Trip Highlights & What to Expect

Join ABSA for a Gorgeous and Fun-Filled Trip to the Dominican Republic!

Itinerary dates are subject to change.

One of our most immersive tours, the Dominican Republic offers stunning tropical scenery, vibrant local culture, and unforgettable experiences. From its beautiful beaches to its rich traditions, this destination is a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure and cultural exploration.

At the heart of this trip is Cabarete, a charming seaside town known for its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming community. Participants will also visit Santo Domingo, the vibrant capital city brimming with history and colonial architecture, and Santiago, the cultural and industrial hub known for its rich traditions and dynamic atmosphere. With a mix of community service and exciting excursions, this trip is sure to leave you inspired.

Trip Highlights

• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and discover the vibrant marine life of the Caribbean.

• Embark on guided city tours to experience the history and culture the Dominican Republic.

• Explore the majestic waterfalls of the Dominican Republic and enjoy the thrill of nature at its finest.

• Earn 20+ hours of community service by participating in meaningful environmental and social initiatives.

During this adventure, participants will make lifelong memories, forge meaningful connections, and play a vital role in promoting sustainability and cultural appreciation.

Important Things to Know

Walking & Accessibility

This tour includes sightseeing at historic and archaeological sites where travelers may encounter stairs, hills, cobblestones, and uneven surfaces. The itinerary also includes hotel changes, possible ferry travel, and transportation between destinations.

Travelers with mobility concerns should contact ABSA before registering to discuss the itinerary and scheduled activities.

Travel Expectations

International travel is part of the adventure!

When traveling outside the United States, you will experience different customs, traditions, foods, accommodations, sporting facilities, transportation systems, and ways of life. Things may not always operate or look exactly as they do at home—and that's part of experiencing another country.

Gyms, fields, facilities, equipment, competition levels, match formats, and game-day experiences may differ from what athletes are accustomed to in the United States.

Some games may be highly competitive, while others focus more on cultural exchange, sportsmanship, and sharing our love of softball with athletes from another country.

Regardless of the opponent or facility, ABSA athletes are representing their team, their families, the United States, and ABSA. We expect athletes and travelers to approach every experience with respect, flexibility, and a spirit of adventure.

We encourage you to research your destination to enhance your experience. Tools like Google Street View are a great way to explore the area in advance.

Traveling With Children

All travelers under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian unless an alternative arrangement has been specifically approved by ABSA.

Parents and legal guardians remain responsible for the supervision of their minor traveler throughout the tour.

Protect Your Trip

Travel insurance is strongly encouraged for all ABSA travelers.

ABSA does not provide individual or group travel insurance. Travelers may purchase coverage from the provider of their choice.

ABSA partners with InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison platform that allows travelers to compare plans from multiple insurance providers and select coverage appropriate for their individual needs.

When comparing policies, travelers may want to consider coverage for:

• Trip cancellation

• Trip interruption

• Airline delays or cancellations

• Lost or delayed baggage

• Illness or injury

• Medical treatment while traveling internationally

• Emergency medical transportation or evacuation

• Other unexpected circumstances that could affect travel

Coverage varies significantly between policies. Travelers should carefully review the policy's terms, exclusions, coverage limits, and eligibility requirements before purchasing.

We recommend speaking directly with a licensed travel insurance representative if you have questions about the coverage appropriate for your circumstances.

Purchasing travel insurance is the individual traveler's responsibility.

International Travel Documents

A valid passport is required for international travel.

To travel to The Dominican Republic, you must have a valid passport. U.S. citizens traveling to any destination outside the United States are required to present a valid U.S. passport. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.

Each traveler is responsible for ensuring they have all documentation necessary to enter The Dominican Republic, transit through any connecting country, and return to the United States.

Requirements may include:

• A valid passport

• Required passport validity

• Visa or travel authorization, when applicable

• Transit documentation

• Entry or exit forms

• Documentation required when traveling with minors

• Any additional requirements established by the destination or transit country

The name on your airline reservation must match your travel documents.

Entry and transit requirements can change. Travelers should verify the current requirements applicable to their citizenship, itinerary, and connecting countries well before departure.

