Advice for traveling

Advice is important, especially when traveling. I am writing this blog in regards to general advice for traveling, not just in Dominican Republic, although a lot of the advice I will give here, relates to my time spent in the Dominican Republic.

* Change your money prior to arriving at your destination. I was finessed even before I got out of the airport. I changed £250 and received $251! When I asked if I could have my money back, as I believed this was completely wrong, they told me no and that the transaction could not be reversed. This was less than 10 minutes of arriving in Dominican republic, and this had already started to taint my holiday. Nevertheless, I didn't let it spoil my trip, but it is something I wouldn't do again.( Although I have done since!... From this day, I wont do it again !

* If your traveling to a country that's divided by quiet and peaceful areas, and then a lit nightlife elsewhere, I suggest you DON'T make a sacrifice and choose one place, but spend half your time enduring peace and the other half of your holiday having the time of your life! This way, you will have a great chance to explore the country as much as possible, and you'll have a great story to tell. You will have a greater chance of meeting more people. In Domincan Republic, I made a sacrifice to stay in Punta Cana over Santa Domingo, and even if It was the other way around, I still believe it would have been the wrong choice. It would have been best to experience both areas, as Punta Cana was absolutely stunning, but Santa Domingo has a lot to offer which I was unable to explore.

* Don't bother with pound coins. No-one takes them, not even the bank! In Antigua, I had over £15 in coins, which was enough for me to get my taxi back to the airport. Unfortunately, I trailed around looking for Bureau de changes and banks but no one would take them, not even my hotel. This resulted in me traveling to the cash point and withdrawing money once again. I'm not sure if the same applies in worldwide, but it is most likely. Save them for when you get back home!

* If your staying in an all inclusive hotel, make the most of your food and spend your cash on gifts and excursions. Don't get me wrong, go out and try the authentic dishes in the local towns and areas- but don't spend too much. Best to buy something you could bring back home. Dominican republic has the best drinking chocolate - don't be a meanie, bring some back home, as it's absolutely divine. Cadbury has nothing on carribbean cocoa!

* Don't take 5* so literal. When looking for a hotel abroad, please understand the star rating system is completely different to the U.K / U.S star rating system. My cousin and I had paid for a 5* hotel in Dominican Republic and I would just about consider it a 3*. I was quite disappointed, but because it was clean- I couldn't complain anymore than I did. In Antigua I stayed in a 3* hotel and had the time of my life. Yes, it may have been a little bit outdated, but it was welcoming, and clean. Cleanliness is one of my NON- negotiables when choosing a hotel.

* When booking flights, hotels, and choosing where to travel to, READ REVIEWS! READ BLOGS! Having general knowledge about a service or company you have never used before will save time, cut doubt and help your plans to flow easily. It's simple. Make your own choices, but do your research. Everyone's experiences are different, but just a tad bit of research will help you with your expectations, whether they will be met, or surpassed.

There will be regular updates on this post as I travel my way across the globe..

With love

xoxo

Siobhan Patrina

Pink Skies and Paradise