Isla Catilina and Isla Saona

I live in Santo Domingo. I like like to travel independantly but hate trips that are tourist oriented (tourist traps).

What is the backpacker/independant traveler (or the way the dominicans) way to get to Isla Catilina or Isla Saona? All loney planet reccomended were tourist trips.

Fiesta de Merenque

Hello All,
I will be traveling for the first time to Santo Domingo the first week in August and I wanted to know if there will be a festival going on at that time. I heard something about the Fiesta de Merenque but the dates are sketchy. Has anyone actually went to this festival and is it worth attending? All of my hotel stay is in Santo Domingo so I still don't have a clear account of what I'm going to do while there.

Very Respectfully

504girl

What beach to pick for group tripb?

Hi!

I am helping a friend who is getting married to plan a group trip somewhere in the Caribbean. They are doing a small wedding in the US and then a trip for a week where any friends who want to can join, for the full week or just for a couple of days.

My friend wants it to be affordable so that as many people as possible can come. I suggested either Puerto Rico or Dominican Republic. The former cause there are lots of cheap direct flights from NYC (around $350), the latter cause it is the cheapest island in the Caribbean I think. Is that correct? Or are there other options.

We are hoping to get flights and accommodation for $1000/person, which means if the flight is $500 we have about $150/night for a double room. Is this possible to find in Dominican Republic?

As I have never been before I would also like recommendations for beaches. I heard Punta Cana was like Cancun ... more »

Trip Report - 9 days on the fairly cheap side

Hola,
My wife and I recently returned from a 10-day trip to the DR. We're ages 33 and 34, very budget-minded, have traveled quite a bit in Latin America. On the trip we visited Santo Domingo, Jarabacoa, Salcedo, Las Terrenas, and Las Galeras. I used five different guidebooks to cross reference information. The following is a trip report of our experiences.

SANTO DOMINGO AIRPORT - Upon walking into the arrivals, go to your right to buy your $10 tourist card before passing through immigration and customs. Next to the tourist card booth is currency exchange and the rate is good. Stupidly, there is no sign big sign directing people to the tourist card booth so some people unknowingly walk straight to the immigration line. Outside there is a taxi stand. Upstairs from the ticketing area, before you go through security to your gate, is a food court which has Quizno's, Denny's Nathan's, ... more »

Basing myself in Punta Cana

Need some help, basing myself in punta cana as I have to see a friend there. I dont have time to move with luggage. Flying in and out of punta cana. what can I do as day trips to get away from the all inclusives?? Plus, any accommodation that is non all inclusives in punta cana? Or any where else I can stay if not punta cana but close enough?? Really dont like a lot of tourists around me... :(

Leaving in two days, help.

Safety in DR

Hi all,

I keep reading recent articles or news regarding violent episodes, rubbery and general crime to foreign visitors.

Obviously everything can happen in any country, and common sense like avoiding walking alone at night in isolated area will be the rule.

I was just wondering though, if it will be kind of safe for a girl travelling alone for 2 weeks, staying in not big touristic areas such as Santo Domingo. I was planning to stay more in Samana, Las terranas, Punta cana and maybe renting a room instead of going on a hotel.

Any advices? Or do you know anything regarding this topic in these areas?

Thanks

Going to the DR, seeking adventure, hotel and St. Paddy's Day advice

Flying into Santo Domingo with my buddy, will be there the 12-19, we are both 30. We are into eco adventure stuff and looking to drink a lot on St. Paddy's day. We will probably spend the first day in Santo Domingo and after that check out some beaches/jungle outdoors type stuff then back to Santo Domingo on Sunday probably. So my questions are
1. any good bars that will be celebrating the holiday on Sunday?
2. What are the hazards/hassles in renting a car to tour for a few days and is it better to just take buses?
3. Any cheap relatively clean hotel recommendations for Santo Domingo?
4. Any off the beaten path recommendations of things to do/places to go?
5. Any recommendations for dance lessons in Santo Domingo?
6. Any bars that show UFC fights?
7. Anybody wanna meet up/hang out/travel with us? We are fun easy going dudes

Feel free to answer any questions you ha... more »

Photography and Culture during Easter time / Accomodations

Hi everyone,

I will be visiting for the first time the Dominican Republic at the end of the month during Easter (28 march-8 april).
I'm a photographer and my idea will be to do a photography reportage on the traditions, the culture, hang out with the locals and obviously also enjoy and photograph the beatiful beaches that this country offers.

I was wondering if someone can suggest me some must see places or areas. There will be also the semana santa so probably there are some events around?
I wanted to avoid those places full of turists and be with locals instead, and reading a bit around I think that Samana' region is what I'm looking for.

Any recommendations? suggestions on must see places to photograph?

Also advices on accomodations will be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Roberta