The Roavi Blog
Stories from people who live there.
Travel tips, city guides, and local insights from the Roavi team.
453 articles
Safety · Punta Cana
Tourist Traps in Punta Cana: A 2026 Local's Guide to Avoiding Them
Every common tourist trap in Punta Cana for 2026 — from the e-ticket scam to beach vendors to timeshare pitches. Written by a Dominican local who's seen it all.
Oscar Garcia··9 min read
Travel Tips
Do They Speak English in the Dominican Republic? (2026 Honest Guide)
A Dominican's honest 2026 answer on English in the DR — where it's common, where it isn't, and exactly how much Spanish you need for your trip.
Oscar Garcia··7 min read
Travel Tips
Tipping in Latin America: A 2026 Country-by-Country Guide
Exactly how much to tip in every Latin American country in 2026 — restaurants, taxis, hotels, tour guides. From a traveler who's done the whole region.
Oscar Garcia··8 min read
Travel Guides · Punta Cana
Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic That Tourists Never Find
Sixteen hundred kilometres of coastline, and most visitors see one beach: the one in front of the resort. Here is the rest of it.
Oscar Garcia··6 min read
Travel Tips
Travel Like a Local: 10 Tips From Real Locals Around the World
We asked Local Friends on Roavi for their #1 tip. Here's what they said.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Become a Local Friend
The Best Side Hustles for People in Tourist Cities (2026)
Live in a city tourists visit? These are the best ways to earn extra money from the tourism economy.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Comparisons
Local Guide vs Tour Company: Pros, Cons, and Real Costs
Tour companies charge $50-150 for a group experience. A local guide costs less and delivers more. Here's the breakdown.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Food
Best Food Cities in Asia 2026
Asia's food scene is unmatched. These cities deliver the best eating experiences on earth.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Travel Tips
The Carry-On Only Packing Guide for Any Trip (2-Week Formula)
I've traveled carry-on only for 3 years — Southeast Asia in summer, Europe in winter. Here's the exact system that works for any destination.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Travel Tips
Do You Actually Need Travel Insurance? (2026 Honest Answer)
Most travel insurance is a waste of money. Some is essential. Here's which scenarios actually justify the cost — and which ones your credit card already covers.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Travel Guides
15 Best Honeymoon Destinations in 2026 (By Budget and Vibe)
Not every honeymoon needs to cost $10,000. Here are 15 destinations organized by vibe — from $150/day all-inclusive to $500/day luxury.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Travel Tips
First Time Traveling Internationally? The Complete 2026 Checklist
Everything you need to do before your first international trip — from passport timeline to what to download on your phone. No step skipped.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read