Research, budget, AND fun in the sun?

Best beaches from SD are to the east in Boca Chica or a bit further, Juan Dolio. You could make a day trip using the public buses for around 80 RD$ to Juan Dolio (45 mins) and less to Boca Chica (25 mins), or you can stay over. I don't know about Boca Chica but Juan Dolio has fairly cheap rooms at the moment as it is off season. Try the all inclusive Hotel Talanquera or Coral Costa Caribe so you know you will not have to spend anything on food or drink, or you can rent an apartment for around 45-50 us$ a night.

Would suggest you get your work finished early enough to have at least two days off to visit beaches east of Santo Domingo and another two days to visit beaches north of Santiago. Suggest you then stay at Dominicus town and walk to the beach, and in Cabarete or Sosua, where you can also walk to the each from one of the many non-all inclusive hotels.

From Santiago to Cabarete is easy because Caribe Tours or Metro will get you there. To Dominicus, could take you three hours because you have to catch a bus to La Romana (less than an hour and a half trip) and from there get the minibus to Dominicus (another half an hour).

Of course, the beaches closer to Santo Domingo are Boca Chica, Guayacanes and Juan Dolio. Or Caribbean Sun at Embassy Beach, between Boca Chica and Guayacanes (if you like a wavy beach). Those could be done in a day trip -- buses leave from Parque Enriquillo off Av. Duarte.

Don't forget the beaches on the north coast! They are spectacular! A 4 hour Caribe Tour bus or Guagua ride from Santo Domingo will take you there inexpensively, and you will have a wonderful time. I suggest a few days in Las Terranas at one of the inexpensive hotels there. The beaches nearer to SD are fine, but the beaches on the Samana Peninsula are outstanding!

Uh, my friend? You are an hour and a bit from Sosua. Play your cards right and you might get to Punta Rucia....
Buses are dirt cheap...and good rides, you need a sweater! for the AC...

HB