But I have been to the British Virgin Islands and it was perfect for everything you cite.
Lived in Belize for 18 months. Be careful.
One site you might want to check out is Trip Advisor. People post reviews of hotels around the world and often give ideas on what to do/not to do while there.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/
***********
usually, puerto plata in Republica Dominicana and Guardalavaca Cuba are the less expensive of all destinations.
***********
I've never been to either spot so I don't have any personal experience with them. There's plenty of travel forums on the web so look around and see if you can find some bargains.
Another site you may want to check out:
I would suggest Grand Cayman - but the hurricanes decimated the flora. Seven mile beach and snorkeling.
Take a Caribbean cruise with day trip guided tours/activities at ports of call. Best way to visit without a lot of planning.
good luck
It's a dump. Have a friend who just came back from there for a business trip. Dirty, crummy service, and scary.
Boca Chica
Also keep a low profile and always avoid political demonstrations
CRIME: Crime is on the increase throughout the Dominican Republic. Street crime involving U.S. tourists does occur, and precautions should be taken to avoid becoming a target. While pickpocketing and mugging are the most common crimes against tourists, reports of violent crime against both foreigners and locals are growing. Criminals are becoming increasingly more dangerous and visitors walking the streets should always be aware of their surroundings. Valuables left unattended in parked automobiles, on beaches and in other public places are vulnerable to theft, and reports of car theft have increased. Cellular telephones should be carried in a pocket rather than on a belt or in a purse. One increasingly common method of street robbery is for a person or persons on a moped (often coasting with the engine turned off so as not to draw attention) to approach a pedestrian, grab the cell phone, purse or backpack, and then speed away. This type of robbery is particularly dangerous because the motorcyclist reaches the intended victim at 15–20 miles per hour and often knocks the person to the ground. If the thief is attempting to steal a backpack or purse, the straps – still connected to the victim – can result in the person being dragged, scraped, bruised or worse.
Travelers should be cautious of “carros publicos.” These are privately owned vehicles that run along certain routes, can take up to six or more passengers, and are inexpensive. Passengers in “carros publicos” are frequently the victims of pick pocketing and passengers have on occasion been robbed by carro publico drivers. In one recent incident, a carro publico driver robbed four U.S. citizens at gunpoint. The U.S. Embassy is also aware of at least one incident in which the driver of a “motoconcho” (motorcycle taxi) robbed an American passenger. Visitors to the Dominican Republic are strongly 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.
Burglaries of private residences have increased, as have crimes of violence. Home invasions have become more frequent and increasingly violent. The U.S. Embassy is aware of at least two home invasion robberies since August 2003 in which the victims were U.S. citizens. In each case, the Americans were robbed and held hostage for several hours. The U.S. Embassy has no reason to believe that these victims were targeted because of their American citizenship. The U.S. Embassy is aware of two cases since June 2003 in which American citizens were kidnapped and held for ransom. It is not believed that either individual was targeted because of U.S. citizenship: however, U.S. citizens should always exercise caution and try to avoid situations in which kidnapping may occur.
Credit card fraud is common. Visitors should limit their use of personal credit cards and may wish to consider coordinating their trip with their credit card company so that specified expenses such as hotel bills, may be charged. In order to prevent the card's information from being copied down for illegal use, credit cards should never leave the sight of the cardholder. It is advisable to pay close attention to credit card bills following time spent in the Dominican Republic.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) are present throughout Santo Domingo and other major cities. However, as with credit cards, the use of ATM's should be minimized as a means of avoiding theft or misuse. One local scheme involves sticking photographic film or pieces of paper in the card feeder of the ATM so that an inserted card becomes jammed. Once the card owner has concluded the card is irretrievable, the thieves extract both the jamming material and the card, which they then use.
The overall level of crime tends to rise during the Christmas season, and visitors to the Dominican Republic should take extra precautions when visiting the country between November and January.
There are cheaper places in Puerto Plata proper.
Sosua is nearby on the coast and would probably be a lot easier on the budget.
I was in Punta Cana in 2002 at one of the all enclusives. It was very nice and reasonable. Food and drinks was everything they said it would be. Rooms were great and the beaches were great. Don't expect to run around the island because it probably isn't safe, but just stay at your all inclusive and your fine. Look to apple or others for good prices.
There, I said it. :)
check out casa de campo in la romana, dr. all inclusive with 3 great golf courses. best place in the caribbean. been there twice - at the father in law's expense.
I have been to the DR several times and Punta Cana twice. My wife and I both highly recommend Paradisus. It is all-inclusive, has several excellent restaurants, all the water activities you could wqant, a wonderful swimming pool, excellent staff, all you can drink cold running Heniken beer if you want. The beach is beautifual and security is well taken care of, but unobtrusive. The rooms we have had were very nice with great maid service-even Hibiscus on the pillows and chocolate. Well worth the money. One of the most relaxing, enjoyable trips we ever made. And we have been on a lot of trips to many Caribbean and Central American countries.....hate what they have done to the Yucatan. If you want I can give you a contact-the general manager who is from England but went for a vacation and decided to stay.
Does Washington Heights count?
You can snorkel in the bars, Ski(snow) on the myriad of waves here......oh....wait....you wanna go someplace warm, heh?..........never mind.
FMCDH(BITS)