10 Things to Pack for Your Vacation in the Dominican Republic (PART 2)
Welcome Back Awesome Readers!
A few weeks ago you (hopefully) read part one of this list. If not, go check it out here.
Hopefully you found part one helpful for your travel planning. I’m back today to wrap up the ‘10 items to bring to the Dominican Republic. (Or any other adventure)’ list with items 6-10. On the list, you’ll find some classics and maybe a few things you wouldn’t have thought of. I’ve done my best to thoughtfully recommend items that will better your trip without weighing you down too much.
Here’s your preview of the items to come:
Rubber wedding bands
A Waterproof document holder
A Hat for sun protection
A good water bottle
A Credit card with no international fees
6. RUBBER WEDDING BANDS
“. . .leave your wedding bands at home as there is a good chance you will lose them. . .”
For those of you who are married it’s best to leave your wedding bands at home as there is a good chance you will lose them while swimming, hiking, zip lining, or doing something else cool and adventurous. Also, it’s important to note, that while most people in the Dominican Republic are kind and helpful, muggings and petty theft are still an issue (See this article where we talk about safety in the Dominican Republic). Because of this, we recommend not wearing any flashy jewelry as this can call unwanted attention.
If you’re like me, you may not like to go completely without your rings. These Qalu rubber rings are a great option that are loved by athletes and adventurers alike. They have a wide variety of styles for men and women, even stackable options with lots of different color choices.
The wallet friendly price tag is a perk that allows you to wear it for your whole trip without stressing about losing your rings.
7. WATERPROOF PACK
You will be traveling with passports, IDs, credit cards, vaccine cards, phones and who knows what else that you don’t want to get wet. Save yourself a headache and get a waterproof pack, at least something for your documents, even better if it fits a phone too. This way, when you’re walking through the rivers in Bahoruco or riding a boat to Bahia de las Aguilas, you can have just a little more piece of mind that your valuables are safe.
I am due for an upgrade to my personal waterproof pack and am looking into this one made by Yeti. I haven’t used it yet, but I’ve never had a Yeti product I don’t like.
8. A HAT TO PROTECT YOU FROM THE SUN
Some of us are hat people and some of us aren’t. I’m not a hat person. I don’t enjoy wearing them. However, this is the tropics and the sun is hot. I mean really HOT. So, even though I don’t enjoy wearing a hat, I try to always have one with me when we are out for the day. This way I can always throw it on if I can’t find any shade. Trust me, your skin will thank you for it.
Everyone has their own style hat they like, so I am not going to make a specific recommendation here. I will say, bring something that you aren’t worried about losing or damaging. I’ve seen many-a-hats blow off people’s heads while on boats or motorcycles. If you do lose a hat, you should be able to find a relatively cheap option in town. Just ask around for a “paca” (small clothing store). Once you get there, tell them “quiero comprar un gorro” (I want to buy a cap). It shouldn’t cost you more than a few bucks.
9. A GOOD WATER BOTTLE
STAY HYDRATED! If you’re adventuring in a hot place you don’t want to find yourself without water. Dehydration is a sure way to ruin your day. *currently cringing at how much that sentence shows my age*
In this list, I’ve been trying to keep my recommendations light-weight and easy to pack, this Yeti Rambler is my exception. I know it’s a little bulky but it is so good! Not only does it hold a lot of water, it also keeps it cold, I mean really COLD. I’ve tested mine with ice water . . . Still had ice over 24 hours later! I’m telling you, it’s worth it to carry this.
Yeti Rambler
Great for keeping your hydrated on a long hike or just a long day at the pool. .
If you have your heart set on something smaller or are looking for a more budget friendly option, this Stanley classic is also a good option.
Splurge: Yeti Rambler -
Pros: Durable, keeps liquids cold (or hot) for a long time, easy drinking top, easy to clean, holds a lot of water
Cons: heavy/bulky, a little pricy
Budget: Stanley Classic -
Pros: Durable, keeps liquids cold (or hot) for a long time, easy to clean, affordable
Cons: Holds less water, less color options
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either of these. They are both great brands that make quality products.
10. A CREDIT CARD WITH NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES
Tip: Research cards and banks that waive ATM fees or that don’t have foreign transaction fees. Also, take advantage of new member bonuses to get some cash back on travel costs
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Tip: Research cards and banks that waive ATM fees or that don’t have foreign transaction fees. Also, take advantage of new member bonuses to get some cash back on travel costs 〰️
One of the most frustrating things when traveling is all the extra fees you get stuck paying on money exchanges or cards that charge you for international purchases. This is made a little easier by doing just a bit of research.
Capital One has some great options with no foreign transaction fees. They have options with and without annual fees. Also, they offer some great sign up rewards (not a bad thing to look into if you are getting ready to book a trip and want some cash back)!
Charles Schwab also has a checking account option that doesn’t charge ATM fees and will reimburse you for the ATM fees charged by other banks.
Disclaimer: I’m not here trying to be your banker or offer you personal finance advice . . . Just trying to help you out with some tips all of us at Cliff & Cove have learned over the years. Make sure to do your own research and only apply for something that is right for you and your family.
Want More?
Well, that wraps up our top ten items to pack. If you don’t want to forget anything when you’re packing for your next adventure, we’ve made an easy to use downloadable packing list that will be available for our subscribers as of Friday. If you aren’t subscribed and want to receive access to it as well as other exclusive travel tips and helpful downloadables, join our travel crew! Don’t worry, we won’t blast you with a million boring and unimportant things! We all hate to see our inbox fill up with emails we will never read and we don’t want to do that to you.
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