The Dominican is a beautiful country, both the land and the people. Not a 3rd world country at all. Santo Domingo is close to the same size as Chicago. You are much safer in the DR than anywhere in the US, for all you ill-informed that seem to live in a bubble. If you want to dispute this fact check any homicide or incarceration rates per capita, US vs just about anyone. Go to the Dominican and explore outside of the resorts. People are friendly and will take care of you if you show a little respect. It does help, however, to speak at least some basic spanish.<BR><BR>Enjoy!

I'm not going to comment on government warnings concerning personal safety. However, let me state that there is considerable health risk in the Dominican Republic. Caution is indeed recommended and preventive shots can be obtained prior to departure. However, be advised that after visiting the DR, one CANNOT give blood in the US.

Dear "Nurse's opinion"<BR>I believe the same holds true for visiting Mexico and several other caribbean destinations. Perhaps someone with COMPLETE knowledge on this could comment.

Diane, you are correct about Mexico. The wait is one year to be able to donate again. I do not know about DR.

Dump your travel agent dear. We have been to the Dom Rep 3 times and never had a bit of trouble. Punta cana is the most beautiful coastline I have ever seen in my life and we went up in a helicopter to see it. The people are fantastic and the food is delicious. When we went to Puerta Plata, we left the complex every day to walk to the beautiful beach in Sosua and never felt frightened or intimidated and we are in our late 50s so don't be afraid.The local children at the public beach in Sosua are fantastic and very charming and friendly.Go for it because you will be safe.

It is amazing how people get so defensive in their opinions. I was in Punta Cana last year and stayed at an A/I "compound." When you stay at an A/I anywhere, you are not allowed to wander between properties. (I have been to 12 throughout the Caribbean) That is how they know the guests from the non-guests. I think the Barcelo Bavaro Palace is just beautiful, and if you stay there, you have privileges at 5 Barcelo properties, all located next to one another. The beaches are the most spectacular in the Caribbean. I have clients there right now, and have had at least 7 couples in the last 5 months stay there. No one got sick. One was an avid Negril, Jamaica couple prior. (7 times) He is the CEO of a hospital, and he said he will go back again and again. And so will I.<BR><BR>

I doubt it if a warning would come up on the ticket, but I would say that your TA is trying to cover her butt by telling you that there are dangers of going to this destination. People here are jumping on the TA saying that you should switch cause she doesn't know what she is talking about, but lets face it, if she said nothing about any risks, and something bad happened, then you would be pissed that your TA never warned you. <BR><BR>I have ton's of clients that go to DR every year, and all have been fine, but I always let them know that when they leave the resort, there are dangers, but I also add that there are dangers when going to London, Sydney, Florida, etc.<BR><BR>I think your TA was just trying to be cautious.

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Your travel agent was probably warning you about all the cranky American tourists you'll encounter that complain about everything there. Just stay upwind of them and you'll be fine. The world can be a dangerous place (jeez look at New Jersey) but be bold, be loving, learn a little spanish and smile a lot. What I like best about the Dominican Republic is that the people are always singing. And remember, if your destined to drown you'll never hang.