Dominican Republic Safety

It's sad to hear about the incidents happening in DR.

I've been to Punta Cana 3 times and have not once feared for my life or felt unsafe. I also speak Spanish so I'm able to communicate with the locals. I really enjoyed myself each time.
I would just suggest to have a great time at your resort, choose wisely if you go on any excursions, and don't go sightseeing without a trusted tour guide or without knowing the area that you're going in to.

Bad things can happen anywhere, unfortunately. Go on your honeymoon and enjoy your time with your husband. You'll be just fine!

Would you be able to get your money back since it’s a month away?

We went to the DR in January and felt safe the entire time we were there. The resort we stayed at was comfortable and all of the employees were friendly and made us feel welcome. Things happen all the time anywhere you go. I’m not suggesting it isn’t possibly scary or a concern, but I don’t think anything that’s happened in the DR recently is any more concerning than things that happen all across the US every day.

I went to Punta Cana last June with my FH and we felt completely safe the entire time. Bad things can and do happen in most Caribbean destinations. You just have to be smart about your choices. Stay on the resort as much as possible and book your excursions through your resort so that you know they are safe and secure. We snorkeled when we were there off the resort and booked it through our resort when we got there and everything was perfectly smooth and we never felt unsafe. We also booked private transportation from the airport to our resort and then from our resort back to the airport in advance through a travel agent so that we knew that was secure as well. I definitely wouldn't cancel the trip because these things truly happen everywhere. Just be smart and alert.

I have also booked a trip to Punta Cana and with everything in the news lately it has me concerned. What I’ve read is the recent 3 deaths were not in Punta Cana. They occurred in La Romana. Punta Cana is heavily protected for tourists safety. Just make sure to not go anywhere alone and stay alert of your surroundings and drinks. Every country has crime and anything could happen anywhere. I am not cancelling my trip but its definitely a reminder that you need to stay vigilant even on a resort.

I have been to Punta Cana at least 4 times, and we are going to Excellence El Carmen in late July for our honeymoon. Unlike previous poster, I don't speak Spanish (limited words here or there). I have also never felt unsafe. If you leave the resort, be aware of your surroundings, and only book things from reputable companies. Unfortunately, tragedy can happen anywhere.

Usually if it's a tourist area- You should be fine. I would def. be concerned about my safety too. The world is just literally going insane. But, don't let that ruin your honeymoon. I say go and just be cautious of your surroundings. Stay with the crowd.

We had our honeymoon in Punta Cana and got married in Boca Chica in April this year. We loved the experience and didn’t have any problems. Half of my guests were from the US, they booked a penthouse in Santo Domingo and rented cars to drive to the venue and drive places in general. Any of them had any issues, in fact they enjoyed themselves a lot and are looking forward to go back. Unfortunately, the news only portraits what catches the eye and in this case is about the few incidents that have happened. All you see in the news about the US is Trump hating immigrants and the horrible things that happen in the border, but the US is way more than that. It is the same thing. Just be safe with your decisions and you’ll be fine.

Thank you everyone who has responded! This definitely makes me feel more at ease with the situation. I am already stressed having a wedding a month away so this added stress is not needed LOL!

Hello,

Just returned fro our honeymoon at the end of May 2019 at Breathless Resort. Never felt unsafe, never had any problems. You will be okay. Just be careful like any travels.

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That is great to hear! Did you have a good time? Did you like the resort?

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It was a very good time and we loved the resort. I hope you have a good time as well!!!

Us too!! In September! Ugh we are so torn on what to do. We are staying a majestic, the one right next door to where the Tammy gal got horribly beaten

Now that there have been even more deaths (8 now) what are you all thinking about traveling there? There was just a death at Excellence Resort in Punta Cana. Do travel agencies allow cancellations in these cases so you can book somewhere else?

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As of today, there has been another death totaling 9. They think the causes of death may be related to bootleg liquor laced with methanol (what anti-freeze has in it). The couple that died in Maryland was one of the only set of bodies to be shipped back to the US and they are doing an autopsy now. Also, Jimmy Buffet just had a concert where 47 people got sick, all exhibiting signs of methanol poisoning.

https://nypost.com/2019/06/13/authorities-eyeing-bootleg-liquor-as-potential-cause-of-dr-tourist-deaths/

https://people.com/crime/47-jimmy-buffett-fans-sick-dominican-republic/

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My daughter and her fiancé just cancelled their honeymoon in Punta Cana and are now going elsewhere. Very scary.

My wedding is in La Romana at the Dreams Resort and I am Really considering canceling which sucks because we would lose out on a lot of money. It’s so sad what’s going on right now. I’m just torn

I wasn’t previously planning on cancelling my honeymoon to Punta Cana but since things keep getting worse I finally cancelled. I hope they figure out what’s going on there soon it’s a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons.

We actually just switched our honeymoon to Jamaica last minute bc of everything happening. We didn’t want to have to worry the whole time.

Absolutely no chance I would go there. Book it at a different breathless in another country...