Where is it better to relax: Dominican Republic, Maldives or Sri Lanka? View full version Sri Lanka Dominican Republic which is better
What could be better than a vacation in distant and tropical countries on the ocean coast?! I really love exotic islands and hot countries. I think it's time to talk about which countries have the most interesting holidays. Interesting?! Then it's all up to me!
Where is the best place to relax: Dominican Republic, Maldives or Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Ceylon Island beautiful. Peak season runs from November to March. But there are many vacationers all year round. Hotels quite modest compared to neighboring Thailand, but the beauty of the local nature compensates for everything. suitable for a relaxing family vacation. By the way, prices on the island are very affordable. And here, beach holiday I was a little disappointed on the island. The fact is that Indian Ocean, which washed Ceylon often restless. During our two week vacation was posted almost daily"Red flag", saying that Swimming in the ocean is prohibited. Otherwise the island is magnificent.
Maldives
Just hearing the word “Maldives” brings to mind a picture of a beautiful, tropical island. The Maldives archipelago includes many islands, but the most “favorite” among tourists are:
Holidays on these islands perfectfor newlyweds or for couples who are just beginning their romantic relationship. The Maldives has all the conditions to enjoy privacy and tranquility and relax from the bustle of the city, in the company of a loved one. I like more active holidays. Having stepped away from the splendor of the islands and having done a few scuba dives, I got a little bored. The holiday was good, but I won’t go again. Probably, I have already “outgrown” the age of romance, or am not yet so tired of the rhythm of the big city to appreciate all the charm of the Maldives.)
Dominican Republic
Beach holiday Dominican Republic is beyond praise: the turquoise ocean and snow-white beaches! The Atlantic Ocean was quite calm during our holiday and we were able to swim a lot! All hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis.. But you shouldn’t get bored on the beach or overeat at the buffet, especially since throughout the day the animation team entertains the guests hotel: competitions, quizzes, games for every taste. And in the evening there will be a disco for everyone!
I tried to talk more or less objectively about each country. They are all beautiful in their own way. Well, the decision which one to visit first is up to you!
Holidays by the sea are breaking popularity records. Tourists who have the opportunity to go to the warm waters of exotic countries approach the choice of a place to spend their vacation with special trepidation. Such places are considered especially popular among Russians who quickly get tired of cold winters and want to bask in the warm rays of the sun for at least a few days. But how to choose the best place to relax? How to understand the advantages of each exotic country and not make a mistake? Experience, knowledge and our article will help you with this, in which we will try to compare two popular resorts - the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka, and try to find out which of them will have a bright and fulfilling vacation.
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Getting to the Dominican Republic is cheaper with a package tour than buying air tickets on your own. The tour includes meals, accommodation, insurance and flights. The cost of such an offer from April to September will be 70,000 - 80,000 rubles for two people for 5 days. The inexpensive price of the trip is explained by the rainy season during this period, but they take no more than 20 minutes, which means there is no need to worry about ruining your vacation.
If you decide to build your own route yourself, then it is better to book tickets 40 days before departure, when their cost will decrease by 20%. Direct flights can cost from 35,000 to 70,000 rubles, with a transfer in New York - 23,200 rubles, in London - even cheaper. But catching such tickets is a great success, since these are charter flights and they are fickle. Flight time takes on average 12 hours.
The flight to Sri Lanka depends on the route - either you find a direct flight and arrive in Colombo in 9 hours, or you can stay an additional 3 hours if you fly with a transfer in Dubai. The most expensive and longest flights are offered by Finnish Airlines with two transfers in Helsinki and Bangkok. The average ticket price during the peak tourist season (winter) varies between 30,000 rubles. The cheapest flights are observed in spring and summer - 24,711 rubles, in the fall this amount reaches 35,000 rubles.
Best time to relax
During the high season, from November to April, tourists who prefer a beach holiday go to the Dominican Republic. There is almost no precipitation at this time, the comfortable air temperature is 29 degrees, and the water temperature is 25 degrees. This period also includes a considerable number of local holidays and celebrations. From the end of February you can admire the whales, which are in the process of mating.
The low season, from May to September, is accompanied by hurricanes and typhoons; in the sun the thermometer shows 31 degrees, and it rains more often. But the weather on the island is very changeable: if 2 hours ago the winds were raging on the beach and the rain was knocking you off your feet, then after a while there will be no trace of these troubles. You just need to look at the weather forecast and choose favorable days.
