OT: Vacation Experiences in the Dominican, Etc
So my wife and I booked a vacation at an all inclusive resort for April in Punta Cana in the DR, first vacation outside the US we will be taking. I just wanted to see if anybody else has experience here on MGoBlog at a resort in the DR or somewhere similar and how was it? Did it live up to being a 4 or 5 star type of experience? Any safety concerns or should we be golden as long as we don't venture outside of the tourist areas? Below is the specific resort has any experience with it.
http://royalcataloniabavaro.com/
January 29th, 2020 at 10:17 PM ^
Going to have use your imagination fellas, I have no problem with other people seeing them but I don't think she would be cool with that, lol
January 29th, 2020 at 5:18 PM ^
I’m guessing you got a sweet deal on this trip, right?
Edit: Have a great time!
January 29th, 2020 at 5:29 PM ^
$2,000 for flights and 7 day stay
January 29th, 2020 at 5:21 PM ^
We enjoyed our experience in Punta Cana. Stayed at the Club Med there, which is just five minutes from the airport - most of the Punta Cana resorts are much farther from the airport. We had no issues with food or stomach viruses, until the last day when my then 12 year old son had some stomach pain (he is an adventurous eater and tried local fish and sea food). We went to the resort's infirmary and without looking at my son, the doctor said it was his appendix and it had to come out. I asked if he was sure and he asked me how old is my son. I told him 12 and he said, yes that is the age that appendixes need to come out and that there was a hospital up the road. I told him I'd take my chances. My son rested for a few hours and was good as new. Aside from nearly having my child's organs harvested, I found the people to be very nice.
Be careful at the airport when getting a taxi - agree on a price to your resort ahead of time. If the resort offers transfers to and from the airport, consider that.
January 29th, 2020 at 5:32 PM ^
I booked the transport when I booked on Travelocity, I should be good right?
January 29th, 2020 at 6:05 PM ^
Another thing is that there will be people trying to take your bag from you when you when you find your transportation. These people aren't associated with the transportation. We had a guy who was standing and talking to our driver, so I assumed he was going with us and he wasn't. We ended up having to tip that guy and the driver. Just do the bag yourself and tip the driver.
January 29th, 2020 at 10:21 PM ^
I love an adventure as much as the next guy but I feel like”we are going to have to take your kids organ” is right up there with your new house telling you to “get out!”. Might not want to laugh that off.
January 29th, 2020 at 5:43 PM ^
Did my honeymoon in punta back in July for a week. It was my first Caribbean vacation. My wife grew up going places like that every spring break growing up. I lost my fucking mind. I can't stand being cooped up for days in an all inclusive drinking shitty presidente beer, along with small portions of even shitter buffet and room service food. The beach and weather was perfect but we are doing a second honeymoon in Hilton Head in April where it's safe for gringos to explore. But, obviously millions of other people dig the Caribbean.
January 29th, 2020 at 5:43 PM ^
Wubba dubba dub dub
January 29th, 2020 at 5:51 PM ^
To be honest, an all-inclusive resort feels like not really being in the country you're in. It makes for a fairly generic beach experience. But a tropical beach is still a tropical beach.
January 29th, 2020 at 5:58 PM ^
We go there every other year and this year will be our 6th time at the same resort (Excellence Resort). We go to an all adults resort and the experience has been really good. Food is great, people that work there are super friendly and also great entertainment/activities.
Keep in mind to always tip the waiting staff and try to always negotiate the price when buying gifts. They will throw any price at you and see if you bite.
Have fun and enjoy
January 29th, 2020 at 6:00 PM ^
I went with my girlfriend's family about 7-8 years ago. 4 out of the 5 ended up sick, 1 ended up needing a hour long ambulance ride through worse roads than downtown Detroit. The hospital was only about 15 miles away, but no one there cares, so the ambulance had to weave around people and cars the entire journey.
Don't drink or use anything made with tap water (ice in mixed drinks). Only drink bottled/canned beer, water, etc.... Overally, for the price that was paid, I'd rather go somewhere like the Cayman Islands or Jamaica.
