OT: Punta Cana for high school spring break

[republion]

My daughter’s senior class is planning a spring break trip to Punta Cana. Most of the kids going are being accompanied by a parent. Although hundreds of kids are going from her school, they have broken out into pods for ease of planning. My daughters pod consists of her, 5 of her friends, and the moms. They are planning to stay at a reputable all-inclusive resort.
I’ve hear stories about vacations in the DR and have concerns about their safety. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated to either alleviate my concerns or make me think twice before letting them go. Thanks

 

[Erial_Lion]

Been to Punta Cana several times and loved it…however, it’s like going to Cancun or Jamaica where I wouldn’t stray off the beaten path since the touristy/Americanized parts are a lot different than the other parts.

 

[fastlax16]

Went a few years ago with my girlfriend (now wife), had a great time and it was beautiful but we never left the resort area. As long as you stay on property you shouldn’t have any issue (outside of alcohol).

Are they 18 or under 18?

 

[billrag]

Yep, as the others have said, it's safe as can be on the resorts or even on the tours run by reputable companies, but advise them to never wander around by themselves. I suspect the worst that would happen to them is to be strong-armed and robbed if anything bad did happen, but obviously you can't have that. Don't worry, Punta Cana is pretty safe.

I should mention that I have wandered around by myself some in/near Punta Cana and never had anything happen other than having store owners try to encourage you into their stores (with all of their buddies hanging around and you have ZERO confidence that you'd be safe inside the store), but I'm not a young girl.

 

[Cletus11]

As noted, just drill into your kids head to never leave the resort. If they go on an excursion via a reputable tour agency that is fine. When out in public, they need to be cognizant of their surroundings like any foreign country besides Canada. Don't have purses that are unzipped. Don't have their cell phone in a back pocket. Always travel in a group.

 

[jferretti]

Make sure the Moms are vetted well if you are not going. I have witnessed parenting that is more akin to being buddies with the students rather than chaperones. And I have seen where that leads to major trouble. As a parent I would feel compelled to go rather than trust the parenting of others. Sure it's an additional expense but if you have already made the decision for your child to go it's something to consider. That's just me.

And yes, do not venture off resort property in just about any Gulf or Carribean resort. Also be careful while within the resort confines. Nefarious people have money too.

 

[bdgan]

My daughter’s senior class is planning a spring break trip to Punta Cana. Most of the kids going are being accompanied by a parent. Although hundreds of kids are going from her school, they have broken out into pods for ease of planning. My daughters pod consists of her, 5 of her friends, and the moms. They are planning to stay at a reputable all-inclusive resort.
I’ve hear stories about vacations in the DR and have concerns about their safety. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated to either alleviate my concerns or make me think twice before letting them go. Thanks

When did high school kids start going to places like Punta Cana for spring break? When I was in college a few of us piled into a car and drove to Ocean City when summer break started.

 

[Lion84]

When did high school kids start going to places like Punta Cana for spring break? When I was in college a few of us piled into a car and drove to Ocean City when summer break started.

Its just like the "semester abroad" for college now - seems like a requirement for kids today, mine included. Entitled - lol.

 

[LeatherHelmets]

When did high school kids start going to places like Punta Cana for spring break? When I was in college a few of us piled into a car and drove to Ocean City when summer break started.

Had some great times down in Wildwood NJ. I remember the Shamrock Cafe shirts being very popular.

 

[psualt]

I personally wouldn’t want my kids traveling under those situations and would only be on board if I was chaperoning. It appears I’m in the minority but see nothing good when groups of high school kids get away like this.

 

[SR108]

I personally wouldn’t want my kids traveling under those situations and would only be on board if I was chaperoning. It appears I’m in the minority but see nothing good when groups of high school kids get away like this.

Make sure the Moms are vetted well if you are not going. I have witnessed parenting that is more akin to being buddies with the students rather than chaperones. And I have seen where that leads to major trouble. As a parent I would feel compelled to go rather than trust the parenting of others. Sure it's an additional expense but if you have already made the decision for your child to go it's something to consider. That's just me.

And yes, do not venture off resort property in just about any Gulf or Carribean resort. Also be careful while within the resort confines. Nefarious people have money too.

Two Words : Natalee Holloway,

I would certainly make sure that there was no drinking at an off site bar.

 

[Obliviax]

I did a week at the Hard Rock Cafe there. Really nice all inclusive resort. I had no problems and didn’t hear of any. But I’d stay in resort and not go to any clubs unless as a large group.


One tip, go to the spa and have the little fish eat the dead skin off of your feet.

 

[bdgan]

Its just like the "semester abroad" for college now - seems like a requirement for kids today, mine included. Entitled - lol.

We flew to Paris a few years ago and half the plane was full of kids taking a high school trip.

I thought that must be nice but I don't know if I like it. A lot of families can't afford it but they go deep into their savings or credit because of peer pressure.

