Posts by Provenza24
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Getting around the Dominican Republic: is renting a car possible or too risky?
Hi,
After reading all the alarming posts on the forums, I eventually gave up on the idea of renting a car altogether (plus, a simulation showed it would cost around 1000 € with, say, two full tanks of gas and full insurance). Even though I might regret it once we're there with the kids, we'll see how it goes.
We’ll try to alternate between organized excursions and rest days with short outings by taxi/guaguas if we feel like it. That’ll give us 4-5 nice excursions and 4-5 rest days—I think it’s a good compromise with the kids.
I’ll admit that, being a bit more anxious when traveling with the kids, the posts by ElviajeroPar really put me off. Last year, I drove for 10 days in Mexico—even though it’s probably more relaxed there, I saw potholes, big speed bumps, families of three on a single motorcycle without helmets, and got pulled over by the police twice for minor shakedowns. But none of that really bothered me or stressed me out.
Maybe it’s all about perspective and how adaptable each of us is. Even just in France, driving styles can vary a lot between regions. I’ve heard plenty of people from other parts of the country say they’re scared to drive in downtown Nice, whereas I do it every day without any issues. Not that it’s the same as the DR, but just out of curiosity—ElviajeroPar, how do you see yourself among French drivers? Is driving in Paris or another big French city something you find easy, or does it make you nervous?
Anyway, I still hope we’ll have a great trip. What you’ve described about the DR isn’t exactly motivating, I’ll admit! :)
After reading all the alarming posts on the forums, I eventually gave up on the idea of renting a car altogether (plus, a simulation showed it would cost around 1000 € with, say, two full tanks of gas and full insurance). Even though I might regret it once we're there with the kids, we'll see how it goes.
We’ll try to alternate between organized excursions and rest days with short outings by taxi/guaguas if we feel like it. That’ll give us 4-5 nice excursions and 4-5 rest days—I think it’s a good compromise with the kids.
I’ll admit that, being a bit more anxious when traveling with the kids, the posts by ElviajeroPar really put me off. Last year, I drove for 10 days in Mexico—even though it’s probably more relaxed there, I saw potholes, big speed bumps, families of three on a single motorcycle without helmets, and got pulled over by the police twice for minor shakedowns. But none of that really bothered me or stressed me out.
Maybe it’s all about perspective and how adaptable each of us is. Even just in France, driving styles can vary a lot between regions. I’ve heard plenty of people from other parts of the country say they’re scared to drive in downtown Nice, whereas I do it every day without any issues. Not that it’s the same as the DR, but just out of curiosity—ElviajeroPar, how do you see yourself among French drivers? Is driving in Paris or another big French city something you find easy, or does it make you nervous?
Anyway, I still hope we’ll have a great trip. What you’ve described about the DR isn’t exactly motivating, I’ll admit! :)
Getting around in the Dominican Republic: is renting a car possible or too risky?
Hello,
Thanks for the reply. Since we're going as a family, we need something for everyone.
I have 9 days there, so I’d like to keep everyone happy with: - 3-4 activities for the kids (I think these are the "wallet-on-legs" activities you mentioned 🙂 like Saona, Montana Redonda / Los Haitises, Ojos Indígenas, etc., on organized excursions). - Visiting more authentic places and heading to Higüey and the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, for example (preferably by taxi, guaguas, or Uber). - In the middle of all that, spending 2-3 rest days at the resort, without ruling out a nearby outing—maybe a market, a beach to see, or a fishing village (taxi, guaguas, or Uber).
I wanted to rent a car to head up to Las Terrenas and Samaná to be independent, but we’re dropping that idea. A friend who goes there 2-3 times a year told me everything people say about driving is false and that it’s not a problem, but I don’t want the stress of dealing with that...
On the other hand, I looked into guaguas—they stop at the intersection of Francia and España roads, which is apparently a 20-minute walk from the hotel, and that’s with the kids to consider...
Do you have any suggestions? Any ideas for outings or organization are welcome!
Best regards,
Thanks for the reply. Since we're going as a family, we need something for everyone.
I have 9 days there, so I’d like to keep everyone happy with: - 3-4 activities for the kids (I think these are the "wallet-on-legs" activities you mentioned 🙂 like Saona, Montana Redonda / Los Haitises, Ojos Indígenas, etc., on organized excursions). - Visiting more authentic places and heading to Higüey and the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, for example (preferably by taxi, guaguas, or Uber). - In the middle of all that, spending 2-3 rest days at the resort, without ruling out a nearby outing—maybe a market, a beach to see, or a fishing village (taxi, guaguas, or Uber).
I wanted to rent a car to head up to Las Terrenas and Samaná to be independent, but we’re dropping that idea. A friend who goes there 2-3 times a year told me everything people say about driving is false and that it’s not a problem, but I don’t want the stress of dealing with that...
On the other hand, I looked into guaguas—they stop at the intersection of Francia and España roads, which is apparently a 20-minute walk from the hotel, and that’s with the kids to consider...
Do you have any suggestions? Any ideas for outings or organization are welcome!
Best regards,
Getting around in the Dominican Republic: is renting a car possible or too risky?
hi there,
I’m heading to the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) at the end of October for 10 days at an all-inclusive hotel with my wife and kids (ages 8 and 10). Since I’m not a fan of spending entire days at the hotel, I was wondering what the best way(s) to explore the area might be.
Last year, I went to Mexico and rented a car, so I initially thought about doing the same here—but this time, I’d get full-coverage insurance, which I didn’t do in Mexico. After checking a few forums and reviews, though, I’m really second-guessing it because some posts make it sound completely crazy to drive there.
So, I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been there recently and rented a car, as well as the different ways to get around while you’re there.
Thanks everyone! !
I’m heading to the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) at the end of October for 10 days at an all-inclusive hotel with my wife and kids (ages 8 and 10). Since I’m not a fan of spending entire days at the hotel, I was wondering what the best way(s) to explore the area might be.
Last year, I went to Mexico and rented a car, so I initially thought about doing the same here—but this time, I’d get full-coverage insurance, which I didn’t do in Mexico. After checking a few forums and reviews, though, I’m really second-guessing it because some posts make it sound completely crazy to drive there.
So, I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been there recently and rented a car, as well as the different ways to get around while you’re there.
Thanks everyone! !
