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Overview

Wheeler Take a Trip Change Your Life 2026
32000 Samana, Dominican Republic
Mar 12 - 18, 2026
Caritas Smile image
Caritas Smile
$3,800
Deposit: $300

About your trip

Dominican Republic - Take a Trip Change a Life with Caritas Smile -  8 days ,7 nights


An extraordinary journey of purpose with Caritas Smile's Service Trip. Guided by the wisdom of our local Dominican guides and supported by experienced American trip leaders, this adventure promises not only personal growth but also a lasting impact on the Dominican Republic's natural beauty. A one and only trip that combines service, adventure, and wellness. 


Locations: Samana and El Valle 


Service projects: help to rebuild a children's culture center, beach cleanup, art with kids. 

Adventure: Island exercusion, Los Haitises experience, Taino caves, ocean healing.

Wellness: Cacao ceremony, yoga, mindfulness, inner healing practices.

* Random acts of kindness for the communities that we are visiting.


Your stay will be an unforgettable experience offering breathtaking ocean views. It’s where nature’s serenity meets ultimate comfort, the perfect setting to relax and recharge while making a positive impact on your journey. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind adventure! Click here to see the incredible places where you’ll be staying


Your stay - click here


Hiking, ocean exercusions, taino caves, and More: Embrace the Adventure

Explore the Dominican Republic's stunning landscapes through activities like los haitises ocean experience, hiking by the riverside, and serene ocean walks. Immerse yourself in the culture with lively dances, artistic expressions, flavorful cuisine, and vibrant music that make every moment unforgettable.


Transformative Rewards: A Journey of Heart and Soul

As you contribute to rebuilding a clinic and children's cultural center, and living within the ecosystems, you'll discover that the rewards of this journey surpass any challenge. Your heart and soul will be forever imprinted by the smiles you bring, the friendships you make, and the positive change you inspire.


Cultural Connections

Experience the art, cuisine, nature, culture, and music of the Dominican Republic

  • Eat gourmet authentic Dominican food (Vegan and vegitarian options availible)
  • Learn the basics of merengue and some batchata
  • Explore off the beaten path eco-tours
  • Visit local artists and help children create art
  • Discover the impact of your generosity
  • Community outreach service projects with locals
  • Learn the customs and traditions of the Dominican people
  • Participate in our signature “Random Acts of Kindness” where you will surprise communities in need with food, blessing bags, clothing, and toys
  • Make lifelong friendships and change the lives of others including yours!

Activities - Dominican Style

Your life will be changed on this trip!

  • Hold space for yourself
  • Explore the beauty of the land 
  • Honor your life by being present

You will be:

  • Supporting social enterprises and fair-trade initiatives to empower local artisans and entrepreneurs
  • Participating in eco-tourism activities that promote environmental conservation and respect for nature
  • Learning traditional crafts or skills from local communities to help preserve cultural heritage
  • Supporting sustainable tourism practices by choosing responsible accommodations and tour operators
  • Every other day will be more lightly scheduled with a dynamic and a restorative mindfulness and yoga session offered, and the middle of the day for hiking, river walks, journaling, and touring a beautiful Dominican beach!

Accommodations

Your stay will be an unforgettable experience at an eco-friendly hotel—located right by a beautiful ocean offering breathtaking ocean views. It’s where nature’s serenity meets ultimate comfort, the perfect setting to relax and recharge while making a positive impact on your journey. 


Your Stay:


Lodging El Valle- click here

Cultural Connections

Experience the art, cuisine, culture, and music of the Dominican Republic

  • Eat gourmet authentic Dominican food
  • Learn the basics of merengue and some bachata
  • Explore off the beaten path eco-tours
  • Visit local artists and help children create art
  • Discover the impact of your generosity
  • Community outreach service projects with locals
  • Learn the customs and traditions of the Dominican people
  • Participate in our signature “Random Acts of Kindness” where you will surprise communities in need with food, blessing bags, clothing, and toys
  • Make lifelong friendships and change the lives of others including yours!

