Spring to the Dominican Republic

Spring to the Dominican Republic

Explore mangroves, reef formations, and marine wildlife at Los Haitises National Park and Samaná peninsula. Get your hands dirty as you work on ecological restoration projects and learn from experts and communities about the efforts to maintain the extensive biodiversity of the region. Swim in hidden caverns to see ancient Taino cave paintings, and soak up the sun on some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.

Students must arrange their own international airfare for this program. This program will begin and in the Dominican Republic on Saturdays. Please do not book any flights until confirmed travel details are provided after enrollment.

Travel Dates To Come

Program Profile
  • Country:
  • Department:
    Student
  • Duration:
    8 Days
  • Max. Students:
    16
  • Ages:
    14-18
  • Cost:
    $2,995 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    12
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

Program Profile
  • Country:
  • Department:
    Student
  • Duration:
    8 Days
  • Max. Students:
    16
  • Ages:
    14-18
  • Cost:
    $2,995 plus Airfare
  • Service Hours:
    12
  • At-A-Glance:

    Accomodation Amenities

    Adventure/Physicality

    Educational Activities

    On-Program Travel

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
Extra paperwork? If you need additional forms filled out to get credit for your service hours, no problem! Bring these forms with you so they can be completed in-country.

Carry-On

A school backpack or a similar sized bag is ideal.

  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Medication
  • Additional community service forms
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 19, recommended by the US State Dept but not required)
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
Checked Luggage

A 50-70 Liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothes 

  • Socks (7)
  • Underwear (8)
  • Pants/capris (2)
  • Jeans (1)
  • Shorts (2-3)
  • Long sleeved shirt (1)
  • Fleece/hoodie (1)
  • T-shirts (8)
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit (1-2)
  • Shower towel (1)
  • Beach towel/sarong (1)
  • Rain jacket
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Flip-flops
  • Sneakers
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Work gloves
  • Headlamp/flashlight

Toiletries

(travel sized containers in Ziploc bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Tooth paste
  • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe)
  • Bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts/contact solution
  • Foam ear plugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream