If you are travelling to the Dominican Republic the first thing to remember is that it is a third world country. Unless you live in your resort or resort area you will see the poverty within the country. Do not expect too much when you go into their cities or towns. If you want the luxuries stay in your resort. My advice is to see the country, experience the culture and rub elbows with the locals. The people are very friendly and we felt very comfortable. We took our 1 1/2 year old daughter to D.R. The locals love children and we never feared for her safety. Go to the D.R. and enjoy!!!

Candace, outside of the resorts, is the begging/hassling a problem? Thanks.

Although I can't speak for Santo Domingo, people throughout the Dominican Republic are very warm and friendly. I also agree that the D.R. is a "good bang for your buck". Prices are among the lowest in the Carribean, along with Cuba... <BR>

I've been twice and I LOVED it!! The people are amazingly friendly. I felt very safe everywhere I went. I would highly recommend the Dominican Republic -- very good value for your money! <BR> <BR>If you go to Puerto Plata make sure to take the Rumrunners Jeep Adventure! What a blast -- and it teaches you all about the countryside, people, history and flora and fauna!! Not to be missed! <BR>

I disagree with the initial post - this is NOT a third world county. No one starves, medical treatment is readily available and for the most part - conditions are very sanitary. Don't mistake this country as poverty-stricken just because people don't live the same as "typical" North American families do. This is a wonderful island with many beautiful people and places to enjoy.

Sorry to disagree..but the D.R. is a third world country....unfortunately.. The hurricanes last year are the latest example of the problems the poor people are having to deal with. Yes, there is big "bang" for your $$...and tourism is soaring, but as we pay several $$ for our drink or have our bargain resort...the Dominicans live for a year on far less...Too many tourists don't want to see the poverty, the sugar cane cutters living in near slavery..... I truly love the D.R. and it's people and we will be going back for the 5th time this February. We have never been not treated well on the streets of Santo Domingo, never...and as is all countries you must be aware of your surroundings and not flaunt yourself as a tourist with jewelry or large wads of bills. A story I like to tell is that we were in a cab and accidently left part of a camera case in the cab...hours later it was returned to us by the cab driver. Where else would that happen!!

If you call Dominican Republic Third World - what would you call Ethiopa? 10th world?? Ethiopa is a Third World county - and Dominican Republic is a FAR CRY from that . . . sorry but I think that a lot of people would really misinterpret the "Third World" remark. The Dominican Republic would not be a tourist destination, if it were a "Unicef" country. I'm glad you enjoyed your time there.

I also love the D.R. and the prices for a beautiful beach, friendly people and excellent resorts I haven't been able to match. I have stayed in Puerto plata, sosua,bayahibe, santo domingo, and punta cana and can't think of too many better places to be at the moment!! <BR>Have been to other islands and keep coming back, although every time things change. I for one wish the jet skiis and that kind of stuff would have never found it there. <BR>Brenda