First - I'm a single male who traveled solo. This was my fifth trip.
One can still fly (as I did) from Buffalo, NY (BUF) to Santiago (STI) for $175 round-trip ($296 w taxes) during "normal" hours (arrive and depart around noon) on Continental... but most pre-August 2005 dates are sold out at this fare. Use Travelocity's "flexible dates" feature to find dates on which the fare is offered, then book it on Continental's site (to save $5 and earn 5000+ miles).
I rented a car at STI and drove to Sosua, but for frugal DR newbies (traveling solo), I suggest taxi from STI to Caribe Tours in Santiago - then Caribe bus to Sosua - then cab from Caribe Sosua stop to hotel (total cost for all three, around $20-25). FYI - straight cabfare (STI to Sosua hotel) will be 3x that amount). This process is described in detail in other threads (Travel/General in this forum... so a search).
If you want to rent a car and drive (as I did), peruse the following LONG thread.
request for STI to Sosua driving directions
In Sosua, I stayed at the Europa (in one of their guest house apartments, across the street from the main hotel building) for $28/night, including tax ($140 total for 5 nights). My accommodations were perfectly acceptable... featuring AC, a nice pool, plus separate kitchen and bedroom. The Europa's about a 12-15 minute walk to the beach (or 3 minutes and 20 pesos via moto).
While the Europa was quite acceptable, I wish I'd stayed at Rocky's (as I did in my previous, December 2004 Sosua trip). Rocky's doesn't have the pool, AC, or in-room kitchen... but it's $10 per night less than the Europa. And even though I'm frugal, I'd choose Rocky's - even if the price was the same. Why? Because it has all three of the attributes I treasure most on my travel adventures - karma, character, and community (make that FIVE attributes ... add free wireless internet and bottomless cups of great coffee).
Rocky's rooms are basic, mind you. Ceiling fan, bed, TV, and bathroom (all remarkably clean). But outside your door is a courtyard-like "living room" (plus restaurant/bar) inhabited (all day and night) by a helpful, interesting, international cast of characters. Combine that with exceptional, affordable food, and you've got a great "home base" just 5-6 minutes from the best, most entertaining public beach I've ever visited. Two more things, Rocky's just feels SAFE - and is vrtually never affected by power outages (the place has an impressive electrical back-up system).
I spent most of my days reading junk novels beneath a shaded lounge chair (on Sosua beach) rented to me (60 pesos/day) by Tony (calls himself Tony Baloney). Tony's "zone" is in front of stalls 63-64. He'll bring you food and drinks upon request (without outrageous "mark-ups"), and will watch your personal items (camera, etc.) if you go for a walk or a swim.
All told - I enjoyed five days in paradise - and spent...
$300 (flight) + $150 (car & gas) + $140 (lodging) = $590 (all necessities).
For food & drink, one can easily "get by" for $20-35/day.
My final advice - if considering a trip to the DR - try the north coast, and skip the all-inclusives.
Hope this helps someone else plan his/her adventure.
macmasher
One can still fly (as I did) from Buffalo, NY (BUF) to Santiago (STI) for $175 round-trip ($296 w taxes) during "normal" hours (arrive and depart around noon) on Continental... but most pre-August 2005 dates are sold out at this fare. Use Travelocity's "flexible dates" feature to find dates on which the fare is offered, then book it on Continental's site (to save $5 and earn 5000+ miles).
I rented a car at STI and drove to Sosua, but for frugal DR newbies (traveling solo), I suggest taxi from STI to Caribe Tours in Santiago - then Caribe bus to Sosua - then cab from Caribe Sosua stop to hotel (total cost for all three, around $20-25). FYI - straight cabfare (STI to Sosua hotel) will be 3x that amount). This process is described in detail in other threads (Travel/General in this forum... so a search).
If you want to rent a car and drive (as I did), peruse the following LONG thread.
request for STI to Sosua driving directions
In Sosua, I stayed at the Europa (in one of their guest house apartments, across the street from the main hotel building) for $28/night, including tax ($140 total for 5 nights). My accommodations were perfectly acceptable... featuring AC, a nice pool, plus separate kitchen and bedroom. The Europa's about a 12-15 minute walk to the beach (or 3 minutes and 20 pesos via moto).
While the Europa was quite acceptable, I wish I'd stayed at Rocky's (as I did in my previous, December 2004 Sosua trip). Rocky's doesn't have the pool, AC, or in-room kitchen... but it's $10 per night less than the Europa. And even though I'm frugal, I'd choose Rocky's - even if the price was the same. Why? Because it has all three of the attributes I treasure most on my travel adventures - karma, character, and community (make that FIVE attributes ... add free wireless internet and bottomless cups of great coffee).
Rocky's rooms are basic, mind you. Ceiling fan, bed, TV, and bathroom (all remarkably clean). But outside your door is a courtyard-like "living room" (plus restaurant/bar) inhabited (all day and night) by a helpful, interesting, international cast of characters. Combine that with exceptional, affordable food, and you've got a great "home base" just 5-6 minutes from the best, most entertaining public beach I've ever visited. Two more things, Rocky's just feels SAFE - and is vrtually never affected by power outages (the place has an impressive electrical back-up system).
I spent most of my days reading junk novels beneath a shaded lounge chair (on Sosua beach) rented to me (60 pesos/day) by Tony (calls himself Tony Baloney). Tony's "zone" is in front of stalls 63-64. He'll bring you food and drinks upon request (without outrageous "mark-ups"), and will watch your personal items (camera, etc.) if you go for a walk or a swim.
All told - I enjoyed five days in paradise - and spent...
$300 (flight) + $150 (car & gas) + $140 (lodging) = $590 (all necessities).
For food & drink, one can easily "get by" for $20-35/day.
My final advice - if considering a trip to the DR - try the north coast, and skip the all-inclusives.
Hope this helps someone else plan his/her adventure.
macmasher