Sri Lanka also has two distinct seasons - dry and wet. They come to the island at different times: from May to October, monsoons and rains “live” in the southwest of Sri Lanka, and from October to April they move to the northeast. The most popular resorts are located in the south, where the weather is perfect just in time for the winter holidays in Russia. From December to February the temperature is no more than 30 degrees. In the summer, the eastern part of the island is great for sightseeing and some more sunbathing. But in October and November, strong winds blow throughout the country, strong waves form, and only surfers will like such a vacation.
Rain season
Showers begin to flood the Dominican Republic in early May and end in September. But during this period the heat is well tolerated - 29 degrees Celsius does not have a debilitating effect on tourists, and the gusty wind creates a pleasant coolness. Short showers occur mainly in the evening and at night, and during the day it is quite possible to catch a few hours of sunshine. And only in September there is a risk of spending most of the time in a hotel room, as in November, when destructive hurricanes hit the island. The remaining months of the rainy season are quite bearable for relaxation and can boast decent discounts on tours. This is a great time for rafting, kayaking and fishing.
Rains come to Sri Lanka in May and October, when the seasons change. It is better to exclude these months for holidays, and travel agencies themselves warn about unpleasant climatic conditions on the island at this time. It rains 4 times a day, swimming is prohibited, as the ocean is very stormy and the coastal lines are flooded. Other months do not have sudden changes in temperature, showers last only 20-30 minutes, and after them the heat and stuffiness subside.
Popular resorts
Each corner of the Dominican Republic is unique and inimitable in its own way. There are several most popular resorts that tourists choose depending on the purpose of travel. Santo Domingo is notable for its historical sights and cockfights; people go to Boca Chica for active youth recreation. Water sports are developed here, and at night foam parties and discos are held on the coast, bars and casinos open.
Paradise landscapes, palm trees and pearly white sand await you in Punta Cana, La Romana and Saona Island. In the first case, this is a universal holiday for both couples with children and young people hungry for entertainment. La Romana is chosen by newlyweds, and on Fr. Saona contains endangered species of animals and plants. Fishing and scuba diving are best developed in the village of Juan Dolio, the architecture and history of this country is revealed in San Pedro de Macoris, and most of the excursion points are concentrated in Puerto Plata.
As we have already found out, the tourist season in Sri Lanka on the west and east coasts takes place at different times. In the west, the following places are distinguished: Negombo, Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Negombo has been compared to Rome due to the many sculptures, ornaments and stained glass windows that adorn the buildings of this city. In addition, there is a nature reserve and clean beaches - this is a family resort. Buddhist temples, gardens and safaris - this is enough in abundance on Bentota. Hikkaduwa is called the capital of diving with its beautiful reefs, sunken ships and water sports schools.
On the east coast there is the distinctive Arugam Bay with small two-story hotels and shallow sea, the developing quiet Hambantota with national parks and fruit plantations, and the deserted Passikuda, where people go for snorkeling, boating, and seaplane flights. But business in the eastern part of Sri Lanka is less developed than in the west: there are few restaurants, shops and amenities, but there is silence and tranquility all around.
Entertainment
The first thing tourists want to do in the Dominican Republic is to plunge into the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea. The most beautiful reefs and unusual marine animals (manatees) are located off the coast of Puerto Plata, La Romana and the island. Saona. The local inhabitants are so accustomed to people that they are not afraid to eat from their hands. Next in popularity come active recreational activities - windsurfing, kitesurfing, rafting. Cabarete has a lot of educational clubs and special equipment.
For rafting, it is recommended to visit Jarabacoa, which is rich in steep rivers with sharp drops and waterfalls. Exotic fish species are hunted near the town of Cotui, where they offer entire tours accompanied by an experienced captain who knows the fishing spots surrounded by hills and slopes. In winter, you can watch the migration of whales, in whose company you can even swim. Group excursions are organized for several days. And finally, a journey through caves with rock paintings of ancient ancestors.
Most of Sri Lanka consists of attractions that are under UNESCO protection. If you are interested in the historical culture of the Sri Lankans, then it is better to start with Colombo, which is full of museums, palaces and temples. Not far from the city of Habarana, in the jungle, there is the majestic Mount Sigiriya with the stone paws of a predator, and in Kandy you can visit the ancient residence of the last kings of Sri Lanka.
People go to Ratnapura for precious stones and products made from them, and Dambulla is home to the largest collection of Buddhist statues. Almost all resorts in Sri Lanka offer tourists diving with underwater grottoes, ships and even predatory inhabitants in their vicinity - reef sharks swim here from time to time, but they are small and safe for humans.
