Hello Rose-ny, I'm from Tennessee also, I'm from Chattanooga. I live in Miami now and married to a Dominican girl for last 8 years and have been down there countless times. Take lots of designer jeans, polo shirts, nice dresses, long pants, top,etc.. you can wear the flipflops, t-shirts, shorts when you go to the beach,etc...no problem. Dominican people love their fashion as 1st time I went there I was in a state of shock. Seems like everybody I know, family and friends down there are wearing polo shirts, lacoste shirts, $400 farragamo shoes, $200 belts from Ferragamo, Gucci, Armani Exchange etc...Doesn't mean you have to though. Think of McCallie, Baylor, Knoxville Webb type people and you will know what I'm saying. lol lol
Where in Dominican Rep. are you going or living? If you ever need anything, here is my email address
cejayvols@yahoo.com -of course vols is for the Big Orange Tennessee!! lol lol My wife is going down in a couple of weeks and I might shortly after that. As far as suitcases, what we do especially around Christmas time and gifts for everybody, we go and buy Big Duffle Bags. We can get them here in Miami for like $40 each but they carry 10 times more stuff than a normal suitcase and we also even take lots of toys for the poor kids that we have a Christmas for them every year so we are packed to the bone. American Airlines does have restrictions though going to D.R. not sure about Spirit Airlines. We just pay a fee to take overweight bags which is usually about $75 per bag! Your allowed 2 suitcases or bags each plus your carry on's also you can ship things with American Airlines air-cargo also and they will have a local deliver to you down there. I hope this helps and if you need anything or have any concerns, don't be bashful as just helping a fellow Tennessean!!! lol lol -CeJay