DR Trip 2025/2026
I went on a trip to the Dominican Republic with my school this winter to serve the less advantaged in the Bateyes. Halle Jackson and Yoca were our tour guides and they were incredible through everything.Firstly, only a few of the adults and a few of the students had ever been to the DR before and had seen some of the same thing, but Jackson and Yoca made it so that we all could enjoy the culture of the Dominicans, see the landmarks and important sites, as well as translate what we could not read in Spanish.I remember that Jackson specifically was part of a big moment in my trip, I was talking to the pastor's wife about her invitation to midnight mass, to Iglesia Episcopal San Esteban, and thanking her. I know how to speak Spanish, but Jackson helped the exact translation and getting across my point, which would not be nearly as big of a moment if I had not had that translation, which Jackson was kind enough to grant me.Yoca was incredible, especially for not having done a trip with Thomas like Jackson had and juggling med school at the same time. She is an incredible person, who is always up for a chat or to talk about her life, which is so incredibly interesting. What she manages to do on a daily basis is incredible. We were doing hard service work, mixing concrete and making a latrine, but Yoca didn't just sit and watch like a guide who only knows the tourist spots, but she joined in on the work in her crocs and full determination. She's an incredible woman.Offbeat was incredibly easy to use and was extremely helpful in everything, especially for a group of students who likely had not ever been on a plane before or ever been outside of the country.
Carson Hogan
3 Time Offbeat customer - Always Satisfied!
I have been using Offbeat to take high school students to see the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico for 3 years. Each and every time they are attentive to detail and committed to our experience. I have loved every trip more than the one before it! Whether it is for service, sightseeing, learning, or cultural experience, Offbeat makes sure we are happy. Every guide I have worked with is knowledgeable, reliable, and enjoyable. I am already planning another school trip! And I am looking forward to booking a personal family vacation through Offbeat, too. I am so happy to have this company to work with.
Erika Stuff
Very thoughtful planning
Very thoughtful planning. Courteous and professional. Prompt responses to inquiries. Went above and beyond to fulfill our requests.
Leah
Lost Reservation, Wrong Excursions, Zero Help
We booked our Costa Rica trip through Offbeat Travel and, unfortunately, had a very disappointing experience.When we arrived at the airport in Costa Rica, there was no rental car reservation under our name with any of the rental car companies. After a long travel day, we were left scrambling at the airport trying to figure out what went wrong. We contacted Offbeat Travel via WhatsApp (as instructed) and received an automated message stating they do not respond between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Costa Rica time. There was no live assistance available when we needed it most.As a result, we had to take a cab to our hotel and later return to the airport to resolve the rental situation, costing us roughly four hours of our vacation.This wasn’t an isolated issue. Several excursions were booked incorrectly, and the overall attention to detail throughout our trip planning was poor. Instead of taking responsibility, the representative we worked with, Dennis, attempted to blame us, claiming we “didn’t read correctly,” despite the rental reservation not existing at all and multiple tours being scheduled incorrectly.Travel planning requires accuracy and accountability. Unfortunately, we experienced neither. I strongly recommend double-checking every detail if you choose to work with this company or consider another agency.
Jerry
Great Experience So Far
We are still in the planning stages for a trip to Costa Rica, but Dennis, our travel coordinator, has been an immense help in planning and refining our travel plans. He's been very responsive, adaptable, and Offbeat Travel has provided excellent services at a very reasonable rate.
Jim Carr
You can't do better than Offbeat Travel!
I quite literally cannot sing the praises of Offbeat Travel loudly and highly enough. From start to finish, they curated an exquisitely unique, meticulously personalized, expertly crafted, carefully customized, once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rica travel experience. Each and every member of our group felt heard, seen, and valued throughout the entire process from planning through completion of the trip itself. Thanks to Offbeat Travel's unparalleled local expertise; complete and total trustworthiness and transparency; and above-and-beyond customer service, hospitality, and kindness, we enjoyed a trip packed full of memories that will last a lifetime — an experience that will live in our hearts forever.The Offbeat Travel team has a genuine, infectious love for their gorgeous country of Costa Rica that absolutely shines through every interaction, from every person. They're the very embodiment of "pura vida" — the Costa Rican philosophy that life should be lived as purely, positively, openly, and joyfully as possible — and they can't wait to share that joy with you.Truly cannot overstate how grateful I am to have had my first experience in Costa Rica with the incredible Offbeat Travel team. It won't be my last, though — I'll be back... and when I come back, I'll be coming back to them. I'll close this review as I began it: I cannot recommend Offbeat Travel highly or wholeheartedly enough. Trust them with your Costa Rica trip. I promise you, you'll be glad you did.
John M. Becker
Great Planning for Costa Rica Trip!
Working with Offbeat has been great so far. We're really excited about the trip to costa rica that theyre putting together. Communication has been easy and great! Would recommend to all!
