I began this indefinite travel hiatus 2 months ago in Mexico and have pushed down to Costa Rica thus far. Although I don’t have an actual budget, I do have a system. I don’t believe in strict budgeting because there are always so many unexpected surprises along the way that you will want to experience. In some ways it is important to spare no expense when the alternative is to inevitably regret something your wallet coerced your desire out of. After all, It’s just money right? There really are more important things. I’ll take a memory over a dollar saved any day.
So now I find myself in a situation where regret is just not an option. A dear old friend of 23 years is marrying his wonderful fiance, also a friend, in the Dominican Republic this week and 64 friends will be attending. The thought of missing this extravaganza is already regrettable. So herein lies the problem. The Dominican Republic is notoriously expensive, especially the resort areas like Punta Cana. Is the country even backpacker friendly or doable on the cheap? I know nothing about the costs, safety, or ease of travel. Besides, do I really need a vacation? Being any more leisurely would probably immobilize me.
So as I sit here contemplating taking a vacation from…my vacation, I am wondering how to pull this off. As I said, I have no budget, but that doesn’t mean taking a resort style 7 day all inclusive vacation, which really isn’t my style anyway, is a good idea. I still have to make it down and around South America in the next __ months. So rather than denying myself the pleasure of this, sure to be, wild excursion, I see it as an opportunity and a challenge, just as any situation should be. That being said, I WILL show up at this wedding, and probably inappropriately dressed (sorry Ty and Rach, I left my formal wear in the store where I never actually bought formal wear). So the challenge I have given to myself is to create my own 8 day all inclusive trip to the Dominican Republic….for $500US total. Armed with a $340 return ticket from San Jose to Santo Domingo (purchased this morning), I will set off this week with $160 for an 8 day trip with no bank or credit cards as backup. That leaves me $20 a day to survive, make it to Punta Cana for the wedding, and see just how cheap a weeks vacation to the Dominican Republic can be. This will be a culmination of all the knowledge, tricks, tips and experience I have picked up over the years traveling inexpensively.

The Mission:

To create my own 8 day, all inclusive vacation to the Dominican Republic for a grand total of $500US with no backup money.

As for the ChooseMyAdventure, I will leave this up to you. What do you want to see me do and experience in the Dominican Republic. Please comment in the section below. Cheers!

And here is the outcome! Enjoy!

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