Hi friends,
I am researching a grand adventure for my family of 4, including 2 teenage sons, 19 & 14. (other families, want to hook up?) We are thinking of about 3 weeks in July, to include Sosua/Cabarete, the Samana, and Jarabacoa. Our interests vary, but include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sailing, (no experience windsurfing or kiteboarding), hiking, mtn. biking, canyoning, music, dance, and meeting people.
I have looked over the Iguana Mama and Caribbean Adventure Tour sites and wonder how it works out, both financially and logistically, to use their booking services vs. going free lance and arranging it all myself. I'd like to save $$ where possible, but also want minimal hassles and disappointments. We are looking for 2 BR aparthotel type places where we can prepare our own meals when desired - should these be booked through an adventure company or on our own?
I notice that Expedia offers a package with Hotel Paraiso de Colon in Sosua, has anyone tried that aparthotel or that package? Any advice on transportation - express buses vs. car rental vs. hiring a driver with other travelers - is welcome.
How is mid-summer? Does the heat knock you out in the middle of the day and mosquitoes attack by night, or is this merely exaggeration? Thanks in advance to all who can share their experience. This is our first big Splurge trip (20th anniversary) and we want to make it the best possible by collecting the wisdom of others who have gone before.
Caio, Ann B.
I am researching a grand adventure for my family of 4, including 2 teenage sons, 19 & 14. (other families, want to hook up?) We are thinking of about 3 weeks in July, to include Sosua/Cabarete, the Samana, and Jarabacoa. Our interests vary, but include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sailing, (no experience windsurfing or kiteboarding), hiking, mtn. biking, canyoning, music, dance, and meeting people.
I have looked over the Iguana Mama and Caribbean Adventure Tour sites and wonder how it works out, both financially and logistically, to use their booking services vs. going free lance and arranging it all myself. I'd like to save $$ where possible, but also want minimal hassles and disappointments. We are looking for 2 BR aparthotel type places where we can prepare our own meals when desired - should these be booked through an adventure company or on our own?
I notice that Expedia offers a package with Hotel Paraiso de Colon in Sosua, has anyone tried that aparthotel or that package? Any advice on transportation - express buses vs. car rental vs. hiring a driver with other travelers - is welcome.
How is mid-summer? Does the heat knock you out in the middle of the day and mosquitoes attack by night, or is this merely exaggeration? Thanks in advance to all who can share their experience. This is our first big Splurge trip (20th anniversary) and we want to make it the best possible by collecting the wisdom of others who have gone before.
Caio, Ann B.