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Info on the Dominican Republic - why is it so popular now?

Info on the Dominican Republic - why is it so popular now?

Old Oct 4th, 2002, 07:01 PM
  #1  
Holly
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Info on the Dominican Republic - why is it so popular now?

I am curious to know why the Dominican Republic is so popular now. A year or two ago, I had some friends to go and they stopped there on a cruise stop. They were shocked by all the poverty in Santo Domingo and vowed to never return. Yet, the DR has become the hot destiniation now. What has changed? Or is it that the Punta Cana region is hot? How safe is it for single travelers?
 
Old Oct 4th, 2002, 10:09 PM
  #2  
June
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I can understand why they didn't like the DR if they only saw Santo Domingo. It is a huge city in a poor country. What your friends missed seeing would be the beautiful beaches, rolling mountains, and friendly population. Punta Cana is hot and will likely remain hot because:
1. Stunningly beautiful beaches
2. Easy to reach (direct flights)
3. Well priced
4. Safe destination
I loved Punta Cana and am going back. It's a LOT cheaper than most destinations and I felt totally safe there....safer than I felt my first visit to Mexico. When you arrive at that beautiful thatch roofed airport terminal, you feel like you've landed in paradise....and you have!!! Try Punta Cana....it's a great beach vaction!!
 
Old Oct 5th, 2002, 03:41 AM
  #3  
answers
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I am not sure exactly why but somehow developers purchased land, and they just began building. As ocean front property is becoming more scarce I suppose the opportunity was seized on this Island. In particular Punta Cana. It has certainly given some of the other Islands a run for there money. I suppose as it becomes more popular the costs may also rise. The people are very friendly, so I found, and the Ocean is gorgeous. I agree with June and her thoughts. I would have no reservations in traveling to this destination if you are single travelers. Yes Santo Domingo is poor, but so are many other Islands as well. There is alot of history in that city which is very interesting and worth taking a tour of while visiting the country.
 
Old Oct 5th, 2002, 05:30 AM
  #4  
nina
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We went in June and loved it. We went with extended family, ages ranging from 2 to 62. Everyone had a ball. Where else can you go in the caribbean and find absolutely stunning beaches, at prices that won't send you looking for a second mortgage?

I've been to many, many caribbean islands, and you can't beat the value of the DR. With the exception of Puerto Rico (whose beaches pale in comparison), there isn't much cultural or architectural interest on any island, so if you're looking for beautiful tropical beaches, lots of excellent resorts at a great price, head to Punta Cana.

My guess is people are finally getting fed up with paying $300-$500 per night for just a room, and a not so spectacular one at that, which is what the rate is on many of the islands in high season.
 
Old Oct 7th, 2002, 08:49 AM
  #5  
moi
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Agreed with all the posters above , love DR myself and would , will go back there to visit again and again...
 
Old Oct 7th, 2002, 09:21 AM
  #6  
jack
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Try this messgae board for good DR info

http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/
 
Old Oct 27th, 2002, 09:38 AM
  #7  
Karen
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Hi just got back yesterday from a terrific holiday in Punta Cana. We have visited or stayed on 14 different island and we had a great time on this island. Firstly, it is very beautiful, the beaches the folliage are just lovely. Secondly, the people are very friendly, and very happy to have tourist (not all islands give you this impression). Thirdly, it is still very affordable and the infastructures like electricity ect have made huge gains the last ten years. The roads were in excellent shape and we did not have any power outages like we have heard of from people who went to the DR years ago. What had kept me away from the DR over the past 10 years was hearing of people getting very ill, power outages and having to stay on the resorts (compounds ) for safety reasons. Well we must have said 10 times, WHY did we wait so long to come here! We did drink bottled water, which we do at home because in Orillia our water tastes so bad. But other than that little inconvenice we found the island to be wonderful. We were able to go off the resort in the daytime to the nearby shopping center, we walked at night on the beach from a nearby hotel Casino. We were never hassled in any way and never felt in any danger. We did not go out in any area that was not lite or that was totally deserted but that is only common sense werever you travel or at home. I wish we would have gone to Punta Cana long before this and we will go again to the DR, maybe to Bahaybibe on the south coast which we saw on the Saona Island Tour which was spectacular. We also did the Bavaro Runners excursion which was also great. I have heard complaints in the past about communication problems with the Dominican natives. I was so impressed everyone spoke at least a little English ( the ones not in the tourist industry) and the workers on the resort or in tour companies spoke three or four languages fluently. I felt a little inadequate that I could only speak English. Our resort area was so clean as was the nearby shopping area. The country side is absolutely beautiful and still very natural as are the people of this beautiful country. I think DR is popular now because things have changed there over the last ten years. Word of mouth and sites like this have allowed the good news to get out. Karen
 
Old Oct 27th, 2002, 03:45 PM
  #8  
DR
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DR is being very aggressively marketed in the US now. Has been for many years in Canada. It was always popular because it was cheap. Now with the growth of the Punta Cana area, with much better beaches, it is appealing to the middle class.....not being insulting, just stating that it has a mass market appeal; all inclusive type vacationers are going now in droves.
 
Old Oct 28th, 2002, 03:53 AM
  #9  
Parrot Mom
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We have been going to the D.R. for many years... originally before the all inclusives to Santo Domingo an exciting city without beaches. We now go to Puna Cana or La Romana...Last year at this time we went to a well known hotel in the Yucatan and I felt it was way overpriced, the food recycled and the staff surly. In talking to other guests they too said the D.R. was a much better vacation all around. The people are wonderful, resorts and beaches great and best of all no time sharing hassles ( I do know how to walk by and say no). The D.R. was discovered many years ago by the Europeans, i.e,Germans, French, Italians and English.. The resorts are lovely and one in particular is now being aimed at the North American market only. Oh yes...I'll be going back to the D.R. in February for the 8th time..
 
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