Excursions
The excursion program in the Dominican Republic should begin with the Jaragua National Park ($50). It extends for 1400 km and is divided into 3 zones. No people live here, and its territory is carefully protected, which made it possible to observe nature in its original form: two-meter turtles, colonies of pink flamingos, iguanas and rodents calmly wander between palm groves and red sands. The next point should be the colorful City of Artists in La Romana ($100), which represents the medieval era: limestone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, small churches, craft workshops, shops and restaurants are made in the same style and give a romantic atmosphere to this village.
A whole complex of waterfalls concentrated in one place is located in Jarabacoa - an amazing sight worthy of viewing. And if you have a few extra hours, then it’s better to immediately go on a tour of 27 waterfalls near Punta Cana, where you can also swim ($150). On the Samana Peninsula, you should definitely visit the pirate park in the village ($100), which offers a jeep safari through the jungle in the morning, travel on a ship captured by pirates, and in the evening a visit to a ranch where national cuisine and alcoholic drinks are offered. Each of the above programs takes almost a day and includes several sites to visit.
Dozens of excursions are organized by Sri Lanka: sightseeing, culinary, educational. If you are interested in impenetrable tropical forests, then the best option is a tour of Sinharai ($80), listed as a UNESCO heritage site. A two-day tour to Kandy ($230) includes visits to an elephant nursery, a tea plantation and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Or you can purposefully go to the elephants in Udawalawa National Park ($120) for the whole day. Besides them there are buffalos, deer, leopards, monkeys and other animals. But there are the most elephants here – about 400 individuals.
The Rice and Curry Culinary Tour ($40) introduces you to one of the Sinhalese families who will take you to an exotic food market and then teach you how to cook traditional dishes. An interesting option is offered by the excursion “Climbing Adam’s Peak” ($80) – a belief about Adam is associated with one of the highest mountains in Sri Lanka. According to some versions, it was here that he found himself for the first time after being expelled from paradise. The journey will last through the night, and by morning you will see the dawn at the peak of the mountain - a magnificent sight.
Hotels
Popular hotels in the Dominican Republic:
- Grand Bahia Principe San Juan 5*
Luxurious bungalow hotel on the Rio San Juan coast with pool views and excellent service including a buffet breakfast. In the evenings there are parties on site and there is plenty of entertainment for young people in the area.
Grand Bahia Principe San Juan
Rio San Juan
The hotel features a casino, outdoor swimming pool, terrace
227 reviews
Booked 8 times today
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- Be Live Collection Marien – All Inclusive 5*
Resort complex on the coast of Playa Dorada with cozy, clean rooms and views of the sea, mountains and garden. Three meals a day are included in the hotel price and offer Brazilian and Mexican cuisine. A variety of leisure activities are offered for adults and children.
Be Live Collection Marien - All Inclusive
San Felipe de Puerto Plata
Located on the first line of Playa Dorada beach
1044 reviews
Booked 11 times today
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- Playabachata Resort 5*
The resort is located on Maimon Bay and offers views of the ocean and palm trees from its rooms. Includes continental breakfast and massage treatments. There is a children's water park nearby.
Playabachata Resort
San Felipe de Puerto Plata
4 km from Ocean World water park
940 reviews
Booked 11 times today
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- Be Live Collection Canoa – All Inclusive 5*
A cozy hotel in the middle of the rainforest for family and romantic holidays, located on the coast of Bayahibe and offering high-quality service, several cuisine options and evening entertainment. Half an hour away is the City of Artists and several national parks.
Be Live Collection Canoa - All Inclusive
It features scenic pools, a garden and a spa.
739 reviews
Booked 8 times today
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- Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana 5*
This family-run hotel off the coast of Punta Cana overlooks gardens and the sea and features contemporary décor and evening entertainment with live music, snorkeling and kayaking.
Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana
Punta Cana
With its own casino and outdoor swimming pool in the form of a natural body of water
289 reviews
Booked 8 times today
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Popular hotels in Sri Lanka:
- Saman Villas 5*
This tranquil fishing village off the coast of Bentota, surrounded by tropical gardens and coconut plantations, offers cozy rooms with an outdoor bathroom and international cuisine for breakfast.
Located right on the ocean on the golden sands of Bentota
115 reviews
Booked 6 times today
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- Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa 5*
A spa complex on the shores of Mirissa with a large selection of wellness treatments. Numerous water activities and whale watching trips are available nearby. View of palm thickets.
Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa
Located next to the beach in South Mirissa area
247 reviews
Booked 6 times today
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- Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka 5*
Family hotel in Bentota on the seafront with playrooms for children and Mediterranean cuisine. A turtle sanctuary is a 15-minute drive away.
Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka
Features an outdoor pool and fitness center
703 reviews
Booked 6 times today
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- Thaproban Beach House 4*
Near Unawatuna, close to Lake Koggala, this hotel features ocean views and modern-style rooms with private balconies. There are several attractions in the surrounding area.
Thaproban Beach House
Unawatuna
Features 2 restaurants and ocean view rooms
646 reviews
Booked 7 times today
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- Ananya Beach Resort 4*
In Tangalla, on a secluded wild beach, there is a small and inexpensive cozy hotel with a swimming pool a step away from the sea and rooms with a private terrace. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, bicycle rentals and Asian cuisine.
Ananya Beach Resort
Tangalla
Features a private beach and free bicycle rentals
446 reviews
Booked 9 times today
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Service
The Dominican Republic lives off tourism, so the main task of this people is to organize recreation at the highest level. You can order groceries free of charge to your home, and in stores they will help you carry large purchases to your car or deliver them directly to your address. Waiters and maids are always friendly, for which it is customary to thank them with a tip of $1-2.
Almost all hotels provide free soft drinks and use of water sports equipment. Everywhere there are swimming pools, golf courses, playrooms for children, tennis courts, hairdressers, spas and massage rooms.
Sri Lankans are no less friendly than Dominicans, but the level of service is noticeably worse. You can only get European service in a four-star hotel. Anything below this price category can ruin your vacation: lazy or inexperienced young employees, dirty rooms, old furniture, non-working equipment.
The streets are unsanitary, so prudent tourists do not forget about napkins, water (you can’t drink from the tap) bought in a store, and mosquito repellent. In restaurants, you can ask for food to be made less spicy or even cooked to your liking.
Vacation prices
The cost of a tour to the Dominican Republic directly depends on the time of year: from November to April, a ten-day trip for two people on a direct flight from Moscow on an all-inclusive basis in a three-star hotel will cost 160,000 rubles, in a four-star hotel – 180,000 rubles, in a five-star hotel – 200,000 rubles. The price of a package tour drops by 40% in September and by 20% in May, but during the New Year holidays prices rise by 15%.
Choosing to travel on your own will be a mistake, since if you add the amount charged for hotel and food (60,000 rubles) to the average ticket price of 90,000 rubles (round trip), then in the end you will save about 10,000 rubles, but the quality of accommodation and food will be low. This means that it is more profitable to take package tours.
The price of a ten-day tour to Sri Lanka for two people during the holiday period starts from 70,000 rubles. The most expensive trips will be in December, January and April. In April, the price can generally reach 90,000 rubles. And at the end of January the price drops to 50%. The cost of tickets does not exceed 30,000 rubles, and sometimes with a promotion you can buy them for 20,000 rubles in both directions. Therefore, in this case, planning an independent vacation makes sense: food and hotel will not take a lot of money, but you can visit several hotels and visit different beaches.
All inclusive or breakfast
You won’t be able to save money on food in the Dominican Republic. Restaurants and cafes offer European cuisine at high prices. It is for this reason that 80% of hotels operate on the “All inclusive” system - this will significantly reduce the cost of the tour, and in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, the hotel bars serve alcoholic drinks and snacks around the clock. If you don't plan to return for lunch, sandwiches and drinks will be packed for you. Caribbean cuisine is familiar to Russians and there will be no surprises - grilled meat, fish steaks, seafood, vegetable salads and a lot of fruit.
Sri Lanka is a completely different story. Meals are served buffet style at times set by the hotel. Asian dishes are very spicy and rich, with curry added to almost every item on the menu. It’s difficult to eat something like this every day, and there aren’t that many hotels offering three meals a day. Groceries are cheap on the island, so you can make several thousand if you only choose breakfast. Usually in the morning they serve bland food - eggs, flatbread, vegetable salad, tea or coffee. And there are plenty of restaurants on the island to suit every taste and budget.
Beaches
Despite the endless variety of beaches in the Dominican Republic, there are several whose positions have been in the ranking of the best for several years. Bavaro is a beach with the most developed infrastructure on its coast. Here you will find everything. Arena Gorda is located, on the contrary, away from hotels and noisy bars, which explains its impeccable cleanliness. Boca Chica is distinguished from others by its crystal clear sea with an emerald tint.
