My apologies for asking a similar question to the one yesterday... I omitted something and also didn't want to limit my post to one area.
I've been to the DR a bunch of times but not to too many places... mostly Santo Domingo followed by Puerto Plata, Juan Dolio and Cabarete. This is basically a 2 part question. I'm looking for a suggestion of (1) where to go and (2) whether to rent a car. I will be traveling with a friend. My Spanish is very basic and hers is good. My budget is $100 max for hotels including tax. I will fly into SDQ to meet my friend.
1. I will be in the DR for 8 days in November. I dislike the sweltering heat and touristy places. I'm considering Jarabacoa and someplace else. I am not the type to lay around the beach all day, though a little bit is fine and I like swimming. Rafting on the river sounds fun and stuff like that, though I am 62 and not in the best of shape. While I like adventure, my body has its limits. -) My question is if Jarabacoa is a good choice and where else to go or if another area other than central DR is recommended taking into consideration I need to return to SD. And recommendations for hotels. I do not like AI's though I won't rule them out altogether.
2. Renting a car. I am totally paranoid of renting a car in the DR. I've heard horror stories and I also have a horrible sense of direction. Do GPS's work yet throughout the country? If the trip will be made too onerous by using public transportation, I will rent a car. But do I need to? If not, how do I find out what bus to take to wherever I am going from SD? Or can someone recommend a driver? If I do rent a car, I'm covered by credit card for collision and theft. What other insurance do I need?
Thanks for any help!
I've been to the DR a bunch of times but not to too many places... mostly Santo Domingo followed by Puerto Plata, Juan Dolio and Cabarete. This is basically a 2 part question. I'm looking for a suggestion of (1) where to go and (2) whether to rent a car. I will be traveling with a friend. My Spanish is very basic and hers is good. My budget is $100 max for hotels including tax. I will fly into SDQ to meet my friend.
1. I will be in the DR for 8 days in November. I dislike the sweltering heat and touristy places. I'm considering Jarabacoa and someplace else. I am not the type to lay around the beach all day, though a little bit is fine and I like swimming. Rafting on the river sounds fun and stuff like that, though I am 62 and not in the best of shape. While I like adventure, my body has its limits. -) My question is if Jarabacoa is a good choice and where else to go or if another area other than central DR is recommended taking into consideration I need to return to SD. And recommendations for hotels. I do not like AI's though I won't rule them out altogether.
2. Renting a car. I am totally paranoid of renting a car in the DR. I've heard horror stories and I also have a horrible sense of direction. Do GPS's work yet throughout the country? If the trip will be made too onerous by using public transportation, I will rent a car. But do I need to? If not, how do I find out what bus to take to wherever I am going from SD? Or can someone recommend a driver? If I do rent a car, I'm covered by credit card for collision and theft. What other insurance do I need?
Thanks for any help!
