First time DR. 4 weeks holiday - need advice

kajjan said:

Hey everyone

I am a regular traveler to SE asia but this time I feel like trying something new and it seems like DR will be a good option, given the things i like (women, nice beaches, relaxation).

I will be in DR four weeks from March to April. I am flying from Europe, and it seems like the cheapest tickets by far are the ones that fly to Punta Cana. So that's probably the part of the country where I will land.
I've done some extensive research for the last few days and have read a lot on this forum trying to figure out where would be the best place for me to stay, and how to arrange a good plan for the trip.

I am single, 27, tall/blonde look (which worries me, that's gonna make me stand out and get me in trouble?) and well, fit, since weightlifting is a hobby of mine. The P4P scene is all cool by me, but having the option to meet normal local girls would be nice as well.

I will definitely check out Sosua and Cabarete. Actually it seems like those places will suit me best. But I figure, since I land in Punta Cana. Is it worth checking out? I noticed the hotels there are VERY expensive. Are the other accommodation options there that aren't 200usd+? Suggestions?

1. Given the information I have given you - is there something I have missed? What are your opinions?
2.And oh about budgeting... Will 6000 peso/day be sufficient to live rather comfortably including hotel? Keep in mind that I wont be partying everyday.
3. About safety... How wise would it be flashing a iPad at the beach for example - stupid, or not any worse than doing so anywhere else?
4. Are there many gyms around?
5. Are there any shopping malls with cinemas around where you could kill some with a girl time if it's a rainy day?

Thank you

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Punta Cana is a big tourist area and the rates quoted you were for all inclusive (lodging, food, beverage, entertainment) resorts. If you look hard enough you could find cheaper lodging but you'd be better off in other regions.

On the North Coast you will find plentiful basic lodging for $2K RD or less. You will do just fine on the remaining $4K if you keep is simple, eat Dominican food, drink Dominican beverages.

It's okay to take your iPad to the beach but don't leave it unattended and jump into the ocean or it will not be there when you get back.

You will find a gym, shopping and movies on the North Coast.

At 27 and fit there is no doubt that you will attract the interest of a Chica or two, especially if you have taken th time to learn a bit of the language. Go ahead and plan your trip, you'll be fine.

DR is actually a pretty easy place to get around. Punta Cana is very beautiful, and worth spending a few days in. From there, I'd consider La Romana, which is a nice beachy area as well. Some of the most expensive villas in the country can be found there.

Then I'd visit Santo Domingo, and spend time there. It's the capital city, you could spend a 3-4 solid days and not see everything. After that, move on to Jarabacoa, known as the "caribbean alps." Lots of friendly eco-touristy stuff there. Some of the most beautiful women in the country are located in the Cibao Valley, which also has the regional capital city of Santiago. Fun night life, and it's a very pleasant town on it's own. Moca and La Vega are all fun little day trips from Santiago.

After that, you get to the North Coast, which includes Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, and Cabrera. All with their own charms. LOTS of chicas in Sosua and Cabarete, but the towns are very pleasant when you're not in that scene as well. Keep on down the road, and you'll eventually get to Samana Peninsula, where you'll find Las Terrenas. Samana is arguably one of the most beautiful areas on the island. The new highway will take you right back to Santo Domingo.

Here's the good news: just about all of that can be done using the main bus lines (Caribe and Metro) for chump change. The other areas will have local busses or "gua gua" vans that will take you where you need to go.

You can do all of the above on a leisurely pace in about two weeks. You'll have a ball (and maybe open yourself up to a few other areas, DR has deserts, too) with a full month. And yes, if you don't drink or do the P4P thing three times a day, you'll be perfectly fine on 6k RD a day, and live like a king on 8K.

Some advice: if you don't already know it, try and learn as much spanish as you can before the trip. Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, etc., combined with listening to spanish TV/radio and talking with a native speaker will help. And instead of moving every day, find a few apartahotels to serve as your "base," and go exploring from there. Remember, you can get from one side of the country to the other in about 4 hours.

Have fun!

kajjan said:

Hey everyone

I am a regular traveler to SE asia but this time I feel like trying something new and it seems like DR will be a good option, given the things i like (women, nice beaches, relaxation).

I will be in DR four weeks from March to April. I am flying from Europe, and it seems like the cheapest tickets by far are the ones that fly to Punta Cana. So that's probably the part of the country where I will land.
I've done some extensive research for the last few days and have read a lot on this forum trying to figure out where would be the best place for me to stay, and how to arrange a good plan for the trip.

