From the Blog
Real travel experiences, destination guides, and practical advice for exploring the world.
Posts
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Common Dominican Spanish Greetings
Most people know that Dominicans have some of the funnest Spanish around. The slang, the expressions, the energy— it’s always a good time. Dominican Spanish has a way of making even the simplest greeting feel a little more lively. Here are some of the Dominican greetings and slang expressions I picked up while living in…
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How Much Do Peace Corps Volunteers Get Paid? My Budget in the Dominican Republic
Do Peace Corps volunteers get paid? There are many financial questions surrounding Peace Corps volunteers. And I understand the confusion. We are called volunteers, so you would think the position is unpaid. But nope—we still get a paycheck, or a stipend as they call it. As a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in the Dominican…
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Is Peace Corps Worth It? What I Wish I Knew Before Serving in the Dominican Republic
After two years serving as a youth development volunteer in the Dominican Republic, I came home with a lot more than a stamp in my passport. I taught sexual health education to middle schoolers, learned to live without running water and consistent electricity, made friends who became family, and discovered — sometimes the hard way…
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10 things to do Exploring the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo
The Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo is considered the first city of the New World, founded in 1492 by Christopher Columbus. It features cobblestone streets, statues, cathedrals, and even a canon and wall for defense. While many parts of Santo Domingo (think Chinatown) can be busy and chaotic, the Zona Colonial is calm, fun, and…
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The Best and Worst About Living in the Dominican Republic
I moved to the Dominican Republic almost exactly two years ago — not to Santo Domingo, Santiago, or the beach towns, but to rural communities most foreigners never see. Two years in, I’ve loved things deeply and been driven crazy by others. Read on to discover both the best and worst parts of living in…
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Santo Domingo or Punta Cana? Which Dominican City Is Right for You
Santo Domingo and Punta Cana are the most visited and well-known destinations in the Dominican Republic, but they offer completely different experiences. While both attract millions of visitors each year, choosing between them depends on the kind of trip you want. I’ll take you through those differences, to help you decide which destination is right…
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10 Essential Rio de Janeiro Travel Tips (Safety, Transport, Carnival & More)
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Between the famous beaches, vibrant nightlife, incredible food, and the legendary Carnival celebrations, it’s a destination that offers something for everyone. However, it helps to know a few things before you go. Here are 10 important travel tips for visiting Rio de…
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How I Built a Minimalist Wardrobe (And Simplified My Life)
I Cut My Wardrobe by ⅓ and Didn’t Miss a Single Thing Minimalism is something I’ve always been curious about, but never fully committed to. Like many people, my closet slowly filled up over time with clothes I liked, clothes I barely wore, and pieces I kept simply because I thought I might wear them…
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How Much Does a Trip to Rio Cost? What I Spent During Carnival
Here’s the total breakdown of what I spent for a 9-day trip to Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval as a budget traveler. I went on this trip with my best friend, and since it was Carnival and a once in a lifetime trip, I definitely spent more than I normally would. That said, I still…
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Essential Dominican Spanish Phrases for Travel + Daily Life
It’s no secret that Dominican Spanish is a different breed. People talk faster, use a lot of slang, and even have different accents depending on which part of the DR they’re from. This is a quick list of essential Spanish phrases and pronunciation tips you should master to feel more at ease during your next…
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Dominican Culture Shocks the U.S. Should Learn From
The Dominican Republic and the United States couldn’t be more different when it comes to culture. The DR is family-oriented, lively, and a little chaotic—yet somehow still relaxed and carefree. There are plenty of things here that make me want to bang my head against the wall, but there are also things in the DR…
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Dominican Republic Weather: Month-by-Month Guide
Explore Dominican Republic weather by month, including rainfall, temperatures, and seasonal changes, to help you plan the perfect trip with ideal conditions and activities.
