11 Dominican Republic Travel Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

How I Turned a Dream Vacation Into an Expensive Disaster

Let me start by saying this: I made basically every mistake possible on my Dominican Republic trip. Every. Single. One.

I visited during the worst month (September). I didn’t bring bug spray and got over 40 mosquito bites. I wore completely inappropriate clothing for a waterfall adventure. I didn’t have travel insurance when things went medically wrong. I underestimated how physical activities would be. I failed to research anything about timing, weather, or what to expect.

The result? It became my worst vacation ever—documented in painful detail in this disaster story. Both my boyfriend and I got sick. I was eaten alive by mosquitoes. We spent hundreds of dollars on unplanned medical care and remedies. And despite one absolutely incredible day at the waterfalls, the overall trip was a mess.

But here’s the thing—every single problem was completely avoidable. If I’d done even basic research, packed properly, and made smarter decisions about timing, I would have had an amazing trip.

So I’m going to walk you through every mistake I made, plus several others I’ve witnessed or learned about since, so you can avoid the same expensive, uncomfortable, frustrating experiences I had.

Learn from my stupidity. Please.

Mistake #1: Visiting During the Worst Possible Month

What I Did Wrong

I booked flights for September because the price was good and the dates worked with our schedules. I didn’t think for one second about why September might be so cheap. Turns out there were several very good reasons.

September is:

• Peak hurricane season
• The wettest month of the year
• Peak mosquito breeding season
• Maximum humidity (oppressive, sticky, miserable)
• The month tour companies shut down because conditions are so bad

We got stuck in mud during a rainstorm. Activities were cancelled or modified due to weather. The humidity made everything feel harder. And the mosquitoes? They were absolutely relentless, aggressive, and everywhere.

The Cost

Beyond the flight savings, we probably spent an extra $200-300 on:

• Bug spray purchased at resort (overpriced)
• After-bite treatment and anti-itch medications
• Medical consultation for possible dengue fever
• Extra laundry because everything was constantly soaked with sweat and rain

Plus the intangible cost of just being miserable for significant portions of the trip.

How to Avoid This

Best months to visit: December through April—dry season, minimal mosquitoes, comfortable temperatures

Good value months: Late November, May, early June—shoulder season with decent conditions

Months to avoid: September and October absolutely. August is also challenging.

I’ve written an entire month-by-month breakdown in my guide on the best time to visit the Dominican Republic, covering weather, crowds, prices, and activity conditions for every single month.

Bottom Line: Don’t book purely based on cheapest price. Sometimes there’s a very good reason things are cheap. An extra $200-300 on flights during a better month would have been worth every penny.

Mistake #2: Bringing Zero Mosquito Protection

What I Did Wrong

I packed exactly zero bottles of bug spray. None. I think I assumed mosquitoes wouldn’t be that bad, or that I could buy some if needed. Both assumptions were wrong.

I showed up in the Dominican Republic during peak mosquito season wearing shorts and tank tops with no protection whatsoever. The result? Over 40 documented bites on my legs alone, plus uncounted bites on arms, back, and other areas.

When I finally bought bug spray at the resort, it was weak, overpriced, and didn’t work well. By then the damage was done.

The Cost

• Overpriced resort bug spray: $25
• Anti-itch cream and medications: $30+
• Medical consultation worried about dengue: $100+
• Weeks of itching and discomfort: Priceless (in a bad way)
• Scarring from bites I scratched in my sleep: Still visible years later

How to Avoid This

Pack from home:

• 2-3 bottles of DEET spray (30-50% concentration)
• Roll-on or cream DEET for face application
• After-bite treatment (bring it even if you don’t think you’ll need it)
• Antihistamine tablets
• Hydrocortisone cream

What actually works:

• DEET 30-50% (OFF! Deep Woods, Repel, Ultrathon)
• Picaridin 20% (great DEET alternative)
• Permethrin for treating clothing

What doesn’t work well:

• Natural/plant-based repellents (not strong enough for DR mosquitoes)
• Citronella candles (useless outdoors)
• Wristbands and clip-on devices (minimal effectiveness)

Also pack:

• Long, lightweight pants for evenings
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Light-colored clothing (mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors)

I’ve written an entire guide on how to protect yourself from mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic with product recommendations, application tips, and everything I wish I’d known.

