Dominican Republic Survival Helps. Beach, Telephone and Dengue.
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Real Life and Times in the Dominican Republic
HELPFUL HINTS AND "PUDDLE" EXPLANATIONS
We will try and give you some helpful hints and survival tools to make your visit to Dominican Republic much more enjoyable and safe. Going to a different country can sometimes be confusing and a little frightening, especially when you do not know what to expect and what the customs are.
Here I will put things I have learned and information others have taught about how to make your vacation on this island in the Caribbean a more pleasant experience. What to watch out for. What's extra good. Anything we feel you should know. So, when you see a little blue "puddle" on a page follow it to get a few pointers.
Would you like to take a Speed Boat ride? Go White Water River Rafting? Go Diving?
Check out
for these excursions and many others. .
I strongly suggest you try and learn a little Spanish before you arrive. It is not essential but it does help. We have many language pages for you to learn a little or check out this link and learn a new language. Try to learn the basics of Spanish. Give that brain some exercise and it can also help you know what is happening around you, even if it is only understanding a few words. It could help you asses wether there is a problem.
The Climate of this Caribbean island doesn't change much throughout the year. The average temperature is 76°F to 88°F. The mountains and central part of the island have been known to get some heavy frost and water sitting outside will freeze. In the daylight hours the temperature heats back up again. The winter has less humidity. The summer the humidity is very high. You will notice Dominicans will wear jackets and even mittens when the temperature hits the low 70's. (go to the
weather pages for more information)
Humpback Whales 80% of the worlds humpback whale population returns to the D.R to mate and give birth every year.
Mahogany is the national tree
National Protected Areas 21% of the country is protected and there are 30 National Parks.
Highest and Lowest The Dominican Republic has the highest mountain in the Caribbean - Pico Duarte 3087 meters (10,128 feet) and the lowest point in the Caribbean - Lake Enriquillo 40 meters (144 ft) below sea level.
Dengue
A mosquito carrying diseases found mainly in tropical and sub tropical areas. These mosquitoes (Aedes) are more day biters (sunrise and sunset) than night biters (which most people expect them to bite at night). When they bite they leave behind a flu like viral disease. After bitten the symptoms can come on very rapidly with a high fever, bad headache, behind the eye pain along with muscle and joint aches (this is why it is also known as "breakbone fever"). There can also be a rash (usually appearing 3 to 4 days after the fever happens). Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common. A rash usually appears 3 to 4 days after the start of the fever.
Now that you know what to look for if bitten, they (and you know who THEY are??) say the nasty bite only happens to about 100 tourists a year in Dominican Republic. The resorts usually spray for mosquitoes often so there are little to none to be seen. The country also sprays to rid the island of these nasty little critters. Just use some DEET type of bug spray. A fan usually helps keep them away as their light weight bodies can't fly into the wind. They are more prevalent in areas where there is standing water, as with all mosquitoes, no matter what their country of origin, race or creed (LOL!).
So, be cautious but don't let this nasty blood suckers ruin what can be a great time in Dominican Republic. Take precautions, spray yourself as needed and enjoy the sun and fun.