I am single, 27, tall/blonde look (which worries me, that's gonna make me stand out and get me in trouble?) and well, fit, since weightlifting is a hobby of mine. The P4P scene is all cool by me, but having the option to meet normal local girls would be nice as well.

I will definitely check out Sosua and Cabarete. Actually it seems like those places will suit me best. But I figure, since I land in Punta Cana. Is it worth checking out? I noticed the hotels there are VERY expensive. Are the other accommodation options there that aren't 200usd+? Suggestions?

1. Given the information I have given you - is there something I have missed? What are your opinions?
2.And oh about budgeting... Will 6000 peso/day be sufficient to live rather comfortably including hotel? Keep in mind that I wont be partying everyday.
3. About safety... How wise would it be flashing a iPad at the beach for example - stupid, or not any worse than doing so anywhere else?
4. Are there many gyms around?
5. Are there any shopping malls with cinemas around where you could kill some with a girl time if it's a rainy day?

Thank you

Click to expand...

1. Given the information I have given you - is there something I have missed? What are your opinions?

My opinion is that at 27 years old, that is a great idea. The DR is an awesome place. Especially for a young, single bachelor who loves to travel. Lots of white sandy beaches, hot and easy women, warm tropical climate, nice people, cool people, fun events and locations and a true tropical paradise.


2.And oh about budgeting... Will 6000 peso/day be sufficient to live rather comfortably including hotel? Keep in mind that I wont be partying everyday.

The hotels can be cheap or expensive. You can spend from 24 dollars a day to hundreds a day on it. Do your research when looking for them. If you choose the right places with your money, you will be fine. Keep i mind that if you get a girlfriend or make friends or something there, they might want to dig into your pockets and can drive up your expenses. Do not let anyone use you for money if you are on a budget.


3. About safety... How wise would it be flashing a iPad at the beach for example - stupid, or not any worse than doing so anywhere else?

Safety is the same as any big city in the USA. Stay out of the bad parts. Things can happen anywhere at any time because there are all types of people nearby and all types of activity right under your nose. Always be careful and do not easily trust people and you should be fine. As long as you are not looking for trouble and you are careful, you should be fine.


4. Are there many gyms around? There are lots of gyms. You will find more of them in cities like Santo Domingo or Santiago.


5. Are there any shopping malls with cinemas around where you could kill some with a girl time if it's a rainy day? In the big cities, they are more developed and have lots of malls and movies and things. The country sides and many other parts of the island look more like a developing latino country in the Caribbean Sea with less entertainment options.

Hi
I will be in the DR for a month also, i've rented a villa near a private beach for 99.00 $ USD a day it's a five star with private pool secure location near Sea Horse Ranch (Cabarette). The name Villa Brigitte (www. sosuarentals.com). Maid service 3 time a week, private pool, 2 bedroom , 2 bath, ... thats the best deal i found if you want luxury at a verry good price. Most important for me is security, it's in a private area with 24hrs gards.

i've also rented a car for a month 667.00$ USD from Ok Motor in Cabarette.

I stay in Punta Cana each winter for two or three months depending, I pay for rent 1300 us dollars a month for a 1 bedroom 2 full bathrooms and laundry room condo on a secure site off Bavaro beach with swimming pool etc etc. In the town the gym is 500 meters away as are a grocery store a bakery two pharmacies dining facilities and a barber yup all there. There is a bus that comes every 20 minutes that takes you to amazing malls etc. The beach is 300 meters away all whit sand and turquoise waters. Casino next door. This is in a little expat community known as El Cortecito check out reliablerealtydr.com for great places to stay!

Forgot to mention my condo has secure parking fenced and gated with 24 hour security and a huge pool and is located 50 meters off the main road, very quiet yet a 10 minute walk to everything you could ever want!

redserge said:

Forgot to mention my condo has secure parking fenced and gated with 24 hour security and a huge pool and is located 50 meters off the main road, very quiet yet a 10 minute walk to everything you could ever want!

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Good for you!!!!!

Well it is not my condo it is the one I rent I was just letting the OP know the options out there The RD is my little piece of heaven when the winter winds and snow chase me from my Canadian home. God truly made paradise and peopled it with some amazing folks. I was a cop for 36 years and I read people real good, I love the folks around town and if you take the time to get to know them and treat them right then you can expect the same in return. Respect and good life to all.