 

[SR108]

I did a week at the Hard Rock Cafe there. Really nice all inclusive resort. I had no problems and didn’t hear of any. But I’d stay in resort and not go to any clubs unless as a large group.


One tip, go to the spa and have the little fish eat the dead skin off of your feet.

Gross, my feet would kill those fish.

 

[Delco Lion]

I have some pretty extensive experience at all inclusives in Mexico and Jamaica. I’ve never been to the Dominican, but have stayed at many resorts with my kids, x, and women. It’s important that kids never go off on their own. Always stay with someone. They will be drinking and drinking heavily most likely. They need to make sure that they never take drinks from strangers or leave their drinks unattended. Assaults and rapes do happen at resorts. The assailants include fellow guests and staff. Now you have to worry about the kids experimenting with pills that may include fentanyl. Tell them to stay hydrated!

 

[bourbon n blues]

Its just like the "semester abroad" for college now - seems like a requirement for kids today, mine included. Entitled - lol.

Yep, spring break in college was time off.

 

[bourbon n blues]

We flew to Paris a few years ago and half the plane was full of kids taking a high school trip.

I thought that must be nice but I don't know if I like it. A lot of families can't afford it but they go deep into their savings or credit because of peer pressure.

Yep.

 

[bourbon n blues]

I personally wouldn’t want my kids traveling under those situations and would only be on board if I was chaperoning. It appears I’m in the minority but see nothing good when groups of high school kids get away like this.

I agree.

 

[katchthis]

Been there a few times. Locals are really nice. DR is good bang for the buck. Stay in a group, and largely stay on 'campus" unless in an even larger group and you should be fine. If she has excercised good judgement at home , I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[bison13]

When did high school kids start going to places like Punta Cana for spring break? When I was in college a few of us piled into a car and drove to Ocean City when summer break started.

just like all the HS seniors who go to 'beach week' here in MD. they go to Ocean city and get wasted and in trouble every night. What kind of parents let their kids go and do this? Hell, half of them encourage it and supply the alcohol.

 

[Jerry]

Lots of good advice here. As was pointed out, I'd definitely want to know and personally have confidence in the adult "chaperones." In fact, honestly, I'm not sure I'd entrust my daughter to somebody else unless that person had a personal stake in the kid's welfare.

We dealt with a similar issue regarding the ritual of "Senior Week" when Maryland high schoolers flock to Ocean City for several days of unsupervised frolic shortly after graduation. We told all six of our kids, naaah, you won't be doing that. They all survived.

 

[mhlarch]

Why are high school kids going on a spring break? Seems really unnecessary.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Never understood the draw of going to a country and being essentially stuck on the resort like it was Fort Apache, the Bronx

 

[Cletus11]

Never understood the draw of going to a country and being essentially stuck on the resort like it was Fort Apache, the Bronx

exactly what I tell my wife. Why do I want to go down to the Bahamas and sit on a beach when I can go to Florida and do the same thing.

 

[billrag]

I'm not a huge fan of Punta Cana, but my wife likes it there. I think the benefit is that given that all of your food and alcohol is included in the all-inclusive resorts, a trip to the DR can actually be a good bit cheaper than many/most areas or all of Florida. There also is something to be said for the all-inclusive treatment. I simply wouldn't go and really lie around and drink all day if I was paying $10 or $15 each for cocktails, whereas I really do take advantage and likely drink at least 6 or 7 drinks daily at the resorts, whereas I'd never do that stateside. The food is also included, so you can always get an appetizer or dessert with your meal without regard for cost. In my experience, the food has ranged from decent to very, very good depending on which resort that you're in. The snorkeling at the nicer reefs is kind of neat, fishing is available for a fee of course and some of the tours are actually fairly educational and enjoyable (we've been on snorkeling tours, farm/country tours, cigar shop tours and rum distillery tours). I don't golf when I'm on vacation (unless one of my brothers is there and they encourage me to go), but you can also golf there and most of the resorts have their own small casinos as well.

Like I said, the DR isn't really my cup of tea, but it's very accessible and relatively inexpensive if you're into that sort of thing.

 

[katchthis]

Never understood the draw of going to a country and being essentially stuck on the resort like it was Fort Apache, the Bronx

My good friend is a member of Inspirato, a high-end VRBO. And during COVID. , our golf group rented this place . And, yes that whole building was ours. It was more like a Fort than Fort Apache. It was during the end of COVID so it was discounted . Golfed at Punta Espada, Corales, Teeth of the Dog. But there are multi-millionaires all over the beachfronts.

Villa Caona | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

In the peaceful Punta Cayuco area of Cap Cana resort, Villa Caona is tucked away in a private enclave of three villas designed and built exclusively for Inspirato, a first for the club.

www.inspirato.com

 

[christoph]

Is she on birth control?

 

[87 Penn St8]

just like all the HS seniors who go to 'beach week' here in MD. they go to Ocean city and get wasted and in trouble every night. What kind of parents let their kids go and do this? Hell, half of them encourage it and supply the alcohol.

