<p>We really enjoyed our AI vacation to Paraiso Maya last year, we have dicided to do another one this year. Our target - Punta Cana area of DR and about 7 days in Nov 15 - Dec 15.</p>
<p>We have studied the reviews from trip advisor, among all other readings. Everything seems straight forward - purchase a package from a reputatble agent, get passport and money, and enjoy the trip. </p>
<p>I know many CCers are world travelers. Before I clicked that confirmation button, I would like to get some tips here.</p>
<p>I spent some time in the DR many years ago and the weather and beach were gorgeous. But we were not at a resort per se, and there were unbelievably aggressive beggars and street peddlers everywhere in the nearby town (Puerto Plata, IIRC) who made life miserable if one ventured there. Friends who visited the same area several years later said that they had vanished. Probably forced out by the gov’t after several big resorts were built in the area.</p>
<p>Also, the baggage handling people at the airport opened everyone’s bags and stole anything electronic (contact lens unit) or remotely valuable. They broke the locks if necessary. Very blatant, totally ignored by the airport authorities.</p>
<p>alwaysamom: you obviously haven’t been to the DR and if you have you probably stayed at a cheap hotel.</p>
<p>Consolation: Punta Cana is a really nice place and the beaches are beautiful. Your trip -like in any other country- will depend on the hotel you stay in and the area you visit. For example Punta Cana is the home of artists like Julio Iglesias and Oscar de la Renta. It is also were the famous resort Cap Cana is. Look it up and you’ll see what a beautiful place it is.</p>
<p>erf, the Hep A recommendation isn’t denigrating the Dominican Republic in any way. The CDC just flat-out recommends that people get Hep A vaccines before they travel to anywhere in the Caribbean.</p>
<p>The Hep A vaccine isn’t bad… One shot two weeks before, then another six months out, after you come back, to keep you immune. Depending upon where in the DR you go, you might also need malaria prophylaxis. Check with a travel clinic; they’ll set you up before you head out, but it might not be covered by insurance.</p>
<p>I’ve heard it’s beautiful there… My husband and I went to Costa Rica for our honeymoon, but the Dominican Republic was a close second on our list. We hope to eventually get to go there, too.</p>
<p>erf, you’re wrong on both counts. I have been to the Dominican Republic and stayed at Tortuga Bay at Punta Cana. Most doctors, as well as the CDC, recommend the Hep A vaccine for anyone travelling to the DR, which has one of the highest rates of Hep A in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has nothing to do with how nice your hotel happens to be. You might want to have a look at the CDC site if you’re planning on a visit.</p>
<p>I have not been to the DR, but it just so happens that I just was on the CDC site as I was looking into the vaccinations recommended for the countries my D is traveling to next month. The CDC recommends certain vaccinations for certain countries and they don’t do so by how nice the hotel is that you are staying at. It is by country.</p>
<p>No vacations like this for the Thumper family until both kids are OUT of college. We use this vacation money to pay for our bills and college expenses.</p>
<p>DadII’s family seems very lucky to be able to take these vacations and also great financial aid packages. </p>
<p>DadII…please do not cry poor on CC because it is hard for some to read that and how you need a great FA package or a free ride and are able to do what many cannot do (take vacations with the family to the islands) in order to fund college expenses. If you could be sensitive to that, it would go a long way. :)</p>
<p>Obviously nobody begrudges those who can take these nice vacations. They sound great and all the best to those who are able to do so. It is harder to read such posts at the same time by a member who said that their children must receive substantial aid (even a free ride) in order to attend college. Then again, we each make choices.</p>
<p>Just to clarify, in case anyone’s wondering, we were, and are, a full-fare paying family for all 5 Ds. No complaining from me about financial aid, and none received either! :)</p>
<p>The difference I see with you alwaysamom is you don’t create multiple threads about how your kids can’t go to school (and only the best schools at that) unless they get tons of free aid.</p>
<p>Like I said, I hope everyone can go on nice vacations and I think it is great for those who can and do. I love vacations!!! I certainly do NOT frown upon those who go on them. In fact, the Caribean is one of my favorite places. </p>
<p>But maysixxmom understands what I meant. It had all to do with the context of many threads over time about not being able to afford college unless a LOT of aid (preferably free rides) comes through. One would have had to have read the MANY threads about which I refer to understand my comment.</p>
<p>Susan, I gathered that that was what you meant by your comments (I’m not familiar with Dad II’s threads), and I know that you know the situation with our family. I just didn’t want anyone else to misinterpret my comment about visiting the DR, or anywhere else, when I have kids in college. :)</p>
<p>maysixxmom, mmhmm, lots of ways to spend. All those females, even our dogs are girls! My poor H is outnumbered, although we do have a son-in-law now and the other girls have boyfriends, one or two of whom are probably permanent so he can’t complain too much.</p>
<p>AlwaysAMom, yeah, my comments had ALL to do with the context and not just of this thread. </p>
<p>Anyway, I love to take vacations and try to when I can. My kids are on FA but I’m not complainin’ that they must get it or a free ride or that I am poor. I see it as a “gift” the schools gave and not something I expected. No matter what, we are gonna fund our kids all the way through school no matter how long it takes us to pay it off. The FA definitely helped. Some do not wish to pay even if they could. </p>
<p>My husband is outnumbered too but you have even more girls.</p>
<p>But back to the DR.
Never have been there, but my fave island is Anguilla.</p>
<p>I love San Martin, that island feel with French food thrown in! But I also was wondering in reading this if DS wonders how his family can vacation in style while he’s forced to seek free rides…DadII, you’ve shared so much with us, inquiring minds want to know, isn’t this confusing for your kids? Do they go too?</p>
<p>I wanted to add that we are luckier than most and still paying 3 full tuition’s but my kids know everyone’s job is tenuous and our assets are not what they were (who’s is?) so there won’t be travel other than cheap tickets and staying with friends until things look much brighter.</p>
<p>We have gone to Cozumel for many years. Leaving tomorrow for trip # 11 or 12. We have compared it to places like Cayman, Gamaica and still love Cozumel the best. In regard to prep., it depends what you will be doing there. For us, snorkeling equipment is the most important. Have the best time!</p>
