Around the Coast Roadtrip in D.R?Possible?

jyfeliz · #1 07-10-2008, 02:58 PM

I am from the dominican republic, and I am a college student. I have a travel goal of traveling around the coast of D.R. I would want to start in Montecristi and end up Perdenales or Jimani, or vicerversa. However, I want to know if I am being realistic on the budget of this trip. It would be about 4-6 people(hopefully) and each would bring about 1000 USD, not counting the airflights.

Another problem I find, is that originially I wanted to rent a Van motorhome,such as this one:

, so that we wouldnt have to waste so much money in lodging. I cannot find these types of vans in D.R, not even the normal big Motorhomes.

I also know that the road system, could be a bit of a problem, but when i was researching, I saw it was possible to visit most of the beaches.

I want to know what you guys think in respect to my budget, and I want to hear any comments, and criticisms.

Also, can this be done in about 3 weeks, if not how long do you think?

Thanks in advance =]

JF

Rocky · #2 07-10-2008, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyfeliz

I am from the dominican republic, and I am a college student. I have a travel goal of traveling around the coast of D.R. I would want to start in Montecristi and end up Perdenales or Jimani, or vicerversa. However, I want to know if I am being realistic on the budget of this trip. It would be about 4-6 people(hopefully) and each would bring about 1000 USD, not counting the airflights.

Another problem I find, is that originially I wanted to rent a Van motorhome,such as this one:

, so that we wouldnt have to waste so much money in lodging. I cannot find these types of vans in D.R, not even the normal big Motorhomes.

I also know that the road system, could be a bit of a problem, but when i was researching, I saw it was possible to visit most of the beaches.

I want to know what you guys think in respect to my budget, and I want to hear any comments, and criticisms.

Also, can this be done in about 3 weeks, if not how long do you think?

Thanks in advance =]

JF

Never seen those vans and highly doubt they exist.
The ride along the coast is fantastic and very doable, but I don't know about the budget, as it will have to include lodging.
3 weeks is ample, btw.

The Virginian · #3 07-10-2008, 04:59 PM

Contact National, Alamo and Avis in the Dominican Republic. Ask what they charge for a full size van. Seats 12. Not sure how many can sleep in one. Gas is expensive. Enjoy.

Rocky · #4 07-10-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Virginian

Contact National, Alamo and Avis in the Dominican Republic. Ask what they charge for a full size van. Seats 12. Not sure how many can sleep in one. Gas is expensive. Enjoy.

I was thinking of something similar.
Take out enough seats to toss in a mattress. Rent one hotel room per night, allowing rotation and showering quarters.
It could be done, as long as everyone is good hearted and they all get along.

Hillbilly · #5 07-10-2008, 08:42 PM

You can go to Samana from Monte Cristi. Then you have to go inland, around the Haiteses National Park, and go to Sabana de la Mar and on down to Bavaro. Then you have to go inland again to la Romana and from there you can go to Pedernales.

I would suggest that you look at some posts relating to places like Palenque, Barahona, and Pedernales for cheap places to stay. You'll learn a lot.

I would suggest a good 4x4 SUV for traveling and hang out in places recommended by people here on DR1....There are lots of inexpensive places to stay.

HB

kapitan75 · #6 07-11-2008, 01:43 AM

I would rent an oversized SUV (expedition, surburban , tahoe) and stay in apart hotels or non resort type of hotels for sleep and showering. $6000.00 is more than enough for this trip and I would like to do this myself some day . You can also bring tents and a grill and ice cooler in some beaches (rio san juan, etc) It sounds like you are planning to rough it somewhat. Is it all guys?, do you have camping skills? Is staying at a dive to low class for you??
these are all things to consider.

thurston · #7 07-11-2008, 03:50 AM

Hi Jyfeliz,

Sounds great, but do not forget to come in land sometime, and have a look...just do it

Have Fun

SKY · #8 07-11-2008, 09:09 AM

With an oversize Van your travel will be highly limited. There are a lot of places your Van cannot travel, as it will be too big for the road.

jyfeliz · #9 07-11-2008, 10:19 AM

Hey guys thanks for your responses,

first i was talking to my father about it and he also suggested i ditch the whole van idea, he told me to get more like a 4X4 jeep or somenthing. Rocky, that is a good idea! to put a matress inside, jeje. So far we only got three people and we get a long i hope the others do too, well i think its a must!

thurston, We sure will, as im planning I'm thinking of arriving in STI(santiago airport) and from there go to bonao(my hometown) and just relax and leave the next day and start in motecristi. ALthough Im not sure if I want to start in montecristi or start in lago enriquillo heading towards Pedernales. If we do finish the roadtrip with enough time or if we get TIRED of seeing beaches and stuff we will go more inland, but D.R is so diverse, that i hope that doesnt happen.
Two of us as far as im concerned have campings skills. But i think that is somenthing i must bring up to the others, that this is more a backpacking low budget trip, not a luxury Resort one. I dont have a problem staying even at hostels.

So you guys think the budget of 1, 000 USD per person if hopefuly 4-6 people come, is doable.

and where should i start lol

bachata · #10 07-11-2008, 12:14 PM

To sleep in a van???? thinking about the hot temperature,mosquitos, noisy motoconchos and the delincuency. no way to take a nap.
I tryed to sleep in my 12 pax. van many times when I drooped off my STI. Jet Blue custumer in Sosua, POP or Cabarete, becouse next day in the morning I had to pick up someone else in the same area. I had to stay awake playing with the mosquitos al night.

JJ.