FAQ FOR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
FAQ FOR DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSION
GENERAL TRAVEL INFO:
The main flight from the US is via Miami. There are also direct flights from JFK on JetBlue. We will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. If you plan to arrive early/stay later, you will be responsible for your own transportation to/from the airport. There is a $10.00 (cash) per person tourist tax payable on arrival in the DR.
“CAN I FLY INTO ANOTHER AIRPORT, LIKE PUNTA CANA?”
Punta Cana is the popular resort area most people think of when vacationing in the DR. It is a 5-6 hour, $400 ride to our location in Puerto Plata. So no, we don’t recommend it. Santiago is about an hour/$100 shuttle ride (via www.cocotours.com) from Puerto Plata, so it is doable. But flights there usually land later in the evening, so you likely won’t get to Puerto Plata until late night. It is best to travel to POP where we can pick you up.
WHERE ARE WE STAYING?
We stay at the Codevi Villa all-inclusive resort, which is about a 15 minute drive from Puerto Plata. All ChiroMissions activities, events, and transportation are based here.
Registration/room rate is based on double occupancy - if you are traveling with friends/family we will place you with them, otherwise we will assign you a roomate. You may request a single room for an additional charge. Triples are also available subject to availability.
WE STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST STAYING AT A DIFFERENT RESORT
as we can not guarantee transportation or security at other locations. Plus, you are likely to miss out on the additional events, networking, and comraderie that takes place “after hours.” We have been staying at this resort for years, as their location, facilities, and pricing are safe and very reasonable.
CAN I BRING KIDS/FAMILY ON THE TRIP?
Friends, family, and staff are welcome, and are encouraged to join you as volunteers to helping organize the crowds, educate the public, and generally share the love! Many who volunteer this way have their own breakthrough, life changing experiences! It can be a great experience for older children, especially teenagers, as long as they are mature enough to behave appropriately and respectfully in the field.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes. Our hosts organize our locations, and you are accompanied by local volunteers who assist with transportation, communication, and other needs. We often work from schools, churches, or community centers, and the locals are very friendly and happy to help you. Yes, you may be sent to some “rough” areas where extreme poverty exists, but again, the locals and volunteers are very welcoming and helpful. As in any unfamiliar situation, be respectful of your hosts, and use common sense
CAN I GO EARLY/STAY LATER?
You are welcome to enjoy the DR as long as you wish. However, as noted above you should plan on staying and travelling with the group during the mission dates. Please let us know in advance what your plans are so we can help if possible, and also to help us coordinate our airport transportation for the group.
WILL I NEED MONEY?
In the DR, the resort is all-inclusive so you generally will not need money there. Sometimes meals or snacks are provided by your hosts out in the field. We recommend bringing snacks like granola bars, nuts, trail mix (all non-meltable), etc. from home. It is always a good idea to have some pocket money for water and food when out in the field. Any other spending money you want to bring is up to you. You do not want to carry large sums of money around for obvious reasons. You can rent a safe in your hotel room for a nominal fee to store your valuables.
IS THERE WIFI/CELL PHONE SERVICE?
You can purchase wifi access at the hotel -- The cost is about $25 for 3 days. Check with your carrier regarding international service before you leave. Temporary international service from your carrier may be more economical.
WHAT KIND OF DONATIONS SHOULD I TAKE?
Clothing, shoes, toys (non-electronic/non-battery operated) are always welcome. If you are taking extra bags/boxes of goods there, you can contact the airlines to see about having extra baggage fees waived for charitable donations. Cash donations can be made online at www.ChiroMission.com.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE MY TABLE?
Portable tables are always useful, so if you have one please bring it! You may be asked to share it with others, if we need it at a specific location. You should also bring a few rolls face paper, and some sanitizing wipes for cleaning. Please let us know if you are bringing one so we can plan our locations accordingly.
WHAT KIND OF ADJUSTING WILL I BE DOING?
Most adjusting is done seated cervical, especially when you and your group may be seeing several hundred people in a few short hours. Some locations are more amenable to doing full spine adjusting, depending on the volume of people you are seeing.
IS THE WATERFALL CHALLENGE SAFE?
Yes. The Waterfall Challenge is demanding yet doable for all levels of fitness. We strongly encourage you to play at what ever level you feel comfortable, since it is a fun and rewarding experience! A team of experienced (and very strong and entertaining) guides will hold your hand (literally) when needed, and will help you have an unforgettable adventure. There is some expected level of danger when playing in jungles and waterfalls, so use common sense, and pay attention to your guides. A group of mission leaders will be with you to help. We have done this challenge many times, and you have nothing to worry about!
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
You can also request a credit toward another ChiroMissions trip within the next year.