Bottom Line: Pack multiple bottles of strong bug spray from home. Apply religiously. Cover up at dawn and dusk. This is non-negotiable if visiting May-November.

Mistake #3: Not Getting Travel Insurance

What I Did Wrong

We skipped travel insurance to save maybe $50-70. We were young, healthy, and figured we’d be fine. Then my boyfriend got sick. Then I got sick. We needed medical consultations, medications, and treatment.

None of it was covered. All out-of-pocket. At resort medical prices, which are significantly higher than local pharmacy or clinic prices.

The Cost

• Two medical consultations: $200+
• Medications and treatments: $100+
• Peace of mind worrying we might have dengue: Invaluable

If we’d needed evacuation or serious medical care, we could have been looking at thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

How to Avoid This

Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers:

• Medical emergencies and treatment
• Medical evacuation if needed
• Adventure activities (many policies exclude “extreme sports”—read the fine print)
• Trip cancellation/interruption
• Weather-related cancellations (important if traveling during hurricane season)
• Lost/stolen belongings

Recommended providers for adventure travel:

• World Nomads (popular with adventure travelers, covers most activities)
• Travel Guard
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• IMG Global

Cost: Typically $40-100 for a week-long trip depending on coverage and age

When to buy: Purchase within 14-21 days of booking your trip for maximum coverage benefits

READ THE POLICY: Specifically check:

• Does it cover adventure activities you’re planning (ziplining, ATVs, waterfalls, diving)?
• What’s the medical coverage limit?
• Does it cover pre-existing conditions if relevant?
• What’s the deductible?
• Is emergency evacuation included?

Bottom Line: The $50-70 you save by skipping insurance isn’t worth the risk. One medical emergency can cost thousands. One cancelled trip due to hurricane can cost your entire vacation investment. Just get the insurance.

Mistake #4: Underestimating Physical Requirements for Activities

What I Did Wrong

When I booked the waterfall tour, the description said “moderate fitness required.” I figured I was moderately fit enough. I wasn’t completely out of shape, so how hard could it be?

Turns out “moderate fitness” in adventure tour language means “you need to be in decent shape.” The hike up was steep, humid, and exhausting. The climbing over slippery rocks required actual upper body strength. The swimming between waterfalls required endurance.

I made it—barely—but I was completely destroyed by the end. If I’d been in better shape or had realistic expectations, I would have enjoyed it more instead of spending half the time wondering if I was going to survive.

The Cost

• Not being able to fully enjoy an amazing experience because I was too focused on not dying
• Being completely useless the next day due to soreness and exhaustion
• Other activities we’d planned having to be cancelled because I was too wrecked

How to Avoid This

Be brutally honest about your fitness level:

• If you don’t regularly exercise, you’re not in “good” shape
• If climbing three flights of stairs winds you, hiking activities will be rough
• If you can’t swim comfortably for 10+ minutes, water activities will be challenging

Read activity descriptions carefully:

• “Easy” = accessible to most people, minimal physical requirements
• “Moderate” = you should exercise regularly and be comfortable with sustained activity
• “Strenuous/Difficult” = you need to be in good shape, this will be physically demanding

Ask specific questions when booking:

• How long is the hike/activity?
• What’s the elevation gain?
• Are there steep sections?
• How much swimming is involved?
• What happens if someone can’t complete the activity?
• What’s the oldest/youngest person who’s done this recently?

Choose appropriate difficulty levels:

• The 27 Waterfalls offers 7, 12, or all 27 options—choose based on honest self-assessment
• Many activities have easier alternatives
• There’s no shame in choosing the “easy” option

Prepare in advance if possible:

• Start cardio training a few weeks before
• Practice hiking with elevation if planning mountain activities
• Swim regularly if doing water activities

Bottom Line: Tour operators undersell difficulty to get bookings. Read between the lines. If something says “moderate fitness required,” assume it means “you should actually be in shape.” Choose activities appropriate for your actual fitness level, not the level you wish you had.

Mistake #5: Wearing Completely Inappropriate Clothing/Shoes

What I Did Wrong

For the waterfall adventure, I wore:

• A regular swimsuit (nearly came off when jumping)
• Cheap foam water shoes with no grip (slipped constantly on wet rocks)
• Nothing else—just swimsuit and flimsy shoes

I should have worn:

• Athletic swimsuit or secure athletic clothing
• Proper water shoes with rubber soles and good traction
• Maybe a rash guard to protect from scrapes

The cheap water shoes I wore were completely inadequate. I slipped multiple times, struggled to climb over rocks, and spent the entire time worried about losing my balance.

