Just got back from the Dominican

Yes, I travel a lot internationally for work. Seems everytime I've been to DR I've gotten sick. It could be chance, who knows.

 

Went to the DR back this summer, and I don't think I'll be going back. 2nd trip there, and it was about the same as the first. The mosquitoes were awful, and the sand fleas on the beach made sure you were miserable in case you avoided the mosquitoes. I like the Iberostar Grand Paraiso in Playa del Carmen, and the Grand Velas right down the road from it. I don't think you can beat Mexico for the money and treatment. Short flight from Atl too.

 

We're heading to Playa Del Carmen next month. Hoping to avoid anyone getting sick.

 

Dude you should be fine..... Make sure you take a couple nights and go walk downtown at Playa.... Awesome nightlife... Also there is some good cave diving there as well...We stayed at the Paradises in Playa if I remember right...... Great trip as well...

 

Playa is a good time for sure. Eddie, do yourself a solid and pay for a private airport transfer. Because the Playa is farther from the airport than other resorts, group transfers (15 passenger van or bigger) will end up with you sitting in a van for a couple hours going down very bumpy resort roads so people can load/unload.

 

Damn. Didn't see a single bug while I was there. Sounds like we just got really lucky with timing.

 

Do it every time..... Well worth it...

 

Cool. We're at the Royal Playa Del Carmen. Not sure how close that is. Cave diving sounds fun. I want to go zip lining, but not sure my wife is up for that.

Silly question and not to thread jack, but how far does the Peso get you? The conversion rate I'm assuming is misleading, as everything will be expensive there anyway.

 

Most things are going to be priced similar to in the US, perhaps a bit less. Excursions were anywhere from $60 per person to $130 depending on what it was. Wife and I could eat and have a few drinks for $20-30 bucks most places. If you get out of the tourist areas its cheaper. I want to say a buss ride was like 50 cents, so take advantage of that if you need to.

 

They took our US Dollars.... Never used a Peso the whole time down there.... And Eddie the Ziplining we passed going to the caves.... Looked kind of cheesy... Lots of platforms and no hills....

 

USD all the way.

 

My wife and I have gone to the DR twice and experienced both ends of the spectrum.

One experience at a place called Paradisus Punta Cana which was awesome. Beachfront suite that was about 12 feet from the sand. Could not have had a better time!

Second trip there was at a resort called Ocean Blue with our 16 year old daughter and 13 year old son. If a travel agent recommends this place to you run out the door and get a new agent. I cannot say how shitty our experience was.

Bavaro Beach is 7 miles long I think, but depending on where you are dictates a lot in just how nice it is. It can go from what feels like talc powder under your feet to sand paper in some areas.

Food is always a bit different no matter where you go outside the US, but that is to be expected.

Diving there is easy, but not as colorful as Mexico and other areas because the reef is actually dead.

 

Wife and I did the Majestic Colonial a couple months back. Rooms looked well used but were very clean and functional. Stayed in what they call the "colonial club" which is adult only. Had a great bar in the room that was included as well as Coors Light in the mini fridge. Butler wouldn't leave me alone no matter how often I told him we needed nothing. Excellent service all around

 

We stayed here in the colonial club as well for a friends wedding. We enjoyed it and I wouldn't hesitate to go back.