Hello Friends!

Dominica, a tiny Caribbean island awaits you with open arms. I have yet to visit but it is on my Caribbean list! 

​Erik

DOMINICA - A LITTLE LIGHT READING

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FAST FACTS
​Continent or Region: The Caribbean
Country: Dominica 
Capital: Roseau

Major Tourist Destinations: 
Roseau - capital
Portsmouth — the second largest city in Dominica. Ross University, a large American medical school is nearby
Scott's Head — quaint, beautiful village at the end of the road on the southwest corner

Primary Language: English

​Time Zzone: Dominica Time is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4), which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time.
​
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar

​​Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter Dominica
Visa: American citizens do not need a visa if traveling for vacation

More information on passports & visas can be found here.

I love traveling abroad as much as I love traveling within my home country of the United States. However, I want you to be safe and be an excellent representative of your home country. Even in places that are very friendly to visitors, remember that you are in a foreign country and understanding local customs is critical. So, here are a few tips as you prepare for your adventure.
  1. Before you depart from your home country, call The US Embassy (or your home country embassy) and tell them you are leaving your home country. That way they are aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
  2. Carry only the credit cards you are using to charge expenses. Call those credit card companies before you leave. Do not travel with your debit cards. 
  3. Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need. 
  4. Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart. Usually a phone call to your provider will get you started.
  5. Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
  6. Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home. 
  7. Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
  8. Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
  9. Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
  10. Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
  11. If English is not the primary language, then familiarize yourself with key phrases and make attempts in the country's primary language. Locals usually appreciate the effort.  
  12. Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
  13. Keep possessions close to your body.
  14. Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
  15. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.

For US citizens, visit the US State Department's website (for American citizens) before you travel abroad. Here's a direct link to get started. 
TRANSPORTATION
Generally speaking, it can be a little tricky getting to Dominica by air. Seasonal service is available from major US and Canada gateways. 

Dominica is serviced by two airports: Douglas-Charles (DOM), (formerly known as Melville Hall), and Canefield (DCF) Airports.

Most visitors to Dominica will arrive through Douglas-Charles, the larger of the two airports. Douglas-Charles, located in the northeastern side of the island, approximately one hour from the city, features a longer runway and updated terminal. Canefield Airport is 15 minutes from the capital city of Roseau and has a shorter runway, measuring 3,100 feet.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive on the island from cruise ships berthed at the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth, Woodbridge Bay, and Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth.

Captains of yachts and sailboats can also anchor their private yacht at any of the island's official ports, but they should check in with customs and immigration on arrival regarding clearing processes.

Driving: On the left

​Car Rentals: You can rent a car or scooter in Dominica
THE WEATHER
​Visitors to Dominica should expect plenty of sunshine interjected by intermittent rainfall. The island's annual temperature averages at 27 C. Frequent rainfall cools the tropical heat, nourishes the island's extensive rainforest, and feeds its rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. On the coast, average rainfall registers 1,780 mm, but in the interior that figure is triple.
HELPFUL LINKS
Dominica has an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. 

​Dominica Official Tourism Site
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