Reddit Travel Ideas Dominican Republic Bahamas Jamiaca
Winter weather has lots of Americans looking to the Caribbean area for some fun in the sun. But when information technology comes to choosing betwixt a holiday to the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, there'south a lot more to think virtually than tiny umbrellas and pina coladas (though both of those things are very important). At first glance, the ii Caribbean countries have a lot in common: idyllic sandy beaches, sunny skies, local music scenes, and some of the best all-inclusive resorts on the planet. But there are likewise some major political and geographical differences that might make one destination a improve spot than the other for you. We went deep into both destinations to bring you the pros and the cons of a vacation in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
Already sold on Punta Cana? Here are the all-time bang-for-your-buck all-inclusives in Punta Cana.
Getting At that place and Around in Jamaica and the Dominican Democracy
Of course, flight times to anywhere in the Caribbean are shorter from the Southward and east coast in the United states. Most flights from the west coast or the Midwest will probable require a layover. All major cruise lines offer sailings with Jamaica and Dominican Republic port calls (though these may exist too brief to really get a feel for either place). Both destinations require a valid passport for entry. Visas are not required for U.S. and Canadian citizens in Jamaica, just visitors to the Dominican Commonwealth are charged a $10 inflow tax, rolled into the airline ticket cost.
Jamaica: There are three international airports in Jamaica: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Aerodrome in the capital city of Kingston, and (for smaller aircrafts) the Ian Fleming International Airdrome in Ocho Rios. Getting to Negril or Ocho Rios requires a ii-hour taxi or shuttle ride from Montego Bay. Visitors can rent a car, simply driving on the opposite side of the road may be too confusing for some and GPS systems don't piece of work well. In that location's besides very little public transportation on the island, so non-metered taxis are the most popular way to get effectually. Haggling for the rate is expected and visitors should e'er follow common sense safe tips.
Dominican Commonwealth: Approximately 6 meg people visit the Dominican Republic every year, and near of them arrive by air at one of the 3 international airports. Punta Cana International Airport sees the most visits, and it'due south a privately owned commercial aerodrome. Roads tin can exist narrow and poorly paved, but the D.R. does have an cheap bus service that covers much of the country. Some other choice is to hire a guagua (pronounced wawa), an informal taxi network with vehicles that range from old vans to nice minibuses. These get packed with tourists and locals hitching a inexpensive ride. Note that tourists are ordinarily charged much more locals, so it's smart to concur on a rate beforehand. Taxis are as well bachelor, but this option is super pricey.
All-inclusive Resorts and Boutique Hotels i northward Jamaica and the Dominican Republic
Tourism makes up a giant percentage of both Caribbean area nations' economies, so it's no surprise that both destinations have seemingly endless hotel options from which to choose. Whether you lot want a inexpensive all-inclusive embankment hotel or designer boutique digs with privacy and butler service, you can find all levels of luxury and upkeep in both destinations. That said, nosotros do call back that Jamaica has a slight leg up in terms of overall quality — especially for mid-range resorts.
Jamaica: The island is ane of the spread-out capitals of the world, and 1 of the offset Caribbean islands to introduce the leave-your-wallet-at-abode (don't actually do that) concept to attract tourists who were tired of paying a la card prices and hidden fees. All-inclusive resorts are particularly popular around Montego Bay. The adults-only Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay offers 10 restaurants, viii confined, and gratuitous dance lessons on the beach. Negril is still home to cozy and rustic boutique backdrop with lower rates. Negril Tree Business firm Resort is correct on famous Seven Mile Embankment, and provides gratis breakfast and yoga classes.
Dominican Republic: Punta Cana is the epicenter for tourism in the country, then it'due south no surprise that the biggest hotel names are clustered together on the long stretches of white sandy beaches that make the area a favorite for family vacations, party-seekers, and honeymoons. 1 of the pinnacle contenders is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, a massive all-inclusive resort with something for everyone: a large casino, 13 pools, 13 restaurants, waterslides, beach access, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course. For something more intimate, Tortuga Bay Hotel Puntacana Resort & Lodge has just 13 rooms designed by Oscar de la Renta. To get abroad from Punta Cana'due south tourist scene, Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa is a six-hour drive north and offers eco-friendly bungalows, an first-class spa, and a serenity beach.
