Hello! I am looking into a spring break trip for myself and my best friend. What I want out of the trip is rest and relaxation, NOT partying, so I want to make sure we go somewhere that doesn't have a crowd like Cancun would, for example. I was thinking about Aruba or the Cayman Islands, and someone also suggested to me the Dominican Republic. I am curious about how the safety for two young girls is there? What the transportation situation is like - how easy is it to get around? What kinds of things are there to do there? Also, what the best areas to stay in would be? Just basically any general info/suggestions anyone might have, or if anyone could compare any of the three destinations. Thanks!

I can't help about the Dominican Republic, but as an alternative to Cancun, look at Cozumel. I've loved it and felt safe both times I have been there. It is also easier and faster to fly to, than many other destinations.

If you go to the Dominican Republic you will want to stay at an all-inclusive hotel where all your meals and beverages are included in the price you pay. You will pretty much stay at your resort the entire time except when you sign up for tours that leave from the hotel with a group. It is not a good idea to roam around DR yourself. There is no local transportation. Aruba and Grand Cayman are entirely different. Both safe islands with beautiful beaches. There are a few all-inclusive hotel on Aruba but it not necessary to stay at one since they are many restaurants in all price ranges. GC also has many restaurants but they will be more expensive. Aruba has a wonderful bus system to get around the island. In GC you will either walk to nearby restaurants or take a cab. Beaches great on all three islands. DR will be the cheapest, then Aruba and then GC.

I am an American living in Dominican Republic. It is very easy to get around in this country, either by taxi or moto concha. Very inexpensive too. If you are looking for a relaxing time with lots of great activities, check out Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. The "Dominican Alps". No crime, Extremely safe, White water rafting, Hiking, Gold panning adventures, Horseback riding, etc. Hotels are very inexpensive as well as meals and drink. Its away from the "Tourist" areas.

Many people who go to the DR seem to stick only to their one all-inclusive property, and never go ANYwhere or see ANYthing. I'm not sure what that is, but I've read it over and over again on forums. <It is not a good idea to roam around DR yourself.> Why not? And if that's true, than I would not go there.

Instead I'll suggest... flying into Cancun but then heading out along the "Mayan Riviera". You could stay on islands of either Isla Mujeres or Cozumel, or head south to the town of Playa Del Carmen. Mexico is safe and at least you CAN leave your resort there.

We recently made our first trip to the DR in February landing in Punta Cana. We spent a week enjoying the low-key atmosphere of Cabarete which offered a great beach area, restaurants and a nice island vibe. You can stay there with no car and walk to all areas in Cabarete.

Unlike the AI areas of the SE island, we never ever felt uneasy or in any danger. There is a difference in the two areas and I would recommend Cabarete for a fun, girls getaway. No all inclusive needed there. In fact, I don't know that they offer AI in Cabarete. Lots of fun, quaint beach hotels in walking distance to restaurants, bars, and the beautiful beach.

I don't understand the big scare tactic being thrown out as after many years of traveling in island destinations this area was like a step back in time where you weren't afraid to walk around alone or after dark in town. Practice basic smarts -- don't leave valuables in view in your car, etc.

After thought, I think Cabarete is what Playa del Carmen was like many moons ago when we first started visiting. I would definitely consider it for your trip.

shirleyk and others concerned about the DR

I understand that life at a resort is very protected and safe but please! experience it yourself before you discredit this tourist destination. The fact that you feel safe at a resort doesn't you should make others so afraid to venture out of a resort or live other experiences. It is not so bad out there. Welcome to the world of diversity and cultural knowldege!

Our family has visited the Dominican Republic many times, and we have always been safe, including our 14 year old daughter. You DON'T need to stay at an all-inclusive to be safe there or to have a good time. Many people who stay at AI's go stir crazy after a couple of days or get bored of the food anyway! The north coast in particular has beautiful beaches (some of the best in the Caribbean) AND mountains. There are tons of activities or you can do nothing at all. If you want to get away from the "touristy" towns, look into Cabrera. Check out Hotel La Catalina (Lacatalina.com), where your meals are included and they provide a free beach shuttle to drop-dead-gorgeous Playa Grande and Playa Preciosa, just minutes away. We recently stayed there and will most certainly be back. The ocean views are amazing, and there are affordable activities such as relaxing horseback riding tours less than 5 minutes away (the folks at Rancho Paraiso were also great). Cabarete is nice, but it IS a party destination, as it is the kite surfing capital of the world and the party crowd goes there. We could not believe how many US, Canadian, and European ex-pats have moved to the Cabrera area, primarily because it offers exactly what you are looking for! We let our 14 year old daughter walk around town on her own without a care in the world. And frankly, most of the places we've visited in the D.R. are like that. I feel safer there than in MANY U.S., European, or other Caribbean destinations we've visited. Hope this helps!

I can definitely recommend the Dominican Republic. It has untouched beaches, warm people, great culture (merengue and bachata originated there) and all the adventure sports you can imagine. A good place to get started and to see some good pics would be www.antitourdr.com

Buena suerte!

Go to DR, and enjoy!
If you are concerned about 'off the resort' safety, you take group tours, you don't drink alcohol when out there, you stay aware of your surroundings and don't do anything stupid like take a ride with a stranger.
Pretty much some of the same things you do to keep safe anywhere.
As to a week in an AI, I've done that MANY times, and it's far from boring.
The food is not boring, there are any number of a la carte restaurants from which to choose. The buffets are huge, and do not serve all the same foods every night anyway, they often have theme nights.
There's some entertainment each night after dinner, and then a disco if you wish to dance the night away.
During the day, you might be relaxing at the pool, enjoying a drink at a swim up bar, spending time on the beach, having some nice BBQ for your lunch, playing volleyball, taking a water aerobics class or a dance lesson.
A whole team of young people working there (animacion team) just to provide activites for you and encourage you to participate.
OR if you just want to veg out in the sun for awhile with a trashy novel, that's cool too!

There are not as many sights to see around PC as in the Riv Maya area of Mexico, but if you are in PC and just want one day to get out there and see some of the local life, try the Outback Jungle Safari trip.
You'll get to see many things, including visiting the home of a local, and boogyboarding on another beach, chance to sample and buy local products, fun informative guide on the bus/truck with you all day. And this tour puts back part of its profits into the schools and programs for children.

Here's some other tours you can book if you want to do more than beach time, pool time, volleyball, aerobics, dance lessons, bbq, and drinks (which are all included in your AI package):
http://www.viator.com/Punta-Cana/d79...e=2&topx=16-18

and here you can read about the Outback jungle safari:
http://www.outbacksafari.com.do/about.html

Can you tell me where you stayed in the Cabrete area?

What is Cabarete like? Are there hotels there to stay at?

Cabarete is a vibrant small town that has beachfront accommodations as well as others in town. The beach area is very deep allowing for lounging areas with a lot of beach area for walking, too. Many beach bars and open restaurants line the beach area as well making it a great destination for those that want things in walking distance. The town offers local shops and a fun atmosphere.

We were there in February and are looking forward to returning.

Here are photos of that area:

http://s418.photobucket.com/albums/p...an%20Republic/