I'm taking a poll ladies and gentlemen, what would you suggest I visit (first time visitor to the Caribbean...) and would be a better experience for me? Cheerio!

I have not been to DR yet (going this August!!) but if you do end up in Jamaica, make sure you visit Negril! The best place I've been to in Jamaican imo. Visit Rick's Cafe while you are there too

If you want an inexpensive destination, do some research into Margarita Island in Venezuela.

I was a bit nervous being there since we're US citizens but the island is mostly sheltered from things going on with the mainland.

Flying into Caracas sucked, so we flew from Margarita straight to Trinidad/Tobago on the way out - a much better experience.

The island is below the hurricane belt, and has a tropical/desert climate with hardly any rain.

@dman - thanks for the insider info, will definitely ask you more about Rick's Cafe if we do push through to Jamaica

@Paul79UF - thanks for the suggestion, I appreciate it. I'll check out Margarita Island (and hope we do get something nice so there's some place new to visit!) Thanks again!

hi,

if you are interested in the dominican republic, espacially in Punta Cana then you can have a look at my homepage.

i have many informations about the region and also a huge picture gallery with more than 2000 hotel and country pictures.

if you have any questions feel free to email me....

steve
http://www.punta-cana.info

quote:

Originally posted by Paul79UF:
If you want an inexpensive destination, do some research into Margarita Island in Venezuela.

I was a bit nervous being there since we're US citizens but the island is mostly sheltered from things going on with the mainland.

Flying into Caracas sucked, so we flew from Margarita straight to Trinidad/Tobago on the way out - a much better experience.

The island is below the hurricane belt, and has a tropical/desert climate with hardly any rain.

The choice is between Jamaica and Dominican Republic.

Jamaica is more expensive. Dominican Republic is a fuller experience if you want to know their culture and life.
The Dominican Republic is less experienced in tourism but the island is a lot bigger than Jamaica and can offer you a variety of adventures if you are the type. One of the best I tried last July was in Puerto Plata. It's called "The Charcas of Damajagua" near Imbert. You won' forget that. If you want to see excellent pictures of DR go to Pbase.com or TrekEarth.com. Also I've published more than 1000 (see link)
www.pbase.com/josue_123

I've been in Dominican Republic for three times and that island is wonderful. The people are very kind and there are amazing places to explore, beautiful beaches, nice hotels... Each time I go there I stay in Sosua Bay Resort and I've always had a great time.

I have recommended DR to anyone who asked about a trip, no matter the circumstances: Relaxation? Super-active? Fun and safe with kids? Romance? In my opinion it is very close to the world's perfect vacation spot. I'm sure Jamaica is lovely, and I haven't been there myself so I can't directly compare the two. But I loved DR and can't wait to go back. It is the first place I ever went that I could not wait to go back to *the exact same place I'd just come from.* We were 100% on the north coast and Semana peninsula, and there are lots of other places I'd like to visit in the DR but I had such an amazing time I can't imagine returning and not returning to Cabarete (awesome windsurfing) or to Semana for at least a short time.

Ugh, I'm gushing like a tween at a Jonas Brothers concert.

I would pick the Dominican Republic over Jamaica. I enjoyed Jamaica but left feeling like I enjoyed my visit but that was it, I have no desire to go back. I left the Dominican Republic wanting to stay longer and go back. It was really beautiful and I feel like there was so much more I wanted to see. Plus there were so many wonderful places to stay.

Been to both and I prefer Jamaica. But I'm and coffee geek and hired a guide to take me on a walking tour of through the Blue Mountains.You can see our picture from both trips at: http://www.gadtravel.com

We spent a week in Negril in May. The beach was incredibly beautiful and in May it was nice and empty. As a matter of fact, my husband is sit around and do nothing kind of guy and even he was happy to spend the week sitting on the beach and swimming in the water. The food was great. The people are friendly and nice for the most part.
It was tricky to stay on a budget (although we were not on a tight budget). We could not go anywhere without every man within sight bugging us to buy weed. Normally this would not have bothered us but it was so constant that it was just too much.
The only thing I would have changed about our trip would have been to skip Rick's cafe. I guess its a wonderful place if you are really into American music, overpriced food and drinks and bad service. Put your camera away unless you want to be harassed by the divers for money. The place was pretty empty when we were there so I suppose that if you go when its busy you can mooch watching the dives off of someone else's donation. The best part of Rick's was leaving.