Hello, I am hoping to visit DR for the first time this Feb or March. I would like to bring my young son and an adult friend. I live in West Virginia in the US, and expect to be in many feet of snow by then, and needing a break and beautiful weather... From what research I have done, it seems DR is affordable for us, me being a single mom, is this true? I saw the hostels on line, where do you suggest we stay? There or elsewhere? We love nature, hiking, also heard there is rock climbing which we really love. Any safety concerns or suggestions for us? He and I would really enjoy the whales- where for that? But mostly I want for us, especially him, to be able to experience diversity and another culture. Here in the mountains of WV, the color and culture is very limited!!! And, we love music- where can I bring my son with me to hear/ dance to live music? Are there any bars/ discos that would be okay to bring him with me- like on the beach or something? Is there Guiness? Expensive? Lots of questions, and I would GREATLY appreciate your input. I haven't been on a vacation, well a GOOD one, since 1999. Want to make the most of it. And I want it to be a meaningful learning experience for my boy. Thanks a lot! Sunshine and her Raine