Food and Drinks i north Jamaica and the Dominican Commonwealth
It would exist entirely possible to visit either country and subsist completely off of American chain fare: McDonald's, Jimmy Buffett'south Margaritaville, TGI Fri's, Applebee's, and Burger King are just a few of the Western restaurants that cater to homesick (or possibly merely picky) Americans. Merely it would be a behemothic error to miss out on the local food scenes in Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
Jamaica: 1 of the best parts of eating in Jamaica is how pervasive and affordable the local cuisine is. Casual jerk shops (wiggle is autograph for a spicy marinade rubbed on meats) line the roads and beaches. The bill of fare usually consists of the aforementioned jerk meats, similar chicken or fish, smoked over pimento wood and served with rice, beans, and plantains. Scotch bonnet peppers add serious rut, so be forewarned. Other easily accessible gourmet items include Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, sweetness sapodilla fruit, and coconut water. The island'southward history equally an English colony ways that tea is withal regularly served in the tardily afternoons. Red Stripe is i of the near pop Jamaican beers.
Dominican Commonwealth: Dominican dishes combine African, Spanish, and Taíno (indigenous people living in Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) food flavors, using ingredients that are hands attainable in the Caribbean area. Dominican staples to try include mangú, made from boiled, green plantains that are mashed and topped with sauteed ruby-red onions; fried plantains called tostones; and rice cooked with black or cherry-red kidney beans. Passion fruit juice, glass bottles of Refresco Country Club soda, and strong coffee with lots of carbohydrate are favorite beverages. For the truly audacious, take a slow shot of mamajuana, a homemade liquor fabricated with rum, ruby-red wine, tree bark, spices, and herbs — it's considered an aphrodisiac.
Activities and Nightlife i northward Jamaica and the Dominican Commonwealth
Apart from the obvious plethora of embankment activities — swimming, paddleboarding, parasailing, and catamaran cruises — both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic offering tons for tourists to see and practise. Well-nigh spread-out resorts put on some sort of evening amusement, which can include traditional dances, comedy, and magic shows. Quality truly varies, and many American guests at upkeep D.R. resorts complain that these activities tend to exist conducted in Spanish. We suggest getting abroad from the resorts for the best amusement.
Jamaica: Jamaica does have beautiful sand beaches, but Negril is better known for its adrenaline-pumping cliff jump into the crystal-articulate h2o beneath at Rick's Cafe. Other popular activities include horseback riding in the ocean (the horses really swim for part of the trek), waterfall pond in Blue Hole, and taking the Bob Marley Ix Mile Tour to learn near reggae. Speaking of which, the island hosts several annual musical festivals and there's almost e'er a trip the light fantastic party on the beach or in the nightclubs. In Kingston, Olympic runner Usain Commodities opened a sports bar and eatery chosen Tracks and Records.
Dominican Democracy: Activities in the Dominican Republic range from adventure (nothing-lining through rain forest awning) to history (walking tour of Santo Domingo). Ocean Earth Run a risk Park is a pop place for sea panthera leo shows. Scape Park at Cap Cana is a must-visit for a cenote swim, cave swim, and ethnic cultural exhibits. Exterior of Punta Cana, near of the nightlife caters to locals and can feel intimidating to tourists, but Punta Cana has an epic nightlife scene that includes cavern confined. Note that the h2o isn't ideal for snorkeling or surfing in the D.R.
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Linguistic communication and Prophylactic i n Jamaica and the Dominican Republic
Though both destinations are extremely safe for tourists (especially most parts of Montego Bay and Punta Cana), there are two very specific caveats that might brand some visitors uncomfortable.
Jamaica: Marijuana was decriminalized in 2015, and though trafficking and possession of the herb is still illegal, possessing less than 2 ounces of marijuana is considered a petty criminal offence. Drugs are regularly offered to tourists on the beaches and in the streets, though a polite "no thanks" is unremarkably all it takes to deter a sale. Visitors should be cautious of petty theft in Kingston. Likewise note that homosexuality among men is illegal and there's a general hostility toward LGBT individuals. English language is the predominant language in Jamaica.
Is It Safety to Visit Jamaica Correct Now?
Dominican Republic: Prostitution is legal and visible in the Dominican Republic. With a quarter of the population living beneath the poverty line, it's no surprise that many women turn to sex piece of work. Boca Chica and the north declension's Sosua are the two large areas for prostitution, and male person tourists are targeted. Some of the smaller (and cheaper) hotels cater to this clientele, which tin can feel unsafe for families and female travelers. Spanish is the predominant language, which tin make exploring the island and communicating outside of the tourist areas hard for not-Castilian speakers.
Is It Prophylactic to Visit the Dominican Republic Correct Now?