January 29th, 2020 at 6:08 PM ^
This is specific to Jamaica (but, generally speaking, perhaps applies to many areas in the Caribbean. Most of my DR experience comes from Santo Domingo):
- If you're interested in trying some of the local cuisine, please do so. If you're not comfortable venturing off of the resort, ask someone working there what's good/what they recommend.
- All-inclusive resorts are NOT always secure (save maybe the higher end types). I've heard of stolen property at Riu hotels (not Sandals/Beaches, however). Secure your valuables in the lockbox provided. Lock your door at night. Better to be safe...
- Exchanging money? For the love of God, don't do it at the airport. In Jamaica, ask the driver to stop at a Cambio. You'll get rounded up if you pay US (assuming they accept at the store. If staying only at resort, might not need to exhange). I forget where I did it in DR.
- Expect to pay tourist tax if buying "local". For example, we (Jamaicans) will pay $1 for fresh coconut jelly. Youuuuuu will be charged $2. Unless you're with me, as I'll cuss them and they will relent :D
- Please negotiate your prices BEFOREHAND. Haircuts, cab rides, pedicures, ben-wa beads - know your price before you accept the merchandise, as the price will magically rise if not.
- In both DR and Jamaica, it is certainly fine to venture off of the resorts, but please be aware - and be mindful of your valuables (watch, necklace, iPhone etc). Just a good rule of thumb.
- In Jamaica, we call them higglers - people who sell wares and negotiate prices (food, trinkets, etc). You'll likely be approached on the beach in DR as well. Please provide a firm "no" as opposed to ignoring.
All in all, resorts are fine if you're interested mostly in parking your butt on the beach and retreating to your room. It's also fine (in MY experience) to venture off of resorts as long as you are aware of what is and is NOT barrio (e.g., Piantini vs Cristo Del Rey in Santo Domingo. One is upscale; the other, whew), and you use common sense. Sorry for whatever I've mentioned that has been posted already.
January 29th, 2020 at 6:43 PM ^
So I'll be in Jamaica for the first time in April. We'll be at an all-inclusive but expect to be venturing out around town in Negril a good bit (yes, I know that's not how you "win" at an all-inclusive but I go stir crazy at resorts). How safe is eating street food, e.g. jerk chicken stands by the roadside?
Question the second: I've read that on arrival in Montego, passing through customs is a real bitch. Worth it to pay the money for the "streamlined" process you can buy? (I think it's called "Club Mobay")
January 29th, 2020 at 8:35 PM ^
Sounds like Never is going to have the best answer, but I can give you a few tips specifically about Jamaica and Negril.
- I recall a few years ago that customs wasn’t too bad. It’s a little haphazard, but I’ve seen much worse in Mexico and England.
- Negril is an amazing area.
- We stayed at the Couples Resort in Negril and loved it, but I did get E Coli as we were leaving. That being said, I enjoyed the rest of the trip so much that I can’t complain.
- The car/van ride from the airport feels very long, but it lets you see the countryside (and a shitload of goats), and I personally wouldn’t be excited about taking the small plane to Negril instead.
Where are you staying? I’m super jealous as we have a 1 year old now and I feel like an adult vacation will never happen again..lol
January 30th, 2020 at 11:49 AM ^
Excellent, thanks! We're staying one night at Tensing Pen (little cottages on the cliffs) and the rest of the time at Sandals Negril.
January 29th, 2020 at 9:14 PM ^
Street food is typically quite safe (I've never in my life been sickened by any, FWIW). If you will be on the beach area (i.e., not up on the cliffs), I strongly recommend Best in the West for jerk chicken. If you're heading to the roundabout (you can ask anyone where the roundabout is; there is exactly...one, lol), Best in the West will be on the left before the roundabout. They're excellent; it resembles a little tiki bar.
