Re: downtown info

[Darla]

Hello,

I'm glad to have found this forum. I find these so valuable when traveling to a new place. We spent a week in Punta Cana about 7 years ago. At that time there did not really seem to be a downtown area and we were told it was not safe to leave the resort. We would prefer staying in a villa, but wondered if there was nightlife, restaurants, grocery stores etc. downtown? What about driving? We have driven in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica without any problems. Would this be any different? How close do they watch the drinking and driving? I don't mean stumbling drinking and driving, just having a few then driving back to the villa? Would your recommend Punta Cana or Puerto Plata for nightlife and etc. in the downtown area? We would like to find a Villa that is close to a city. Any ideas?

Thanks for your help,
Darla
MN

[Ken]

Too many resorts, unfortunately, tell people it is unsafe to leave the grounds. This gives the DR and undeserved bad reputation and deprives people like you from seeing this beautiful country and meeting the friendly people.

There is more to the DR than Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Why not tell us what activities, etc., are most important to you so that we can do a better job of recommending where to go.

[Darla]

Thank you for your prompt response!! Nightlife, nice beaches and restaurants are important but in a low-key sort of way. (Does that make sense?) We don't like formal or dressy expensive places. The guys love to fish and scuba if available and shopping is always fun!! I need to do my homework. I had not even though of other places besides PC or PP. Do you know of any good maps of DR? I'll hit the library tonight. Also, might be helpful for you to know. We have six in our group. We are all married and related (myself and two brothers and spouses) so definitely not interested in the swinging, sex places I see mentioned. Is my catholic upbringing showing???

[Ken]

One good place to start is here http://dr1.com/travel/index.shtml On left side of page, you will see a list under "Destinations". Reading the info there will get you started. If any of these destinations sound particularly interesting, that could be basis for further questions and also for research in the dr1 archives.

Lots of map sources http://www1.tip.nl/~t794614/mapdr.htm
http://www.hispaniola.com/DR/maps/
http://www.multimap.com/index/DR.htm
http://bocachicabeach.net/maps.html

[ricktoronto]

Originally posted by Darla
Thank you for your prompt response!! Nightlife, nice beaches and restaurants are important but in a low-key sort of way. (Does that make sense?) We don't like formal or dressy expensive places. The guys love to fish and scuba if available and shopping is always fun!! I need to do my homework. I had not even though of other places besides PC or PP. Do you know of any good maps of DR? I'll hit the library tonight. Also, might be helpful for you to know. We have six in our group. We are all married and related (myself and two brothers and spouses) so definitely not interested in the swinging, sex places I see mentioned. Is my catholic upbringing showing???

You can find at Barnes and Noble and doubtlessly in other book merchants, laminated in several languages with a closeup of the colonial zone and other cities. As for getting into town but not being interested in sexually explicit activity - relax, unless you seek that type of thing out, e.g. your trip is for that purpose, it is invisible enough to casual tourists to not shock or offend. Boca Chica is a notorious whoremongering location but even if you go to the main drag and especially if you just go to the good restaurants and you wouldn't be offended one bit. Surprised perhaps but not so shocked it would affect your enjoyment.