Punta Cana-Dangerous?

My cousin booked a trip to Punta Cana for next year and was told it would be too dangerous to go. She booked with 10 other people at an all inclusive resort.

Any travel agents or people who have gone recently to let me know if she should cancel or not?

TIA

Punta Cana-Dangerous?

I went there and found it was safe! We did not leave the resort as we were told not to, outside the resort may be a different story but there was no reason to leave.

Re: Punta Cana-Dangerous?

Punta Cana-Dangerous?

We booked transportation with the hotel so they greeted us when we got off the plane and brought us back at the end of the trip. Nothing scary

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Re: Punta Cana-Dangerous?

I was just there in May, and have been many times over the years. I have never ever felt endangered.
Take hotel transportation to and from the airport, don't venture off the resort ifyou don't feel safe. Don't encourage beach vendors yo apptoavh uou, and keep an eye on any valuables. Same advice for any vacation destination. We had no desire to leave the resort anyway. Beach, pool were all that we wanted to see.

If Punta Cana were really that dangerous for tourists, don't you think that the US government would put out a travel sdvisory ?

Re: Punta Cana-Dangerous?

Punta Cana-Dangerous?

My mom just got back from Punta Cana today. She loved it and had an awesome time. She stayed on the resort the whole time. Took a taxi from the airport to her hotel.

It's not dangerous, just use common sense wherever you go.

Re: Punta Cana-Dangerous?

Re: Punta Cana-Dangerous?

Punta Cana-Dangerous?

We are going in Aug and its fine. Just don't leave the resort.

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Thanks

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My parents are offering to take us there in February, but DH doesn't want to go because of safety reasons.

Re: Punta Cana-Dangerous?

Personally I wouldn't go. When we Tavel, we like to venture out and explore. Can't do that, so we don't have any interest going there

Punta Cana-Dangerous?

this is from the federal govt travel websites about the DR..

Beaches and Resorts: The Embassy regularly receives reports of individuals and families who have become victims of crime while within the boundaries of their resort hotel. A growing number of these crimes involve the burglary of the room and even the removal of the room safe. In general, the criminals do not commit their crime in the presence of the guest, but it is not unheard of for guests to be victimized in their own room, caught off guard in their sleep. We strongly recommend vigilance. Hotels generally will not assume responsibility for valuables left in a room.

The Embassy has become increasingly aware of overly aggressive and dishonest merchants along the beaches in front of resort hotels. The Dominican Government has been trying to improve oversight of these merchants, but has not made visible progress to date.

The Embassy has received numerous reports of instances of sexual assault at the resorts, particularly while at the beach. Some hotel employees have ingratiated themselves with guests as a ruse to ultimately isolate and force the victim into compromising circumstances. Many hotels have policies that discourage employee fraternization with guests. Please report any unwanted attention you receive to hotel management. Be aware of cultural differences and stay in the company of your traveling companions. It has also been reported that some predators will use date rape drugs, or take advantage of alcohol consumption, to render their victims unaware. Be cautious of accepting any drink or food from a stranger, as it may have been tampered with. Again, the Embassy strongly encourages vigilance. “All-inclusive” resorts are well known for serving abundant quantities of alcohol and there are no laws in the Dominican Republic against serving alcohol to intoxicated persons. Drink responsibly. Remember that excessive alcohol consumption may decrease your awareness of your surroundings, making you an easy target for crime.

If you become a victim of sexual assault and another violent crime, we urge you to report the incident immediately to the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit during working hours, or to the U.S. Embassy’s duty officer after hours. You should also report the incident to local authorities for a police report. It is essential that sexual assault victims insist on an immediate examination by an authorized police medical examiner (medica legista) to ensure that a documented report is available for any future prosecution of the case.

Please be aware that crime can happen anywhere and that everyone must take personal responsibility to stay alert of their surroundings at all times. Read the U.S. Embassy’s security tips for more information.

The Embassy also receives reports of individuals who have suffered accidents or medical crisis at resorts. Check your insurance coverage prior to going overseas or consider travelers’ insurance. Hospitalization in the Dominican Republic can be extremely expensive and patients are expected to pay for services immediately. For additional information, see the section below on medical insurance.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

I thonk everywhere is going to have some warnings. You just have to be safe and smart while there. HTH