Negril is well known for being EXTREMELY laid back. You absolutely can venture out. There are a many, many places to eat up and down on the "beach side". Goa (formerly Selina's) is known for having excellent breakfasts, as is Alfred's. Goa is known for their banana pancakes; Alfred's, their Jamaican breakfasts. I highly recommend 3 Dives on the cliffs if you like seafood (specialty is grilled lobster). It's fabulous, but they aren't open until dusk, and...there will be a bit of a wait.
You've two paid options for travel if you're not on the cliffs; taxi (hotel) or *route* taxi. Difference? Taxis frequent the hotel parking lots; will charge you $25-30. Route taxis (clear signs on the side of the 4 door compacts; mostly Camry types) travel along their designated route, and will charge you...$1.25 (pay no more than $200 JA if taking one). It's a shared taxi. It's completely safe, but take your level of comfort into consideration (rubbing shoulders with locals). You can simply flag one down (there are myriad), and they will drop you off anywhere along the route for $200 JA.
We have kiosks now in Sangster, so the process has picked up a bit. You'll still hop off of your plane, hit immigration, then your grab your luggage, then wind your way through customs. I haven't been home since May 2018, and it was pretty decent then.
The lady on the beach (again, if you're not on the cliffs) will sell fresh fruit and cut it for you, if interested. If you hear "any froooot? any pineappelllll? any coconuttttt? - that's her.
Post above (can't see it; going by memory) mentioned the ride from Sangster to Negril, I believe. It's a good 90 mins, but you'll wind your way past Lennox Lewis' mansion, Green Island, Lucea...it's a pleasant drive. If doing the transfer, they'll likely stop somewhere (someone they know) and ask if you are interested in refreshments. They'll charge a bit more (point of reference, Ting or Red Stripe should really run you about $1 at the most).
Not sure about your palate, but paw paw, Julie/East Indian mango, otaheite apple, and guinep would be what I'd recommend for fruit (if interested in trying). Escovitch fish (preferably snapper) is one of my personal favorites, along with brown stew chicken. Ackee and saltfish (with "provisions") works for breakfast, with festival (similar to a hush puppy).
Anything else, I'll happily answer.
January 29th, 2020 at 9:24 PM ^
Wish I would have known you existed when I went, lol. I take it you’ve lived there a while? Retired? Working? Curious what would take you there. It’s a gorgeous country, no doubt, just always curious what draws people to specific places outside of the US.
January 29th, 2020 at 11:26 PM ^
I think that is replying to my post...? If so, born and raised! Ensom City, St. Catherine, Jamaica. Moved to U.S. to attend one of the other U of M’s (Maryland). Uncle was former Custos (hmm, similar to a Governor in the States) of one of the parishes and retired, so I take my son back home frequently to immerse him in the culture.
I get a bit frustrated by posts on various vacation sites warning visitors to not venture off of resorts, so try to weigh in while being as transparent as possible. Negril has an extremely slow pace and relaxed vibe. If it had a spirit animal I swear it would probably be a sloth.
January 30th, 2020 at 11:51 AM ^
This is hugely helpful! Thanks so much. I'm sure I'll probably come up with some other questions before April and always prefer to rely on people with local experience than just following random travel guide advice.
Your restaurant recommendations sound perfect for us. I'll give you some feedback when we try them out.
January 29th, 2020 at 6:12 PM ^
My wife and I honeymooned in Punta Cana. The airport there is kinda chaotic. Finding the right shuttle can be a challenge. Very little English spoken in the airport. The ride to the resorts can be daunting the roads are paved but primitive and the surroundings looked like bombed out Beirut.
Bring American cash and you can "own" your server by the pool for a week. Most employees like that come from Haiti so 50 American is a fortune to them. They will wait on you hand and foot. Our resort didn't have brand name booze but they can make most common Drinks. W
We didn't know any Spanish but we learned the most important phrase in Spanish, dondi est elbano.
We found walking down the beaches to be a hassle as the locals hit you up hard to go their tents to shop.
January 29th, 2020 at 6:35 PM ^
January 29th, 2020 at 6:53 PM ^
We’ve been to Punta Cana many times and while some resorts have been better than others, the Secrets in Cap Cana was far and away the best. The food was really, really good.
