by Julissa Perez | Apr 10, 2026 | Dominican Republic, Samana
When most travelers think of the Dominican Republic, their minds go straight to Punta Cana with its polished resorts and all-inclusive ease. Others think of Santo Domingo for big city energy, or Santiago de los Caballeros and the broader Cibao region for small-town...
by Julissa Perez | Mar 24, 2026 | Uncategorized
How to Experience Authentic Local Culture During a Short Cruise Port Stop (Without the Rush) When your cruise itinerary lists a port in Latin America, it’s easy to assume you’ll only get a quick snapshot—a crowded pier, a souvenir magnet, and a rushed bus tour. But...
by Julissa Perez | Feb 2, 2026 | Dominican Republic, Heritage Travel
If you’ve ever seen photos of Dominican Carnival, you probably noticed the masks first—bold colors, towering horns, faces that look part-devil, part-ancestor, part inside joke you haven’t learned yet. That reaction is exactly right. Dominican Carnival isn’t meant to...
by Julissa Perez | Jan 16, 2026 | Heritage Travel
What the Holiday Is & Why It Matters Each year on January 21, communities across the Dominican Republic honor Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, the country’s patroness and one of its most enduring spiritual figures. Known simply as La Virgen, she is widely...
by Julissa Perez | Jan 9, 2026 | Heritage Travel, Travel with Family, Travel with Friends
Where and When: Old San Juan, January What the Holiday or Tradition Is and Why It Matters The Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián is the largest cultural festival in Puerto Rico and one of the most significant public traditions on the island. Held every January in Old...