How to Avoid This

For waterfall/water adventures:

• Water shoes: Keens, Tevas, Chacos, or sport sandals with rubber soles and secure straps—NOT cheap aqua socks
• Swimwear: Athletic one-piece, secure sports bikini with proper straps, or athletic shorts and sports bra—NOT string bikinis or loose board shorts
• Rash guard: Optional but protects from scrapes when sliding down rocks
• Leave behind: Jewelry, watches, loose items

For hiking/outdoor activities:

• Proper hiking shoes or boots with ankle support
• Moisture-wicking clothing
• Hat and sunglasses
• Long pants to protect from bugs and scratches

For general DR travel:

• Quick-dry clothing (everything takes forever to dry in humidity)
• Light layers for air-conditioned spaces
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light rain jacket if visiting May-November

What NOT to pack:

• Heavy jeans (take forever to dry, uncomfortable in heat)
• Only flip-flops (you need closed-toe shoes for many activities)
• Expensive jewelry (unnecessary and risky)
• White clothing (gets dirty immediately)

Bottom Line: Invest in proper water shoes with good grip if doing any water activities. Bring appropriate athletic clothing for adventures. Quick-dry everything. Pack for activities you’re planning, not just beach lounging.

Mistake #6: Assuming All-Inclusive Means Everything is Actually Included

What I Discovered

Our “all-inclusive” resort had several surprising exclusions:

• Premium alcohol required extra payment
• Some restaurants on property required reservations and supplements
• Any activities outside the resort (all the good stuff) cost extra
• Tips were “included” but staff clearly expected additional tips
• Beach activities like snorkeling equipment rental cost extra
• Spa services obviously cost extra
• Room service had fees
• Internet was an additional charge

How to Avoid This

Before booking, clarify what’s actually included:

• Which restaurants and bars are included?
• What brands of alcohol are included? (Top shelf? Basic only?)
• Are all activities on property included?
• Is internet/wifi included?
• Are tips truly included or still expected?
• What about room service?
• Minibar included or extra?

Budget for extras:

• Excursions and activities off-property ($50-200 per person per activity)
• Tips for exceptional service ($50-100 for week-long stay)
• Premium drinks if you want them
• Spa services
• Shopping and souvenirs
• Emergency items you forgot to pack (overpriced at resorts)

Consider alternatives:

• Boutique hotels with breakfast included might be better value
• Vacation rentals give you more authentic experience
• All-inclusive is convenient but often mediocre quality
• You’ll save money eating at local restaurants if you venture out

Bottom Line: “All-inclusive” doesn’t mean you won’t spend any money. Budget for excursions, tips, and incidentals. Read the fine print about what’s actually included before assuming everything is.

Mistake #7: Not Bringing Enough Cash (and Wrong Denominations)

What I Did Wrong

I assumed I could use cards everywhere and ATMs would be readily available. Wrong on both counts. Many places only take cash—taxis, small restaurants, market vendors, tips for guides, etc.

When I did find ATMs, they often:

• Had high fees ($5-10 per withdrawal)
• Had daily limits preventing me from taking out enough
• Were sometimes out of service
• Were in sketchy locations I didn’t feel comfortable using

Plus I only brought large bills, which nobody could break, creating constant problems.

How to Avoid This

Bring cash from home:

• Exchange some USD before leaving (better rates than airport exchange)
• Bring $200-500 in cash depending on trip length
• Keep some in hotel safe, carry what you need daily

Get small bills:

• $1, $5, $10, $20 bills are most useful
• Nobody can break $50 or $100 bills
• USD is widely accepted in tourist areas

Dominican Pesos vs USD:

• USD works fine in tourist areas
• You’ll get better value using pesos for local transactions
• Taxis, tips, small purchases—have pesos
• Exchange rate: approximately 56-58 pesos per USD (verify current rate)

ATM tips:

• Use ATMs inside banks during business hours (safer)
• Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize fees
• Notify your bank you’re traveling to avoid card being blocked
• Have backup card in case one doesn’t work

Credit cards:

• Major cards accepted at resorts, large restaurants, tour operators
• Small businesses often cash-only
• Some places add 3-10% surcharge for cards
• Verify international transaction fees with your bank

Tipping:

• Bring $1 bills for small tips
• Tour guides: $10-20 per person if they did well
• Drivers: $5-10 depending on distance
• Resort staff: $1-2 for room service, bag handling, etc.
• Restaurants: 10-15% if not already included on bill

Bottom Line: Bring more cash than you think you’ll need in small denominations. Keep it secure but accessible. Not everything accepts cards, and ATM fees add up quickly.

