New Year’s in the Caribbean

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Travel Documents

• Passport: We recommendation that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the date you return home. For specific passport validity rules, you can refer to the US department of State, Government of Canada, or Countries consulate website.     
  Visa: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Dominican Republic without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.       
  Electronic Travel Authorization: The Dominican Republic requires an eTicket for entry to and exit from the country. It can be done starting one week prior to arrival up until the time you go through immigration. You can find the application here
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.
• Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation

Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is cancelled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in Santo Domingo Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Once you land, grab your luggage and pass through customs and immigration.

Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Getting from A to B All transfers between cities are via private bus and can take anywhere between 2-6 hours. Bring motion sickness medicine in case you’re prone to getting carsick; many of the roads in the DR are winding and up/downhill.

It’s a good idea to download a few movies or shows to watch sans Wi-Fi/ Cellular Data, bring a great book with you to read, or listen to music to pass the time. Download the Latino Vibes playlists on Spotify to get in the mood!

General Recommendations Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon nap, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, we recommend bringing a refillable water bottle!
• Be prepared: We recommend bringing a small first aid kit including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a couple mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.

Destination-Specific Information There are no major health risks associated with traveling the Dominican Republic. However, we recommend you consult your physician or local travel clinic, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) at lease 60 days prior to departure for the latest updates and vaccine / entry requirements.

• Drink bottled water only. Avoid tap water even when brushing your teeth. It's safe to shower in tap water, but avoid getting it in your mouth.
• Though mosquitoes may not be incredibly common in popular parts of the Dominican Republic, they can carry diseases. Be sure to pack bug spray just to be safe.

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Pick-pocketing is fairly common. Always watch your belongings and keep an eye out for one another.
• While beachfront bars and restaurants may be safe, avoid walking on the beaches themselves at night.
• Watch out for rip currents while swimming in the ocean.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• Always call for a reliable taxi. Don't hail one off of the streets.
• Female travelers should be prepared for some degree of cat-calling and harassment in the Dominican Republic. EF Ultimate Break and the Tour Director will do everything in our power to prevent and preempt this kind of behavior. We understand it’s easier said than done, but ignoring most verbal harassment is usually the best policy. Act confidently and keep walking forward, but always exercise caution and stay with a buddy or group.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• Please note, your airline ticket does not include a checked bag.
• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

Budgeting Budget around $50-$70 per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities.

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour.

Managing Money The local currency in the DR is the Dominican peso. However, because the DR is a popular destination for international tourism, many shops and companies may accept the US dollar. Read on for more must-knows about money and tipping on your trip:

• When exchanging money for this trip, better rates are usually found overseas, but it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but be wary of fees.

Tipping

• We recommend tipping your Tour Director $10-$12 per day at the end of the trip
• For your bus driver, we recommend tipping $2-$3 per day.
• For local guides, you should tip $2-$3 at the end of each experience.
• Tipping is not customary abroad, but if you feel inclined it’s ok to leave 10% gratuity or a few pesos for exceptional service.

It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Spanish! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Hola
• How are you? ¿Cómo estás?
• Goodbye: Adiós
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• I’m (your name): Soy (your name)
• I’m from (your country of residence): Soy de (your country of residence)
• How much does this cost? Cuánto cuesta?
• Where is the...?: Dónde está...
  • bathroom: el baño
  • bus stop: la parada de autobús
  • pharmacy: la farmacia

Note: Download Duolingo or some language-learning podcasts to practice your skills, and use Google Translate to help you while on the road!

The people of the Dominican Republic are vibrant, proud, and very hardworking. And the more you express interest in their culture, the more you'll be welcomed with open arms. Here's just a handful of fact to get you started.

• Merengue and bachata music originated in the Dominican Republic. You'll hear these styles everywhere in your travels, so consider learning a few dance steps!
• It's the norm to announce yourself with a "Buenos dias/Buenas tardes/Buenas noches (Good morning/afternoon/evening)" when entering any establishment.
• Baseball is the national sport of the Dominican Republic, and many people are very passionate about it. You may see lots of people practicing or games being played if you pass by any parks.
• Especially in more rural parts of the Dominican Republic, siestas (midday breaks a lot of businesses close down for) are still common. For some this means having a long hearty lunch, for some it means taking a nap, and for some it means both of those things.
• Haggling is the way to shop in many places. Offer about half of the initial price, don't show too much interest, and don't be afraid to walk away.

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try.

• Mangú: The breakfast staple is often served with eggs, fried Dominican salami and queso frito (fried cheese!) – also known as Los Tres Golpes (The Three Strikes). Yum.
• Pastelitos: Pastelitos are small, stuffed pastries made with all kinds of fillings, like meat, cheese, vegetables and potatoes, and then fried
• La Bandera Dominicana: Translating to “The Dominican Flag,” La Bandera Dominicana is the national standard lunchtime dish.
• Tostónes: Twice-fried and then salted, tostónes are made from unripened plantains and most commonly served as a side dish
• Tres Leches Cake: This three-milk cake is a sweet ending to any meal
• Yaroa: This street food favorite is just the ticket. Made from mashed plantain or fries, yaroa is loaded with shredded meat and smothered with cheese and sauces.
• Refrescos: In the land of fresh fruit, you must try the fresh fruit juices! Try cas (sour guava), maracuyá (passion fruit), tamarindo (tamarind), guanabana (soursop), piña (pineapple), sandia (watermelon), mora (blackberry), fresa (strawberry), and more!

If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time. 

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account here for available add-ons.