I will be traveling to DR but I am not sure what area to visit. I love going shopping and am pratically interested in handicrafts. Any recommendations on what areas to stay in? Also recommnendations on good buys other than amber? Thanks

Yes, I'm a shopper too... most crafts and items are in the city of Santo Domingo. There is the usual Haitian art, lot of mahogany items and while at Altes de Chavon found a shop that have shirts, blouses and dresses that had applique done by local women. That said there aren't any "crafts" in the Punta Cana, La Romana or Puerta Platta areas. Really had a good laugh when the resorts we were at this year and last had the same type flea market one night..with some of the same vendors. There is the usual jewelry, Haitian wood carvings, cigars, rum. Larimer is the stone of the island.. although amber is well known. Lamimer is only available in the D.R. and is turquoise similiar to what is seen in the western states here. Also, if you go into a reliable jewelry store amber comes in other colors beside the deep yellow.

Thanks for reply. Does anyone else know of good shopping areas for handicrafts other then in Santo Domingo.

You'll find Larimar, a milky blue semi-precious stone allegedly named after the sea (mar) and the discover's daughter, and amber in every hue,<BR>sold all over island Puerto Playa to Sosua tourist areas on North Coast. Mined on island, both can be found loose and set by craftsmen-jewelers.<BR>The amber, often rare specimens with enveloped ancient insects, and in shades from dark rum to milky yellow and nearly translucent citrine can be<BR>amazing.

Amber shopping tipring a pak of Kleenex and a scrap of wool cloth with you shopping. Tear a tiny fibery scrap of Kleenex and put on the counter. Rub the amber piece briskly over the wool. If real amber, the static electricity built up will attract and 'move' the Kleenex bits. If not, you got plastic resin, like the Moroccan copal ambers.

thanks for all the info. Does anyone else want to suggest anything else. Thanks

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Can anyone recommned any shopping areas in Punta Cana other than the hotels///are there any markets or shopping centers? Thanks.

If you stay at Casa de Campo (La Romana), I believe you can arrange a day trip to Santo Domingo. Check with the resort for info.<BR><BR>Santo Domingo is one of the Caribbean's best outdoor/indoor/street shopping cities! Everything from the world's best cigars (ONLY at reliable stores -- counterfeits are EVERYWHERE) and excellent rum to cocoa, coffee and pure vanilla, handcrafted rocking chairs, artwork and jewelry. The old city is like a giant bazaar.<BR><BR>Keep your wits about you in SD, as the poverty rate is alarming and crime (mostly pickpockets and con artists) is rampant. You should be perfectly safe, as long as you stay alert -- especially if you have a reliable guide. Again, check the resort for more info.<BR><BR>As for Casa de Campo, you probably can't find a better bargain anywhere in the Caribbean -- great bang for your buck!!!