advice for first timers?

[jmfigure]

hello everyone,

first, i'd like to say thanks for all of the great advice on these boards; they are very helpful!

my boyfriend and i have never really travelled anywhere before, but we are taking our first real trip together to punta cana next week. does anyone have any advice on the basics, (the more obvious it sounds, probably the better!) for example, our package is all inclusive, but who do you really tip and how much?

thanks all

[ricktoronto]

Tip the same as if you were paying for the meal and tip the maid in cash (no used cosmetics, old clothes etc.) $US2-3/ RD$100 a day for the maid, preferably given to her in her hand, as early as you can (watch how nice your room is and how many towels you get).

If you tip the hostess the first day $5 for the buffet you will get better seats the rest of the trip - tip the host in the one time permitted per trip "fancy" restaurant and he'll let you back every day if you want ( and tip $5 each time).

Otherwise at a meal for two a tip of around RD$100 is reasonable (unlike the cheap ass Frenchies I saw in Boca Chica who for 6 people for a full meal with wine and dessert tipped TEN pesos, at the time 20 cents) , at the buffet for the bus boy/water pourer person, a couple of bucks. If you want the waiter to get it give it to him/her not on the table where it will disappear.

Bartenders will always see you ahead of the crowd and pour a good drink, at a tip of RD$30 or US$1 per round of drinks for the two of you. They have good memories.

Tipping actually works like it is supposed to in the DR, Cuba, etc.

I tip my maid in Managua US$2 a day at the end of the trip , she knows that. I get two towels, two smal towels, two facecloths and since I do my own laundry in the sink she comes in and takes them to the dryer and then brings them back dry.

[nlove88]

My advice is get out of the resort for a bit to see the local culture and way of life. The Dominican Republic is an amazing place, and you will be able to see that even more if you explore a bit. Still, enjoy the resort!

Many resorts warn tourists, telling them it's very dangerous to leave the resort area. As in most situations, use common sense and you will be fine! Some people will make things sound horrible when they want the tourist bucks!

[gagilmer]

Agreed. GET OUT!! See the real culture. It is only as dangerous as any mid-sized US city. Use common sense and you will be fine. The AI guys want you to stay on-site and thus spend your $ there. Go out and spend a bit in the community...it'll be worth it.

[HOWMAR]

Don't forget the pool boy. This time of year it gets very crowded around the pools with lounges in short supply, Give the pool boy $5 the first day with a promise of the same the last day. He'll be sure to put towels out on prime lounges with adjacent shade everyday. I lieu of cash tips I find that baseball caps are in strong demand.

[Hlywud]

Get out for sure, in Punta Cana take a tour like the Bavaro Runners or Outback safari and see some of the countryside.

Take a cab to Cortecito, visit the super mercado and shops in the small village.