Douglas and I are planning to come to the DR in late February(our plans have changed from early Feb to late)and stay for 2 or 3 weeks. Our plans are to trip around the island the whole time, staying for a day here and there. We believe we are going to go by bus instead of renting a bike or car, so as we are not responsible for the method of trans. and the we know the bus system is great! We have travelled by both ways (motorclycle and car)before, just not extensively as we plan to this time around. We would appreaciate some suggestions for this time around because we have not travelled the whole island. What we do have a problem with is baggage, we realize we will have to travell light, but think we do need more than we can comfortably carry. We just don't know how warm of clothing we'll need for the mountains? We also need to know if the bus goes to all parts of the island and if the frequency is relatively the same all over? Does anyone have any suggestions of what is a must see, also is there any areas we need to be aware of anything out of the ordinary? We are planning to use CC and debit card, so as to not have to carry a lot of cash. Does anyone forsee any troubles with this, and if so what? Do you think it would be a good idea to carry passports or leave them back at our home base? Another question is, if we get on the bus in Santo Domingo, headed for PP, can we get off at different stops and check out the area, maybe for few hours or maybe for a day or so, and then get back on the bus with the ticket and will it still be good? If we decide to go into Haiti (for this, if we decide to, we realize passports will have to be taken, we just have'nt quite decided if we will venture into Haiti for sure)is there a better place than another for border crossing? Does anyone have a preference for one or the other bus companies and why?(Metro or Caribe)Is one substantially cheaper, or is one better equipped or more comfortable? We both Thank You very much for any insight and information anyone can help us with!
- Thread starter doug
- Start date
Some Suggestions Please (Long)
Whew! You should be flooded with replys
Let's say that you come into Santo Domingo.
You have Three options: Go North, East or West.
North: You have Santiago and the Northwest (ending in Monticristi and Dajabon) And there are mountains, like Constanza and Jarabacoa, and there is Puerto Plata and the North Shore.
East: YOu have Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, La Romana and Casa de Campo, Punta Cana and all those beautiful places. On up to Sabana de la Mar and then the ferry across to Saman?. On to Las Galeras, and then back to Las Terrenas(a maybe spot), up the coast to Puerto Plata, with maybe a one night stop at Playa Grande for Golf! And another day in Cabarete-Sosua. since you are in the North anyway, you can head to Monticristi from Puerto Plata, but there are a few bus changes. You have to come to Santiago to get the bus to MC or Dajabon.
Now, to the WEST you have San Cristobal, Bani, Azua and Barahona, and Neiba and the Great Salt Lake of the DR! Lago Enriquillo....
We have left out the central portion of Padre Las Casas and San Juan de la Maguana and las Matas de Farfan, and the International highway to Dajabon....
.
I think a car would be good after you get to Puerto Plata...gives you more flexibility.
And have cash on hand, but not in one place so you aren't flashing a wad....there are ATMs all over but things get scarce in the campo...
Ooh i sort of envy you the carefree trekking all over....
HB
Let's say that you come into Santo Domingo.
You have Three options: Go North, East or West.
North: You have Santiago and the Northwest (ending in Monticristi and Dajabon) And there are mountains, like Constanza and Jarabacoa, and there is Puerto Plata and the North Shore.
East: YOu have Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, La Romana and Casa de Campo, Punta Cana and all those beautiful places. On up to Sabana de la Mar and then the ferry across to Saman?. On to Las Galeras, and then back to Las Terrenas(a maybe spot), up the coast to Puerto Plata, with maybe a one night stop at Playa Grande for Golf! And another day in Cabarete-Sosua. since you are in the North anyway, you can head to Monticristi from Puerto Plata, but there are a few bus changes. You have to come to Santiago to get the bus to MC or Dajabon.
Now, to the WEST you have San Cristobal, Bani, Azua and Barahona, and Neiba and the Great Salt Lake of the DR! Lago Enriquillo....
We have left out the central portion of Padre Las Casas and San Juan de la Maguana and las Matas de Farfan, and the International highway to Dajabon....
.
I think a car would be good after you get to Puerto Plata...gives you more flexibility.
And have cash on hand, but not in one place so you aren't flashing a wad....there are ATMs all over but things get scarce in the campo...
Ooh i sort of envy you the carefree trekking all over....
HB
Hi Doug
It is very good idea to travel around the country. You will see a lot of different thinks and different living styles!
The baggage is sometimes a problem, because the busses are often crowded. But you can pay for 3 persons, so you have one place to put all your belongings to it! It's a little bit more expansive!
I have done this 6 weeks in the year 2000! Enjoy it!
The security is an other topic. If you are using the same procedures as your are using in your country, you will not have any problems.
If you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact me!
Cheers
It is very good idea to travel around the country. You will see a lot of different thinks and different living styles!
The baggage is sometimes a problem, because the busses are often crowded. But you can pay for 3 persons, so you have one place to put all your belongings to it! It's a little bit more expansive!
I have done this 6 weeks in the year 2000! Enjoy it!
The security is an other topic. If you are using the same procedures as your are using in your country, you will not have any problems.
If you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact me!
Cheers