The beach of Saona Island is beautiful and peaceful - there are few people and entertainment here, it will appeal to those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. Dorada is an elite-level beach, spacious and calm, offering therapeutic procedures right on the coast. All beaches have international awards confirming the quality of water and sand.
The beaches of Sri Lanka can satisfy the needs of any tourist. Negombo is a colorful place that reflects local life. The morning here begins with fishermen going to the coast to collect their catch, and by 8 o’clock the rest of the people arrive. It would be more suitable as one of the points of the excursion program. It’s better to cross Mount Lavinia off the list - a lot of garbage, not intended for foreigners who are demanding of cleanliness. The ideal service awaits you in Wadduwa - quiet, beautiful and luxurious.
Bentota is literally overflowing with various entertainment and services, a universal beach for everyone. Youthful Hikkaduwa is cheerful and exuberant, a favorite place for surfers due to the big waves. Unawatuna is beautiful, comfortable, but crowded. Mirissa arranges a romantic atmosphere for the newlyweds at night, bringing tables, candles, snacks and wine to the coast. On each of the beaches exotic fruits are sold, monitor lizards and herons scurry about, and there is abundant green tropical vegetation.
Vacation with children
They think about little tourists in the Dominican Republic more than in any other resort. 80% of hotels offer, if not free accommodation for them, then decent discounts, as well as playgrounds and small water parks on their territory. When checking into your room, you are offered playpens, high chairs, and a children's menu. With a child, it is most convenient in Punta Cana, since a direct flight from Moscow arrives in this city. To avoid subsequent transfers and tiring flights, most parents stay here.
The best hotels where they can take care of a child are called Resort Allegro Playa Dorada. There are medical centers and a lot of entertainment with animators for children and adults. And if hotel entertainment gets boring, you can go to the Ocean World park. For $70, a ticket includes communication with sea animals, swimming with dolphins, feeding tigers, diving in a tropical aquarium, performances with sharks and birds, and meals in one of the restaurants.
Children in Sri Lanka are treated very kindly, the staff tries to win them over and entertain them. , Riu Sri Lanka and Club Palm Bay Hotel performed better than others in serving couples with children. In the evenings there are exciting shows, and the hotel staff and animators always keep an eye on the children.
These hotels are also good because they are a popular place among Russians, which means the child will have the opportunity to find a playmate who will understand him. Almost every city in Sri Lanka has sanctuaries with turtles, elephants, crocodiles and tigers, whose cubs you can look after.
Shopping
Our compatriots who visited the Dominican Republic complain that shopping here leaves much to be desired. Compared to the general standard of living, prices for goods and products are very high. This country gets food and clothing through imports and this explains their high price, but fruits and vegetables are sold almost for nothing (0.5 $/kg). Chocolate here is not tasty, but cocoa with an unusual flavor is a must-try ($4/250g), as is Caribbean coffee ($10/450g), and, of course, Caribbean rum ($20-40). It is more profitable to buy food and drinks in supermarkets.
Girls usually bring coconut oil ($6 per bottle), natural scrubs ($5 per bottle), creams ($8-10), medicines and ointments for mosquitoes - all this is sold in Carol and MELO pharmacies. Jewelry made from larimar, blue amber, coral, and shark amulets (from $12) can be purchased at Amabr Tres and L'lle Au Tresor. As souvenirs, you can choose cigars ($2 to $10 each), faceless dolls symbolizing tolerance (from $4 each), bright paintings ($15) and carpets ($30). All this is sold cheaply at the large network market “El Mercado Modelo”.
To purchase clothes and accessories, you should go to the markets of Sri Lanka. Silk items, bags and cosmetic bags made using batik technique ($30-60 per item) and leather items (from $20) are very popular among tourists. You can also buy a locally made T-shirt as a gift; they are bright and unusual for our people, and are inexpensive ($5-6). For shopaholics, low prices for clothes from world famous brands such as Hugo Boss, Levis, Calvin Klein, etc. will be a revelation - the slightest defect forces manufacturers to send these items to Sri Lanka at a discount of up to 80%.
Jewelry with sapphires is offered here for much cheaper ($100 per carat). Aloe-based skincare cosmetics, universal and effective medicines for “everything” and oils are sold on every corner. These things can be bought in individual stores and markets, but it is better to go to huge shopping centers where fixed prices are reasonable and there is no fraud - “Majestic City”, “Liberty Plaza”, “Laksala Emporium”, “Sri Lanka Gem & Jewelry Exchange”.
