I will be traveling to DR Aug. 18th through Aug. 22nd. I know it's a very short time, but I would like to make the best of it! My parents are from a small town outside of Santiago and I still have close relatives residing there which I plan to visit upon arrival in the city. Actually, I was raised there for the first five years of my life, until moving to NYC in 75'. I have traveled abroad to Europe and Mexico since then, but, shamelessly, have not returned to the DR since. Would like to stay longer, but am limited to five days. I consider this a recon mission with plans to return.
I want to see the country, but on my terms. Meaning, rent vehicle and simply travel wherever it's good. Is it reasonable to assume this is possible? Can I rent a jeep, pick up a map, head east/southeast from Santiago after visiting the kin, and find fuel/food/shelter along the way, much as you would being a backpacker in europe? Is it safe to simply set up camp along any deserted beach, or at least run across decent beach huts to rent? How about the water? I understand fuel prices are high, but to what extreme?
Mind you, I've been fluent in Spanish since day one. Although I am sure my accent is distinct, I do not expect communication to be a problem. Also, I am accustomed to going with the flow and making the best of situations. I would not mind visiting a resort or two, but my interest lies in the culture, mixing and dancing with the people, and traveling the coasts.
Would it be naive to think I could travel from Santiago to Santo Domingo in five days along the coastlines, without reservations, and a loose itinerary by jeep? Maybe a day in Santiago, a day in Samana, Punta Cana, one in Santo Domingo, back to Santiago and out?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I want to see the country, but on my terms. Meaning, rent vehicle and simply travel wherever it's good. Is it reasonable to assume this is possible? Can I rent a jeep, pick up a map, head east/southeast from Santiago after visiting the kin, and find fuel/food/shelter along the way, much as you would being a backpacker in europe? Is it safe to simply set up camp along any deserted beach, or at least run across decent beach huts to rent? How about the water? I understand fuel prices are high, but to what extreme?
Mind you, I've been fluent in Spanish since day one. Although I am sure my accent is distinct, I do not expect communication to be a problem. Also, I am accustomed to going with the flow and making the best of situations. I would not mind visiting a resort or two, but my interest lies in the culture, mixing and dancing with the people, and traveling the coasts.
Would it be naive to think I could travel from Santiago to Santo Domingo in five days along the coastlines, without reservations, and a loose itinerary by jeep? Maybe a day in Santiago, a day in Samana, Punta Cana, one in Santo Domingo, back to Santiago and out?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!