discoveries | holiday isle

Don't Leave Without |
Swimming in the crystal blue ocean. Translucent water and no sea creatures much makes for the perfect swim. Experiencing a new body of water is always on my bucket list. The salinity is different, the sand is different and ultimately the experience is different. Go dive in!

Buying a soda for a kid on the street corner. Many Dominican children spend their days selling snacks on the street or washing car windows at stop lights to earn a few pesos. However, when you hand them an icy cold Coca-Cola their faces light up and in that moment the world stops. Sharing Coke really is "sharing happiness."

Investing in an adventurous excursion. Whether it's snorkeling, horseback riding or ATV'ing, all of these make for a hilarious good time. It puts you out of your comfort zone and into a new international one! Don't miss out on the thrill.

Make Sure you Try |
Any and all local food. With plenty of local restaurants to choose from, be sure to experience the traditional cuisine of the island. My favorite dish is the La Bandera, a traditional plate consisting of white rice, beans, jerk chicken and plantains. It's a stick to your ribs meal that keeps a traveler satisfied for hours. You can't get that flavor in America, friends.

A cup of "yogen fruz" from Helados Bon. These brightly-colored treat dives are found on every corner and they hit the spot, especially when you're blazing in the hot, humid Caribbean sun. It takes after the the fro yo trend in the States but has a special tropical twist - blending in frozen fruits. The coconut chips were divine.

The traditional Presidente pilsner. Advertisements plastered all over the island scream that this is the Dominican local brew, so don't leave the island without it! It's a very light beer that goes well with the traditional recipes. Be sure you ask for the "Presidente Pequena" to help mind your p's and q's.

Remember to |
Be open to the different culture. Take every second captive and reflect. At first, the culture shock is there - it's a totally new place, new language, food, homes... everything is not "normal" to a tourista. However, that is the beauty of it. Bask in the differences and be open minded to appreciate them. That mindset will keep joy in your heart the entire trip.

Stock up on Dominican coffee. Having a cup with hot milk once you are back home will instantly take you back to memories of the island. Not to mention, bags of local coffee make for great, easy souvenirs.



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