Conclusion
If we talk about the best time to relax, then the chances of guessing the “mood of nature” are greater in the case of the Dominican Republic than in Sri Lanka. But then the question becomes about the price of the tour, both independent and packaged. In both cases, the Dominican Republic “loses.” Firstly, it is located further than Sri Lanka, which determines its high flight prices, and secondly, the focus on European services has brought this country to a high level, requiring considerable financial costs. Sri Lanka is definitely cheaper. Things are better with the beaches of the Dominican Republic - they are equipped with sun loungers and other amenities, while Sri Lanka does not particularly monitor the equipment of coastal zones.
Despite the fact that Sri Lanka and the Dominican Republic are located in different parts of the planet, many tourists choose a holiday destination between these two countries. Where is it better to relax: in Sri Lanka or in the Dominican Republic? It is not difficult to answer this question, since these countries have practically nothing in common. If you can figure out how you want to spend your holiday, then it will be easy for you to choose between these two countries. After reading this article, the conclusion will suggest itself.
Weather
Sri Lanka offers good conditions for a holiday only from December to April, but you can also find good weather in July and August. We are now talking about the western and southern coasts of the island. Although the east of Sri Lanka enjoys good weather between May and September, this area of the island is not yet as popular as the west and south.
The Dominican Republic has good weather all year round, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is slightly cooler here in winter than in summer. Secondly, the country experiences hurricane season from June to November, peaking in August and September. This does not mean that there will definitely be a hurricane, but there is still a possibility of such an event. But, I repeat, you can vacation in the Dominican Republic in any month of the year.
Tours
Most tourists going on holiday to the Dominican Republic reach this country on direct charter flights offered by several airlines. Despite the fact that we are talking about charters, the cost of air tickets for them is quite high (after all, the Dominican Republic is located much further from Russia than Sri Lanka). In addition, there are no very cheap hotels in the Dominican Republic (or rather, they exist, but Russian tour operators do not offer tours to such hotels). All this leads to the fact that tours to the Dominican Republic are generally more expensive than tours to Sri Lanka. However, it is worth mentioning that in the Dominican Republic, even in the cheapest hotel you will have an all-inclusive food concept. This means you don't have to spend money on food.
It is worth adding that a flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg to the Dominican Republic takes about 12 hours (11 hours for a return flight).
Tourists travel to Sri Lanka mainly by connecting flights. The total flight duration from Moscow is on average 9.5 hours, but when flying from other cities it can be a little less or a little longer.
Hotels
In the Dominican Republic, almost all hotels operate exclusively on an all-inclusive basis. In Sri Lanka, many hotels offer this concept, but it is usually not the only food concept, but one of several. This may lead to some minor inconveniences (for example, having to constantly sign for checks). In addition, such hotels do not always have animation and some other entertainment that is available in almost any hotel in the Dominican Republic. Another difference is that any all-inclusive hotel in the Dominican Republic has its own beach with sun loungers, whereas in Sri Lanka you will not see sun loungers on the beach near the hotel. So the Dominican Republic is definitely the best destination for fans of all-inclusive hotels.
There are many budget hotels in Sri Lanka offering breakfast only and breakfast and dinner meal plans. Although such hotels are very boring to relax in, they can serve as a good base for excursions. If you are not one of those people who like to relax on hotel grounds, but want to visit different places and see something new, these hotels are perfect for you. At least you won't overpay for an all-inclusive you don't need.
Excursions
In this regard, the Dominican Republic loses greatly to Sri Lanka, no matter what anyone says. No matter how much I love the Dominican Republic, I admit that in this country there are practically no attractions that can be compared in scale to the attractions of Sri Lanka. Yes, there is Saona Island, Mount Redonda, El Limon waterfall, breathtaking caves... But still, this is not Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Adam's Peak, Sigiriya. Yes, the Dominican Republic has several national parks, but can they compare to the national parks of Sri Lanka where you can see elephants, leopards, crocodiles and many other wild animals?
However, the Dominican Republic has a good selection of adventure excursions and short half-day excursions. You can go on these excursions with children. By the way, there is also a lot of interesting things for children here. Manatee Park, for example.
Beaches
Of course, the beaches in the Dominican Republic are much better than in Sri Lanka. Bavaro Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the world. But other beaches of the Dominican Republic are not particularly inferior to Bavaro in terms of beauty and cleanliness. However, many of the beaches here are great for children, as they do not have the strong waves that many beaches in Sri Lanka have.
