Punta Cana Travel Forum

We are planning a trip to Punta Cana in February, 14th through 21st. Staying at the Premier Palace Resort. We have never been to the Caribbean and would really love to hear from those that have been before us. We are taking my Daughter and Son-on-law. My Daughter will be 5+ months pregnant. (first baby) Are there any health precautions we should know about? How is the weather in February? Do we need any vaccinations before traveling? Any advise or memories you could share would be really great. We are willing to change our travel date if we need to. What is the best time of year to travel? Thank you so much for your time on our requests. Sincerely, Nancy

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1103.html

has good health advice (scroll down), including further websites and phone numbers such as:

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationDominicanRepublic.aspx

You should also talk to your medical practitioner (as should your daughter) to find out what, if any, innoculations or specific medication they recommend.

As with many tropical countries best advice is to drink (& clean your teeth in) bottled water, avoid ice in drinks (and salads) and only eat fruit which you can peel.

Weather averages here:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/DRXX0022?from=36hr_bottomnav_business

February 2008 was warm and sunny almost all the time I was there. That month is outside the hurricane season so if it rains it's most likely a quick shower and then the sun is back out again. Besides, even when it rains, it's warm.

Personally, even though February is considered "high season", I think it's a great time to visit.

I'm not aware of any vaccinations but I can ask for you. Regarding health precautions, the only thing I can think of right now is that tap water is NOT drinkable, so always buy bottled water. If the resort shop sells bottled water at ripped off prices (and they usually do), then perhaps it might be a good idea to go to the closest local town (in this case, Higüey) and buy several 1-liter bottles. I wrote how to go to Higüey by public means in my Dominican Republic transportation tips but if you guys don't feel like it, take a cab and negotiate a rate that you feel comfortable with.

There's also a number of side trips to do if you don't want to stay at the hotel all the time. For example, a day trip to see humpback whales in Samaná, a trip you either do by bus (about 8-9 hours one way) or by plane (about 45 minutes to 1 hour one way), depending on the tour operator. Otherwise, you can visit the nearby town of La Romana, Altos de Chavón (a Mediterranean village) and one of the less touristy places in the country: la Cueva de las maravillas (the cave of wonders). Or you can take a day trip to Santo Domingo (about 4 hours one way).

Thank you so much for your reply to my request. I have saved the websites and will be visiting soon. I believe we are going to go in February and be careful with the water. My daughter sees her doctor on the 24th and we will be asking many questions then. Again thank you for your time.
Nancy

Hello Nancy,

So far I agree with all of the above comments, just watch what you drink and eat but above all have fun!

P.S. I find this website very complete regarding information of Punta Cana and what not to miss while you're down there: www.PuntaCanaDominicanRepublic.org

Listen up be alert of the moskitos because of the dengue its very dangerous so use repel and such.
dont eat street pork or any other food that they sell.
and drink only bottled water for not getting ameba.

thats all have fun and visit the monumental city of santiago.