Booked the flight.

BJClintern · #1 08-30-2007, 08:18 PM

Hello, everybody.

I'm very excited because I just booked my flight for my first trip to the Dominican Republic. I'm flying into POP on 9-12 and leaving 9-21. I posted before that I'm traveling single and hoping to play golf during the day and enjoy some nightlife in the evenings.

I understand that this is "low" season.
-Will I have problems getting on the courses?
-Do I need to make hotel reservations or can I get the lay of the land first?
-Any advice on guest friendly hotels, if the opportunity presents itself, I am a single guy.
-I've reserved a mid-size rental car for the duration, should I anticipate any problems?
-I'd like to build my trip around the premier golf courses, maybe choosing accomodations spontaneously. Is that practical?
-Other than Playa Granda and Playa Dorado, I haven't an idea which courses I should do next or which are practical given geography or time constraints.

I know I've asked a lot of questions, but any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Kyle · #2 08-31-2007, 07:20 AM

read as many posts as possible on DR1......

Rocky · #3 08-31-2007, 09:15 AM

You'll be ok finding accommodations as you go along.
Sosua will be a better base for you than the city of POP, and it's a lot closer to the airport.
Traveling to Playa Dorada for golf will take 20 minutes, and approx. 1 hour to the one outside of Rio San Juan.
As per Golf in DR., you need not worry about golf details.
Hillbilly and Bush have it down pat.
Drive carefully, expect the unexpected and do not be aggressive.
Take digicam pics of the car at the point of rental, in case any damage is blamed on you when you turn it in.
Buy some good insurance, if you can afford to.

trabajadora · #4 08-31-2007, 10:33 AM

I'm almost as excited as you are about your first trip here to the DR. Hope you have a great time golfing as well as enjoying the nightlife. I don't know much about golf since that's not my thing, but two point of advice I can give you are: As Rocky suggested, drive very careful and be on the lookout for anything! Driving here is not like anywhere else. Don't try to be a hotshot, wear your seatbelt and don't be distracted while behind the wheel. Also, make sure you check out your car thoroughly before you take it and get the insurance. As for the nightlife, Sosua is pretty hot, depending on the type of music you like. If it's girls you're looking for, that's the place; BUT just be careful and sensible. Watch your wallet closely. Just like anywhere, there are scammers out there just waiting for someone like you. Enjoy the beaches; there are plenty of great people there to add to your pleasure. If you decide to get your accomodations in Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada has some nice and very affordable resorts right on the golf course. Viva Wyndam is a very nice bet and won't break the bank. If you decide to get out and have an adventure or two, like River Rafting or the Party Catamaran (which are both great fun), DO NOT book at the resort. You will pay three times the price for the exact same excursion. Your best bet is one of the tour operators at Playa Dorada Plaza. I've had the best luck and been given the best prices by Fan Tours. Ask for Frantzy; he's usually there after 6:00 p.m. until about 10 p.m. He's always been able to provide the best prices and the best service for all my guests. Other than that, be safe and have a fantastic time here in the DR. You won't regret it and will be anxious to book your next visit before you even leave the island.

gibbs · #5 08-31-2007, 02:41 PM

Theres a nice 9 hole course in Costambar

Just have to watch out for horses and chickens.

Do you know anybody in DR? If not, look for your hotel information on the board and choose one to make your base with and then head out.

BJClintern · #6 09-01-2007, 06:06 AM

Thanks for the good advice everyone.

Folks seem genuinely friendly on this board.

Makes me want to buy the world a coke.

Rocky · #7 09-01-2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BJClintern

Thanks for the good advice everyone.

Folks seem genuinely friendly on this board.

Makes me want to buy the world a coke.

And it just gets better.
Some folks wait years to ever meet Hillbilly & Bush.
These guys are something special, as you will soon find out.

BTW: I just took a good look at your nickname for the first time.
That wouldn't happen to be a lil' joke about our pals Bill & Monica, would it?

PS: No Coke for me, thank you. Could I just have the cash?

ctrob · #8 09-01-2007, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky

BTW: I just took a good look at your nickname for the first time.
That wouldn't happen to be a lil' joke about our pals Bill & Monica, would it?

PS: No Coke for me, thank you. Could I just have the cash?

Golf....Nightlife....Guest Friendly accomadations.....Maybe it IS Bill ...

I hope your bringing the limo, the chicas will love it...

BJClintern · #9 09-01-2007, 02:00 PM

"BTW: I just took a good look at your nickname for the first time.
That wouldn't happen to be a lil' joke about our pals Bill & Monica, would it?"

Believe it or not, I've been told many times that I look like Bill Clinton. I like to think they mean I project presidential authority, but I'm afraid it's because I have the same nose and droopy eyes and similar hair style. I once sprayed white paint in my hair and went to a Halloween costume party with a girl who was trying to look like Monica. Everyone took one look at me and told her, "let me guess, you must be Monica Lewinsky".

I kid the president, as Bill Maher says, but it's done with affection.

ctrob is right, though, about the golf, nightlife, and guest friendly accomodations. I have more in common with Bill than the physical similarities.

Gotta go golf. Just think, in two weeks, I'll be golfing in the DR. Can't hardly wait!

bigbird · #10 09-01-2007, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky

Buy some good insurance, if you can afford to.

Pay for full coverage including CDW. If you get in a fender bender be sure to have a Police Report when you return the vehicle.