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“Gracias principe” our trip master thanked the driver, fixing a flat tire that would unfortunately lead us to night trekking in the mud.

This playful and positive phrase is used in addressing a man in the DR — a culture that celebrates life in everyday terms. “Principe,” meaning “prince,” is how we talk to the waiter, to our homie, and to everyone we respect.

But travel isn’t always so charming, and in a developing nation, it would be anything but shocking to end up dirty, deserted, lost, without electricity or light, or with food poisoning.

Our DR Principe, photo by Taylor Burk via TravelBreak

If that’s not what you anticipate in a luxurious ecotourism escape, I’ll tell you that our wheel deflated along with our spirits when thunder struck the lodge’s generator on my first evening in the DR. No wifi or hot water after a couple long flights was… just short of paradise. However, it did lead us into song and dance as well as the most gentle hospitality by the Dominican small business owner, Maria.

Before I scare you away from strapping on your backpack or trading an all-inclusive resort for an off-the-beaten path excursion to Samana, hear me out.

Everything in life is a cost-benefit equation, and if you’re willing to risk a few #firstworldproblems

[again the risk is only if something goes wrong, as it could in any country], chances are you’re going to reap the many rewards of adventure travel.

A fair trade: a few #firstworldproblems in exchange for the the many rewards of adventure travelClick To Tweet

So what makes Samana unique to other ecotourism destinations?

A peninsula situated two and a half hours northeast of Santo Domingo city, Samana is not only remote, it is rich in untouched culture and jungles. Take a look at everything that can go wrong in Samana, the Dominican Republic.

No wifi! Completely disconnect from the world for brief periods without electricity.

Trade a little internet for a connection with mami nature. Sail Los Haitises — emerald islets with rock formation sockets. Consider the rainforest for your overnight stay: a treehouse or jungle lodge is cooing your name.

Boat Tour Los Haitises National Park, Samana, Dominican Republic via @StephBeTravel

Jungle trekking, @StephBeTravel by Neil Watson, A&H Magazine

Los Haitises National Park, Samana, Dominican Republic, photo by Taylor Burk via TravelBreak

Dominican Treehouse Village, photo by Taylor Burk via TravelBreak

Ecocampo La Sangria, Samana, Dominican Republic. Photo by Taylor Burk via TravelBreak

2. No Spring Break Crowds. Prepare for privacy.

If you’re looking to make new friends in flocks of tourists, opt for Punta Cana. However, deviate from the masses mentally and physically on the beaches, jungles, and marinas of Samana.

Bahia Principe Resort, photo by Taylor Burk via TravelBreak

Photo collaboration via @StephBeTravel @TaylorMichaelBurk

Bahia Principe Resort, Samana via @StephBeTravel

Photo collaboration via @StephBeTravel @TaylorMichaelBurk

3. Get Lost in Translation

Speak Spanish? Do it like the Dominicans: dominos, dancing, and a deeply rooted community.

Come to the Dominican Republic [in Spanish] via Snapchat Username: TravelBreak

Photo by Taylor Burk via TravelBreak

4. Get a little scared. Or rather, face your fears with adventure.

The DR is great for adventure lovers. Snorkel, kayak, hike by horseback to a waterfall, or go for an upside down spin via a jungle zip line.

That’s meeeee via Snapchat — Username: TravelBreak

Upside Down! That’s meeeee via Snapchat — Username: TravelBreak

5. Get Spoiled.

Tourism stimulates the global economy — this means that your dollar goes a little farther in places like the DR (both for them, and for you). So go all out with the top luxury hotels and be smothered with relaxation and hospitality.

You deserve it.