Which destination is best for us (and our budget)?

I have been working in this industry for 18 years. I could write an entire book on the funny things people say and do. I’ll share just a couple of my favorites.

I was booking a vacation for a young couple for their honeymoon. They were just starting out and had a very small budget $500 per person including air out of the South. The air portion was $350 and the trip was for 7 nights to Cancun. You can do the math and recognize that they did not book the Ritz Carlton. The bride called the day before they left and asked hopefully, “was there a Jacuzzi in their room?”. I answered honestly that there was no Jacuzzi in their $40 a night room and that they would be lucky if their toilet flushed!

Another couple booked a gorgeous 5 star resort in Punta Cana (one that I highly recommended). I received a collect call from them from the resort asking to be moved immediately because “the housekeeper has no idea what I am talking about, and barely anyone around here speaks English”. I tried to comfort them with the fact that I live in Miami and my housekeeper doesn’t speak English. He did not care, and he insisted on leaving his honeymoon early.

What’s the point?

The point is: choose a destination that is right for you. We’ll be happy to help you, but you have to be clear in what you want and don’t want. A very nice woman asked me where she could go for 7 nights during the Christmas holiday for under $700 (all-inclusive as a single), and I told her camping. I’ll give you better advise:

Who should go to the Dominican Republic? If so, which part?

Anyone who is looking for a lot of destination for a little price should consider the Domincan Republic. It is a poor country, so the prices are low. The local people speak Spanish. The guests are divided between Europeans, South Americans and North Americans almost evenly, so there is always a diverse crowd. There are some topless sunbathers, but overall great for families. In the Summer time it is very hot and humid and the restaurants are mostly open-air. If you do not like the heat, ask which hotels offer indoor dining before you reserve. You do have to be careful what you eat and drink, but that is true almost everywhere. I think people get sick more for the quantity than the quality of the food and drinks. If you have a sensitive stomach, ask your doctor or take some preventive medicine just in case. You do not need shots, just good common sense. If something looks or smells “iffy” please avoid it. Eating outside the confines of the resorts can also be risky. If you are looking for premium liquor or gourmet food, you have to stay at one of the top hotels
The beaches are fantastic, especially on the Caribbean side (La Romana and Punta Cana). If you are looking for shopping and lots of culture, this is not the destination for you. If you want gorgeous blue water, white sand, great prices, and fun- go with confidence. There is also golf, casinos, scuba diving, and great spas available (for a price). Puerto Plata is the Atlantic ocean, so the beaches are not as wide or white, but it is an excellent destination if you like to explore and not be stuck at your hotel. You get more of the feel of the Dominican in Puerto Plata. Puerto Plata does not have the best beaches in the Caribbean, but they are good enough. The water is blue and calm (except in Sosua) and the sand is still soft and smooth. Puerto Plata offers a true Island experience. There are places to visit, discos, shopping areas, and lots of history. There is also a great park, Ocean World, where you can swim with the Dolphins. We send many young single people to this side of the D.R., because it is not just “families and honeymooners”.


To me, the Dominican Republic is for everyone and anyone who wants a great vacation at an affordable price.

Next week I’ll fill you in on Jamaica and Mexico…..stay tuned