Dominican Republic

[FezUSA]

My 15yr old middle-child just came back from a semester there. She lived with a host family for 6 months about 4 hours from Punta Cana. My wife and 2 youngest children (10 & 13) went to visit over spring break for 2 weeks. The media is blowing it all out of proportion, however that does NOT mean that there isn't an issue, nor that you shouldn't be concerned. The father of a friend my daughter made while there with even went so far, recently, to record a message specifically addressing this issue and comparing it to the violence numbers etc. that are for US cities etc. Again, this does not change the facts that there have been deaths, nor does it guarantee your safety.

Personally I would go. But just like has already been posted, it's your call and your comfort level.

 

[Lorenzoid]

My 15yr old middle-child just came back from a semester there. She lived with a host family for 6 months about 4 hours from Punta Cana. My wife and 2 youngest children (10 & 13) went to visit over spring break for 2 weeks. The media is blowing it all out of proportion, however that does NOT mean that there isn't an issue, nor that you shouldn't be concerned. The father of a friend my daughter made while there with even went so far, recently, to record a message specifically addressing this issue and comparing it to the violence numbers etc. that are for US cities etc. Again, this does not change the facts that there have been deaths, nor does it guarantee your safety.

Personally I would go. But just like has already been posted, it's your call and your comfort level.

My understanding of the deaths is that they all happened at resorts. I may have missed some of the media coverage, but I don't recall any of it suggesting that the DR as a whole is unsafe to visit.

 

[DannyWestTX]

This is a good resource:

Dominican Republic International Travel Information

I always decrease their advisory level by 1.

 

[TX_TC]

Just got back from the DR this Wednesday night. My wife and me are now P.A.D.I. Open Water Certified Divers!

Udo Stahl, of Ultra Marine Divers was AWESOME! He explains things well, is patient, and makes sure you know it. I highly recommend him. My wife was terrified of the removing the mask and putting it back on underwater skill, he calmly taught her, and reassured her, she sailed right thru it! (by the way...he speaks German, Spanish, and English) As previously mentioned above somewhere in the thread, he does dive out of Scubapro's shop, off of their boats. (they all know each other out there) In fact, I believe one of the proprietors of Scubapro was on our boat, (or us, on his..) during our last 3 dives. Nice guy.

On the whole Dominican Republic scare thing.....I'm not saying it's not still going on, or whatever....but I am saying we had no issues. It's basically the same as any other Caribbean country. We saw a couple of wrecks on the toll road, (after they had happened) drove by in town, what I was told was probably a dead body. (lots of people and police at the scene).....more or less, a day in most cities in the US. There are armed guards (rifle) on the toll road, (what?...you get shot if you don't pay a dollar?? )
I will say, the resort we stayed at, (I don't know if I'm allowed to mention it, or not....please excuse me if I violated a forum rule...) The Iberostar Grand Bavaro, was awesome!....beautiful hotel and grounds, AWESOME staff, and to top it off, going in the low season.....AWESOME! There was very few people there. SOOOO peaceful and quiet! Loved it! We ate. we drank, (even out of the minibar).....still alive!

By the way.....customs in Atlanta.....SUCKS!

All in all, Loved the trip.

 

[Kimela]

@TX_TC , welcome back and congratulations to you both!!! Another couple addicted to scuba!!

Next thing to do is look into Global Online Entry System (GOES) to make your re-entry into the country a breeze. I'll bet you're planning your next trip already!!

 

[drrich2]

I will say, the resort we stayed at, (I don't know if I'm allowed to mention it, or not....please excuse me if I violated a forum rule...) The Iberostar Grand Bavaro, was awesome!....

Oh, no, not only are 'you good' on this, but naming resorts and giving other details helps other people who may be deciding where to go, stay, etc...

Richard.

 

[W W Meixner]

I'm booked into a vacation in August in Punta Cana.


I've been reading a LOT of scary things about the Dominican Republic lately about tourists getting hurt or dying..

Any thoughts out there?

TC

TX-TC...

Stayed at Riu-Palace...dove with Scuba Caribe...great time/excellent food/good diving...did not drink from the ''bar bottles'' provided in the room...as they had all been started...did drink a complimentry bottle of rum/sealed bottle that was also provided in the room as ''welcome gift''...as well as beer that was in the fridge...and replaced daily...

Most hotel liquors were house brands...originating in Spain...bourbon/vodka/gin/local rum/local beer...

Didn't tour the Island...stayed on the compound...local vendors visit the property twice a week...the best cigars...if cigars are your thing...nice trinkets...

My wife had a couple of good casino nights...$$$...

No Problems...

When it gets to a point when we and our families are not safe in Walmart in our own towns...WHERE ARE WE SAFE...

Enjoy your trip...

Best...

Warren

 

[TX_TC]

Although there's other places I want to go see next, I'd DEFINITELY go back.