is it possible? or am I delusional?

darkstar68@msn.com · #1 04-29-2006, 12:17 AM

Hi,

Hoping for some input. I have an opportunity for 2 wks off this summer--my 11 yr old and I haven't taken a vacation together(or longer than 3 days any way) for 6 yrs. I have been daydreaming about DR for a couple yrs now and wondering if it is possible to do for under 2500. I'm totally undecided --resorts are not really our style--(we're the camping type) and it seems a shame to visit a forwign country and stay in a vacuum. I'm just concerned about cost of food, hidden expenses that arise and safety as a single mother travelling with a kid. I would ideally like to stay in an out of the way place (or split it up--Las Terrennas -bayahibbe-sosua). I'm just wondering if the ai's would be better for maybe half of it or if we could swing it an limited funds. I guess what I'm asking about is how to get the most bang(great beach-safety--etc) for our buck--or to be told it's totally out of our fiscal range.. Thanks for your response!!

gary short · #2 04-29-2006, 12:30 AM

Here it is......... purchase a Lonely Planet guide to the Dominican Republic. I've used it extensively and it's bang on. You can have big fun for 2500.u.s. Las Terrenas is a good start. Las Galeras,Bayahibe,Sosua all good. In fact the whole country ,that I've seen, is outstanding.

darkstar68@msn.com · #3 04-29-2006, 12:35 AM

thanks Gary! have eyed it at the bookstore but wasn't sure how practical an expense it was--(20$ in my head at the time was 1/2 a nights lodging) silly, I know!

gary short · #4 04-29-2006, 12:43 AM

Buy it.........it's saved me a fortune. I've used their guides for all of central America and Mexico. I've never been disappointed, especially in regards to the D.R.

Rocky · #5 04-29-2006, 08:09 AM

Although I'm not an all inclusive fan myself, you might be able to find a deal at Casa Marina in Sosua.
It's one of the few resorts that is right in town and could help you make your budget, and be able to walk right out into the land of adventures.
If not, you could get a condo for $500 US, for the 2 weeks, and $50 US/day would feed you both well, making a total of $1,200, leaving $1,300 for adventures, tours, activities, etc.

qgrande · #6 04-29-2006, 08:34 AM

If you like to eat at local restaurants, use public transport, like to organise trips and tours on your own instead of relying on excursion companies, and do some research to find nice but inexpensive independent hotels, that would be a generous budget. In most places youcan easily find a hotel for under $40. A good travel guide would be very helpful; I think the Dominican Republic Rough Guide is slightly better than the Lonely Planet one if you don't want all-inclusives, but both give you most of the info you need to plan your trip. The best guide however is of course this forum.

Ken · #7 04-29-2006, 10:05 AM

I see that you have included only resort areas on your list. You might want to think about a day or two in Santo Domingo so that you and your 11 year old can visit the Colonial Zone and see the remains of a city founded more than 500 years ago and go to the Cathedral where many say Columbus is buried, or at least part of him is. We can direct you to hotels where you will pay closer to $25 than to $40.

You might also want to visit Santiago, the 2nd largest city in the DR, and stay Hotel Colonial.

Also consider including Jarabacoa on your itinerary, a beautiful small town in the mountains. Accomodations there are also in your budget. Lots of activities for both you and the 11 year old, including hiking, horseback riding, and maybe even river rafting.

Malibook · #8 04-29-2006, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkstar68@msn.com

I have been daydreaming about DR for a couple yrs now and wondering if it is possible to do for under 2500.

If this does not include the flights you should have no problem at all.

darkstar68@msn.com · #9 04-29-2006, 01:26 PM

Thanks all for your advice--I'm off to buy a guidebook!!

laurapasinifan · #10 04-29-2006, 02:22 PM

Id stick to one coast or the other...forget that cross country trip thrown in for the first time there. You will not find sooo much different on one coast VS the other to make an impact on your first trip with just the two of you!

I doubt you could do the AI thing and airfare for two weeks with any side trips thrown in if you went to the Punta cana area. thats just a guess.

Dont get caught up in trying to experience the whole isalnd in one trip...it just leads to dissapointments. Plan smaller scale and have a totally positive experience! It is better to have a little down time for just kick back, than to be under pressure to get back to X spot to catch the bus to Y spot and then huury up see that place and get back to z to see whats going on there.!!!!!!! in the DR everyone that helps you...does it in s l o w motion!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha ha

you have a little time investigate some of the tips you get here. check out the prices and keep us informed!

bob