Dominican Republic

[Kerplunk]

I am thinking of going to the dominican republic on Sunday for a week.  Does anyone know what the weather will be like at this time of the year or any tips on where to stay / who to book with?

[Kerplunk]

I have booked it now.  Any advice or travel tips?  What currency do they use in the Dominican?

[Clanad]

It is almost always best to change only US Dollars for Dominican Pesos.  While various other currencies such as Canadian, English, Italian, German, Swiss, etc. can be exchanged for Dominican Pesos quite readily in the tourist areas, one will save 10-35% by first converting to US Dollars at a good rate before coming to the Dominican Republic and then changing US Dollars for Dominican Pesos.
The weather is going to be typically tropical.... hot and humid, this time of year.  In addition, the hurricane season started early and has been more active than years past. Average daily highs for the coastal/beach regions rise to around 31�C (87�F) during the day, dropping down to about 22�C (72�F) at night. It is the higher humidity during this period that can make it feel much hotter during this season. Historically most hurricane activity in the Dominican Republic's part of the Caribbean has taken place in the months of August and September.
 The Republic shares its island, Hispanola with Haiti... travel between the two can be a problem and I would use advised caution.  Additionally, tourist are advised to take only hotel taxis or taxis operated by services whose cabs are arranged in advance by phone and can subsequently be identified and tracked. Avoid carros publicos at all costs.... I guess I'm trying to say, as diplomatically as possible, that your travel budget could be spent more wisely elsewhere...

[Litchick]

Have to agree with Clanad....did not have the best vacation in DR.....to really enjoy the Carribean go to Puerto Rico or Aruba....sorry! :)

[Kerplunk]

Thanks for the replies, US Dollars it is then.  I spent hours on the internet reading customer reviews and the like about the hotel I am going to and it only recieved glowing reports.  I am aware of the dangers of straying from the hotel complex but am only after a relaxing holiday where I don't have to do anything.  Stopping in a 5* hotel seems like a good way to achieve this).  LITCHICK do you mind me asking where you stayed in the DR and why you didn't like it?  I have spoken to plenty of people since I booked it yesterday who really rate the DR so I presume it is a case of personal preference.  Thanks again for your posts, I appreciate it.

[Litchick]

Hello KerPlunk, how are you?

We had gotten rave reviews from friends of ours to stay at a certain resort (can't remember the name but if you said it I would remember).  When we arrived at the airport, we were told that resort was too full (although we had booked MONTHS in advance)...they put us up in another resort (The Paradiso) which was lovely but the food was overcooked, drinks watered down, etc.  The rest of the stuff was just a coincidence.  It rained ALL DAY EVERY DAY after the first two, hubby got sick on some crab, and NEVER EVER go horseback riding on the beach....our horses fell (yes! with us on them!) twice!  Thank god no one was hurt!  So, yes, perhaps it was just our experience but it has soured us on DR.  Hope you have a wonderful time though!  Let us know when you get back! :)