Coming on a charter? Read this...

What to expect, how to make the most of your vacation
The lowdown on packaged resort vacations:

The all-inclusive resorts that Puerto Plata is famous for are designed to provide you with food, drink and stuff to do to last your whole vacation.

And if you checked the price of your package deal (maybe compared it to the traditional way of traveling of paying flight and hotel seperately) you have probably concluded that it adds up to excellent value.

If you're coming with the simple expectation of vegging out on a tropical beach for a week, you will surely find the resort facilities adequate.

But as we all know... you get what you pay for. If you reallly want the best out of your Puerto Plata vacation, then consider bringing some extra cash - to go exploring, to go out for dinner or dancing and for enjoying the many things that really make Puerto Plata a great place to visit.

Some people pay big bucks and travel halfway around the world just to get to exotic destinations that don’t offer half as much as Puerto Plata does. But if you want to really discover and experience it, you're going to have to plan to get off that resort!

Our suggestion: budget a few hundred $$$extra spending money and your trip to Puerto Plata reward you with priceless experiences!

We also recommend you invest and buy a good guide book, like The Rough Guide or Lonely Planet. These books have been written by people who spent many months visiting the entire country researching just about any topic you can think of. The twenty or so dollars makes for an excellent investment and will give you a true traveler's outlook on what to see and do, how to get around and what to expect in the Dominican Republic.

When you arrive...

Within 24 hours of checking in to your hotel, your travel representative will hold a briefing to help you get oriented and to offer you a variety of optional excursions and activities. Among the most popular activities are jeep safaris, catamaran sailing and horseback riding. Most of these activities take up most of a day, include your lunch and cost US$50 to $75. Reading through this web site will help you get a feel for what is available and most travel companies have well-organized itineraries that make these options easily accessible. 

If you don’t have a lot of extra cash, there are many things to do that don’t cost much money at all. Check out the different sections on this web site, North Coast Overview, Puerto Plata City Guide, Guide to Local Hangouts, Excursions, etc., and get ready for one of the best vacations of your life!

Safety. Some tour reps tell their passengers that it isn’t safe to go outside your hotel property. That is simply not accurate. Puerto Plata and the region is about the safest place you can visit in the entire Caribbean… you are more likely to meet someone who will invite you into their house for coffee than you will a purse snatcher. The truth is, you’re likely safer here than in any large European or North American city. Common sense is the key: dress modestly, avoid dark empty streets, don’t leave your valuables on the beach, etc.

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Holiday Planner for a one-week all-inclusive vacation

Arrival. After going through the airport you will board a bus to your hotel. Your local tour representative will hold a briefing ususally within the first 24 hours of arrival. It is highly recommended that you attend this briefing, as you will get the "company policy" on what's going on. Just remember that your rep is bound by company policy, by the fact they are handling a lot of people and that they are motivated to sell tours. It's a good idea to pay heed to them, especially if you are a first time traveler. But if you're the independent type; these pages will provide you with the knowledge to get around on your own

Days One & Two - Chill out! Relax and look around. Take it easy in the sun and with the rum. Let your body adjust before "going nuts" to avoid the old "turista." Walk around, get to know what's in your resort and what's within walking distance. Use this time to get oriented and shop around for things to buy and do. Check out one or several of the local hangouts, the best source for inside information. 

Days Three to Five. Plan your excursions for any or all of these days.

Day Four. By this time you'll probably start thinking about heading out for a dinner in town. Check out our restaurant guide and our guide to local hangouts for a variety of reputable places to dine.

Days Six & Seven. Do your shopping on these last days when you are most oriented. Treat yourselves to one great last night on the town. 

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