Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a Spanish-speaking country on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.  The island maintains a vibrant culture encompassed by its traditional dances, folklore and love of baseball.  You will become part of the fabric of a rural community on the north coast and discover the spirit and strength that Dominicans exhibit in every aspect of life.  You’ll also visit the colonial capital of Santo Domingo for a weekend.

At a Glance:

All-Inclusive 14-Day Trip
$3,199 per person**

May 18 – 31, 2013 (FF) ***
November 2 – 15, 2013

All-Inclusive 10-Day Trip
$2,399 per person**

May 18 – 27, 2013 (FF) ***
November 2 – 11, 2013
December 27, 2013 – January 5, 2014 (FF)

 

Max. group size: 20
 Activity Level: Moderate

(FF) = Family Friendly

** Double occupancy price. Single supplement $300.

*** Last-minute discounts!

Good things come to those who wait.  And nearly 30% off is a very good thing.

Are you traveling in the upcoming months and haven’t yet booked? Great news – the all-inclusive trip starred *** above is currently offered at $1,000 off for 14 days and $700 off for 10 days .  And it is “family-friendly,” so bring your kids or grandkids (ages 10 and over).  Please note these trips can change day to day without notice, so don’t delay! This is a limited time offer.

“The itinerary was a nice blend of working, learning, and enjoying this beautiful island. While it was beneficial to meet PCVs [Peace Corps Volunteers] and learn about their projects, it was equally important to talk to NGOs working in the area and to independent scientists and ecologists.  It gave us all a richer and broader perspective on the enormous challenges the Dominican Republic faces and some of the emerging solutions.”

 ~ Rob C. from Pennsylvania (trip participant, Dominican Republic, October 2012)

Highlights and Overview

  • Implement ecologically sustainable projects in rural areas
  • Connect with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and learn firsthand about their work in rural communities
  • Spend time volunteering in a Haitian batey on a project to improve the health of the community
  • Hike through a chain of twenty-seven waterfalls and explore pristine Caribbean beaches
  • Meet leaders working on community development projects to alleviate poverty
  • Explore the historical marvels of colonial Santo Domingo

Download this overview, including a sample program schedule.

Serve

We will volunteer in a rural community to build a school out of discarded plastic bottles which are being picked up by village locals.  The completed building will become a school for the 250 village children that previously did not have one.  In addition to that, we’ll work in a Haitian batey building clean-burning smokeless stoves to help improve the health of women and children.  We’ll also spend a couple of days at an orphanage, where we’ll help to expand their organic vegetable garden and build a greenhouse.

Discover

Travelers will explore topics in environmental sustainability, the most critical issue of the 21st century.  Through the community service work and meetings with grassroots leaders, we’ll learn firsthand about how the community is working to overcome its challenges.  We’ll also witness how international organizations such as the Peace Corps and others have worked to facilitate sustainable development programs on the island.

Explore

We’ll explore the tropical countryside through long hikes out to remote villages.  We’ll ride a catamaran in the Caribbean, snorkel through blue waters and coral reefs, hike and swim through a series of waterfalls, and sunbathe on white sand beaches.  In addition, we will explore urban life in the colonial capital, Santo Domingo.

Program Fee

All inclusive fee includes all in-country expenses: coastal lodging, all meals, all transportation, all activities and entrance fees, community service materials, all excursions, Wi-Fi internet access, backup medical insurance, bi-lingual guide and NPCA Host. It doesn’t include: international airfare, $10 airport arrival tax, alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone calls, or medical expenses.

Family Friendly Trips

All trips are open to couples and single people ages 18 and older. However, certain trips are designated “Family Friendly” (FF). These trips are open to families with children ages 10 and over. Child care is not provided; parents are expected to supervise their children during the trip and children are expected to participate in activities, including the service projects.

Home Base Lodging

This program is based at an exclusive, dedicated Home Base on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, about 45 minutes from the town of Puerto Plata.

Our Home Base is a gorgeous beachfront cluster of chalets surrounding a swimming pool.  Our travelers are the only ones staying here, so there is a sense of community and family.  Meals are eaten in our thatched roof dining area.  Beer and wine are available for purchase and can be enjoyed on the beach, just a few feet away.

Rooms are double occupancy, unless a participant specifically purchases a single occupancy room.  Each bedroom has a private bathroom.

Food will be hearty, healthy and locally grown organic food consisting of meats, beans, rice, vegetables, and fruit.

Wireless internet is available on the grounds as well as unlimited purified drinking water.

 

Resources for Past and Future Dominican Republic Travelers

Background information
Facebook Group

Join our Next Step Travel (NST) country group, a place to ask questions, get program details, & meet other Next Step Travel travel-with-a-purpose travelers. This group is a place where alumni, future NST participants, and those who are interested in NST can have an open forum to share photos, videos, discuss programs details, and make new friends!

Dominican Republic:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/NextStepTravel.DominicanRepublic/

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Registration Form

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