My Current/Future Travel Plans: Tips and Preparation

I do this automatically and without thinking. I contact the place where I'm gonna stay. Since I have family there, I stay with them. However, since you are probably tourists, you need to look for a hotel. Then, since it's a flight to the Dominican Republic, the airlines usually let you carry one carry on. However, I would take advantage of having a backpack and pay for an extra suitcase. Jet Blue states that this extra suitcase it must not exceed 62 inches (157.48 centimeters) in overall dimensions (length + width + height) and cannot exceed 50 pounds (22.68 kg). However, it is important to check with your respective airline first. If you are not sure how many bags the airline lets you carry o the dimensions that are permitted. It's important that you call and ask them. In my suitcases I carry the following: In my carry-on suitcase, I put clothes that are not made with a lot of fabric, such as t-shirts, shorts, and underwear. Phone charger, and others. In the bigge

Do not drink tap water or shower water it’s not safe for consumption. You can get sick because of it. Locals consume bottled water and in colmados and supermarkets, they sell water. Be ready to not have power 24/7. In the Dominican Republic especially in the rural areas, electricity is not 24 hours active. There are many power surges. So be careful with your electric appliances. Always ask if the place you are staying is surge protected. If not you may want to consider buying a surge protected multiplug. If you are a tourist and you are not accustomed to the sun. You should put sunblock on yourself if you are staying during summer because this is a hot sunny country. However, rub it on so it looks invisible because locals don’t use sunblock and you will be considered a tourist. It is best to bring your own sunblock because, in the country, maybe you will not find your favorite brand or they will be more expensive in the hotel. Safety Precautions: Don’t go out at nig

The Dominican Republic uses another currency called the Dominican Peso. If you come from another country, it is important to change money to the Dominican Peso if you’re planning to buy something in a store or in a supermarket. One U. S. Dollar is equivalent to 40-50 Dominican Pesos . The exact equivalence depends on sociopolitical and economic factors on the day. One tip is exchanging money using an ATM machine, a  local  money exchange house, or at a bank because the  exchange rate is better. At the airport or at a hotel the exchange rate is poor. Picture of Dominican Peso How are prices? Mostly cheaper but not everything. Since the Dominican Republic produces many tropical fruits and vegetables, the prices of these things are lower for a foreigner who comes from the United States of America or Europe. It is not limited to just vegetables but an extensive portion of everything that is produced by the country is cheaper. When objects come from another place, however, it’s

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and is the first European city founded in the new world in 1496. The city has been inhabited ever since then. The city has changed a lot from its beginning. Making this city rich in history and cultural heritage. Lately, the city has been booming with a lot of economic advances and many changes have happened to the buildings and structures of the city. Many residential towers, malls, and hotels have sprung from the earth. There are now two airports, the metro line was extended, etc. A lot of things have happened to this city that an entire blog wouldn’t be enough to describe it. I can assure the changes have been so vast that the Santo Domingo from 10 years ago is not the same as the one today. Comparing it to other places around the country, this city is seen as very modern. It is sought by many companies because of its location. According to my father (an accountant), Santiago is the province that produces wealth, but Santo Dom

Santiago is the second largest city in the country after Santo Domingo and the birthplace of important Dominican figures such as presidents and the Mirabal sisters. It was the country’s first capital until an earthquake destroyed it in 1562. The city is also has a thriving commercial sector. It is home to many tobacco plantations because of its very fertile soil. It has mall museums, bars, and it is home to a carnival, universities, and an airport. It is a fast-paced city with many projects that want to elevate it to the level. Here is a place you need to visit in this city: "El Monumento a los Heroes de la Restauración" El "Monumento a los heroes de la restauración" or just known colloquialy "El Monumento" is the symbol of the city just like the Eiffel tower is to Paris. It is a historic monument dedicated to the heroes who died fighting in the Restoration War which help to regain independence of the country from spain. It has a museum inside and

If you are traveling around the Dominican Republic, you will see a lot of little stores called "colmados". Their appearance may vary but their purpose is the same. These are convenience stores and they sell many different things from groceries to cigarettes. In the city some even have delivery. This is useful because, if you are cooking but you forgot that you are missing an ingredient, you can call a "colmado" by phone and have them delivered them to you. A Colmado If you want to take shopping to the next level la sirena and carrefour are your places. La Sirena is a local department store while Carrefour is a French department store. In these places you can find anything a person needs, groceries, clothes, school supplies. These are like Walmarts but, because of their variety they are usually full of people. They usually have a food court, in other words, if you are hungry after some heavy shopping, you can regain your strength at eh food court. Hospitals: