Photo: Getty
A series of recent tourist deaths in the Dominican Republic has left many potential visitors wary of vacationing in the Caribbean destination—but should travelers who have already booked, cancel or change their plans?
However, the island, which is about a 2.5-hour flight from Miami, remains a popular getaway, with 2.7 million Americans, and 6.5 million foreigners total, visiting each year.
While there’s no guarantee of avoiding the wide-ranging, if rare, situations recently reported, if travelers do choose to go to the Dominican Republic, there are steps they can take to stay safe and healthy.
Before You Leave
2.Educate yourself.He also notes, that it’s a good idea for tourists to educate themselves about local laws and rules before they depart. “It helps make sure travelers stay out of trouble.”
3.Copy documents.It’s also a good idea to make backup copies of important documents, especially passports, he says.
While Exploring
5.Go with a group.Saglie advises that visitors should never wander in unfamiliar places alone, “especially in areas you’re not familiar with, or where you don’t know the language.”
6.Stay in tourist areas.Well-populated, tourist-friendly areas are a good bet. “Walking around alone, after dark, in cities like Santo Domingo is going to be riskier,” says Valenta. But, he notes, “that is true throughout the world, including in the United States and Europe.” The State Department notice also says that the “development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas” makes them safer than cities.
When Eating and Drinking
At leasteight American touristshave died after falling ill in the Dominican Republic —and dozens morehave gotten sickin the past year according to the U.S. State Department. Some of those cases may have involved tainted alcohol according to authorities. While there’s no sure way to avoid this, there are precautions you can take to stay safe from foodborne illnesses.
7.Skip the buffet.Eating and drinking at an all-inclusive resort is typically safer than staying in a city and eating street food, says Valenta. But, he says, “Buffets are often the biggest culprit when it comes to tainted food, so opt for only steaming hot a la carte fare if you’re particularly concerned, and avoid garnishes, salads, and anything that hasn’t been thoroughly cooked.”
8.Bring an antibiotic. “If you’re particularly concerned, ask your doctor for a course of antibiotics to carry with you should you develop symptoms of food poisoning, says Valenta. While this is more common when traveling to destinations like India and Southeast Asia, he says, it can’t hurt to be prepared.
source: people.com