In general, if you absolutely want to relax on a beautiful white sand beach and swim in the clear and calm waters of the ocean, then the Dominican Republic will be the best option for you.
Vacation with children
In this regard, the Dominican Republic is also a more preferable option. Nice beaches with white sand and calm waters, wonderful hotels with children's clubs, plenty of entertainment, including water parks and zoos, the absence of dangerous animals - all this makes the Dominican Republic an ideal place for families with children. You can add to all this the excellent attitude of Dominicans towards children.
Of course, no one will forbid you to fly to Sri Lanka with your child, but think carefully, can you and your child have a wonderful holiday on this island?
For young people
The Dominican Republic is also a more preferred holiday destination for young people. Here, every hotel has its own animation team, which entertains people from morning to night. You can play different games, take part in competitions, or just sit in a bar. Many hotels have their own discos, which attract a lot of people. There are often evening shows in the evenings, and hotels often host different parties (foam party, beach party, etc.). At the same time, outside the hotels there is also a lot of entertainment for young people and modern nightclubs. Sri Lanka doesn't have all this variety to offer, but some areas of the island offer some good fun at night.
What to choose
To summarize, we can say that the Dominican Republic is suitable for those tourists who want to relax on a good beach, equipped with sun loungers and owned by the hotel. This country is also perfect for tourists with children and young people. Don’t forget that you can vacation in the Dominican Republic all year round, since there is no rainy season here.
Sri Lanka, in turn, should appeal more to those tourists who are mainly interested in various attractions and wildlife.
Vacations at sea in exotic countries have long attracted tourists, especially Russians who are tired of cold winters and summer days with cloudy weather. Sometimes you really miss the warmth and sunshine; a vacation in the Dominican Republic, Goa or Sri Lanka can give you all this. Such diversity leaves vacationers with a difficult choice: Sri Lanka or Dominican Republic, Goa or Sri Lanka, or maybe Goa or Dominican Republic?
The choice depends on your financial capabilities, as well as preferences and wishes for the type of vacation. To simplify the task, let's compare all these directions.
Holidays in the Dominican Republic
A place in the Caribbean, which is famous for its fiery Latin American dances, delicious cuisine, coffee, rum, cigars and cocoa. Much attention of tourists is attracted by the way of life, unique architecture and ancient history. Natural attractions have already become very famous all over the world. Many ancient caves and waterfalls simply cannot leave ecotourism lovers indifferent.
Almost the entire coast of the country is a continuous long beach. In most areas, the coast is strewn with snow-white sand, only in some areas the sand is golden in color. Vacationers appreciate the beautiful nature, soft beaches and thousands of coconut palms creating picturesque panoramas.
Holidays in Sri Lanka
A holiday in Sri Lanka near the warm Indian Ocean is filled with European comfort and Asian exoticism. Tourists here appreciate the helpfulness of hotel staff, who try to fulfill the whims of every visitor. “The vacationer is always right!” - this is exactly the motto that is typical for local hotels.
Sri Lanka or the Dominican Republic – where can your holiday be more varied? This is the question asked by tourists who choose where to go. Both of these countries offer many interesting excursions and a wide selection of active recreation options. Ancient history, unique architecture, beautiful nature and exoticism - all this cannot be overestimated.
Recently, family holidays with children have also become popular in Sri Lanka. Many hotels are aimed specifically at this category of tourists; they have a special children's menu, cribs, and high chairs. The staff takes special responsibility to thoroughly clean the rooms.
Holidays in Goa
Goa is a state in southwest India and its most important resort, which is unlike the rest of the country. There are 40 beaches along the 110 km long coastline. Fort Aguada divides the state into two parts: southern and northern.
In South Goa there are expensive hotels where rich Indians and Europeans like to relax. North Goa, on the contrary, is democratic and inexpensive, but very noisy; young people like to relax here. Thanks to attractive prices for accommodation and food, holidays in Goa have gained popularity recently.
Holidays in India mean visiting numerous picturesque places, sightseeing and gaining new knowledge. A trip to this country on vacation is suitable for those who want to combine an exotic vacation with an intellectual one. India is a country with a rich history and distinctive culture. Here everyone will find entertainment and a type of recreation to suit their taste: beach, excursion, healing.
