Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
First Time
For more information, see
Survival Guide
Top Tips for Your Trip
Checklist
»
Get out into the countryside to see how the majority
of Dominicans live. If driving, grab a map and allow
time to wander the back roads. Or hop in a
guagua
(local bus) to rub elbows with locals and see how
most get around.
»
Make sure your passport is valid for
at least six months past your arrival
date
»
Inform your debit-/credit-card com-
pany
»
If staying at an all-inclusive, experience the local
dining scene, whether it's reservations at a nice res-
taurant or the
plato del día
at a
comedor
(eatery).
Best case scenario, chow down late night on
sanc-
ocho
, basically, a soupy stew and a Dominican spe-
cialty.
»
Arrange for appropriate travel in-
surance
»
Decide on whether to get any re-
commended vaccinations
What to Pack
»
Few experiences are more quintessentially Domin-
ican than milking a couple of Presidente
grandes
at a
plastic table on a beach or sidewalk patio of a no-
name restaurant or
colmodo
.
»
High SPF sunscreen, hat and
sunglasses
»
Bug spray for biting mosquitoes
»
Minimum one warm weather dressy
outfit (if in Santo Domingo, one for
every day and night)
What to Wear
Dominicans, especially in Santo Domingo, Santiago
and other large towns dress well (never shorts or tank
tops) and take pride in their appearance, even in the
warmest weather when you'd probably rather wear as
little as possible. High heels and starched shirts are
the norm for nights out. Unless you want to stand out
like a sore
turista
and unless you're on the beach or
poolside, consider long pants and comfortable, semi-
formal tops.
»
Sweater or sweatshirt for cool even-
ings and even colder buses; full-on
cold weather gear if hiking at high
altitudes
»
Bathing suits and flip flops; boots
and river shoes for hiking and water-
based adventures
»
Earplugs to get a good night's sleep
in the city
Sleeping