U.S. citizens should review current international travel and destination information through the U.S. State Department website at https://travel.state.gov

Travelers who are citizens of another country should verify requirements with the appropriate embassy or consulate.

Failure to obtain required documentation may result in denied boarding or denied entry and does not qualify a traveler for a refund from ABSA.

Travel and entry requirements are subject to change. Travelers are responsible for verifying current requirements before departure.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

All trip deposits and balance payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

A $250 non-refundable deposit per traveler is required to secure a place on the tour.

Because unexpected circumstances can prevent travel, ABSA strongly encourages travelers to consider appropriate travel insurance.

Payments

ABSA offers several options to make international travel more manageable:

• Payment Plan: Remaining payments are divided according to the payment schedule provided during registration.

• Automatic Payments: Scheduled payments may automatically draft from the payment method provided during registration.

• Affirm Financing: Financing may be available for eligible travelers.

• Fundraising: Travelers are welcome to utilize fundraising opportunities to help offset their individual trip costs.

All balances must be paid according to the established payment schedule to maintain your reservation.

Please Do Not Book Flights Yet

Airfare is not included in the tour price.

ABSA will provide the official arrival airport, departure airport, travel dates, and required arrival/departure time windows once flight parameters are finalized.

⚠️ Warning⚠️:

Do not book a roundtrip

• This trip starts and ends in different cities.

• When booking your flights, do not select a round-trip flight. Instead, search for a Multi-City itinerary so you can enter a different airport for your arrival and departure.

• A Multi-City booking allows you to fly into your starting city and depart from your ending city, rather than returning to the original airport. Multi-City flights are also often less expensive than purchasing two separate one-way tickets.

Travelers who arrive before the official tour begins or remain after the tour are responsible for any transportation or accommodations outside the official ABSA itinerary unless otherwise stated.

📍 Arrival: Flights from the United States will arrive in Santo Domingo.
📍 Departure: Return flights to the United States will depart from Santiago or Puerto Plata.

Please wait for official ABSA flight parameters before purchasing non-refundable airfare.

Experience the Dominican Republic from its vibrant beaches to its breathtaking coral reefs and cascading waterfalls on an unforgettable journey combining international softball tournament, cultural experiences, service, and tropical adventure.

Compete internationally. Experience the Dominican Republic with your family. Build friendships with softball players from across the United States and abroad. ABSA tours combine sport, culture, connection, and adventure to create experiences that go far beyond the field.

Sample itinerary. Activities, competition schedules, accommodations, transportation, and order of events are subject to change.

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Depart the United States and travel to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where your Dominican journey begins.

• Meet your personal chaperone at the airport.

• Check in to the hotel.

• Enjoy dinner.

• Review the itinerary and discuss the days ahead.

Explore the Dominican Republic through history, entertainment, and international softball competition.

• Meet your guide in the lobby.

• Enjoy a historical tram tour.

• Experience a 4D cinema.

• Compete in Game 1.

Continue your Dominican Republic adventure with another day of international softball and new friendships.

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

• Compete in Game 2.

• Share lunch with new friends.

• Transfer to Santiago.

• Enjoy dinner in Santiago.

Continue the Dominican Republic experience with free time, international softball, and a team dinner.

• Enjoy breakfast.

• Transfer to the city center for free time and lunch.

• Compete in Game 3.

• Compete in Game 4.

• Enjoy a team dinner.

Take a break from the competition and experience the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic.

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

• Explore the 27 Waterfalls.

• Stop for lunch.

• Relax with beach and pool time.

• Enjoy dinner and unwind after a day of adventure.

Balance competition with giving back through international softball and a meaningful local service experience.

• Compete in Game 5.

• Compete in Game 6.

• Volunteer with a local service project.

• Spend time connecting with the local community.
  

Enjoy another exciting day of international softball followed by a unique Dominican Republic adventure.

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

• Compete in Game 7.

• Compete in Game 8.

• End the day with a Jungle River Cruise.

Wrap up your Dominican Republic adventure and begin your journey home.

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

• Transfer to Santiago Airport.

• Depart the Dominican Republic and begin your journey back to the USA.