We've stayed at Caribe Club Princess, Riu Naiboa (2 times), Riu Palace (2 times), Secrets Cap Cana & currently at Secrets Royal Beach. All were great.
Each time we’ve been here we’ve had amazing weather.
As far as safety, just use common sense. If you do any excursions, only do those recommended by your travel agency like Apple etc. Whoever you used to get here will have a very brief meeting with you your first morning here - usually in the resort lobby.
If you like to walk the beach, this is definitely the place. If you like pools, this is the place. If you like sun & warm weather, this is the place.
January 29th, 2020 at 6:53 PM ^
We’ve gone to Punta Cana the last 3 years and are going back again this year. We stay at the Grand Bavaro Princess resorts and it’s fantastic! The Bavaro stretch of beach is the cleanest and nicest in Punta Cana. I highly recommend it! You’ll have a great time!
January 29th, 2020 at 7:05 PM ^
After reading some of your follow up comments, I think you are stressing out a little bit OP. I am by no means a jet-setter but I've been to the DR/Punta Cana twice, about 10 years apart in each case, and the overall experience was much the same. The first was as a newly minted teenager traveling with my parents and the second for my honeymoon. Of course the second trip was better than the first (for the obvious reasons) but each trip was perfectly fine in their own ways.
1. Check Trip Advisor for any of the new "must haves". For instance, for the honeymoon trip, many people suggested bringing along school supplies (pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc.) and leaving those (in addition to a small tip) for your maid. Separately, I remember my Dad bringing along a lot of our old baseball/softball gloves and giving those out to the local youths.
2. Sounds like you've booked your transportation already. As others have said...keep walking until you see somebody holding a sign with your name on it or the name of your transfer operator. Anybody grabbing you as soon as you exit security is (probably) not your guy.
3. Go on excursions! Again, sounds like you've booked some already but do as many as you like. More specifically, I very much recommend scuba diving. If you are unsure if you want to do this, it is likely that they will hold an informal session in the pool where you can check it out. After that you will watch a video and be "certified" to up to 30ft if I recall correctly. If you go zip lining you are looking at probably a 45min to 1 hour truck ride on rough roads.
4. In my opinion, the little market-on-the-beach has gone down hill since my first visit way back when. As others have said, do not take the posted price as the given and make sure to negotiate. Hopefully that experience has gone back up however.
5. Negotiating extends to transportation including the water taxis. Our honeymoon resort was located down the beach from the above noted market so I loaded up my pack with the necessary supplies (e.g. beer), took a boat to the market, shopped, and then wandered my way back home. Great way to spend an afternoon despite the market being so-so.
6. Bottled water should be served to you with the cap still on. If it's not, send it back. (if that matters to you)
7. Overall, you are at an adults only resort such as we were for the honeymoon trip. You are probably good on any worries about food/service/booze quantity etc.
8. Take advantage of room service for breakfast. I am not a breakfast person but loved sitting on the patio eating pineapple.
Final opinion is that I am currently searching for a vacation spot to celebrate a milestone and frankly I keep coming back to the DR and saying that if my goal is to spend a week sitting on a beach than why spend $$$ more to visit Hawaii/Costa Rica/Various other locales. In other words, great value for the money.
Have fun on your trip internet stranger!
January 29th, 2020 at 7:13 PM ^
Thanks, you're right, I tend to overstress about stuff, one of my flaws unfortunately. I received an email from a Miguel Nunez saying he was a booking agent partnered with Expedia, Travelocity, etc. He requested info like our hotel name, arrival time, etc to coordinate our transport and excursions. I assume this is legit and should give him the info?
January 29th, 2020 at 7:38 PM ^
But more importantly, have you figured out if they allow your wife to be topless?
January 29th, 2020 at 8:36 PM ^
Yep and it will make the beach a 10/10 experience for me
January 29th, 2020 at 8:07 PM ^
Be very careful with "I assume this is legit" stuff. There are many scammers operating at places like this.