What to expect

Meaningful community service projects and random acts of kindness

  • Learning about the culture through local guides + communities
  • Delicious, authentic meals
  • Mindfulness, yoga, and wellness activities woven into the experience
  • Nature excursions and wildlife encounters
  • Journaling and inner contemplation exercises
  • Ceremonies and initiations to renew your spirit
  • Integration practices to take home and back to the office

What's included

Airport pickup/drop off

Included

Three Meals

Included

Yoga/Mindfulness

Included

Handcrafted Journal

Included

Cultural tours

Included

Eco-tours activities

Included - Hiking, local exersions, river tours, cultural activities, dance lessons

Coffee/Tea/Water

Included

Travel T-shirt

Included

24/7 security

Included

Airfare

Included

Flight insurance

Included

Heart Centered Travel

Heart Centered Travel  image

Take a Trip Change a Life

¡Hola! Hello! 

 Caritas Smile, is a pro-mission, non-profit organization with a drive to empower communities. We offer a combination of soulful trips that enrich your life through yoga, mindfulness, and self love while doing random acts of kindness. Travelers in our signature program, Take a Trip Change A Life Program perform random acts of kindness (building clinics, homes and schools, and offering art and English programs)  in developing countries, mainly in Dominican Republic. We not only improve lives, but engage with the community, go on hikes, swim in rivers and beaches, learn about the rich art, food, and music of the country. A beautiful compbination of service, adventure, and wellness.


Take a trip and change a life because the life that you change will be yours!



ARRIVAL - DAY 1

ARRIVAL - DAY 1 image

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome Dinner

Our team will be at the santo Domingo airport to welcome you at the airport:)! 

Afternoon: Arrival in El Valle, Samaná and check in to eco lodging.  

  • Evening: Sunset Welcome Dinner with farm to table vegan and vegetarian options.  
  • Opening Circle & Taino Ceremony: Set intentions with a traditional Dominican ceremony, led by a local spiritual guide.  
  • Mindfulness Moment: Guided meditation under the stars to embrace gratitude and presence.  

DAY 2

DAY 2  image

Journey to Samaná

Travel to Samaná and settle into your tropical surroundings. Meet the local community and get an introduction to the week’s service project: revitalizing a children’s cultural center in El Valle. Reflect on the journey ahead during a mindfulness circle.

DAY 3

DAY 3 image

Purpose & Heritage

Kick off the service project by cleaning, painting, and landscaping at the children’s cultural center. In the afternoon, dive into Taino history and learn about the island’s indigenous roots. End the day with a gratitude and mindfulness exercise.

DAY 4

DAY 4 image

Mangroves & Kindness

Explore the mangroves and caves of Los Haitises National Park, discovering ancient Taino petroglyphs. In the afternoon, engage in a random act of kindness by delivering supplies to a local school. Unwind with a yoga session at sunset.

DAY 5

DAY 5 image

Sustainability & Creativity

Give back to nature with a morning beach cleanup. Then, transform collected materials into eco-art during a workshop with a local artist. Wrap up the day with a reflection on sustainability and creativity.

DAY 6

DAY 6 image

Trails & Celebration

Hike through lush landscapes and visit stunning waterfalls in the morning. In the afternoon, complete the service project at the cultural center and celebrate with a joyful community gathering featuring local merengue music and celebrate with the community.

Day 7

Day 7 image

Island Escape

Sail to Cayo Levantado for a day of reflection. Return to the cultural center for a heartfelt closing ceremony before a farewell dinner.

Day 8

Day 8 image

ADIOS AMIGOS!

Depart from Samaná to Santo Domingo with memories of service, adventure, and newfound connections.

Location

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1. 32000 Samana, Dominican Republic

32000 Samana, Dominican Republic

About your organizer

CS
Caritas Smile
Caritas Smile is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. It's retreat service program. Take A Trip Change A Life is a soulful, purpose-driven, social enterprise dedicated to positively transforming lives and engaging with humanity through transformative travel experiences. Caritas Smile's mission is to inspire, educate and empower women and children worldwide by performing goal driven acts of kindness to communities in need in the US and in developing countries – mainly Domincan Republic.

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