I do quite a bit of traveling... and this is the only country that I have visited where I had an absolutely miserable time. I would never go back to the DR.

I went with two friends... and stayed at the "Five Star" Catalonia Bavaro Resort.

Although the resort itself was beautiful, we all had a lousy time. Why? We were all sick as dogs! We were so careful about the water... all we drank was bottled water. We brushed our teeth with bottled water. We declined ice in our drinks. We ate no raw food, and only peeled fruit. Yet we all got sicker than sick. In fact, a huge amount of people at the resort told us they were sick as well.

I think the problem is that this is a third world country, and the hygene practices are not like ours. The restaurants were all outdoors, and the food was out in the heat. I saw food handlers in the bathrooms who didn't wash their hands. And.. despite this being a gorgeous resort, there were chickens and roosters running around the grounds!

Speaking of illness, you might want to talk to your doctor about taking chloroqunine as a prophylaxis against malaria.

"Travelers to rural areas of the Dominican Republic are at risk for malaria, with the highest risk in provinces bordering Haiti. In addition, risk in all areas of La Altagracia Province, including Punta Cana and Bavaro Beach."
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/caribean.htm

The DR has also had outbreaks of polio from time to time, (due to its proximity to Haiti) so be sure to check on the cdc site for the latest health info.

Remember too, that this is a very poor country, so there is a crime problem. I was not happy with the fact that there were security guards on the hotel perimeter armed with machine guns!

Dominican Repubic? Never again. I'll take Bermuda!

Hello Blueangel,
Thanks for the reminder about the water. When I've been to the Caribbean twice before, I never asked for bottled water and was fine but I will try to remember this tip. I go pick up my prescription to address Malaria today. There aren't any current polio concerns on the state dept site.

I'm looking forward to interacting with the Dominicans in their native countryside so I hope to be able to get into town. It seems like most of the Caribbean is pretty third world and the poverty is very sad. I haven't had any problems with crime yet (maybe they thought I was one of them - LOL - not sure) but hope not to this time. Armed guards? Yuck. I hope that my resort doesn't have that.

Hello Blueangel,
Thanks for the reminder about the water. When I've been to the Caribbean twice before, I never asked for bottled water and was fine but I will try to remember this tip. I go pick up my prescription to address Malaria today. There aren't any current polio concerns on the state dept site.

I'm looking forward to interacting with the Dominicans in their native countryside so I hope to be able to get into town. It seems like most of the Caribbean is pretty third world and the poverty is very sad. I haven't had any problems with crime yet (maybe they thought I was a citizen - LOL - not sure) but hope not to this time. Armed guards? Yuck. I hope that my resort doesn't have that.

Most of the resorts I passed by on the way to mine had armed guards at the gate and on the edge of the property on the beach.
Have fun, relax and enjoy.

Thank you everyone for your helpful tips!
I will try to enjoy this much-needed vacation.

SC

Hello Jon,
Wow. Oh well, I'm sure that it will be a nice trip at any rate. I'll just have to pretend that I don't see them. :)
Thanks for your tips,
SC

I really hope you do enjoy yourself.
And if you at going to an all-inclusive watch our waist line!!!!:D
Do not eat more that you would at home even if it really looks good and/or different.

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful advice! I had a great time and didn't want to come back. LOL. The people are wonderful and the country is beautiful. Tourism is really a big part of the economy of this somewhat still developing country so if you're looking for a great place to vacation, consider hanging out with the Dominicans (in the Dominican Republic, not NY :) ).

If anyone wants to know about my experiences in particular, pm me.

I stayed on the resort property but also took an excursion to Santo Domingo, the capital, and a jeep safari tour to the more remote areas.

SC

Welcome Home.
Glad you enjoyed yourself.