Where to go/stay in Dominican Republic in April???

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

03/21/2006 10:40:17 PM · #1

I'm planning a trip to the Dominican Republic for April 11-18 and I am having a little difficulty deciding where to go and where to stay.

I chose this destination because I haven't been there yet. I am going because I REALLY need to get away and the DR is only about a 2 hour flight from Miami. I am looking to do a bit of everything: relax a little, some watersports, and lots of photography of course.

My ideas include:

1. Staying at an all inclusive resort for the convenience and security. I understand that crime is rampant outside of these resorts. I would then hire a taxi for the day so as to have transportation and a local tour guide for two or three days.

2. Rent a 4X4, which is what I usually do when I travel to Costa Rica and find accomodations as I go. The problem in this case, again, is crime. I'm not as concerned with my personal safety as I am for my belongings in the vehicle while I am white water rafting, hiking in the mountains, or snorkeling off the beach.

I usually travel spontaneously which conflicts with getting good deals in advance, so I would like to book as soon as possible.

Does anybody have any experience with travel in this country and can you offer any suggestions?

wavelength

Nikon D300

03/21/2006 11:08:18 PM · #2

Heh, go here, once they build it.

//www.worldhum.com/weblog/item/a_creative_persons_utopia_in_the_dominican_republic_20060319/

It strikes me as odd, building "utopia" 500 miles or so east of the poorest country in the western hemisphere....

Sorry,

Lonely Planet Has some good info.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

03/21/2006 11:22:11 PM · #3

It won't be ready for my arrival next month.

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D

03/21/2006 11:29:26 PM · #4

It's called Travel Insurance.

Make sure it covers stolen goods.

Some friends of mine were in America doing a Boy's Road Trip before one of them got married and on the 2nd last day, they ran into a 7-11 for 15 minutes and when they came out, the window was smashed and their stuff was gone.

Video camera, cameras, suits (including some that had been purchased at a friend's tailor on the trip specifically for the wedding), camping gear, passports, backup cash.... cleaned out.

Their insurance only covered half of it.

Took a big chunk out of his wedding funds to get those suits made again and shipped out in a hurry.

If crime is so rampant, I wouldn't think twice about it. I would get the insurance and be careful to make sure that the taxi-driver was trustworthy and had ID to be accountable.

03/22/2006 06:59:41 AM · #5

How about the morning crowd?

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/22/2006 09:04:21 PM · #6

My last try...otherwise known as a bump.

Patents4u

Canon EOS-40D

03/22/2006 09:27:06 PM · #7

I spent a couple weeks at Casa de Campo in La Romana...Lots to do, great golf courses (including Teeth of the Dog, one of the best in the world), lots of restaurants, etc, the place is absolutely huge (renting a golf cart is a must), but it is far away from the other tourist area as I recall. Has it's own airport, though, so you basically fly right into the resort and avoid the boondoggle drive that you have from the airport to most resorts (I think American airlines out of Miami).

A couple guys I work with have been there in the last year, but to punta cana I believe. I will try to remember to ask them where they stayed.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

03/22/2006 09:41:04 PM · #8

Thanks, I'll keep checking back.

Riponlady

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

03/27/2006 02:37:46 PM · #9

Stayed in Puerto Plata a couple of years ago. We stayed in a AI which was easier for security but heard the local food was great and cheap and we had no problems with crime there. Lots of opportunities for action - white water, horse riding, scuba, etc and water sports such as surfing. Had a good time and particularly enjoyed visiting the rum factory!

Enjoy your trip!
P