Where to Stay in Jamaica
Our Jamaica Hotel Pick: The Caves
With its upscale boutique vibe, and dramatic cliffside setting, The Caves is considered 1 of Jamaica's most romantic escapes. The 12 unique, individual cottages and suites at this upscale all-inclusive property unfold along lush garden paths and dramatic seaside cliffs carved with steep stairways downward to the h2o and into incredible grottos. There'due south a clifftop bar, a grotto bar, and private candlelit cave dining on offer.
Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic
Our Dominican Republic Hotel Option: Regal Colonial Punta Cana
The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is 1 of three upscale all-inclusive sister properties on a beautiful stretch of Bavaro Beach. The belongings airtight completely for ii months in 2017 to thoroughly renovate the entrance hall and restaurants. It at present operates almost as ii resorts: the family-friendly side and the adult-merely Colonial Society side. The 658 suites are bonny with marble floors, jetted tubs, and some sea views.
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- Where to Go in Jamaica: v Destinations You Tin can't Miss
Getting At that place and Around
Of class, flight times are shorter to anywhere in the Caribbean from the South and East Coast in the United States. Most flights from the Due west Coast or the Midwest will likely crave a layover. All major cruise lines have sailings with Jamaica and Dominican Republic port calls (though these may exist too brief to really become a experience for either place). Both destinations require a valid passport for entry. Visas are non required for U.S. and Canadian citizens in Jamaica, merely visitors must purchase a tourist card on arrival in the Dominican Commonwealth.
Jamaica: There are iii international airports in Jamaica — Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in the capital letter city of Kingston, and (for smaller aircrafts) the Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios. Getting to Negril or Ocho Rios requires a 2-hr taxi or shuttle ride from Montego Bay. Visitors tin rent a car, but driving on the opposite side of the road may be too confusing for some and GPS systems don't work well. There's also very picayune public transportation on the island, so non-metered taxis are the most popular manner to go effectually. Haggling for the rate is expected and visitors should always follow mutual sense safety tips.
Dominican Democracy: Approximately six million people visited the Dominican Republic in 2016, and most of them arrived by air at one of the three international airports. Roads can be narrow and poorly paved, but the D.R. does have an inexpensive motorcoach service that covers much of the country. Another option is to hire a guagua (pronounced wawa), an informal taxi network with vehicles that range from old vans to nice minibuses. These get packed with tourists and locals hitching a inexpensive ride. Note that tourists are usually charged much more than locals, then information technology's smart to agree on a rate beforehand. Taxis are as well available, only this pick is super pricey.
Spread-out Resorts and Bazaar Hotels
Tourism makes up a giant percentage of both Caribbean area nations' economies, so it's no surprise that both destinations have seemingly endless hotel options from which to choose. Whether you lot desire a cheap spread-out beach hotel or designer boutique digs with privacy and butler service, you tin can find all levels of luxury and budget in both destinations. That said, we do think that Jamaica has a slight leg up in terms of overall quality — especially for mid-range resorts.
Jamaica: The island is one of the all-inclusive capitals of the globe, and ane of the first Caribbean islands to introduce the leave-your-wallet-at-home (don't really do that) concept to concenter tourists who were tired of paying a la carte prices and hidden fees. All-inclusive resorts are especially pop around Montego Bay. The adults-only Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay offers x restaurants, eight confined, and free dance lessons on the beach. Negril is still habitation to cozy and rustic boutique properties with lower rates. Negril Tree House Resort is right on famous Seven Mile Embankment, and provides gratis breakfast and yoga classes.
Dominican Republic:Punta Cana is the epicenter for tourism in the land, then it'southward no surprise that the biggest hotel names are clustered together on the long stretches of white sandy beaches that make the area a favorite for family vacations and honeymoons. 1 of the top contenders is the Hard Stone Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, a massive all-inclusive resort with something for everyone: a large casino, thirteen pools, 13 restaurants, waterslides, beach access, and an eighteen-hole Jack Nicklaus golf form. For something more than intimate, Tortuga Bay Hotel Puntacana Resort & Society has just 13 rooms designed by Oscar de la Renta. To get away from Punta Cana's tourist scene, Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa is a six-hour drive north and offers eco-friendly bungalows, an excellent spa, and a tranquillity beach.
Nutrient
It would be entirely possible to visit either state and subsist completely off of American chain fare: McDonald's, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, TGI Fri's, Applebee's, and Burger King are just a few of the Western restaurants that cater to homesick Americans. Only information technology would be a behemothic mistake to miss out on the local food scene in both countries.