Otherwise, next time go to Belize-San Pedro Island...snorkeling and diving heaven.
January 29th, 2020 at 7:58 PM ^
Just took my wife for our 5 year anniversary. It was outstanding. Everything about my trip/stay was legit. Food was prepared fresh in front of us, bottles of liquor/wine were sealed or cooked before pouring. As far as our room it was top notch and linen was changed twice daily. Fresh bottled water was always stocked which was nice. Any other questions feel free to hit me up. Sorry for the shit response, I have limited times at the moment. Cheers bud.
January 29th, 2020 at 7:59 PM ^
My wife and I just got back from there this past weekend. We stayed at a 5-star all-inclusive resort (Excellence El Carmen) in Punta Cana. We do a winter excursion to a resort every winter to "worship the sun god", so to speak. Typically we go to Cabo or Hawaii because we lived on the West Coast, but we wanted to try something different because we now live in Texas (thus the DR). My wife had been there long ago but never had.
Overall, I was disappointed. I like Cabo better - you can drink the water at the resorts, and the weather is better (so long as you stay on the east coast - the Gulf of California side). We had a lot of rain and clouds last week, which was disappointing. You'll probably have better weather in April, I'd imagine.
First, be careful what you eat and drink. Don't act any differently than if you were in Mexico City or New Delhi. I am now on antibiotics despite drinking bottled water because I ate fresh salads. Don't eat any fresh veggies (only cooked) and only fresh fruits where you eat the inside only (i.e., an orange is ok, a pear is not unless you it is post-peeling). Don't have ice in ANY drink.
Second, about the tourist deaths... there were a series of unexplained deaths. We researched before we went, and it appears the deaths came from one of two possibilities: methanol poisoning from methanol substituted for drinkable alcohol in mini-bars, and organophosphate fertilizers sprayed around AC units, which allowed the chemicals to get into the room. If you smell any kind of chemical scent in your room, leave. Don't drink from the mini-bar unless it's a name-brand alcohol in a sealed bottled.
Third, don't venture away from the resort alone. You may get robbed.
Fourth, do tip if you got good service. $2-3 each meal, for the maid, and $5 if you got great service.
Fifth, wear your block Ms, and you'll get GO BLUE even there.
Sixth, did I mention be careful about the water?
Enjoy!
January 29th, 2020 at 8:12 PM ^
Don't know about DR. Sure it will be fun. I'm at the point in my life where nothing beats Hawaii anymore - Maui/Kauai/Big Island. We gave up going to Mexico. For experienced travelers is there anything tropical you prefer over Hawaii?
January 29th, 2020 at 8:23 PM ^
Yes. About 10 places in Asia at least. (Ie Maldives).
But it’s damn far to get to those places.
January 30th, 2020 at 10:40 AM ^
^^^ This.
But then again, Asia is huge so not entirely sure where you're talking about... I will say Seychelles is freaking amazing when it comes to the water and crashing on a beach; parts of Malaysia too.
But re: my Big Island post earlier, I clearly dig that too
January 29th, 2020 at 8:14 PM ^
Great, and now after reading some of these posts I looked up those tourist deaths that I honestly had no idea about and I am freaking the fuck out. I bought the cancel for any reason add on from Travelocity when I booked. Not sure it's worth the stress. It's our Mac budget wise though, and I really don't think you can find any place "safer" for that amount.
January 29th, 2020 at 8:42 PM ^
Try not to let that deter you. As many have said, MILLIONS of people travel to the DR and others annually without any remote incident. Personally, I’ve traveled by car through the interior of Mexico into economically depressed areas that never see someone that looks like me without even the slightest whiff of trouble. Frankly, I’ve felt far less safe in London, NYC, Seattle, Chicago, STL, Norfolk, and parts of the Deep South. Keep your radar on, but don’t stress out about it and ruin the purpose of the trip.
January 29th, 2020 at 8:52 PM ^
We lived in the DR for three months while I was working on my dissertation, talking to and interviewing farmers. We drove everywhere, ate everything, and stopped every time something interested us. As with places like Mexico, there may be more violence in the U.S. than there.
