Question: Traveling to the Dominican Republic

The weather in the tropics during October can still be unpredictable but remember that if a hurricane or tropical storm is coming, you will be evacuated. Keep an eye on the weather, there is always plenty of warning about the weather. The resort in Punta Canto is wonderful. There is something to do for everyone. Enjoy the trip.

Hi!
I've been to the Dominican Republic a few times and I have many friends who live there. I would say not to worry about the weather. It may rain more than in other times of the year, I agree with that, but I wouldn't worry about it, because people there are prepared and they spent a lifetime dealing with the weather there. The storms are not very strong, but I admit it can be scary if you're not used to it. However, I don't consider it dangerous. There are many resorts, all inclusive, where you get to interact a lot with the staff and make friends, as they are treated like customers after their working hours. It's a great holiday destination!

I don't think fall is a good time to travel to this place. I experienced a storm and i don't think it is worth the risk. The danger was present all through my stay there and i was really frightened. I'd advice not to choose this time for travel if you are not aproofing of adventures.

Maddie.

This is my first interaction here in cosmotourist.
I suggest that you look for a way to be easily communicated while in the Dominican Republic, that will give you a better sense of security, specially in this season. I usually rent a cell or satellite phone.

I hope you have a great time.

Since the hurricane season begins this month and ends in November,you will experience lots of rain during the month of October.most of the hurricane activities are in August so if you really want to travel in October,you can! A great all inclusive resort is Paradisus Palma Real.It is located in located in Punta Cana DR. Domanica is also rich in culture.

I think you can find a happy middle ground between you and your friends if you go to a resort that's close to a major town/city/area where there is plenty of history and cultural so when you leave the restort it's easy to find things to do. My friend recently went to the Dominican Republic for two weeks and went to a resort in the north of the island where he was told not to go outside the resort. But apparently a lot of resorts tell you that to cover themselves. The south is much nicer than the north.
As for the hurricane season, June and July are generally very popular seasons to visit so I wouldn't worry too much about it, but if you can, it would be better to visit during the winter.

The hurricane season is from June to November so that definitely limits your time for visiting if you want to avoid any bad weather.

But, having said that, I've visited only during these months and even if it rains, it also clears up! and it still remains warm....

You sound as if you're apprehensive about this time of year so listen to your gut feeling - if you don't want to go in October, don't!

The weather is only a part of travelling - it's all an experience - but don't set yourself up for a bad time by concentrating on just one aspect of the trip. You're lucky enough to be travelling and going with a great group of friends - you'll have a good time no matter what you do!

I can't help you with the weather, as I went in December, but I can recommend the Punta Cana Club Med resort. It seems to have a bit of what all of you are looking for: it is all-inclusive with great parties and a fun nightlife, but it also has activities on offer like snorkeling, boating etc., and a lot of the people who work there are locals, so you get to drink in some of the local culture.

Like all tropical islands traveling during the hurricane or rainy season just means don’t expect brilliant sunshine all of the time. I live in the Caribbean and more times than most the rain helps break the 24/7 heat, though it gets somewhat steamy! With regards to the hotel Punta Canta is a haven for all-inclusive hotels catering to families, honeymoons and yes groups of friends.

The hurricane season in the Caribbean starts in June and ends in November, although I cannot predict the weather, the season usually peaks in August or September; most hurricanes tend to come at that time when the weather is hottest, so I think October should be fine when the season is closer to an end.
I am not so familiar with the night life but check out Super Clubs Resorts, www.superclubs.com for an all inclusive hotel or try www.bookit.com . All inclusive hotels usually have good night activities but I think the best is to check with locals or even hotel staff to find out the hotspots in the country, find out where they go for fun. Punta Cana should be fun.

Viva Maddie:

My brother spent some time in Punta Cana and wants to go back again – beach life, boat rides, snorkeling, bars, bohemia…

From my experience in tropical areas even if you visit during the rain season - it is fine to have a “mild soup” afternoon rain or even a heavy thunderstorm…for sunny weather normally follows.

You may want to have a look into the Taino Indians art craft, especially paintings.

Visiting the capital Santo Domingo is another cultural option you have – but don’t expect to find the true bones of Columbus there. Enjoy the magnificent beaches instead!

Else things are not as bad as in the neighbor Haiti – but you will find some social asymmetries a bit everywhere