Punta Cana Travel Forum

This will be my wife and my 1st trip outside of Canada, since we have been married 22 years. We are going to be staying at Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort. We have bought a bunch of kids things (sidewalk chalk, crayons and colouring books and some kids games) the help out with the tipping of the room girls (maids) as we where told that they love these type of things, for their kids. What other types of tipping should we be doing. I know US money goes a long way but what type of amounts should we be tipping and for what services.

Also I am a very early riser, around 4 am and was wondering if I should bring my laptop with me. I am in college, at the age of 47 and could do some homework at this time in the morning as I don't think there will be must more to do a 4am. Is there internet in the room and if so at what cost? Also if I do bring my laptop, is there a way to keep it secure then we aren't in the room, as I am sure it won't fit into the in room safe.

Thanks for your reply and if there is anything else we should know to make this 1st trip for us more enjoyable, please state it.

Thanks Al and Robbin

Some people leave 1US every day to the maids, some leave a bigger amount (between 10-20US) the day they leave. How you want to do it is pretty much up to you. Last time I tipped a bellboy I gave him no more than 5US (we only had 1 suitcase).

According to the hotel's site (http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Hotels/DominicanRepublic/PuntaCana/BavaroBeach/Interests.htm), there's Wifi and broadband internet in each room, so check out their prices before leaving.

If you bring your laptop, I'd say put it in the same suitcase you put your clothes and then lock the suitcase and either take the key with you (in some sort of bracelet or anklet so that it won't wash away if you take a dip in the ocean!) or put the key inside the safe and lock the safe.

The only advice I have, to make your first trip more enjoyable, is to use common sense if you want to go out of the resort on your own with your wife (read my Dominican Republic tips to see what I mean), and bring sunblock ;)

Could you please direct me to where I can find your Dominican Republic tips

Why yes, I can. Here's my DR page: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/eaabc/9ed/ - I also have more tips in some of the cities. Hope it helps :)