Mistake #8: Only Staying at the Resort

What I Almost Missed

If we hadn’t pre-booked the waterfall excursion, we probably would have spent the entire trip at our resort. And we would have missed the absolute best part of the Dominican Republic—the actual Dominican Republic.

Resort life is fine. Convenient. Safe. Comfortable. But it’s also generic, isolated from real Dominican culture, and honestly kind of boring after a couple days.

How to Avoid This

Book at least 2-3 excursions off-property:

• The 27 Waterfalls (non-negotiable must-do from Puerto Plata)
• Visit actual Dominican towns and cities
• Eat at local restaurants (way better food than resort buffets)
• Take adventure tours (rafting, ziplining, ATVs, etc.)
• Explore markets and shops

Consider alternative accommodations:

• Stay in actual towns like Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Las Terrenas
• Boutique hotels in city centers
• Vacation rentals for authentic experience
• Mix resort time with exploration time

Venture into nearby areas:

• Take taxis or rent a car
• Visit Puerto Plata’s attractions
• Explore beach towns
• Go to actual Dominican restaurants, bars, shops

Talk to locals:

• Ask resort staff what they do on days off
• Get recommendations for authentic spots
• Learn basic Spanish phrases to interact
• Be open to unexpected experiences

Balance relaxation with exploration:

• Days 1-2: Settle in, enjoy resort, recover from travel
• Days 3-5: Adventures, excursions, exploration
• Days 6-7: Final beach relaxation before departure

Bottom Line: If you never leave your resort, you haven’t really been to the Dominican Republic. You’ve been to a resort that happens to be in the DR. Get out. Explore. Take adventures. That’s where the memorable experiences happen.

Mistake #9: Not Learning Any Spanish

What I Experienced

I spoke zero Spanish. Not a word. At the resort, this was mostly fine—staff spoke English. But the moment we left resort property for the waterfall adventure, English disappeared.

Our guides spoke minimal English. Other tourists in our group spoke Spanish. When we got stuck in mud and needed to communicate with local farm workers who helped, nobody spoke English. It was frustrating and isolating.

How to Avoid This

Learn basic Spanish phrases before going:

• Hola (hello)
• Gracias (thank you)
• Por favor (please)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? (how much does it cost?)
• No entiendo (I don’t understand)
• ¿Habla inglés? (do you speak English?)
• Disculpe (excuse me)
• La cuenta, por favor (the check, please)
• ¿Dónde está…? (where is…?)
• Ayuda (help)

Download translation app:

• Google Translate with offline Spanish downloaded
• Allows camera translation of menus, signs
• Voice translation for conversations
• Works without internet if you download language pack

Learn numbers:

• Essential for prices, addresses, phone numbers
• Uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco, seis, siete, ocho, nueve, diez
• Veinte (20), cincuenta (50), cien (100)

Practice pronunciation:

• Spanish pronunciation is consistent—learn the rules
• Effort matters more than perfection
• Dominicans appreciate any attempt to speak Spanish

Carry a small phrasebook:

• Useful when phone battery dies
• Quick reference for common situations
• Shows you’re making an effort

Where English works:

• Major resorts and tourist areas
• Tour operators catering to tourists
• Tourist police
• Airports

Where you need Spanish:

• Taxis (drivers often speak no English)
• Local restaurants
• Markets and shops
• Rural areas
• Emergencies outside tourist zones

Bottom Line: You can survive without Spanish in resort areas, but you’ll have a much better experience if you learn basic phrases. Download Google Translate with offline Spanish as minimum backup. Even terrible Spanish is better than no Spanish.