Sri Lanka, Goa, Dominican Republic – where to go on vacation
The choice between Sri Lanka, Goa or the Dominican Republic can be simplified if you compare all three destinations in more detail.
- Flight.
A longer flight is to the Dominican Republic (12-13 hours), but there are also direct flights, as well as to Sri Lanka (about 14 hours), since the flight has a connection. The journey to Goa will take about 6 hours.
- Visa.
Russians do not need a visa to the DR, unlike other destinations presented.
- Climate.
The air temperature in Goa is +21-32 °C. In the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka it stays at + 28-31 °C all year round. In the mountainous areas of Sri Lanka, the air temperature drops to + 10 °C.
- Safety.
Tourist areas in the DR are absolutely safe for vacationers. You should not drink tap water; you should use a special protective cream in the sun, and repellents should be used in the evening and during excursions. The same recommendations apply to other areas.
Monkeys in Sri Lanka walk everywhere and climb into the open windows of houses and hotels.
In Sri Lanka, you should be wary of monkeys, which are quite intrusive. They can snatch not only food from your hands, but also valuables: a camera, a video camera and others. Before leaving the room, you must close all the windows and doors, otherwise the monkeys can get inside and cause a real pogrom. During the full moon, drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited everywhere in the country, without exception.
- Hotels.
Dominican Republic hotels have spacious areas and are literally surrounded by greenery. Almost all of them operate on an all-inclusive basis. The level of service is excellent, regardless of the star rating.
In Sri Lanka, hotels are small and located on the shore. 5* hotels have a high quality of service, while 4* hotels have an order of magnitude worse, so sometimes you need to tip.
- Kitchen.
The cuisine of all these resorts primarily uses seafood. In restaurants you can order dishes from various cuisines from around the world.
- Entertainment, excursions.
In terms of excursions, Sri Lanka is superior to Goa and the Dominican Republic. The small island is home to 9 UNESCO sites, as well as numerous historical relics of world significance.
In the Dominican Republic you can go on unique and very interesting natural excursions to caves, waterfalls and national parks.
Water activities, particularly diving, are more popular in the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is recommended to be visited by those people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle, closer to the sea and nature. Sri Lanka is a fairly calm and measured country, whose residents are not in a hurry and enjoy life, including the staff in hotels, except for the top ones - the most prestigious establishments in Sri Lanka.
Mostly, the attractions in Sri Lanka are natural. As for entertainment, here they are mainly of the natural type, for example, diving. Noisy discos until the morning and partying are not popular here, but fishing, picnics in nature or barbecues on the beach are the best options for spending time on this island.
The main disadvantage of Sri Lanka is that the flight to get here is quite long and difficult.
In general, it is not very difficult to determine who might like Sri Lanka. Firstly, this is a person who loves to travel and explore the world. Secondly, this is a person who is interested in history and world culture, or an extreme sports enthusiast who loves diving and surfing.
Sri Lanka is popular for its tea, because Ceylon, where it is grown, supplies most of the world with this drink. There are also negative aspects here: long flights and passive nightlife at resorts, lack of entertainment.
Holidays in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is an exotic land that is famous for its fiery Latin American dances. The Dominican Republic is a magnificent Latin American culture with an interesting way of life, unique architecture and an ancient intriguing history. Almost the entire coast of the Dominican Republic is one continuous beach. Resorts: Playa Bavaro, Playa Dorada or Puerto Plata. Everywhere there is fine white sand, clean warm water and friendly service. The Dominican Republic occupies two-thirds of the island of Haiti and is located in the center of the Caribbean archipelago. The Dominican Republic is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and the Caribbean Sea in the south.
Numerous boutiques and souvenir shops offer their services to tourists, where you can purchase various products made of amber, wood, bone, and ceramics. The most popular souvenir here is strong rum. The Dominican Republic has large commercial centers where you can buy clothes, shoes, and light industrial products at affordable prices.
Holidays in the Maldives
The Maldives is considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1,190 small islands, all of which are famous for their blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation.
Holidays in the Maldives can truly seem like paradise: silence and tranquility, beautiful nature, rich underwater world. The Maldives offer not only a beautiful holiday, but also a comfortable one. There are good hotels and a high level of service.
Prices in the Maldives are not cheap, so holidays here can often be afforded by representatives of that group of travelers who have a high level of income. Staying on these exotic islands will certainly appeal to both extreme sports enthusiasts and ordinary people.
The Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka and the Maldives are wonderful and truly impressive islands, rich in unique nature and beautiful coastlines.