Dominican Republic!

[LollipopViolet]

Me and my mum, joint birthday treat (hers in July, mine in December!), we're currently looking at hotels etc. But want to know some things:

What's there to do for 2 photography mad girls? What's there to do in general?
What's the flight time like from Manchester?
How the heck do I stop myself going insane on the flight (I've done LHR-JFK so that's 7 hours!)
Is there any trouble in that area?
What's the temp/weather going to be like (end of June/start of July)

Also, what do you think of this as a surprise? I'm thinking, depending on if we book with Thomson, of secretly phoning them after we book and upgrading to their Premium Cabin for the flights, would cost about £360 altogether. Would obviously explain to Mum when invoice came through, but am thinking since she paid for the last holiday we did, that I'd treat her I'll also be paying as much of my share as she'll let me lol

Oooh, also, are there nice views from the plane going there? Is there turbulence?

I'm really hoping we go here (we're looking at a few places) because it looks so pretty!!

Lollipop, I'm not sure if you are aware that the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispanola with Haiti, where the devastating earthquake has just happened. I'm pretty sure the tourism industry on the island will take some time to recover. I'd consider booking elsewhere.

Yeah, we're doing just that I understand why, but I'm kinda sad, I'd got ideas of the place in my head.

Now need some advice on where to go, again!

I think we're looking at more Europe now, so will post a new thread.

I posted this on an earlier thread about Dom Rep Feb Half term.

"The Dom Rep hotels and the staff they employ rely on tourism. Please read the link dominicanembassy.org.uk

It is deeply sad situation, if you have already booked I would go. Consider making a small donation to www.dec.org.uk before you go "

So - is it ethical to be taking a holiday when those in Haiti are suffering? Or will your visit help support the DR's economy at this critical time? Dom Rep is giving crucial aid and assistance to it's neighbor. It will be a terrible thing if Dom Rep becomes a secondary casualty in this sad situation.

Also, Dominican holiday hotspot Punta Cana is separated from Port-au-Prince by more than 250 miles of mountainous and dense jungle.

The fact is that Haitians have always lived a life of hardship and poverty, while for years people have flocked to it's richer neighbor for 4 and 5 star holiday vacations without a second thought. Now the island needs the tourist dollar to help and we all consider turning our backs.

If you find it hard to think of sunning yourself while Haitians are suffering so much close by, in truth does it matter what the distance is between you both? 250 miles away or staying closer to home in Europe? The are still suffering.

Just a thought also - Mumsnet have a link to the DEC appeal for supporting Haiti on the home page
quick link www.dec.org.uk

My brother's there at the moment on holiday, he has a time share there and has been before. You should go. the last thing the DR needs is a big hit to its economy. Just make sure your destination didn't have any direct problems due to the earthquake that will mess up your hols. the immediate aftermath of the earthquake when airport landing time was at a premium maybe was a bit different, but they've sorted that now.

Soda, I don't understand why you would suggest they book somewhere else?
The industry will 'take some time to recover' because jittery tourists will use the Haitian disaster as an excuse to stay away.
This will have a potentially devestating impact on the livelihoods of the thousands of people who rely on tourism to support their families.

The Dominican Republic has been unaffected by the quake, so there is no problem with hotels/facilities being affected, but warning people to stay away for no good reason is just going to compound the problems this small island is facing.

Lollypop, the idea of upgrading to a Premium cabin is lovely... Amd you'll really appreciate the extra space on the long flight. Double check, but I think all the premium cabins have individual tvs and a good selection of films. Failing that, do you have an iPod which you can upload some films or TV programmes on to?

Have you also thought about emailing the hotel to let them know? It is always worth a shot and you might get a room upgrade, or flowers in the room.