Nicole Vinckier
A Must Have in Travel Experiences…
I cannot count how many trips I’ve had Off Beat Travel guide/coordinate/assist me since this company was first established. They are a seamless part of my travel experiences in the US and abroad. As a solo woman traveler, this team is able to always gather my interests and goals for a destination and arrange every part of the trip in an efficient and budget friendly manner. I’ve used this company for family trips as well and have saved funds to pour into the local economy of the places I visit. Their focus on sustainability and use of local venues and services is what is top tier for me as a conscientious global citizen. Am enamored by the itinerary’s clearly communicated details about every point in my travel plans. Thank you Off Beat for all of your time and efforts—can’t wait to plan my next trip!
Sydney Valerio
Offbeat Travel is the best!
I could not be more impressed with the Offbeat Travel team. Both Ricardo and Dennis were incredible to work with and so helpful throughout the entire planning process. If anyone I know is heading to Costa Rica, I am telling them to travel with Offbeat Travel.
Chris Stakich
Dennis and Wainer met all we desired for our vacation in Costa Rica!
Working with Dennis and Wainer was a great experience. It was nice dealing with people who are from Costa Rica - who else is going to know the country better? They listened to what we were looking for in our vacation and provided experiences for us to consider. They stayed within our budget yet we were able to book all the experiences we wanted and stay in desired hotels/resorts. Dennis was patient and provided several options for lodging that we felt met our wants and needs. Dennis was knowledgeable and if he did not know answer to a question, he contacted hotel or vendor for the experience to get an answer. Overall it was a great working with Dennis and Wainer. Looking forward to enjoying our time in Costa Rica.
Dustin
The Offbeat Travel team helped me see a new side of the Dominican Republic
The Offbeat Travel team was very attentive and planned a trip perfectly suited for my friends and I. Our itinerary struck the perfect balance between the hustle and bustle of Santo Domingo and the quite, pristine beaches in Samana. They checked in with other often throughout the trip and responded quickly when unexpected issues came up. Their hotel selections met our needs and enabled me to experience the Dominican Republic in a way I have not previously experienced.
Tavi D Sookhoo
Excellent Company!
I have traveled with Offbeat Travel on several trips over the years with my family, with larger groups, and even solo! Our time in the Bateyes was particularly interesting and rewarding.They offer unique, local, carefully thought-out, and delivered travel experiences. I am an avid traveler and have traveled with many different companies, and I can recommend OffBeat to anyone! My most recent trip with them was more of a beach vacation which was excellent as well!
Erik
They had us covered with our first…
They had us covered with our first meeting to flying home. My wife and I got to see Costa Rica for the first time, and we felt relaxed and ready for the activities Offbeat travel provided. We have shuttle service the whole time that was reliable, with the perfect feeling of security and with the Costa Rican 'Pura Vida" style. We are so glad we went with Offbeat travel!
Mike Mccall
Great company!
Offbeat Travel has been great going above and beyond to help me with questions!
Aleen
Offbeat Travel has been amazing
Offbeat Travel has been amazing! They are incredibly helpful, polite, and professional, making travel planning effortless. From start to finish, the process has been smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their attention to detail and excellent customer service. I can’t wait for our trip to the Dominican Republic! Highly recommend!
Arjulis Sosa-Disla
I am never disappointed when traveling…
I am never disappointed when traveling to the DR. Every part of the experience and service is so well thought out and the amazing guides (this time being Gypsy, Halle, and Ignacio) never cease to amaze me. You guys are awesome, keep doing what you’re doing. <3
Nora
Well organized, very kind and professional.
Automatic payments were easy to set up before the trip. I do wish I could've seen a monthly invoice showing my updated balance after each payment. My daughter said the guides were great and she felt very safe and was looked after well the entire time.
Tricia
THANK YOU OFFBEAT!!
THANK YOU OFFBEAT!!! It's been a month and I can't wipe the smile off my face; the DR is BEAUTIFUL, but our experience was deeply enhanced by the local experts and guides at Offbeat. They often work with students to travel abroad, but I would've assumed they specialized in family trips based on the service we received with our 9 month old in tow.We asked for a trip full of food and outside time. They delivered waterfalls, hikes, and caves along with treats like chocolate, chinola (passionfruit), and chicharron. Special shoutout to a few of the staff: Jonas for becoming besties with the baby, Francis for encouraging us to jump into the iciest water ever (colder than Lake Superior), and Harry, the owner, for coordinating and checking in regularly. Apparently, they also have guides in different locations like Costa Rica. Now the only question is if we go to a new location or come back to DR... Thank you again for such great memories with our family!! Hopefully, see you somewhere in the world in 2025!
customer
I'm about to go on my 2nd trip with…
I'm about to go on my 2nd trip with Offbeat Travel. That should say something right there. While traveling to remote locations in the Dominican, Offbeat Travel always provided secure transfers, amazing guides and translators, and manageable daily schedules for everyone.
DW
I'll save you time: go with Offbeat
Offbeat made our trip to the DR a breeze.Having people hyper-local to the areas we traveled, going to restaurants and cafes our guides love (and frequent even without tours), and navigating the city with people who know traffic patterns and best-time-to-visit places allowed us to focus on the trip, and less on the logistics.I can't wait to travel with Offbeat for our next trip, thanks!
Eric Skinner
