Hi guys my name is Gisela and Im a 22 yr old college student who just moved to old boring Knoxville Tn. I have been dying to go to RD since like forever lol. And finally I'm getting the guts to actually do it in May. The only thing is that I'm probably going by myself since my friends are pretty much broke.

I was planning on going to Santo Domingo. My only thing is that I'm kinda worried that it might not be as safe there as I imagined before after looking at news on youtube of the crime there and it's pretty scary ,

I am looking at some apartments on Malecon (Ocean Blvd.),
Miramar Sector. Is that a safe neighborhood? I mean any advice is good advice jaja. I want to stay there for 1-2 weeks perhaps so I was thinking of renting a car but tell me if it's a good idea?. Im a native spanish speaker so I'm not afraid of wondering around the city I just want advice on what's the best way to do it.

But please ! help me

It depends on your interests. If history is important then by all means Santo Domingo is good - also upscale night life - casinos etc.
However many Dominicans go to the beach week-ends and travel within Santo Domingo is a hastle - big time traffic jams and quite expensive taxis.
It might be better to stay in Boca Chica and visit Santo Domingo by gagua - about 1 dollar 50 each way. There are restaurants, discos, entertainment etc. in Boca Chica. Boca Chica is near the airport.
Hiring a car is for the brave really - it might be better to go on excursions where you can meet people.
Cabarette or Las Terrenas are popular with young people and have good beaches and sports. Both offer reasonable accomodation and there are bus services from the capital - or you can take a short flight - superb views of the island from a small aircraft.
Bayahibe is also possible for the independent traveller and is less commercial. Typical cabanas are possible near the beach. Also sailing boat excursions to Saona island.
http://www.discoverbayahibe.com/your-dominican-holiday-starts-here/getting-here
From there you can experience the vibrant but more Dominican sights and nightlife of La Romana.
A moto-concho can escort you to various locations.
Safety is an issue in the capital and elsewhere. Generally smaller places are less dangerous. Take care not to wear expensive jewelry etc.

S.

thankies so much ALL your info really helps

Do you have any Dominican friends? They could probably hook you up with friends or relatives to hang around for the first few days. I am personally not too keen on the idea for a young female going alone on a first visit to an unknown or any country for that matter. If you decide to go solo, your best bet is to become part of a tour group and once you feel confident you can venture off alone.

What ever you do always take precautions, just use common sense and don't take any chances. Sto Dgo is a big city and along with that comes charm and excitement but also many of the social ills common to most major urban metroplolitan areas.

I would start off with a smaller place. With your hotel / lodging near the main tourist area.
A young single lady ; daughter of a friend; found Cabarette fine for a solo stay. Take care, but what would life be without adventure?

Take a paid excursion or two in the first days to meet new people. People who can afford excursions are often genuine. It is good to mix with other nationalities. In poorer counties some characters are just on the 'make'.

There are now sites where singles can post travel plans and age, status etc. with a view to a joint trip. Good idea if you check up on them first before definite plans however.

S.

Don't listen to abc... There is nothing to do in Boca Chica... Why on earth would you send a young woman to Boca Chica???

Bavaro Punta Cana is the best choice for new people traveling to DR. There are many tourists and she will feel safe. She should travel to other parts of DR on a second trip. The service and quality of the Bavaro resorts is great!

I'm sure she doen't want to stew on a beach that excludes most Dominicans and eat bland international food!

xw is a little crazy?

S.

The north coast has better public beaches

Hello , its a good forum posting, thanks for sharing this commnets..........
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builders

I am going to Punta Cana over Thanksgiving. I evevntually hope to move to the DR within the year.
Thank you.
Goddess