Author Topic: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is  (Read 4436 times)

FrugalSaver

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I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« on: September 05, 2017, 07:30:03 PM »
End of this month. That is assuming Irma doesn't leave a path of destruction in Atlanta, Florida or the Dominican Republic.

Leaving the 19th - 26th.

Planning to stay at the Occidental Punta Cana all inclusive.

Have to get someone from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana. I think they have taxis about $150 each way.

I also need to get my cricket number working there somehow.

So questions:

1) anyone have any opinions on Occidental Punta Cana?

2) taxi from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana and back? Cheap or cheaper options?

3) cricket number ported somehow to work and receive calls in Punta Cana?

Thanks!


Daisy

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2017, 07:47:22 PM »
I took a bus from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana a few years back. It was cheap and safe. I can't remember the name of the bus line but probably pretty easy to find online.

FrugalSaver

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2017, 08:49:30 PM »
I took a bus from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana a few years back. It was cheap and safe. I can't remember the name of the bus line but probably pretty easy to find online.

Cool thx. I'll check it out

Daisy

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2017, 09:05:03 PM »
I checked my trip plan to the DR in the past, and I do have the information on the bus line.

Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, Bavaro Express, expresobavaro.com, +1 809 682 9670

FrugalSaver

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2017, 09:30:07 PM »
I checked my trip plan to the DR in the past, and I do have the information on the bus line.

Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, Bavaro Express, expresobavaro.com, +1 809 682 9670
Wow!  Thx. How much was it?  I'll research it and give them a call

Daisy

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #5 on: September 05, 2017, 09:40:09 PM »
It says $400 Dominican Pesos. It ends up being about $8-9.  That rings a bell.

Greystache

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #6 on: September 06, 2017, 08:43:54 AM »
Did you get trip insurance? Punta Cana may not exist after this week. Hopefully they will be spared the worst of this next storm.

Scortius

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #7 on: September 06, 2017, 11:33:42 AM »
We went to Punta Cana for a destination wedding a few years ago.  Flew into Santo Domingo and stayed a few days and then took the 'bus'. Punta Cana resorts set up these taxi rides as a way to get a few more dollars out of you.  They tell you it's the only way to get there, but... there are local Dominicans who get around without paying hundreds for these taxi rides. Our ride from Santo Domingo probably cost us about 3 dollars each.  The trick is that there wasn't a formal public transportation system.  Rather, we took someone's van and they dropped us off on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. 20m later, someone else shows up in their van and took us closer. It worked amazingly well, but it may not be for everyone. Still, don't let them tell you the hundred dollar taxi is the only way to go.
« Last Edit: September 06, 2017, 11:36:15 AM by Scortius »

SmokeySnow

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #8 on: September 06, 2017, 01:30:08 PM »
Second the post mentioning Bavaro Express, and there is another bus company in the country as well that does long hauls, both will cost $5-10 to get you there. Ive been to Dominican twice and was also told that the expensive taxis were the only way, but knew that that couldn't be right! The big buses are comfortable and air conditioned. The local transport is also an option for long or short hauls, they will just take longer to get there. They are called "GuaGua's", and can range from the back of a pickup truck, a mini-van or larger passenger van. They are cheap and run during daylight hours only. As a single woman traveler they got me everywhere where I needed to go across the countryside and the drivers were always nice and made sure I got into the next transfer on my route easily!

FrugalSaver

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #9 on: September 07, 2017, 06:16:52 PM »
A question about travel insurance. The play le I purchased the hotel from didn't offer it. Are there cost effective ways to purchase this separate?

I called my chase Reserve card and they couldn't tell me if that card provided that benefit (even for a price) or not.

FrugalSaver

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Re: I've made the vacation decision - Punta Cana it is
« Reply #10 on: September 10, 2017, 09:35:19 AM »
Now having to check on the aftermath of the storms. Prayers to all affected.