R
Richard
Guest
Many visitors to the DR who stay at inclusive resorts ask. ?Is it safe to leave the resort?? I would suggest that it certainly is and anyone who doesn?t could have been parachuted into almost any hot climate in the world and will miss so very much such as the mountains, the endless beaches. Most important you will miss the warmth and friendliness of the Dominican people who aren?t employed at the resorts. Here are a few suggestions, most, of which are common sense to help ensure one?s safety. Many of us overindulge when on vacation, if you leave a disco at 3a.m. It is not prudent to wander through darkened streets, parks and beaches in an inebriated state. If you rent a car keep in mind drunk driving has equally disastrous results anywhere in the world. Driving in the DR can be a real challenge so drive ultra- defensively. Should you rent a pasola (scooter) or 125 you will have a ball but guard it, lock it and keep your eyes on it all the time. Two men, a boy and a pickup and it?s history. Should you not feel confident in driving yourself, take a commercial tour, they aren?t all that expensive. When riding a motoconcho, watch the exhaust pipe, you don?t want a Sosua (Dominican) tattoo. They hurt mucho. Use ATMs during the day where there is a security guard. Don?t flash a wad or expensive jewelry. Fanny packs are great, but one slice of a knife and there goes cash, credit cards, passport etc. Avoid drugs, however soft, there is a 0-tolerance policy and Dominican jails are not Holiday Inns. Should you hire a rent-a body be careful, in the morning you may find your wallet has gone further South, and remember the high incidence of AIDS in developing nations so always use protection, there are some souvenirs we can do without. Drink bottled water. Fortunately the old West Indies expression, ?get a cut, get a Band-Aid, get sick get a plane,? is outdated. There are many extremely competent physicians in the DR. So please, please leave your resort and see what the DR has to offer. You will be glad you did.