First Caribbean trip

Hi all,

First post here but I have been lurking for a week or so. I've been researching places to take my first trip to the Caribbean. To be honest I've never before thought about the DR as a possible choice, but the more I study about it, the more I finding that it will be the perfect place. And in my search I stumbled upon this site. Let me say that I am very impressed with this site. Kudos to the owner and all who participate; there's a wealth of information here.

I put this in the North Coast thread because that's where I'll likely be going and it looks pretty active around here. I have a few questions and will appreciate any response you can give.

First of all, I'm from Indianapolis and it's looks difficult to get to POP in the same day. I've seen, so far, the best and cheapest route is thru Newark but there's an overnight stay. Returning to Indy thru Newark can be done the same day albeit 10:30 pm. Are there others that find the same problem going to POP? I would even consider driving to Chicago but that doesn't look any better. Are there other options?

Second, would it be better for a first timer to stay at a resort? I've been looking at just hotels and can really get good deals that are non-resort. I'm looking to stay in Sosua.

A few details about me... I will be coming solo and in my 40's. I do like to move around but will spend some time at the beach. I'm not loaded in any way so I will be a little budget minded. I've recently split with my wife so hooking up with a chica or two is a good possibility. For being married to a Venezuelan for 4 years I really don't know a lot of spanish. I do know several words but just can't formulate a sentence lol.

Third, I understand that you can rent a motorcycle. This sounds like fun but do you have to worry about it being stolen? And is it safe to drive along the coast like say to Cabarete or La Isabella?

Lastly, I'm planning on coming the end of April over my birthday. Is this a good time weather-wise? Overly crowded?

Mark

Excelente, Mucho Gracias

I will look into Santiago. Two hours wouldn't be bad. How much of a trip is it from SD by bus?

How can you tell if a hotel is chica-friendly? Do you simply ask them? lol

Yes, a car would probably be best.

I can get to Santiago from Indy in the same day... it's about $100 more but that's what I would spend on a hotel in Newark for the night.

I did notice that flying into Santiago that I would arrive at 8:30pm... plus 2 - 2 ? hour bus to Sosua would be about 11pm if the bus runs that late. First time I'd like to get there in during the day.

Thanks Bandito...

Yeah, not many options from Indy. Question... do you get your luggage on a stayover? Or do they transfer to the next flight? At least I can return to Indy in the same day.

I've been looking at a couple of condos at Rocky's and Europa. Both are such a good deal. Rocky's has the free airport pickup too... that's a big plus.