Prepare for Your Trip
Planning Your Trip
Contact Jana at crossroadsdr@yahoo.com to see what dates are available. Next,
determine the type of mission you'd like to undertake - construction, medical, feeding,
fellowship, etc., and how many people you would like to bring. Once your date has
been set, call your travel agent and start shopping for your flights.
Flight Information
We ask that you arrange your own fligh and then let us know your flight number
and arrival time. Your best option is to fly into the Puerto Plata Airport, a 10 minute
drive from Crossroads. The next closest airport is Santiago, about an hour and half
away by taxi or bus/ Finally, it is possible to fly into the Santo Domingo Airport
located on the opposite side of the island, about 4 hours away. Contact cCrossroads
to help arrange transportation to and from the airport of your choosing, although
you are responsible for paying for your transport if not flying into Puerto Plata.
Immigration
The DR is relatively easy to visit. Canadians and Americans need proof of citizenship,
and a passport is the best form of ID. You will receive a 90 Day tourist card when you
arrive at DR customs. This will be kept with your passport and return ticket in our
safe. Note: There is a $20U.S. departure tax required at the airport as you leave. It is
advisable to leave this with your ticket so you have it when you need it! Please
double check this with your travel agent as the cost may change at any time.
Costs
We charge $33.00 a day which includes 3 meals a day, lodging at the center, airport
pickup/drop-off at the Puerto Plata airport, and transport to and from the work sites
and all outreach programs.
We require 50% non-refundable deposit upon registration.
Please contact us regarding the required construction costs.
Climate
The Dominican Republic enjoys summer-like weather all year round. From June to
September expect warmer, drier days in the 90s and evenings in the low 80s. From
October to May expect slightly cooler days and nights, and regular rain. The pool is
open year round.
What to eat
In order to avoid unnecessary sickness make sure to drink only bottled water, canned
or bottled drinks or water from the Crossroads faucets that is supplied by a personal
well system.
Food from well-known restaurants and tourist areas are usually safe, avoid food from
street vendors.
We have a "Food for Life" snack store located in our village with proceeds going to
feed abandoned women and their children. Please see website for further details.
What to bring
Don’t forget bug spray and sun block. Volunteers should bring their own sheets,
towels and other cosmetic items. Help us conserve electricity by leaving blow-dryers,
flat irons and curling irons at home. We also would like to see computer games and
music systems left behind. A kind of 'fasting from the culture' to better appreciate the
contemplative atmosphere at Crossroads. In addition, flashlights are a good idea. As
far as clothing goes, remember to be sensitive to the culture as we will be visiting
Haitian villages and churches, short-sleeved t-shirts and appropriate shorts will be
fine for everyday wear.
Crossroads is located on the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic, and while
working alongside the poor, you will have the option to share in the splendors of
the Caribbean. With this in mind, our desire for all those that visit is to take part in
the lives of the poor we serve. We are all born with a strong dose of self love and
self importance; born into a society that feeds us with the illusion that caring
entirely for self is the way to reach life in its fullest. Yet with this mindset and
lifestyle...we are left to turn our heads from those who are not even given the
opportunity to have the most basic human necessities...food, housing, and medical
attention. At Crossroads you are able to partake in the breaking of the social and
cultural illusions we all find ourselves in. In blessing others, you are blessed, for
this is the law of all God's creation. Join us, give of yourself and share in the joy
and peace that awaits the compassionate heart.