Kids from PA do High School Senior Week in OCMD too. I heard from a friend that someone once stayed at The Shangri La Motel, hit many of the dive bars with possibly the worst fake ID ever, and may or may not have lost his virginity there.

Parents beware...kids are much "older", earlier now. Safety, safety, safety. Make them all read about Ms. Holloway...a parents nightmare come true : (

 

[87 Penn St8]

One last tip: I had a Dominican pupil whose dad was doing his residency at a local hospital. People from Haiti are the working/lower class in the D.R. She was taught as a young girl that if she heard people talking in the French Creole Haitian language to immediately cross the street and be prepared to run. The poverty in Haiti is likely the worst in our hemisphere. Desperate people do desperate things. Stay on the resort. Better safe than sorry.

 

[wlawn]

Had some great times down in Wildwood NJ. I remember the Shamrock Cafe shirts being very popular.

And the Penalty Box

 

[LafayetteBear]

Is she on birth control?

Yikes. I'm so glad I have three sons. I'd have been lost in battles about hemline, decolletage, makeup, and height of heels. The issue of birth control is one I had to have with each of my sons, but having it with a daughter is a different animal altogether.

 

[republion]

Went a few years ago with my girlfriend (now wife), had a great time and it was beautiful but we never left the resort area. As long as you stay on property you shouldn’t have any issue (outside of alcohol).

Are they 18 or under 18?

She’ll be 18 when they are there.

 

[republion]

Yep, as the others have said, it's safe as can be on the resorts or even on the tours run by reputable companies, but advise them to never wander around by themselves. I suspect the worst that would happen to them is to be strong-armed and robbed if anything bad did happen, but obviously you can't have that. Don't worry, Punta Cana is pretty safe.

I should mention that I have wandered around by myself some in/near Punta Cana and never had anything happen other than having store owners try to encourage you into their stores (with all of their buddies hanging around and you have ZERO confidence that you'd be safe inside the store), but I'm not a young girl.

Thanks!

 

[republion]

Make sure the Moms are vetted well if you are not going. I have witnessed parenting that is more akin to being buddies with the students rather than chaperones. And I have seen where that leads to major trouble. As a parent I would feel compelled to go rather than trust the parenting of others. Sure it's an additional expense but if you have already made the decision for your child to go it's something to consider. That's just me.

And yes, do not venture off resort property in just about any Gulf or Carribean resort. Also be careful while within the resort confines. Nefarious people have money too.

My wife will be there, and she will make sure our daughter stays in check. I’m just concerned about both of them, not knowing if people are getting drugged by staff on the resort. If that type of stuff happens, you can’t protect yourself.

 

[republion]

When did high school kids start going to places like Punta Cana for spring break? When I was in college a few of us piled into a car and drove to Ocean City when summer break started.

No doubt. But when given a week off school for spring break, they like to utilize it. When they were younger, it was great because we always took a nice family spring break.

 

[republion]

I did a week at the Hard Rock Cafe there. Really nice all inclusive resort. I had no problems and didn’t hear of any. But I’d stay in resort and not go to any clubs unless as a large group.


One tip, go to the spa and have the little fish eat the dead skin off of your feet.

That fish thing freaks me out!!! Lol

 

[republion]

I have some pretty extensive experience at all inclusives in Mexico and Jamaica. I’ve never been to the Dominican, but have stayed at many resorts with my kids, x, and women. It’s important that kids never go off on their own. Always stay with someone. They will be drinking and drinking heavily most likely. They need to make sure that they never take drinks from strangers or leave their drinks unattended. Assaults and rapes do happen at resorts. The assailants include fellow guests and staff. Now you have to worry about the kids experimenting with pills that may include fentanyl. Tell them to stay hydrated!

Good info

 

[republion]

Been there a few times. Locals are really nice. DR is good bang for the buck. Stay in a group, and largely stay on 'campus" unless in an even larger group and you should be fine. If she has excercised good judgement at home , I wouldn't worry too much.

This is what my initial thoughts were. Thanks.

 

[republion]

Lots of good advice here. As was pointed out, I'd definitely want to know and personally have confidence in the adult "chaperones." In fact, honestly, I'm not sure I'd entrust my daughter to somebody else unless that person had a personal stake in the kid's welfare.

We dealt with a similar issue regarding the ritual of "Senior Week" when Maryland high schoolers flock to Ocean City for several days of unsupervised frolic shortly after graduation. We told all six of our kids, naaah, you won't be doing that. They all survived.

The pod my daughter is part of has really good kids and parents involved. This won’t be an issue for this pod.

 

[republion]

Why are high school kids going on a spring break? Seems really unnecessary.

Because they get a week off school for spring break and since she was a small child we’ve been taking a spring break trip. This, BTW, was a foreign concept for someone like myself who was raised pretty damn poor in rural PA. We never got a week off from high school.