OT- Puerto Plata

[jsweeks@cogeco.ca]

Hi! We have decided to do a last minute (VERY CHEAP COULD NOT PASS UP) trip to Puerta Plata, Playa Dorada. Have you been there? Any advice? This is our first time travelling without kids, and our first time ever travelling besides Disney! So I am nervous and excited all the same. Are there things that they can't get there that I could bring for them. I know about the school supplies but what about other things? Where should we avoid and where she we absolutely go to? Thanks for the advice.

 

[Tower]

Hi! We have decided to do a last minute (VERY CHEAP COULD NOT PASS UP) trip to Puerta Plata, Playa Dorada. Have you been there? Any advice? This is our first time travelling without kids, and our first time ever travelling besides Disney! So I am nervous and excited all the same. Are there things that they can't get there that I could bring for them. I know about the school supplies but what about other things? Where should we avoid and where she we absolutely go to? Thanks for the advice.

Before Belize became a tourism hotspot for snorkeling/scuba on the reefs, my Dad and I went there on a business trip. A friend gave us a bunch of soccer balls etc., and we supplemented with baseball gear we bought to give to the local kids.
I worked in DR back in 2003 on a project that brought me to the non-touristy districts. It is very poor over there. If you do get out of the tourist district, bring sporting gear for the kids.

Also be aware that in DR, prostitution is legal and many 'cabanas' (bordellos, etc) are along most of the drive outside of Puerto Plata. Steer clear of these areas.

 

[mickilee]

You will have an awesome time. I go to PP twice a year. Baseballs and mitts are a hit * even used* , and barbie dolls or Disney stuff. Baby medicine that is over the counter here, is always grateful and very hard for them to get.

I always leave my clothing behind for the chamber maids. Besides I need the room in my suitcase for souvenirs

Please don't bring candy and hand it out. Most cant afford dentist there. Pet peeve of mine. What are tourist thinking? they cant afford food, they sure cant afford a dentist.


If you get a chance do a day tour into the mountains. You will then see the real DR. And have a wicked fun time. Here you can hand out pencils and school stuff.

Have fun..

 

[jsweeks@cogeco.ca]

Thanks for the info. I am going to hit the dollar store and grab somethings this week. I was reading somewhere that they like to get things like combs, nail polish, razors, so I will grab some of those to. Now do you leave the stuff for them on the first day or when you leave?

 

[mickilee]

I usually start leaving trinkets out on the 2nd day. A bit of money on the 1st.
Dont forget to share with the lawn grounds men. They are out in the hot sun all day long and are usually over looked. Say hi to one, and he might cut you a fresh coconut from a tree, and open it for you to drink.

Make friends with a restaurant staff, use their table for all meals. Tip them well and you will have excellent service. Or pass them a trinket.

Find the perfect bartender, and you will never have to wait for a drink..

On my last day. I leave what ever i can behind, * clothing, shoes, shampoos, bug spray, purse* besides you will need the room for souvenirs.

Dont feel you have to spend the holiday handing out stuff. Do it when you are happy with the service.

|Enjoy your holiday.. go easy on the coconut drinks at 1st, or you will have the Puerta Plata splats..

 

[Tower]

mickilee, those are fantastic ideas! Not only for PP, but for any of the Caribbean islands anyone may stay at. I can't see leaving my clothes behind as I'm 6'5" and I'm sure there are not too many Dominicans my (rather large) size. But leave things that are clean and something that would be appreciated is always nice.

 

[Kat&Dom]

I have stayed in the Playa Dorada complex several times. There are about a dozen resorts that are in a gated community - there is a shopping center and medical clinic there.

The majority of resorts have a kids program when your child can hang out and play with other children and then at night, they perform for all the resort some songs and dance moves that they have learnt.

The DR is very family orientated and the Playa Dorada complex is very beautiful with a golf course going through it. They have horse and carriage rides - make sure to barter because they will try to charge you $30 but you can get it for $10.

The beach is very beautiful there too. They are very careful to make sure that the water, ice and food is safe for tourists too.

Enjoy your trip. Unless you leave the Playa Dorada complex, you will not see much poverty - it is quite close to the airport and just outside of Puerta Plata.

If you want to bring something that will be greatly appreciated and treasured, shoes are a BIG deal in the DR so if your children have some shoes in good condition that they have outgrown - you might want to bring them along to give. Little toy cars are a huge hit with boys and scrunchies, hair clips etc for girls. The woman love nail polish and the men love baseball caps. You will be able to find all these items at your local dollar store. They love bubbles too.