Blog

Stories, insights, and guides from the places we travel. Thoughtful perspectives on culture, people, and responsible exploration.

Dominican Republic

The Week That Reminded Me Why I Do This

Offbeat Travel's Director of Program Delivery reflects on a season of student travel, service learning, and community partnerships across the Dominican Republic, a personal look at why educational travel matters
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By
Manuel Del Villar
September 4, 2026

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Seabirds perched on weathered posts rising from turquoise Caribbean water

Why It Matters Where You Spend Your Money While Traveling

How choosing where your travel dollars go can make a real difference in local communities.

By 
Felipe Hernandez
January 19, 2022
Dominican Republic
A palm-lined white-sand beach with turquoise water under a bright sky

Five Reasons to Visit the Dominican Republic

From mountain towns to coastline — five reasons the DR deserves a spot on your list.

By 
Manuel Del Villar
January 12, 2022
Costa Rica
A waterfall cascading into a pool surrounded by lush Costa Rican jungle

Pura Vida

What "Pura Vida" really means — and why it's more than a tourism tagline.

By 
Harry Alvarez
January 6, 2022
Dominican Republic
A woman standing in a sugar cane field holding a machete and a cut cane stalk

How Travel Impacted My Career in Public Health

How a summer in the Dominican Republic reshaped one public health professional's career.

By 
Offbeat Travel
December 1, 2021
Dominican Republic
A smiling traveler at a scenic overlook above a coastal bay at sunset

Why I Travel

A first-time program leader on dehydration, growth, and why he keeps coming back.

By 
Offbeat Travel
November 26, 2021
Dominican Republic
A group of graduates in caps and gowns posing together outdoors

My Experience Studying Abroad

From a small town in the DR to the world — how studying abroad opened every door.

By 
Isabel Rosario
November 23, 2021
Dominican Republic
A childhood photograph of Offbeat co-founder Harry Alvarez with his mother

Decolonizing Travel (Part 1 of Many)

How a kid from the Bronx found his way into the travel industry — and started pushing back.

By 
Harry Alvarez
November 21, 2021
A lively community gathering of people in colorful shirts outdoors

How Travel Changed My Life

Travel builds grit, empathy, and a sense of community that no classroom can replicate.

By 
Harry Alvarez
November 11, 2021
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