I left 30 years of nursing burnout for a beach in the Dominican Republic. Then I built a new life.

Now I build things from Puerto Plata. Some of it helps people leave healthcare. Some of it is just what I use to live well here. All of it is real.

What I Am Building The Gear I Actually Use
Registered Nurse, 30 Years  •  Creator of Burnout to Bliss Abroad  •  Puerto Plata, DR
Travel & DR Essentials

Shop My Favorites

The physical stuff that makes life in the Dominican Republic easier. Every item on this list is something I use at my own house in Puerto Plata or pack in my own bag.

Heads up: the links below are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend what I actually use.

MY TOP PICK
Health Insurance

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance

I spent 30 years in healthcare. I do not play about coverage. SafetyWing insures you in the DR and 175+ other countries, runs month to month like a subscription, and you can sign up even after you have already left home.

Check SafetyWing Rates
Money Transfers

Remitly

Moving money between the US and the DR is a weekly reality here. Remitly delivers on time or refunds your fees, the exchange rates are honest, and the app shows every transfer in real time. My link gets you $10 off your first transfer of $50 or more.

Get $10 Off Remitly
Streaming

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

Local cable is not worth your pesos. This little stick is how we watch everything in English at our house. Plug it into any TV, log in, done. 4K streaming, live TV, and Alexa search built in.

See It on Amazon
Home

Magnetic DIY Window Screen

Most DR homes come with beautiful breezes and zero window screens. The mosquitoes know it. This adjustable magnetic screen fits windows up to 70 x 50 inches and goes up without a single tool.

See It on Amazon
Travel

Apple AirTag

My luggage has seen more airports than most pilots. An AirTag in every checked bag means I always know where my things landed, even when the airline does not. One-tap setup with your iPhone.

See It on Amazon
Book Your Scout Trip

Expedia

Thinking about the DR? Come see it before you commit. I tell everyone the same thing: take a scout trip first. Expedia is where I send people to bundle their flight and hotel for that first look at Puerto Plata.

Plan Your Trip on Expedia
About Coleen

Nurse. Grandmother. Builder.

I spent 30 years as a Registered Nurse in North America. Hospice, dialysis, travel assignments. The slow kind of tired that sleep doesn't fix.

So I left. I moved to Puerto Plata, married a Dominican, and built a life that costs less and gives more. Then people started asking how. Then they started asking me to build things for them.

Everything I build starts the same way. Somebody asks me a question I wish I'd had the answer to years ago. That's where Burnout to Bliss came from. That's where the rest of it is coming from too.

Burnout to Bliss AbroadYouTube, guides, and relocation help for burned-out healthcare workers.
LARIMAR DR StyleDominican fashion, powered by AI, worn in real life.
DR EmergencyComing soon: emergency info that speaks for you when you can't.

Ready when you are.

Questions, custom projects, or just want to talk about the DR? One message away.

WhatsApp Me Email contact@coleengarcia.com