Eileen

I have been twice and would like to go again, but have become quite sick both times, even though I do not drink the water. Any suggestions. I stayed at the Fun Tropicale.

amy

What type of sickness? I have heard of hepatitis, and polio in DR. What else? This sadly would keep me from going.

Sue

Most people when on vacation have a tendency to maybe eat more (especally fruits)and drink more than at home and all this can cause quite a bit of stomach distress.

Parrot Mom

We are due to go there for the 5th time in a month..and I have never gotten sick...NEVER!!... I learned a few years ago that fresh fruit, especially pineapple will give you a problem. and all those fruit based drinks don't help either. The only thing I get sick from is flying...yep, I end up with bronchitis when I get home..but now take an antibiotic regime two days before I fly home and continue for another 3 days.. As for the polio..yes there is a problem and the CDC has recommended a booster if you haven't received a dose in 10 years.. We are seniors and that is the only reason we are going for a booster next week, but it depends on where you are going..and from what I understand the epidemic or outbreak is in the middle, not tourist area.. As you note that is not stopping me... Punta Cana here I come..

traveller

You're smart to be concerned.I was sick once in the DR & it's pretty frightening so far from home. The American trained doctor at the resort came to our room 3 times. The previous posts are correct---it's the huge amount of fresh, devine fruit you eat at these resorts, the coconut milk in the tropical drinks is a natural laxative (according to our tour representative). Also, a doctor I consulted for the next year said it's the hygenic standards in any resort,anywhere in the world. Take an antibiotic and take it preventatively before you go, if you're concerned. We're going to mexico & I'll be doing that.

Parrot Mom

Just a note..Mexico is no different than the Dominican Republic..just larger and glitzier resorts, most all inclusive especially in the Yucatan.. Am I worried..no, if I worried about these spots I'd be staying home or visiting Americanized countries like Aruba..Time is short for us..I want to be able to go into Cuba legally, when they start charters to Colon in Panama..let me be there..hey, I'm game.. As a parting note let me tell you of a couple we met in Lima, Peru in 1986..I mean this couple were in their eighties and looked pretty frail..and we were on our way to Machu Pichu..I asked the wife when we got there where her husband was..oh..he was at the top.. he climbed mountains for a hobby.. I envy that couple still and I only hope I can do those things in my eighties...

karen

Parrot Mom: I have been reading a lot of your posts and I really appreciate your attitude and input. My husband and I are going to Punta Cana for the first time at the end of this month and i've been reading so much (both pro and con) that I don't know quite what to believe. I've already got my Immodium and have got bug spray and heavy duty sunblock on my "to get" list and I look forward to this trip. Please continue to provide your insightful opinions. As a 5 time returnee, I think you could be considered a pro by now!

karen

My husband used to get quite sick and the last time he did two things besides the obvious ones of always using bottled water (even for brushing teeth), don't use their ice, avoid raw peeled fruit and veg/salads, and fancy drinks. He took yogurt tablets for 2 weeks before we went and every day during the trip. I think it is supposed to get your stomach used to bacteria so you won't be so susceptible. He also took pepto bismal tablets - 2 a day while we were there. Might seem extreme but he felt great the whole trip and we both had a better time for it. Enjoy

Kim

Hi!!! I am looking into going to Punta Cana at the end of June!!! CAn anyone give me some pros and cons? I don't know much! THANX!

Michelle

I was going to add that even though you drink bottled water, if you brush your teeth with tap water, you are defeating the purpose. I have always taken Pepto Bismol, Imodium, an antibiotic for e-coli bacteria and a medication for vomiting just in case. I was sick only twice and very briefly cuz I was prepared.

Parrot Mom

Have discovered that there is a clinic with english speaking M.D. with all sorts of equipment there for emergencies within a couple of miles.. Unfortunately 21 days and counting we are NOT going...my husband was hospitalized with bleeding ulcers.. and we will defer the trip maybe until the end of March. Your right though brushing your teeth with tap water is a no-no.. With this cold weather and at least 12 inches of snow on the ground I'm chafing at the bit.. but we have a cruise to Bermuda from Boston the end of May...