Plenty of literature is already overflowing on the web about this little, precious island (shared with Haiti). However, I will try to concisely add my personal adventure as a low-budget backpacker in quest of cheap, alternative ways to relish normally expensive routes or attractions as well as enjoy my trip with much less people around.
Dominican Republic is generally known for its resort and expensive lifestyle, true. Notwithstanding, it is really possible to lead a measured backpacker trip on a shoestring. By doing that my girlfriend and I veritably felt an undeniably more genuine experience.
As a kind of short intro, we took a plane from Spain (Madrid) to Punta Cana since more economical flights are customarily offered to there. We subsequently flew away from the same location, for the same reason. We travelled across this small but sights-packed island for about 1 month (counting 4 days in Haiti too, reported here), still in Covid-19 times (September 2021). Here are my humble remarks after that.
- TRAVEL OFF-PEAK: endevour to travel in the “shoulder” periods outside the “good weather” months (November – May). I sincerely got a bit alarmed at first since the rainy and hurricane season was already in process since June, but indeed, to my amazement, we only found sunny days. The sole inconvenient, of course, might be the sultry, damp climate. Nevertheless after a while you get used somehow.
- DO NOT BOOK ANY ACCOMMODATION BEFOREHAND: perhaps because of Covid times and low season, we could always get last-minute, inexpensive deals by simply showing up at the lodge. Of course, a minimum research should be carried out in advance. But we got surprised by how prices paid offline, in local currency and with a bit of “Spanish” bargaining were lower than the regular online options, maybe designed to foreign tourists. No issues detected for availability either.
- CATCH TRADITIONAL “GUAGUAS”: these are minivans very popular and affordable in all the country. Much cheaper than taxis or dedicated transportation services commonly used by tourists here. Regular buses are also present, but mainly connecting bigger cities. Tickets are almost always paid onboard.
- PAY IN DOMINICAN CURRENCY (NOT IN US DOLLARS): quite self-explanatory and maybe obvious for many, but still good to remember. For Europeans, please take into account that Euros are seldom accepted and badly exchanged.
- EAT LOCAL: avoid exotic, fancy food and restaurants; go among natives to popular stalls and markets to eat arroz con habichuelas (rice with small beans) as well as other local, simple (but very tasty) courses, typically displayed in “bowl trays” to select from. Although the assortment is not that diversified, honestly, you may still appreciate fresh, savoury and healthy dishes. More importantly, with a couple of Euros (or dollars) you can purchase your meal. Chicken is also very common (I personally adored the char-grilled version). Fish starts to get a bit more expensive, even though still much cheaper than Western standards. On a side note, if you like lobsters, then it’s your chance to indulge with this special fish at very reasonable prices.
- TRY TO HITCHHIKE: we did it a few times between villages and beaches, and in truth it went quite well.
- GET MOTORBIKE LIFTS: another inexpensive manner to move to beaches and short-range spots. We just asked local guys (no taxi drivers) to bring us somewhere for very competitive fares. Of course, no helmet or security devices are provided : )
- HEAD FOR DESERT AND SOLITARY BEACHES: besides their dazzling charm, they also offer free spaces and no temptations to spend unnecessary money in bars : ) Just make sure to bring water and a few drinks from the town.
- STEER CLEAR OF PUNTA CANA, BAVARO AND OTHER “RESORT” DESTINATIONS: in addition to the higher lodging costs, they are surely more expensive in all the sectors. And honestly (we spent the last night in Bavaro for logistic purposes), little authentic and impressive.
- ASK IF A SERVICE TAX IS CHARGED: especially in Santo Domingo (and maybe other big cities), service and municipality taxes might be added to the final bill. Better to inquire in advance.
It goes without saying that many more little rules can be applied in the daily life, some of universal range, others more tailored for this country. That being said, as earlier pointed out, we had the impression that a frugal, locally-based behaviour was the only access point to properly cherish this otherwise touristy and exploited destination. Spanish language is certainly a plus to save budget too.
Finally with all the savings we could even afford to pay for our PADI diving course, which was globally well-priced and definitely worth in those turquoise, crystalline waters : )
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