Dominican Republic
Discussion
Been looking at some time away and have managed to snag 10 days in the Dominican, more specifically Bavaro, Punta Cana.
It's all inclusive and mainly to spend some time relaxing from the ridiculous work load at home, having said that I would like to get out and about aswell and explore the place a bit and not just sit on my tod in the hotel for 10 days.
I've had a look at excursions and nothing really piques my interest as it's all the usual rubbish, maybe apart from checking out Santa Domingo, I'm going solo so not tied to a wife/gf or kids.
I'm a professional chef in my work life so would love to try out some really good restaurants and local food also.
So whatvare people's experiences and recommendations?
It's all inclusive and mainly to spend some time relaxing from the ridiculous work load at home, having said that I would like to get out and about aswell and explore the place a bit and not just sit on my tod in the hotel for 10 days.
I've had a look at excursions and nothing really piques my interest as it's all the usual rubbish, maybe apart from checking out Santa Domingo, I'm going solo so not tied to a wife/gf or kids.
I'm a professional chef in my work life so would love to try out some really good restaurants and local food also.
So whatvare people's experiences and recommendations?
Be careful if you are going out into town on your own…even organised groups have had issues. The are some vlog on YouTube that might be worth watching.
I did my Padi open water diving course which was a great experience (planning to do it again next year there as it was 15 years ago and due to some unfortunate events I didn’t complete the registration) but this time with my son.
I did my Padi open water diving course which was a great experience (planning to do it again next year there as it was 15 years ago and due to some unfortunate events I didn’t complete the registration) but this time with my son.
Edited by r159 on Tuesday 23 August 21:15
From Punta Cana there is not a great deal to do tbh the main excursion people do off resort inland is quad bike trips . And security is defo a risk. Its more iffy, IMHO, than say Jamaica or Mexico once you are out of the resorts much fewer police than say Cancun.
I have heard stories of resorts actually making it quite difficult for people to leave, there is a guy called "Coolist" on youtube and he made a comment recently along those lines.
The most popular stuff is on the water and those things can be arranged directly from the hotel as 99% of them are on the beach.
I have heard stories of resorts actually making it quite difficult for people to leave, there is a guy called "Coolist" on youtube and he made a comment recently along those lines.
The most popular stuff is on the water and those things can be arranged directly from the hotel as 99% of them are on the beach.
gotoPzero said:
From Punta Cana there is not a great deal to do tbh the main excursion people do off resort inland is quad bike trips .
To make matters worse, Quad biking is considered a hazardous activity by most travel insurers so not covered. Can prove very expensive.Pessimist of Sussex
I went to Punta Cana a few years ago, and stayed at Punta Cana Resort and Spa (which I wouldn't recommend).
I remember during the coach journey to the resort I was looking out of the window and from the type of people I saw on the streets in the towns, I made a promise that I wouldn't leave the hotel grounds whatsoever. I was of the opinion that it just wasn't a safe place to be. I may have been wrong, but that's how the place made me feel.
I remember during the coach journey to the resort I was looking out of the window and from the type of people I saw on the streets in the towns, I made a promise that I wouldn't leave the hotel grounds whatsoever. I was of the opinion that it just wasn't a safe place to be. I may have been wrong, but that's how the place made me feel.
Don’t do quad biking. There’s plenty of places doing those mini beach buggy things, great gun and 1000% safer.
My daughter and her husband just got back, did plenty of excursions and no hint of trouble.
However, after a number of AIs in Mexico, they would not go to DR again due to low standards food and accommodation.
Good lick, just enjoy the beach and weather (hope no hurricames)
My daughter and her husband just got back, did plenty of excursions and no hint of trouble.
However, after a number of AIs in Mexico, they would not go to DR again due to low standards food and accommodation.
Good lick, just enjoy the beach and weather (hope no hurricames)
Just got back from a week there with the family.
Went to the Hilton la Romana. On the Caribbean side.
Wonderful, only left the resort to get a boat trip to Catalina.
On the journey to the airport, the driver had to do some defensive driving to stop somebody undertaking him. A little disconcerting.
Also, interesting to see security guards with shotguns at petrol stations and toll booths.
I think it’s a resort-only destination, imho. But a great destination.
Went to the Hilton la Romana. On the Caribbean side.
Wonderful, only left the resort to get a boat trip to Catalina.
On the journey to the airport, the driver had to do some defensive driving to stop somebody undertaking him. A little disconcerting.
Also, interesting to see security guards with shotguns at petrol stations and toll booths.
I think it’s a resort-only destination, imho. But a great destination.
CloudStuff said:
Just got back from a week there with the family.
Went to the Hilton la Romana. On the Caribbean side.
Wonderful, only left the resort to get a boat trip to Catalina.
On the journey to the airport, the driver had to do some defensive driving to stop somebody undertaking him. A little disconcerting.
Also, interesting to see security guards with shotguns at petrol stations and toll booths.
I think it’s a resort-only destination, imho. But a great destination.
Se unity with Guns are common in many Caribbean destinations. Seen security guards on AI beaches (not where the punters are sitting but right near property limits) with sawn off shotties. Went to the Hilton la Romana. On the Caribbean side.
Wonderful, only left the resort to get a boat trip to Catalina.
On the journey to the airport, the driver had to do some defensive driving to stop somebody undertaking him. A little disconcerting.
Also, interesting to see security guards with shotguns at petrol stations and toll booths.
I think it’s a resort-only destination, imho. But a great destination.
Seen just about everyone handling money with firearms at easy reach.
Beaureu de change with couple of old timers parked up on duty with shotties and pistols.
Mexico, place is dripping with guns. Mil police with belt fed M60s on their jeeps. Police with Uzis.
Last time in playa del carmen the Mexican Marines were patrolling the town with all the squad weapons.
Was I scared? Not really.
Only place I felt proper safe was Cuba.
TTmonkey said:
CloudStuff said:
Just got back from a week there with the family.
Went to the Hilton la Romana. On the Caribbean side.
Wonderful, only left the resort to get a boat trip to Catalina.
On the journey to the airport, the driver had to do some defensive driving to stop somebody undertaking him. A little disconcerting.
Also, interesting to see security guards with shotguns at petrol stations and toll booths.
I think it’s a resort-only destination, imho. But a great destination.
Se unity with Guns are common in many Caribbean destinations. Seen security guards on AI beaches (not where the punters are sitting but right near property limits) with sawn off shotties. Went to the Hilton la Romana. On the Caribbean side.
Wonderful, only left the resort to get a boat trip to Catalina.
On the journey to the airport, the driver had to do some defensive driving to stop somebody undertaking him. A little disconcerting.
Also, interesting to see security guards with shotguns at petrol stations and toll booths.
I think it’s a resort-only destination, imho. But a great destination.
Seen just about everyone handling money with firearms at easy reach.
Beaureu de change with couple of old timers parked up on duty with shotties and pistols.
Mexico, place is dripping with guns. Mil police with belt fed M60s on their jeeps. Police with Uzis.
Last time in playa del carmen the Mexican Marines were patrolling the town with all the squad weapons.
Was I scared? Not really.
Only place I felt proper safe was Cuba.
Obvisouly with the fmily, security is key.
When traveling on business, a bit of drama is no bad thing. A month working in Sao Paulo for a global UK bank. Very, very sketchy! But somehow also enjoyable :-)
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