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dominican republic


350 Russ

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as the title says im off there on holiday in a few weeks :yahoo: , just wondering whether anyone has been there and what were your thoughts etc.. any day trips worth recommending?

 

im going to punta cana to narrow it down a bit :thumbs:

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I came back from puerto plata in Dom Rep. 2 weeks of relaxation.

What I'd say is forget local Passo's. Change your money into USD. They prefer that and it's easier to work out.

If you have a resort holiday booked, then try the excursion and book it with local reps (usually patrolling the beeches). Not you're tour guide cos you can save about 30%.

Also though it's dead cheap there isn't any point bargaining cos the extra few dollars you save do mean a lot to them.

Also don't buy the DVD's if they film you cos its a waste of money.

Though very beautiful and everyone is very friendly, just remember. They're only friendly because they want your money and tips. Outside on your own, it's not safe. Dom Rep is know for rape and murders so if you do decide to step outside your beech resort, make sure you're with a tour.

Enjoy

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I went there with some friends about two years ago, great place. If you're into Dolphins\Sharks\Fish (plus random birds, a few tigers, the usual stuff B) ) and whatnot then make sure you get on a day trip to Ocean World. Also worth while are the Catermeran trips, again with added snorkelling - we went with Freestyle who were pretty cool and opened up a free on board bar on the return leg.

 

Make sure you sample some '151 rum'.. Just make a written note of your room number before you do so.

 

Driving there is crazy, and the usual caveats about straying off resort apply but you'll be fine if you stick with the organised tours and things. Should be pretty hot there this time of year too.

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Also you want to get on the day trip to Catalina and the 'Natural Swimming pool'..........they're a bit touristy but they're things you just have to see.

 

Remember the people in the Dom are very poor so you might get a little bit of hounding for a dollar here and there (especially from kiddies) - they mean no harm so nothing to worry about. Same with the hotel (your undoubtedly all inclusive)the peeps there work really hard......tips are usually well appreciated.

 

Also watch yourself with the cocktails........ alcohol tends to be the main ingredient! :drunk:

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I was there last year. It was the best holiday ive ever been on. Stayed in playa dorada in the bluebay villas. The staff are very very nice. The locals are pretty friendly. Go to paradise island, oceanworld (royal dolphin swim is amazing. It's a one on one with a dolphin and trainer) climbing the water falls was amazing(take coral shoes) coco bongos is pretty good and so is the casino. We done the trip into the mountains and it was amazing. Stopped of at local farms for food and the pasta, chicken and rice was amazing. The food was absolutely amazing. Not one complaint about it.

 

I'll post a video up later of me watching lightning and it strikes the hotel. I was sitting with a towel round me after a shower on the balcony. Shat myself big time. Went blind with the flash and deaf with the noise. Very very scary but very amazing to see

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  • 2 weeks later...

Interesting, off there next week to Bavaro.

 

I went to puerto Plata 3 or so years ago and loved it, going to a different area and resort as i'm going with a different lady as it wouldn't go down too well to go back to the same one :p

 

I loved it last time and the advice others have given is spot on, i'm taking a small amount of local currency as it can be usfeul off complex but yes USD is a must.

 

Oh and dont forget your inbound and exit tax, roughly $10USD in and $20USD out per person.

 

We plan on doing the trip to an island (not paradise) and I cant remember what its called as well as the usual catamaran/snorkelling/boozing trip.

 

Other than that forget work and enjoy

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Interesting, off there next week to Bavaro.

 

I went to puerto Plata 3 or so years ago and loved it, going to a different area and resort as i'm going with a different lady as it wouldn't go down too well to go back to the same one :p

 

I loved it last time and the advice others have given is spot on, i'm taking a small amount of local currency as it can be usfeul off complex but yes USD is a must.

 

Oh and dont forget your inbound and exit tax, roughly $10USD in and $20USD out per person.

 

We plan on doing the trip to an island (not paradise) and I cant remember what its called as well as the usual catamaran/snorkelling/boozing trip.

 

Other than that forget work and enjoy

 

Catalina and Catalinita.........Catalina to my mind was much better. Didn't do much drinking though because the waters can get a bit choppy on the journey to and from - couple that with some lobster and a gut full of booze :snack::drunk: = :yuck:

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Yeah not sure which Island it is, I know Paradise is up the north part my *cough* hairdresser *cough* told me she went there when staying around Purto Plata area but i never got chance to go there.

 

Which area did you go Mr Ricey? Ahhh just checked and it seems you went to the La Romana area too judging by the Island name.

It takes a bit for me to be affected by a choppy sea... it was quite amusing in Jamaica watching this group turn up for the boat trip hungover from the night before, took about 10 minutes before the buckets came out... and that was in the bay kust having heaving anchor :lol:

 

Either way I'm sure Mr 350 Russ will have a great time, but be prepared to have a few games of chav spotting :)

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