Should I vacation in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic or some city in Colombia?

Question

I have enough frequent flyer miles to go to either. I've been to boca chica several times and love it there, but don't know if I should go back using my miles because it seems kind of like a waste. I can get a trip to South america for free or a trip to DR for free, but retail value of a trip to DR is $425 while a trip to South america would be over $1,000. But then again, Im concerned about safety in South America. What should I do?

Answer 1

I say colombia. If you're looking for something tropical then you should stick to the carribbean coast. Hit up Cartagena and it’s walled city, Santa Marta and nearby Tayrona. In nearby Taganga you can go snorkeling and diving, if I’m not mistaken.  Colombia is pretty safe nowadays, but you still need to be careful and be aware of your surroundings.  The chances of getting kidnapped of pretty remote, but don’t go flashing around a sign saying that you’re a foreigner either.  Relax and enjoy yourself. Have fun!

Answer 2

i'd go to colombia

1. colombia is like south africa, new zealand, etc.... countries that are off the beaten path

2. it has more to see and do

3. dominican republic only has to do with beaches, colombia has to do with big cities full of life, beaches, mountains, food, women etc. etc.

Answer 3

Colombia is an AMAZING country u should definitely check it out if you get the chance to.

try Cartagena...

Answer 4

I say Colombia. It's one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

As others have mentioned, you could go to Cartagena for a beach experience. It has beautifully conserved colonial architecture. Bogota, the capital is quite remarkable. You'll fine beautiful colonial streets on one side of the city and modern and hip districts on another part. Bogota is rated internationally for fine dining. It has extraordinary art museum including the famous gold museum  (pre-columbian objects). Why do you need more convincing! As for safety, you'll be safe from political violence in all major cities. Like a lot of huge global cities (Bogota has over 4 million inhabitants), be wary of pickpockets, and some neighborhoods might not be the safest. But you won't get kidnapped. Just typical major city trouble.

Don't venuture off into the countryside before talking to locals. Once you do get directions for where it is safe to go, you'll discover Colombia has some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. If you can, don't miss Nevado del Ruiz or the Sierra Nevada.

And, no, you wouldn't be the only tourist there (specially not in Bogota or Cartagena). At the gold museum I often spot groups of Americans taking an Enlish language tour of the facility.

I really do hope you choose Colombia!

Answer 5

Try something new! Go to Colombia. San Andres Island, Baranquilla, Cartagena, Barranquilla all beachy. OR get away from the beach scence and go to the capital Bogota , or try Cali.

It is obvious if you are getting a free trip then go for the onwe that would cost more and the one that you never would have done. Colombia is very safe as long as you don't be stupid. Just liek anywhere else you go don;t flash money around don;t accept open drinks from anyone even the bar tender unless you saw them open it and hand it to you. Don't go wandering down dark alleys alone.....

Talk to some of the people on www.colombianblog.com they can give you better Colombia travel advice

;-)

Answer 6

You did not say where you had frequent flyer mileage but you can fly into Barranquilla for 35k on American. I have fiancee in BAQ, the people are very nice with 75% living in lower income enviroments and the rest in the norte in what would be considered middle class. That said, you can travel cheaply by 12 passenger busses ($13US one way) to Cartagena (south 1.20 Hrs) or to Santa Marta north about the same distance and price. Tayrona Parque is a beautiful area with many beach spots through the jungle to the wild ocean. Check out NY Times travel section for recent review. If you have points for the Hilton definetly use in Cartagena plus likely can probably get on point saver if before summer. I have been to Colombia from States 4 times in past 10 months. Also another area where US dollar is strong is Maragarita Island 35 miles of the coast of Caracas, Ven. There is also another great Hilton located there (was there in Feb). I have never been bothered by anyone on my trips. But of course I am not going out partying and drinking exposing myself to increased dangers. Of course the woman are beautiful in Colombia

Answer 7

I say you do Colombia.  I am going to vacation there this year.  I am planning of visiting Bogota, Tunja, Barracabermeja, Bucaramanga, & make my way back for a couple more days in Bogota.

People are beautiful  I think it is very safe.  Sometimes Mexico DF is more dangerous people would say.

Like NIKE, just do it.  Definitely, don't flash $$ since people sometimes are just watching to see wazzup.  I got the hook ups so I am staying with locals.  The real Colombian experience baby!

Answer 8

First off, I'm about as gringo as gringo gets!  (laughing).  My Spanglish is very "Spanglish" so if you're like me, you don't want to go to Colombia ... unless you're with someone that can speak both English and Spanish.  I've been there 5 or 6 times, Medellin (very nice), Bogota (a real dump in my opinion) and Cartagena (very nice, especially Old Cartagena).

Let's get a few things straight: (1) Colombia is not as dangerous as people say but there is that risk of being kidnapped or robbed.  That person who wrote Cartagena is 100% safe, was not quite correct.  There were some people (not many) kidnapped right off the beach in Cartagena - no joke.  Still, it's rare. (2) Even customs do not speak much English.  Seriously, an English / Spanish dictionary will not be enough!  

All that being said, Colombia is beautiful and if you can speak the language and can tolerate some potential risk, do it.  I usually fly Avianca because it seems to have the most non-stop flights but be prepared for lack of air conditioning on the planes and radio headsets that often do not work.

Good luck!

Charlie

Answer 9

You say you love Boca Chica, that experience ypu are not going to find elsewhere.  It is unique...gracias mi dios !  Should you expand and do somethinf different, see a bit of the world ?  Probably you should.  What are your safety concerns, do you have a reason to think that you would be victim to political violence ? Ther are other sorts of dangers in Boca Chica, so you just need to decide if you are ready for something new or stay with what you know.

Answer 10

go to colombia!

i'm from cartagena and its gorgeous.

Answer 11

Try Cartagena  ill find  try colonial buildings in pristine condition date back 1600  even there one of the biggest footrest in entire las americas

Safety.?  u get 100 %

Wanna go to beaches try Santa Marta is 40 miles east from Barranquilla

about trip cost:  Ucan  get a trip to Caragena for less $300.00  incluid taxes (departure from florida)

picture from santa marta http://www.santamarta.gov.co/Filef.asp?I...