Jamaica: One of the best parts of eating in Jamaica is how pervasive and affordable the local cuisine is. Coincidental jerk shops (jerk is shorthand for a spicy marinade rubbed on meats) line the roads and beaches. The bill of fare usually consists of the same jerk meats, like craven or fish, smoked over pimento wood and served with rice, beans, and plantains. Scotch bonnet peppers add together serious heat, then be forewarned. Other easily accessible gourmet items include Jamaican Bluish Mountain coffee, sweetness sapodilla fruit, and coconut water. The island'southward history as an English colony means that tea is withal regularly served in the late afternoons. Red Stripe is a popular Jamaican beer.
Dominican Republic: Dominican dishes combine African, Spanish, and Taíno (indigenous people living in Republic of cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) food flavors using ingredients that are easily accessible in the Caribbean. Dominican staples to endeavour include mangú, made from boiled, green plantains that are mashed and topped with sauteed reddish onions; fried plantains called tostones; and rice cooked with black or red kidney beans. Passion fruit juice, glass bottles of Refresco Land Club soda, and strong coffee with lots of carbohydrate are favorite beverages. For the truly adventurous, have a dull shot of Mamajuana, a homemade liquor made with rum, ruby wine, tree bawl, spices, and herbs — it'due south considered an aphrodisiac.
Activities and Nightlife
Apart from the obvious plethora of beach activities — swimming, paddleboarding, parasailing, and catamaran cruises — both Jamaica and the Dominican Republic offer tons for tourists to see and do. Most all-inclusive resorts put on some sort of evening entertainment, which tin can include traditional dances, comedy, and magic shows. Quality truly varies, and many American guests at upkeep D.R. resorts mutter that these activities tend to be conducted in Spanish. We advise getting away from the resorts for the best amusement.
Jamaica: Jamaica does accept beautiful sand beaches, merely Negril is ameliorate known for its adrenaline-pumping cliff spring into the crystal-clear water below at Rick'southward Buffet. Other popular activities include horseback riding in the body of water (the horses actually swim for office of the trek), waterfall pond in Blue Hole, and taking the Bob Marley Ix Mile Tour to learn well-nigh reggae. Speaking of which, the island hosts several annual musical festivals and in that location's almost e'er a trip the light fantastic party on the beach or in the nightclubs. In Kingston, Olympic runner Usain Bolt opened a sports bar and restaurant called Tracks and Records.
Dominican Republic: Activities in the Dominican Republic range from adventure (zip-lining through pelting woods awning) to history (walking tour of Santo Domingo). Bounding main Globe Chance Park is a popular place for sea panthera leo shows. The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve has 12 gorgeous freshwater lakes, three of which are available for swimming. Outside of Punta Cana, well-nigh of the nightlife caters to locals and can feel intimidating to tourists. Likewise annotation that the h2o isn't ideal for snorkeling or surfing in the D.R.
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Language and Safety
Though both destinations are extremely prophylactic for tourists (especially Montego Bay and Punta Cana), at that place are 2 very specific caveats that might make some visitors uncomfortable.
Jamaica: Marijuana was decriminalized in 2015, and though trafficking and possession of the herb is still illegal, possessing less than two ounces of marijuana is considered a fiddling offense. Drugs are regularly offered to tourists on the beaches and in the streets, though a polite "no thanks" is usually all it takes to deter a sale. Visitors should be cautious of petty theft in Kingston. Also note that homosexuality among men is illegal and there's a full general hostility toward LGBT individuals. English is the predominant language in Jamaica.
Dominican Democracy: Prostitution is legal and visible in the Dominican Commonwealth. With a quarter of the population living below the poverty line, it'south no surprise that many women turn to sex work. Boca Chica and the north coast's Sosua are the two big areas for prostitution, and male tourists are targeted. Some of the smaller (and cheaper) hotels cater to this clientele, which can feel dangerous for families and female person travelers. Spanish is the predominant language, which tin brand exploring the isle and communicating outside of the tourist areas difficult for not-Spanish speakers.
Where to Stay:
In Jamaica: The Caves
With its upscale boutique vibe, and dramatic cliffside setting, The Caves is considered one of Jamaica's most romantic escapes. The 12 unique, individual cottages and suites at this upscale spread-out property unfold along lush garden paths and dramatic seaside cliffs carved with steep stairways down to the water and into incredible grottos. There'south a clifftop bar, a grotto bar, and private candlelit cave dining on offer.
In the Dominican Republic: Royal Colonial Punta Cana
The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana is one of three upscale all-inclusive sister properties on a beautiful stretch of Bavaro Beach. The property closed completely for two months in 2017 to thoroughly renovate the lobby and restaurants. It now operates most equally two resorts: the family unit-friendly side and the adult-only Colonial Order side. The 658 suites are attractive with marble floors, jetted tubs, and some ocean views.
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