then head straight to the airport for their late night flight home. On Tuesday evening students transferring to other programs in Latin America can catch a flight to Costa Rica, Panama, or Peru. Students connecting to other programs in the Dominican Republic will stay at a hotel Tuesday evening and join their new trip on Wednesday morning.
7 ñ How long is the drive from Santo Domingo to this program?
7A There will be various locations that students stay at/visit during this trip; therefore participants should expect several bus rides throughout the week. The shortest distance will be a one hour bus ride, while the longest ride will take up to about 3-4 hours.
8 What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?
8A This program takes place in a few locations in Santo Domingo and eastern parts of the Dominican Republic.† Students should be prepared for hot, humid weather in the 80s and 90s during the day with occasional rain showers.
9 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Spanish?
9A This program does not include formal Spanish language instruction; however students will have multiple opportunities to practice Spanish with their guides and the local community.
10- What service projects will I work on and how are the projects identified?
10A- Students will work on environmental projects with local ranches, environmental development groups, and national parks. Students can expect to contribute to a mangrove restoration project at Los Haitises National Park, as well as contribute to organic farming near Jarabacoa.
11 How physically strenuous is this program?
11A- This program is appropriate for most physical activity levels. Students should be prepared for medium physical activity including short hikes and some manual labor during the service projects.
12- What costs are not included on this trip?
12A There will be several optional activities offered during the trip. Students need to have extra allowance money if they wish to participate in any of these listed activities and should also have some extra for souvenirs, additional snacks or soda from the local grocery stores.
13 What are the optional activities available at an additional cost on this program?
13A- All activities are included in the cost of the program except for the following:
Rafting $50
Rappelling $50
Occasionally Rustic Pathways staff identify new opportunities throughout the summer that we feel will enhance the students overall experience and we will offer students the opportunity to participate at an additional cost. Optional or included activities may also be canceled at the staffís discretion.
14 - What kind of food will we be eating? Where?
14A Students will be eating traditional Dominican food prepared by local cooks and restaurants. Breakfast may include plantains or toast with eggs, fruits and cereal. Lunch and dinner will be typical dishes which consist of rice, beans, salad and a meat/seafood dish or veggie dish.
15 - Can we cater to specific diets?
15A-Rustic Pathways can cater to most dietary needs on this program. There will be ample access to fruits, vegetables, rice, beans, and grains for those who are vegetarian. Vegan diets can be accommodated, but with a little more foresight and planning as this is not a diet commonly encountered in the Dominican Republic.† Please know that while we are happy to accommodate alternative diets, many of the special diets common in the United States are not common in other parts of the world and travelers must be patient and understanding in having these needs met. Please contact harry@rusticpathways.com with any questions regarding special diets or allergies.
16 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
16A Tap water in the Dominican Republic is not recommended, we will provide bottled water for our students throughout the course of the program.
17 - What will the accommodations on this trip be like?
17A During their time in the Dominican Republic students will stay in a different hotels and lodges along their travels.
18. What are the bathroom facilities?
18A- All accommodations will have western style toilets and showers. Hot water may not be available.
19 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
19A There are typically more girls than boys however the exact numbers vary from week to week.
20- What is the ratio of guides to students?
20A- Rustic Pathways generally strives to maintain a ratio of approximately 1 guide for every 5 students. On the program, there will be three guides. Our guides go through a rigorous selection process including interviews with our Country Director and a full background check.
21-Is your staff qualified in First Aid?
21A- Because safety is our number one priority, all of our programs have guides that are certified with First Aid and CPR training. Many of our guides are also qualified Wilderness First Responders, EMTs, Wilderness EMTs, or Life Guards.
22 - How often (if at all) will students be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?
22A Students should pack enough clothes and personal items to last through the program. Laundry may be available at some of the hotels, at an extra cost.
23 - How often will they have access to phone and internet?
23A-Students will have limited to no access to internet during the program. They will be able to purchase international phone cards in the Dominican Republic, which can be used to call home. We will facilitate at least one call a week to parents.