Mistake #10: Drinking the Tap Water (and Other Food/Water Safety Issues)

What I Learned

I knew not to drink tap water, but I made other mistakes:

• Brushed teeth with tap water (minor stomach upset)
• Ate ice in drinks outside resort (ice often made from tap water)
• Didn’t wash fruits/vegetables properly
• Ate at sketchy-looking food stall (regretted it)

Luckily nothing catastrophic happened, but I did have some digestive issues that weren’t fun.

How to Avoid This

Water safety:

• Only drink bottled water (widely available everywhere)
• Brush teeth with bottled water
• Be cautious with ice outside resorts (at resorts it’s usually purified)
• Avoid drinking shower water or swallowing pool/ocean water

Food safety:

• Resort food is generally safe—they use purified water and follow health standards
• At local restaurants, choose busy places (high turnover = fresher food)
• Avoid raw vegetables at questionable establishments
• Cooked food is safer than raw
• Avoid street food if you have sensitive stomach
• Peel your own fruit rather than eating pre-cut fruit

If you do try street food:

• Choose vendors with lots of local customers
• Make sure food is cooked fresh in front of you
• Avoid anything that’s been sitting out
• Trust your instincts—if it looks or smells off, don’t eat it

Pack medications:

• Pepto-Bismol or similar for mild stomach upset
• Imodium for diarrhea
• Probiotics (take daily to help digestive system)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Signs you need medical attention:

• Severe diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Blood in stool
• High fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration

Bottom Line: Stick to bottled water for everything including brushing teeth. Resort food is generally safe. At local places, use common sense—busy restaurants with lots of locals are usually fine. Avoid sketchy street vendors if you have sensitive stomach. Pack medications just in case.

Mistake #11: Inadequate Sun Protection

What Happens

Caribbean sun is no joke. It’s intense, and you burn faster than you expect, especially if you’re from northern climates. I’ve seen tourists turn lobster-red on day one, ruining their entire trip because they’re too sunburned to go outside.

I didn’t pack enough sunscreen and had to buy more at the resort ($30 for a small bottle that costs $8 at home). I also underestimated how often I’d need to reapply, especially when doing water activities.

How to Avoid This

Pack plenty of sunscreen from home:

• Bring more than you think you’ll need
• SPF 30-50 minimum
• Water-resistant for swimming and water activities
• Reef-safe if possible (better for coral reefs)
• Face-specific sunscreen if you have sensitive skin

Application rules:

• Apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure
• Reapply every 2 hours religiously
• Reapply immediately after swimming or sweating heavily
• Don’t forget: ears, back of neck, tops of feet, scalp line
• Use more than you think you need—most people under-apply

Additional sun protection:

• Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap
• UV-protection sunglasses
• Rash guard or lightweight long-sleeved shirt for water activities
• Seek shade during peak sun (11 AM – 3 PM)

If you do get sunburned:

• Aloe vera gel (pure aloe, not the green perfumed stuff)
• Cool compresses
• Stay hydrated
• Ibuprofen for pain and inflammation
• Stay out of sun until healed
• Seek medical attention for severe burns with blistering

Bottom Line: Caribbean sun is stronger than you’re used to. Pack plenty of high-SPF sunscreen from home. Apply generously and reapply constantly. Wear hat and sunglasses. Don’t let a bad sunburn ruin your entire trip.

Bonus Mistakes I’ve Witnessed (That I Avoided)

Exchanging Money at Airport

Terrible exchange rates. Use ATMs instead or exchange before leaving home.

Not Making Restaurant Reservations at Resorts

Popular specialty restaurants book up fast. Reserve early in your stay.

Overpacking

You need way less than you think. Quick-dry clothes can be washed in sink. You’ll live in swimsuit and cover-up most days.

Not Backing Up Phone/Camera

Phones get lost, stolen, or water-damaged. Back up photos regularly to cloud storage.

Bringing Valuables to the Beach

Theft happens. Use hotel safe for passports, extra cash, nice jewelry. Bring only what you need to beach.

Not Negotiating Taxi Prices

Always agree on price before getting in taxi. They’ll quote tourist prices if you don’t negotiate.

Expecting Everything to Run on Time

“Island time” is real. Tours might leave late, activities might run long. Build buffer time into plans.

Not Reading Cancellation Policies

Weather cancellations, sickness, changes of plans—know refund policies before booking.