If you get the chance, I would try to spend at least a little time in places where Dominicanos congregate. I'll never forget going to see the Tigres of Licey, the Yankees of the DR, sitting in the bleachers, and having some people grab our daughter, pass her over their heads, and create a space for us right in the middle of the best seats in the stands. We were pretty much friends of 5,000 people when we left. Likewise, we went to lots of beaches where local people were hanging on weekends and always got adopted and fed amazing stuff. Obviously, at resorts you get some beautiful places to yourself, and we did that too. But those experiences blend together with resort experiences we have had everywhere. Show interest in people and their country and you will really be rewarded in the DR.
January 29th, 2020 at 9:15 PM ^
I’ve been to Nassau in the Bahamas twice in the last year and loved it. Beautiful water the people were fairly nice and never had an issue with the food. I like the Bahamian beer and rum too. Pirates fire coconut rum is really good and 135 proof I believe
January 29th, 2020 at 9:41 PM ^
Probably a better idea in the future to ask about vacation destinations and resorts before you book them.
January 29th, 2020 at 10:22 PM ^
Fair enough, though I did read reviews, etc beforehand. Was pretty satisfied with the purchase but I am someone who stresses excessively about stuff so I was looking for extra assurance from people who have been there or somewhere similar. And I am not sure I am feeling assured, lol.
January 29th, 2020 at 9:48 PM ^
My wife and I have traveled to Grand Hotel Bavaro in Punta Cana a couple of times and according to her, it has ruined her for any other all inclusive resorts. We absolutely love it there. The resort and its staff spoil us rotten. We went after the height of last year’s “scare” during the summer. We figured it was the best time to go because of the attention being received. The logic was simply that one of the DR’s primary source of income is tourism...surely they would be doing everything in their power to remedy and/or prevent whatever was afflicting previous tourists.
We have never been disappointed and would like to go back annually if we could.
Tips:
1. Splurge on a private shuttle to/from the airport. Worth every penny. You don’t have to wait for other passengers.
2. Tip at the resort. You don’t have to dole out 10s/20s and it’s not about the image of throwing around money. It’s a nation not as wealthy as others and generosity can go along way for the people that work there.
3. Enjoy yourself and relax. Honestly, I would feel less safe traveling in and around certain parts of the US. I’m surprised we don’t have travel advisories for certain cities and states. The DR is basically Canada compared to some of our own stateside destinations.
Have fun!
January 29th, 2020 at 10:19 PM ^
So based on the info from this thread should we just avoid drinking the local alcohol included in the all inclusive price? That would suck big time as we are already pushing it budget wise.
January 30th, 2020 at 12:19 AM ^
Went last year about a month after the deaths started. Was a little leery at first, but at the end of the day I'm glad we didn't cancel. I ate and drank everything at the resort, minus the liquor at the in room mini bar. Everything else was fair game at the resort. Don't get freaked out, it'll be fine. I've been to Punta Cana, St. Lucia and Mexico and haven't gotten sick. Just drink the bottled water.
January 30th, 2020 at 7:28 AM ^
My experience was not a good one. Our family did an all inclusive to Puerto Plata over christmas break about 10 years ago. Needless to say the entire resort got hit with the Noro Virus and it was not pretty. Lets just say it is not the cleanest. Worst vacation ever, but we got a free all inclusive vacation out of it.
January 30th, 2020 at 8:36 AM ^
Have been to many (~10) all inclusive vacations, ususally in Cancun or that area. We once went to one in Punta Cana, DR (and this year are going to Aruba for the first time). We have always enjoyed them - I prefer the all inclusive approach rather than having to decide (and pay) for each meal and each drink individually. We have never had a problem with water, ice, etc. We didn't enjoy our one time to the DR as much as the other places, mainly because it was more populated with Europeans, which meant more smokers than our other places. It may have been the particular resort as opposed to the DR itself. Hope you have a great time.
