After spending 4 months in the Dominican Republic and travelling to every corner of the country, visiting as many beaches as possible, sleeping in some rusty motels, I believe that I can honestly say “I have been to Dominican Republic”.
I was fortunate to the opportunity to have; tasted the traditional-style cooking, mingled with locals, tried new sports such as; kite-surfing, zip-lined in the jungle, jumped into natural pools of water, hiked through caves, enjoyed local festivals, explored the mountainous villages, snorkelled amongst the reefs, travelled by local transportation such as; guagua’s(large caravans), cars, vans, pick-up trucks – packed with as many people as possible, buses, taxies and motorcycles, I can’t forget -speed boats, practiced my Spanish, slept in Dominican-style motels with nada-inclusive anything, enjoyed the entertainment of local musicians and traditional bachata and meringue music playing from loud speakers built into vehicles and storefronts everywhere!
As I was leaving to head home from my fun-filled adventurous trip, I was in line at the airport with my family, chatting with a few other travellers, I asked them, ‘How did you enjoy your trip to Dominican Republic?’. With an unhappy face they replied, ‘The entertainment at the hotel was not that great.’ They had stayed at one of the most popular well-known all-inclusive resorts. I asked them if they had a chance to leave the resort, but they did not.
So their only experience of Dominican Republic was all based on what they had done while staying at the resort.
Don’t get me wrong, I am sure that the pools are great with servers at your side offering refreshing cool drinks, food is delicious with a large fabulous buffet and a fancy air-conditioned room with fluffy clean white sheets and pillows, not a mosquito in sight, friendly 24-hour maids at your service and a beautiful private beach where only guests have the pleasure to enjoy while relaxing on a long beach chair. I am sure you can imagine a few other fine luxuries while staying on the resort.
You may be one of the travellers who only enjoys what is offered at the resort, possibly you are a bit timid to explore what is beyond -Or- you just have no idea what else is offered in this mysteriously beautiful country. Whatever the reason may be, I really hope that each person could have an opportunity to enjoy some Dominican-local time! The people are so friendly, charming personalities that will welcome you with a smile!
When I came home, my Canadian family thought I was so brave for visiting all of these places. I don’t feel brave but I am not scared of people. Most people are good. Of course, it is always important to keep your valuables locked up, take only the amount of cash needed for the day(no need for credit cards either), be friendly, support local gift shops, practice a little Spanish and give a little extra tip to your driver! You will make so many friends and don’t go wandering off in no-man’s land. Always listen to your intuition and I promise you will have an enjoyable adventure!
I have truly enjoyed meeting some of the most lovely Dominican people. They made me feel so safe and they really go out of their way to make you feel at home! I already miss the clean beaches and local faces! We will definitely go back and hopefully for much longer!
I invite you to find out more information about travelling to Dominican Republic at travelshorecentre.com