Your Dominican Republic Trip Planning Checklist

3 Months Before

• Choose travel dates avoiding September-October
• Book flights and accommodation
• Purchase travel insurance
• Research and book major excursions
• Check passport expiration (needs 6+ months validity)

1 Month Before

• Make restaurant reservations if staying at resort
• Notify banks you’ll be traveling
• Download Google Translate with offline Spanish
• Start learning basic Spanish phrases
• Check CDC travel health notices
• Verify what’s included in all-inclusive package

1 Week Before

• Buy and pack: DEET bug spray (multiple bottles), sunscreen, medications, water shoes
• Get small denomination bills ($1, $5, $10, $20)
• Download offline maps
• Copy important documents (passport, insurance, confirmation numbers)
• Charge all electronics and pack chargers

Day Before

• Check weather forecast
• Verify flight status
• Pack carry-on with essentials (medications, change of clothes, important documents)
• Confirm airport pickup or transfer

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the single biggest mistake people make when visiting the Dominican Republic?

Visiting during September or October. These months combine peak hurricane risk, maximum rainfall, oppressive humidity, and most aggressive mosquitoes. The money saved on cheaper flights and hotels isn’t worth dealing with these conditions. Visit December-April instead for best weather, or May/June/November for value without the worst conditions.

Is travel insurance really necessary for the Dominican Republic?

Yes, especially if you’re doing adventure activities. Medical care for tourists can be expensive, and evacuation costs can be astronomical. One medical emergency or one cancelled trip due to hurricane can cost thousands. Travel insurance typically costs $50-100 for a week—absolutely worth it for peace of mind and financial protection.

Can I drink the water in the Dominican Republic?

No. Only drink bottled water, including for brushing teeth. Tap water isn’t safe for visitors. Resorts use purified water for cooking, ice, and drinks, so resort food and beverages are generally safe. Outside resorts, stick to bottled water and be cautious with ice.

Do I need to speak Spanish in the Dominican Republic?

Not absolutely essential at major resorts and tourist areas where staff speaks English, but knowing basic Spanish dramatically improves your experience. Outside tourist zones, English is limited. Learn basic phrases at minimum and download Google Translate with offline Spanish as backup. Dominicans appreciate any effort to speak Spanish.

What should I absolutely pack for Dominican Republic?

Essential items: strong DEET bug spray (30-50%, multiple bottles), reef-safe sunscreen (multiple bottles), water shoes with good grip if doing water activities, quick-dry clothing, after-bite treatment, basic medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, antihistamines), small denomination cash, and your sense of adventure. Everything else you can buy there if needed.

Is it safe to leave my resort in the Dominican Republic?

Generally yes, with common sense precautions. Use licensed taxis or pre-arranged transportation, don’t flash valuables, stay in tourist areas, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and trust your instincts. The best experiences—waterfalls, local restaurants, authentic culture—are all outside resorts. Don’t let fear keep you from exploring, just be smart about it.

How much cash should I bring to the Dominican Republic?

Bring $200-500 in small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20 denominations) depending on trip length and planned activities. You’ll need cash for taxis, tips, small purchases, and some activities. Don’t bring $50 or $100 bills—nobody can break them. ATMs are available but have high fees, so minimize withdrawals by taking larger amounts less frequently.

Final Thoughts: Learn From My Mistakes

Looking back on my Dominican Republic disaster trip, every single problem was preventable. If I’d:

• Visited in February instead of September
• Brought proper mosquito protection
• Had travel insurance
• Packed appropriate shoes and clothing
• Done basic research on weather and conditions
• Been realistic about my fitness level

…I would have had an incredible trip instead of a nightmare with one good day.

The Dominican Republic is an amazing destination. The beaches are beautiful, the adventures are thrilling, the culture is rich, and the people are welcoming. My terrible experience wasn’t the country’s fault—it was my fault for being unprepared and making poor decisions.

Even with all my mistakes, that one day at the 27 waterfalls was incredible enough that I’d still recommend the Dominican Republic to anyone. I just want you to have a much better overall experience than I did.

So please, learn from my expensive, uncomfortable, frustrating mistakes. Do your research. Pack properly. Visit during good weather months. Get travel insurance. Be honest about your fitness level. Venture outside your resort. Learn basic Spanish. Protect yourself from mosquitoes. Check when’s the best time to visit.

Do all these things, and you’ll have the amazing Dominican Republic adventure you deserve—not the disaster I accidentally created.

And maybe hold onto a railing when the truck turns. Just in case.