January 30th, 2020 at 8:55 AM ^
went to Punta Cana in 2018, stayed at the Dreams Palm Beach.
Going back this year, staying at a newer resort. As long as you don't venture off the resort you should be good. We book through Apple Vacations - they have reps at every resort and make things very turn key.
January 30th, 2020 at 10:48 AM ^
Stayed in Punta Cana in 2018, I don't remember the resort name, sorry.
Couple things to note -
Check reviews on the resorts beach (may be too late since you booked) but my resorts beach was seaweed city. I mean literally every morning they would haul off tons of seaweed on ATVs, and by sunset it would be stacked 2' high again along the whole shore. Swimming in the ocean isn't for me anyway, but it put off some in my group. I'll stick to the pool with all the drunk people pissing in it over the ocean still anyway.
The food will be mediocre, nothing will be like "wow!" but make sure you check around. Some food places are only open at certain times, and may be away in some corner, you may find a nice hidden gem that is only open for lunch, etc...
Try the mamajuana, idk about it being an aphrodisiac, but it is good. I brought a bottle home.
Idk about the liquor being bootleg or whatever, but I drank a lot, I mean a lot, lot... My suggestion is, if you are poolside, find your server, slip them a $20 or so, and tell them to bring you X drink every time they come around and a bottle of water. That way you're going to get a consistent drink every 45 mins or so and never have to leave your spot. Drink tons of water... bottled only.
If you buy from any of the street people, speak Spanish if you can. I learned that quick buying cigars. They wanted $300 for a box of cigars, I just said no way... My Spanish speaking friend went and asked for the same box of cigars, and got it for $125. Also, buy Dominican cigars, they're way better than Cuban, idc what anyone says... Cuban are only sought after because they were banned, Dominicans are better in every way.
Be prepared to take about 4 hours to get through customs on the way home. It will probably be hot, slow, and tons of people, with workers that don't care about your urgency. Going home was by far the worst part of the trip.
January 30th, 2020 at 1:27 PM ^
Went to Punta Cana last March. Had a great time. Stayed in the adults only at Majestic Elegance.
My 80 year old Mother asked me after the news broke last year of the tourists deaths if I would go back? I told her if I was afraid to die when traveling, I wouldn’t ever visit her in Atlanta.
January 30th, 2020 at 2:04 PM ^
Wow, what was the hold up on customs getting out ? Seems excessive, what were they checking for?
January 31st, 2020 at 12:40 PM ^
Went in May of 2019 for the first time. Group of 21 of us so we ended up at one of the less expensive resorts just up the coast from where you are going to be. Had a great time. Good tips in this thread with the water etc. Our resort had fresh filtered water at every bar so we bought a few large bottles and then just kept them full for drinking, brushing teeth, etc. Someone who had been before me gave us a few pieces advice that I'll pass along as it really helped us enjoy it.
1. Some of the beaches have rocks just off the beach on the way to the deeper water. Bring inexpensive water shoes in case you need them. Leave the tags on them and if your beach doesn't have any rock issues just return them when you get back.
2. Depending upon where your resort is located there can be a decent amount of good sized waves. Order these and take them with you so you can float out there with your drink and enjoy with very little effort exerted https://www.amazon.com/Swimline-Doodles-Inflatable-Noodle-Float/dp/B0037TSTUO
3. Bring your own cup for drinks. Often at an all inclusive you're dealing with tiny 8 oz cups. Bring along a big tervis with a handle and you'll make quite a few less trips. We did something like this and found they worked well (this link is just the handle but you'll get the idea) https://www.amazon.com/Tervis-Tumbler-Black-24oz-Handle/dp/B004VVHORG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2HJBN8JDMVC3C&keywords=tervis+with+handle&qid=1580491787&s=home-garden&sprefix=tervis+with+handl%2Cgarden%2C191&sr=1-5
4. The cigar and rum "shop" is a waste of time. Don't bother.
We did a few excursions, enjoyed the mamajuana and never felt unsafe. Enjoy your trip